As you read these letters, you will probably come across words or people that you’ve never heard of. We will try our best to explain things here as we transcribe the letters. If you are in the family, please help us out or correct us by emailing us.

Amelia – Often referred to as “Mom” in these letters; wife to Charlie; mother of Joanna, Larry, Carol, Karl and Tresa; writer of most of these letters.

Anderson – A city in Indiana where the Rudolf’s were living at the time the letters were written.

Aunt Mary -Amelia’s older sister.

Ayr-Way – A local department store.

The Barbell Club - A local fitness center.

Carol - Larry’s younger sister.

Charlie – Often referred to as “Dad” in these letters; husband to Amelia; father of Joanna, Larry, Carol, Karl and Tresa.

Chipper – A family dog who stayed in the garage.

Falstaff – Charlie’s favorite beer.

Fort Campbell – A United States Army installation located near Hopkinsville, Kentucky where Larry was stationed for his basic training. More info.

Fort Sill - A United States Army installation located near Lawton, Oklahoma where Larry was stationed for his specialized training (Artillery Surveying). More info.

Guide Lamp – A division of General Motors located in Anderson where Larry worked; when these letters were written, was one of the top two employers in Anderson (along with Delco Remy).

Joanna – Larry’s older sister.

Karl - Larry’s younger brother.

Larry – (12-14-1947 to 2-17-2000)  This is who all of the letters were written to while he was in boot-camp and in the Vietnam War.

Love of Life - A soap opera that Amelia watched; Larry has watched it with her before.

Paramount – A theater in Anderson that shows movies and other events.

Pay Less – A grocery store.

The Polish Club - A local bar used for the area’s Polish organizations and other local meetings.

Schmulick – The family cat.

Sheyler Pump – ?

Tresa - Larry’s youngest sister.

Uncle Jack – Amelia’s younger brother.

Uncle Tom – Amelia’s younger brother.

As the World Turns – A popular soap opera that Amelia wathed.

Ziemniana - A Polish word for pickled pig’s feet.