Nürnberg, April 25, 1927

Dear Hans,

Much time has passed and we have heard nothing from you. I suspect you must still be in winter hibernation, or maybe your trains are stuck in the snow. But we are writing now. It is almost May and I am looking forward to my vacation in 2 months. August is not far away, and that is when my practicum work ends.

Time goes by quickly when one is not afraid of work. It has been 2 1/4 years already since you have been away. Surely you will come visit in 2 years if not sooner. Do you think you will remain here? Write to me and let me know if you like America, but please be honest.

As businessman, I admire the American, but not so much as a person. He only knows business and is only concerned about business. I would guess that there is no town in America as idyllic and appealing as Windsheim. Americans have no sense of history or tradition. One especially notices that in literature. America is rather far behind Germany in poetry. Few nations match the likes of our Goethe, Schiller, Kant, Leibnitz, Siemens, Lessing, Herder, Bismarck, Krupp, Roentgen, Herz, Bergius, etc. In spite of the bad times of recent years, things are getting noticably better. The international community, especially the English and French are also gradually realizing that we are dependent on one another. Unfortunately, many emigrant Germans prematurely think of themselves as Americans, but don’t seem to understand that as a result, they are viewed with disdain by the Americans and other nations. We Germans need not be ashamed of our origins. A nation that produces such great men truly does not belong among the worst.

Those are some of the ideas I have been thinking about lately. If you decide to stay in Germany, I encourage you to get a job in your area. Stay a businessman! Do you still think of the plans that we talked about now and then, you and I? By the time you come, I will be an electrial engineer.

Did you get my book "Die Wiskotten", and did you enjoy it? How did the ham taste? One thing I would like to mention: don’t let our parents wait so long for your letters, since they get so worried about you. Write at least once every 14 days.

Another thing: Don’t do too much flirting!!! Wait until you come to Germany and you can find better and prettier girls than those American painted faces who cannot polish a boot, not to mention cook. I recommend Windsheim, for instance. Here you can still find beautiful "braids".

At the moment, I am working in the model workshop, then one month in transformer construction, 1 in toolmaking, and 1 in DC assembly and then vacation. Woo hoo!

With heartfelt best wishes, I remain your thankful brother Phips.

Dear good Hans,

Received your last letter with great joy. Couldn’t guess what this large letter might contain. Opened it with great suspense and discovered that you were hidden in it, and loved seeing you once again. We like your picture a lot and notice that you have become a man and that you look good. You are about to be 20 years old. Be very good and behave for Uncle and Aunt. Dear Hans, I also thank you very much for the 10 dollars. You must have saved this, but should have kept it for yourself. You have to earn all the money you have, and it occurs to me that if you had wanted to please me, one dollar would have done just as well. My birthday this year was abundant. From Papa I got a housedress, from Maria a planter for flowers, and from Philipp a box of pralines. We will celebrate my birthday on Sunday and will have a cake baked in your honor, and will place your picture on the table. Dear Hans, if you want anything from home, write and let us know. We are always happy to send you something.

Thank God, all is well here and back to normal. Right now, we have fewer people - 6 men. Last week, we had the kitchen painted, and everything looks nice on the lower level now. I also want to let you know about our livestock: 1/2 hog, 7 young ducks, and 11 small hens. Prinz is a real handsome guy, and smart. Right now he is in training in Rothenburg. Will remain there for another 4-5 weeks. How did you celebrate Pentecost? We stayed home. Dear Hans, how are Uncle and Aunt and Grandmother? Give them our best wishes. Are Uncle and Grandmother well again? Aunt should have her picture taken so that we can get to know her too.

All the best from my heart
from your loving Mama
Be well and stay healthy until we see each other again, God willing.

Dear Hans,

Many thanks for your picture. I think the picture is well taken and that you look good. We were happy to see it. Don’t worry about what you owe me - do what you can. Schlees Heiner is still in Frankfort as far as I know. The news from here is that Herr Bezirksrat in Schwabach died. Schassel and his friend (Leopold Chr.) were here on Pentecost. They arrived on a motorcycle, and looked horrible. It was real dirty, and they had fallen off twice, but nothing happened.

Other than that, there is nothing noteworthy to report. What would Aunt like this year for Christmas? Best regards to Aunt and Uncle. Best wishes from your sister Maria.