Below is a transcription of an undated letter from my grandfather, Walter Hermans to his wife Helen Pulver Hermans. The letter is written on a scrap paper labeled “Taconic State Park Commission Weekly Record of Telephone Calls”. He was the superintendent at Rudd Pond in Millerton in the 1940’s.

This was written when Walter was in the Navy. He never went overseas, but was stationed domestically. His job was to guard the bridge he mentions in the letter as being only 5 minutes away: the Taconic Parkway bridge that runs over the Croton reservoir.  Today there are two bridges for each direction of the parkway. Pleasantville, NY is about 5 miles from Millwood. The ‘Puddy’ he refers to is his first child, my aunt Linda. He calls Helen ‘Punky’ and signs the letter ‘Punky’ as well.

Judy Snedeker (Walter’s neice), Helen Pulver Hermans and Walter Hermans

Dear Punky,
Well I got settled here this morning about 7:30 and got in bed at 8:15, slept until 5:30 this afternoon. Now I feel like a million dollars. It is plenty warm down here in the building.
The post office is Millwood, NY c/o T.S.P.C. The phone number is Briarcliff 2185.
It seems quite a relief not to have to drive all the way up to Rudd Pond as it only takes about five minutes to get to the bridge. They are going to put in a phone at the bridge and I will give you the number as soon as it is put in.
I got my radio hooked up and so far it plays good.
I me most of the fellows here this morning and they seem to be a pretty good lot, mostly Sweeds and Dutchmen.
I hope you don’t miss me too much but if I get as much rest the next few nights I may take a run up early in the week. But I will be home Wednesday a m anyway.
The night man just came in and is going to take me over to Pleasantville to show me a good place to eat. I’ll follow him over and then hope I can find my way back. I’ll mail this over there.
I broke a shoe lace tonight so I’ll have to invest 5$ for a new pair.
Well darling you take good care of Puddy and tell her that her daddy will be home soon. Good night Punky be a good punky cause I love you
Good night little Punky.
Punky.

Walter and daughter Linda Hermans in 1943