Scruples ...'By the Beautful Sea'...and a fork in the road...

Wib with #2 son Philip Lamont Evans

To my readers- I am driving back north to live with my son in New York (state) tomorrow morning (2/29/09) after a difficult injury. So for the next few days my postings will not be as extensive or maybe not at all.... until next week sometime. But with my trusty laptop I do hope to post at least 'something' every night. If there is anyone who has any questions they can email at MicahVita@Aol.com

In Rome Susanna resumes her voice study, working with Maestro Luigi Ricci, voice and musical coach for Tito Gobbi, Gigli and Maria Callas among others-

On Brighton Beach, England.

From Wib...

New Address: 22 Via Adelaide Ristori, Rome, Italy

4 Jan. 54

My Dear Dad;

We received your note this morning and I hasten to write you as I am leaving for New York on Jan. 14 via TWA to start rehearsals for my new show *(By the Beautiful Sea with Shirley Booth), Enclosed clipping tells details.

I had to fly to New York on Dec. 3^rd, stayed two weeks to sign contracts and returned here for Christmas. Suzy plans to stay here with the boys and get set with her new teacher Maestro Luigi Ricci. We’ve taken a lease on the apartment (above address) so she can finish her studies at least through the spring.

I have ordered, from our London photographer Angus Macbean 53 Endell St. London WC2, England pictures of us all to be sent to you. They should arrive sometime this month. So you can really see Philip L. and Michael D. I know you’ll agree they are handsome boys.

Suzy speaks of you all the time but never seems to sit down and write—that’s her way as of late—so I suggest you just write a note once a week and shame her into writing you.

My new address after Jan. 15^th will be Hotel Windsor, 100 west 58^th St.

NYC. Glad Kathleen is progressing so well, send her our love and to the rest of the family.

Always fondly, Wib

*This was to be a Rome holiday for the Evans family but Shirley Booth cut it short for Wib, requesting

that he become her leading man in “By the Beautiful Sea.”

From Kathleen...

Camarillo State Hospital T.C. “A”

January 19, 1954

Dear Dad:

I was very happy to hear from you and receive your letter. I received 3 letters in one day and it is so gratifying—I was anxious for mail. Vicki also wrote and Haskell too. I have started my first week since I have gone off the treatments. I see Mr. Marshall the psychologist, twice a week—on Tuesday and Friday at 10:45A.M.—in class. I saw Haskell last Sunday—he got here about 9:30 in the morning I guess. I went to Protestant church and met him afterwards—we went into town (Camarillo) and had some lunch. Then we went over to Marianne’s and Jack’s—her mother came later and brought her sister and guess who…… *Michael Francis!! I saw him and was very happy. I hadn’t for a while! He’s fine. I’m so anxious to be home—poor little Michael needs to be back home—he’s a little confused. He’s been so good, of course. He’s gotten wonderful care! But I still know he wonders why I am here. I am hoping to get into more activity here—there is occupational therapy, a chorus, music appreciation and other things. They are all good activity. I’m afraid I need a schedule in order to help myself in every way—I need many things which I hope I can work at. Haskell brought me a compact, a pair of shoes (not new, but polished) and a lipstick last Sunday. Well, I am in need of things spiritually in the future, I hope to make the improvement. Love Kathleen PS: If you see Mother and my baby Susan, I hope she knows that I would like to hear from them—of course I hope (I hope, I hope) to be coming home soon. Love Kathleen

From Kathleen....

Camarillo State Hospital On stage 'South Pacific' Drury Lane

Box “A” T.C. 8.

Camarillo, California

Thursday-

February 11, 1954

Dear Dad:

I haven’t heard from you yet this week and I’m wondering how you are.

As you know I’m back on shock treatments and I have had four since I went back on. I saw Vicki, & Dick & Stephan last Sunday in Camarillo—we all had lunch in a Restaurant in Camarillo. I hope to see the kids this weekend—I hope Haskell will bring them up—I hope I get to see Susan too. Michael Francis, of course is in Santa Barbara but I hope Haskell can get him and bring him up to the hospital. The days on which we are allowed no visitors are Tuesday and Thursday. However, I wish you would feel like coming on Sunday—Haskell is coming—he came last Sunday in the morning and brought me back at 4:00 P.M. You can come to visit me on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday, however any of these days are alright—but of course Sunday has been the day people have visited me generally in the past. I am very anxious to go home and hope it will be before long.—it seems to me it should be soon! The doctor—Dr. Whalen—I think that’s his name—he has talked to Haskell two or three times and he seems to think I’ll be going soon—he told Haskell before that I was doing very well! Haskell sent me a pair of stockings last Wednesday that I need badly.—they marked them in the office—I certainly am anxious to go home! Well I hope you can get something in the way of a job, if you want it—I mean something that suits you. Well, I am very restless and anxious—it’s difficult when you want to be able to be with your Kids and husband too! Do you know I’ve been here three months?—Hope to work things out soon. Love Kathleen PS: It seems a shame that Wib and Suzy are going to be separated—is Wib going back to Italy afterwards?—Hope to see you before long.

From Kathleen....

Camarillo State Hospital

Box “A” T.C. 8.

Camarillo, California

Monday

March 8, 1954

Dear Dad:

Received your letter and was very glad to hear from you. How are Vicki and Dick? I saw Haskell yesterday and Michael Francis too! They’re both well! We went to a restaurant and also to the drug store. We came back on the campus and went to the restaurant. Of course, Michael Francis was with us. Haskell had a good time and so did Michael Francis! I had a good time too.

I understand you are helping Vicki and Dick. And how is Stephan? I hope that I will be able to leave here before long. I am very anxious to leave here. It is something I am anxious to do. Michael Francis is going to a nursery and he likes it! Haskell brings him home in the daytime—that is—after he spends the day there—he goes home in the evening. I’m sure Susan is getting along fine! They’ve changed the doctor here. –he was Dr. Whalen and now he is Dr. Warwick! I’d like to leave here soon! I do sing to myself and I sang on a program. I have bitten my nails lately. How have you been getting along lately? Have you found a job? I hope to see you Sunday! Well, love to you, Kathleen.

From Susanna....

Via Adelaide Ristori, 22

Rome April 6, 1954

Dear Dad,

Sorry I haven’t written lately, particularly when you’ve all had so many troubles. I had written Vicki some time ago, haven’t heard back. However, she must have her hands full moving to another city and all.

I’ve been working a little here doing some dubbing in English for the Italian actresses. They say American TV is in need of films. So, they’re dubbing Italian films for the American market. It’s difficult work, as you have to watch their mouths as they speak Italian with you speaking English. I get paid about $24 for four hours which isn’t bad by Italian standards. I don’t need this money right now so I’ve sent it to you and Mother. I figure you both could use it right now. $60 for you and $60 for Mother. If I can send more later I will.

On the balcony-Via Adelaide Ristori.

I’m going to London April 22^nd to have my tonsils and adenoids removed on the 27^th. It’s become imperative. I much prefer having it done in London rather than the States as they are more conservative, the best specialists there cannot be beaten (America seems to get more fool hardy everyday—for example that H-Bomb that exploded three times the size they expected). I had such an easy time with Philip and the doctor was excellent. Although, Dr. O’Neill was excellent too—if it hadn’t been for his outstanding judgment, Michael might not be here.

I’ve been very happy studying here—my voice is becoming more like it used to sound, you have no idea the difference it has made in me. I’m becoming more and more like my old self—not full of that chronic depression. All of this has taught me one thing—I can’t be happy unless I’m singing and singing well. The Italians know how to bring it out in you. This man Ricci has been wonderful for me. I’ve learned “Rigoletto”, the other day he told me that I would sing a beautiful “Rigoletto”. If you knew what that meant to me! He has a wonderful back ground. He was the accompanist to Ruffo for years, and 17 years with Gigli—he knows good singing! He’s a wonderful musician. Toscannini recommends him to people who come to Italy. He hasn’t told me that—others have. He never says anything. Just sits and corrects and encourages. So the other day when he told me I would sing a beautiful “Rigoletto”, I knew he meant it. And these are lofty standards! Phone Gilda and tell her as I know this will make her happy. I know I’ll have a chance to sing here if I could stay. I just don’t see how I can manage it. Wib is crazy for me to come back, and I must tell you I don’t want to go. I love it in Italy, I know I could make the life I want here. However, I’m married and have obligations to my husband and I want to be with him too. But I’ll never be as happy and content in New York. It just isn’t the same. Well anyway God works in mysterious ways, so perhaps there is an answer somewhere. So much for me.

Wib opens in the show Thursday night—April 8^th. They have an advance sale of $400,000, so it looks like it will be a big hit, I’d bet on it. He’s very pleased of course.

I'm worried about Mother. What a horrible thing for her to go through. I’m writing her now along with the money, sending special delivery/ Air mail. She should get it in 7 to 10 days. Sending it off to both of you this morning. Please write soon and let me know how she is.

The kids are fine and growing like weeds. They’re going with me and Evy, our Norwegian girl when I go to London. We’ll be back in the middle of May. Incidentally, Maestro Ricci advocates this operation too. My singing voice is so inconsistent, it’s obvious something is physically wrong. I sing only on technique. Also, I can’t gain weight. Please don’t worry.

Well Dad, do write and let me know how Mother gets on. All my love to you and Haskell and my nieces and nephews. Suzy.

One month before boarding the ocean liner Andrea Doria back to America, Susanna is powerfully drawn to a handsome Neopolitan, Giuseppe Monti, a banker and an artist. An almost-affair. “We had wonderful conversations,” Susanna remembers, “He was so interesting and interested in everything…. like me. He kissed me one night and begged me to stay.”

“I had to get back to my husband…after all, I had you kids, I was married, I had scruples.”

From Wib....

100 West 58^th Street

New York City

Wed, April 14, ’54

Dear Dad:

I was glad to hear from you. Sorry I had to disappoint you about London but suggest you come on to New York after you get to Aurora, Illinois—by that time I’ll have found a house and your stay won’t cost you a penny. We’ll discuss it further

Now there is something on my mind about you loaning Suzy money during the past 3-4 years and I don’t know if we have ever repaid you—is this true and if so—how much? I’ll send you a check at once. If you’d like enjoy sending you $50 a month to help you get your spark back and have some fun. God knows it’s hell not to have enough money—don’t tell Addie or Suzy or anyone—for I won’t mention it.

I have always wanted to find some business to invest in that would give us some income when these shows close and can think of no one I’d trust than you as my partner—so If you come to New York perhaps we can look around for something—preferably in the country or locale where we’ll be living—how about that?

You can attend to Suzy’s furniture in Lyons—I want to have it all shipped East and surprise her—as soon as I can find a house! I’ll let you know more about this when I’m ready. I’ll write more later—Love always Wib.

New York Daily Mirror April 4 1954