K. A. Prezyna

Anthony Malovich

To the Children of Anthony Malovich,

Your dad, Tony Malovich, corresponded with his sister, Helen, during his basic training with the Marine Corps and during his tour of duty in Korea.  

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The letters below are from your dad to his sister, Helen, and her husband, Tony Prezyna. In 1951 Tony and Helen had two daughters, me (born 5/31/50), and my sister, Helen (born 3/16/49). In 1951, they had Marian who was born on 5/28/51. In 1952 on 11/16/52, my sister, Joan, was born. Those are the nieces mentioned. Some of the letters have scribble marks made by the nieces, particularly on the 8/3/51 letter.

The letters are addressed to my father on Main Road in Strykersville, New York. I believe both of my parents corresponded with your dad. My folks lived in an apartment that was attached to my father’s garage business. It was a two-room apartment, a main room and a large bedroom plus a bathroom which had no bathtub. My folks added four babies to that apartment.

In some of the later letters, your dad adds “Kathy” in the salutation. Kathy was his sister who lived with my folks for a couple of years. She was in her teens then. Your Dad mentions Ernie who is Ernie Holmes whom Kathy dated before Ernie joined the Army. Kathy and Ernie got married sometime after he came home from the service.

In the 4/13/52 letter, your dad mentions “Pikie”. I assume he means his brother, Paul. I will have to ask Uncle Paul about this.

In the letter dated 1/27/51, I think this one should have been dated “52”’ since its mailing date is 1/29/52. A common error with the changeover to a new year. This is the best I could determine.

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Your cousin,

Karen Prezyna

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