Page 228 - The Legacy of Abraham Rothstein - text

Letters

[No extant personal letter from AR predates World War I; apart from
three postcards he sent home while in the quartermaster’s service, most
of the remaining letters are addressed to his grandchildren and great-
grandchildren, usually on birthdays, occasions on which he rarely failed
to include some advice with his check. The few missives coming to light
for this book were sent to Fannie Rothstein (in Los Angeles, 1918), his
granddaughter Sharon (in Los Angeles, 1947), his grandson Jonathan (in
Denver, 1954-55; Los Angeles, 1959; and Riverside, 1961-63), his
granddaughter Judith (in Los Angeles, 1959-60), Sharon and her sons,
Joshua, and Jesse, in Mexico, San Diego, and La Jolla, 1957-63), and his
sisters-in-law Rose Cohen and Hannah Breckstone (in New York City,
1962-63). Some excerpts follow.]

[Postmarked June 7, 1918
Cleveland, Ohio]
Dear Fannie,

Arrived safely at Cleveland. Only two dollars and have to pay
$5.00 to Buffalo. Will write letter from Olean.

Love to all,
Abe

[Postmarked June 24, 1918
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]
Dearest Fannie,

Arrived last night at Pittsburgh and am now in the town center in
the Convention Hall. Feel lonely and homesick and long for you and
children. There is a little pleasure in traveling but it is overbalanced
by worry and solitude. I felt very gloomy in leaving the family in N.Y.
and so were they. Hoping to be home soon and finding you all well.

With Zion hope,

Your Abe

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