LOST LETTERS
Chornobyl Archive, Chapter IV
These are letters found in the abandoned settlements of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. All of them were restored and scanned to preserve the history of a unique region, the history that is vanishing with each new year.
From: Kyiv
Date: 22.01.1986
Hello, my beloved Vovochka!
I arrived successfully, at 2:10 pm I was already at home. What a beautiful road is from Chernobyl to Kyiv! You know, I even don’t feel the difference in distance between the two cities. Chernobyl has become the second home for me, just because you live there, my sweetheart. Vovka, darling, how miserable our quarrels and grudges are compared to such a big feeling as our Love. And I’m saving this feeling as life, as faith in god. <…> It is evening now, I’ve just taken a bath and am writing to you, my sweetheart. I received your letter, thank you a lot. You wrote that I should consider my move to Chernobyl. And I fully agree with you, because I want to be there where you are. A wife needs to obey her husband.
Darling, I’m finishing my letter. Be careful on a road.
Destination: vlg. Krassno, Chernobyl region
From: Moldova
Date: 26.03.1986 (note: one month to the explosion)
Hello Raya!!!
Sending my warm greetings to you. First of all, I wanna ask, why don’t you write me? I’ve already written you twice but didn’t get the answer. Did I say something wrong?
As for me, I’m quite good, my health is good too. How are you doing? What’s new at school? My friends also send you greetings. And that guy, who didn’t believe you, said that he still didn’t believe that such good girls, such pure souls like you exist in this world. He had a bad experience with a girl in the past and since then he stopped trusting women at all.
Once, my friends asked me, would you wait for me from the army, would you write to me there. They believe - no. After that talk, I also wondered - would you? What am I to you - am I just Tolya, or a friend, or a boyfriend, who? Tell me. I see it this way, if a girl waits for her boyfriend from the army it means that they love each other, they dated or were friends. And what about us - we have only letters. I never told you words of love, we never had dates. We need to make a decision, you’re 17 years old, I’m 18. And I need to know if a girl I like will be waiting for me and if she’s ready to be my friend till death. Think about it. And don’t forget to send me your photograph.
By the way, on March 31, 1986, I have my last commission in the military.
I’ll be waiting for your reply, as I never did. Everything depends on it.
Yours, Tolya.
Dear Raya!
Congratulations on the upcoming 1986 year. I wish you good health, tremendous happiness, a good mood, success in studying, and personal life.
Ira
Destination: Chernobyl
From: Moscow
Date: 11.01.1983
Dear Hristina Nikitichna and Vasilij Gregor’evich! We sincerely wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We wish you health, long life, and all the best! We received a letter from Vova. He writes about his family, and worries for Maria. He also writes that you have sold your cow. Of course, it was not easy for you, but what to do? There is no help for you there, and it’s hard to do everything yourself. Don't be upset! What's really important it’s your health. I’m sending you a small gift: some buckwheat and millet. Vova will bring it to you. And please, write me about what else do you need. I’ll try to get everything. We always remember you. God willing, we'll see you. Once again, congratulations and wish you well-being.
Yours, Maxim and Boris.
Date: 28.04.1952
My dear, sweet, long-awaited granny! I already miss you very much. I’m feeling much better being with you. Now another good grandmother is with us, she loves me too, but still, she is not my granny. If you, grandmother, only knew how offended I am at my dad and mom; they don't take me much in their arms, they don't swing me at all, and don't warm my legs. But Anna Pavlovna carries me around the room all day and we often walk in the yard. My gums are very itchy now, so aunt Shura bought me a dental ring. Now we always have a lot of tulips in our room, my mother always brings them, and they are very beautiful. That's my whole letter. I looked at the envelope and told my mother what to write.
Date: 20.01.1972
Hello Father, Mother, and Galya!
With greetings and best wishes to you, Fedya!
I received a letter from you, for which I’m very grateful. I’ll write a little about myself. I’m fine and my service is going well. I’m alive and well and wish you the same. Today is Saturday, January 20th. It is noon now. Daytime temperatures are +38. In the evening it is about +30 and in the morning +25. Once it was +14 in the morning, and we’d almost got frozen, couldn’t get warm until the sun appeared. We're going to watch a movie tonight. The month of January ends in a week, which means only 9 months left to the end of my serve.
Well, I'll be finishing my letter. Write me, how is your health, how is your life. Send my greetings to everyone.
Bye. Fedya
Destination: vlg. Chistogalovka, Chernobyl region
Date: 13.07.1983
I’ve already spoiled two notebooks, and still don’t know what to write.
Let’s meet. Please, let’s talk. Wherever you want - in Prypiat, in Chistogalovka, in Kyiv, in Moscow, Leningrad, or Tashkent. I will come wherever you want. You must be thinking “Oh, he started moaning, groveling”. The hell with it, let it be so. I LOVE YOU
Destination: vlg. Korogod, Chernobyl region
From: Kamensk city, Russia
Date: 03.01.1986
Dear!
Happy New Year to you! With all our hearts we wish you all the very best in life, and most importantly, good health, happiness, prosperity in everything, and joy for the whole year.
Hello, my dear sisters Nastinka and Olinka! With all our hearts we wish you good health and well-being. Olinka we’ve received your letter, thank you so much for it. How you are, how’s your health? Our big greetings to Grisha and his family, to Vasily and his family. Nastinka and Olinka we’ve got a new flat, two rooms, 3d floor. We’ve got it because my husband died at war, and I stood in line for three years to receive it. Happy New Year to you! May the new year bring you a lot of joy and prosperity to your home.
Goodbye. Kiss you, my beauties!
Date: 26.05.1963
A letter from Kyiv.
Hello, Mashenka! Greetings to you, Tonya. I received a letter from you, for which I’m thankful.
Masha, congratulations on the end of the 10th grade. I wish you to pass exams only for 5 and 4. I hope and expect you to visit me after.
Mashenka, today, on Sunday, May 26, I went to the city. I wanted to buy sandals but unfortunately didn’t. There was nothing I liked. Only those damn high-heeled shoes and I don't want them. But I bought a dress for 10 rubles (previously, it cost 549 rubles). The dress is fashionable, tight, simple from the front, one pocket on the sides and one on the chest, pleat in the back, three-quarter sleeve. You will see it sometime.
Mashenka, Vanya sends you greetings. He got a job in a warehouse as a worker. Now he lives with Tima, but soon they will be given a dorm. Our relationship with Tima doesn’t go anywhere. He doesn't write to me. I was waiting for them today, but they haven’t come. Vanya sent me a letter. I gave him the answer - invited them either to my place or to meet in the department store, on the fifth floor, on Khreshchatyk Street; and asked them to give me the answer, but Vanya didn’t send a letter. Maybe they were waiting for me at the department store at twelve o’clock, don’t know, I had no answer from them. I was on Khreshchatyk and after went with girls to Bessarabska Square and to Vladimirsky market, and then I went home …
Masha, try to pass your exams well. I really want you to come to me. Mashenka, goodbye …
See you soon in Kyiv. If you only knew how beautiful it is now in Kyiv … Alright, Kisses, My dear friend.
Tonya. May 26, 1963. Waiting for you.
Date: 02.03.1967
Mariyka. I congratulate you on International Women's Day. I wish you happiness and success in life.
Your Vanya.
Destination: Kyiv region, hostel of the pedagogical college
From: Odesa region, military base in Artsyz city
Date: 13.11.1966
Hello Tamara!
I'm writing to you with warm soldier's greetings. Wish you good luck in your studies, a lot of happiness in your life, and strong health for many years. Your friend Peter! Firstly, want to say how grateful I’m for your letter.
My service is going well. On November 5, I participated in the concert for our chiefs. We were greeted very happily. After the concert, we were seated at the tables and celebrated the October Day holiday. There were dances, but I didn’t dance, as was not in the mood. Here we are allowed to go to the city every weekend, but I almost don’t go anywhere, have no desire. In 4 months I was there only two times, to take photographs. Here, in our military unit, we can watch films on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
During these 4 months, I got used to the soldier's life a little, but I miss civilian life too. I didn't appreciate the time when was at home. I remember the first meetings with you. And now, a little time passed and you became very different. And I don’t know whether you still love me or not.
Looking forward to your letter. Bye. I kiss you and waiting for your photo.
Well, goodbye! Kiss you on the forehead. Good-bye "kitty". 9.11.68Date: 9.11.1968
Hello Toma!
I received a postcard from you, for which I thank you. Finally, you remembered me! How is your life, "kitten"? "Kitten"! Do you remember that we used to call this way each other before? Probably you’ve already forgotten everything that once happened between us? But what can I say, for this one and a half years you probably found someone better, right? "Ce la vie" - "that is life" - as the French say. Yes, it’s been a year and a half that I wasn’t at home. A lot has changed, I quite agree with that.
There is nothing to write about myself. Life and service go on well. I'm not allowed on vacation, well, hell with them. Sorry for some of my words. I will somehow reach demobilization.
Well, goodbye! Kiss you on the forehead. Goodbye "kitty". 9.11.68
Date: 1970
Hello Toma!
With warm heartfelt greetings and the best wishes to you in your work and life, wish you good health and a lot of happiness in your young blooming life, your Peter!
I received your letter, for which I’m very grateful. But it didn't bring me good news, I thought you’d come and we’ll celebrate the New Year together. But it turned out that we will not. I cannot describe you, how upset I am, and what is happening in my soul. I'm in such a mood now that I would give up everything and go to you. But my conscience and my party card are holding me back. But if you could only know how I want to be with you right now. I can’t find a place or some kind of job to calm down a little. Whatever I do, wherever I’m, I always think of you, my dear Toma. You took my whole soul, it reaches out to you all the time. I don't know how and where I will celebrate the New Year. I thought that when you arrive, we would also resolve the issues concerning our wedding, but I guess we’ll do it when I arrive home.
Bye. I kiss you hard. At 24:00 on 31.12.70.
Big greetings to you and your parents from me and from my parents. Waiting for an answer.
Destination: vlg. Koshovka, Chernobyl region
From: military base, Odesa region
Date: 06.05.1971
Hello, my dearest and beloved wife Tomochka!
With warm heartfelt greetings and best wishes to you in your work and life, wish you good health and a lot of happiness in your life, your Peter!
I received a letter from you, and give you an answer without delay. Every single day I look forward to a letter from you. If you only knew how much I want to hear your voice. There is nothing dearer for me now than to be near you and hear your voice.
Oh, Toma, there is no life without you. You are my everything, my joy, my love and kindness, my success, and my achievements in work. Yes, Toma, family plays a big role in success at work. If family life goes well, then you work with all your heart and everything goes well at work. But if not, then do not expect to achieve big results in work. I am writing this to you from the experience of life itself. I have observed and analyzed, that if people love each other and live for each other, then everything is good in their life.
You are my joy in life and the sun that will never go out. I am yours and you are mine. I love you very much, you are my half without which it is impossible to live.
So there are 80 days left before our meeting. And then I won't let you go for a minute. You will always be with me. Oh, I want to hug you so badly and kiss you tenderly and say “I love you”. I have no more patience to wait!
Goodbye, my dear. Kissing you hard. And don't think about anything else, just know that I love you and I am yours for life. Only yours!
In this letter, I am sending you our marriage certificate.
Destination: vlg. Rudnya-Veresnya, Chernobyl region
From: Field Post Office
Date: May 1974
Hello, my dearest Toma and Yura! With warm heartfelt greetings and best wishes to you, wish you good health and a lot of happiness, your father!
Today is Saturday and so I came home from lunch at 14.30 and sat down to write you a letter. There is no news. The weather is very good now, I mean today. All my free time I devote to studying shooting. And you know that if you are good at shooting you can think about promotion. This is the most basic thing for us, as they say, it’s our bread. Oh, by the way, on May 17 Dykhanovsky became a father. 3kg 200g, 61 or 61 cm. That’s all the news.
I miss you so much. All the time I think only of you. When I come home it's so hard and boring without you, that I don't even know what to do.
So, goodbye. Write me, what’s new, how are you. My greeting to everyone. Kisses.
Bye Yura!
Waiting for your reply.
Destination: vlg.Korohor, Chernobyl region
From: vlg. Florianivka, Ukraine
With greetings from Florianivka.
Hello dear grandma Sophia!!
My best wishes to you. I received your letter, for which I’m thankful, and please accept my apologies for the late reply.
Firstly, I want to say that everything is fine here. I work at the same place, didn’t marry, as for me it’s better to stay a free bird while you can. Parents are healthy - my mom is already a year in retirement, the father still works, the elder brother got married and has two girls, the younger brother is in the army, the others also have grown up and go to school.
You invite me to visit you, but I have no idea when I’ll have time for this. I even don’t have time to visit my parents.
Please, write me about how do you live, how’s your health, what’s new, do you live alone or have tenants?
Goodbye. Greetings to everyone.
Kiss. Masha.
Destination: vlg.Korohor, Chernobyl region
From: Pripyat, Ukraine
Aunt Sophia!
Happy New Year 1986. We wish you a lot of happiness, good health, and great success in your work. May there always be a blue and clear sky above your head.
Sincerely Yours, Kolya + Yura, Nadia + Valera
Destination: vlg. Mashevo, Chernobyl district
From: Kyiv
Date: 30.11.1969
Good day, Fenya Mykytivna!
I've got some free time now to write letters, but have no pen with me right now, so I write with a pencil.
Recently I never get free time. Each day Misha leaves at 6:30 in the morning and comes back at 7 in the evening. And I go to work at 8:30 am and up to 4 or 5 pm. I have 21 working hours in 5-10th classes (chemistry, and biology), 2 classrooms, and also I’m a class teacher of the 6th-grade class. The school is a large, two-story building. I have a lot of work to do every single day, so rarely have a free minute. School classrooms are not equipped, as there is nothing to equip them with. No equipment and materials to conduct practical works in chemistry and physics. So teachers must find solutions themselves. Requirements for work are the same as in our village Mashevo. Children here are very disobedient and lazy, don’t want to study. All power in the school belongs to the principal, and everyone is afraid of him...
...
From the 1st of December I’ll not be a class teacher anymore, barely got rid of this position. I was sent to the chemistry teacher's courses for a month, but I didn't go because of Tanya ... If there was only chemistry, it would still be possible to work at school, but with biology and all other stuff I even don’t know what to do. I could get the same 100 rubles working much less at the institute in Sviatoshyno district, but I have nowhere and no one to leave Tanya for and would need to find an apartment to live in.
Fenya Mykytivna, if we could meet then there would be a lot of things to talk about, it’s hard to write about everything. Somewhere, probably, during summer I’ll be able to come, I’d love to visit our school, to see everyone ...
When you are in Kyiv, we invite you to visit us. You won’t recognize Tanya anymore, she looks just like Misha, her eyes are so blue, and she is so snub-nosed …
I’ll be finishing now. Write to me, Fenya Mykytivna, a few words, if you have time. Goodbye. Greetings to Maxim Petrovich, Natasha, Sonya, and all teachers.
Zina 30.ХI.69.
Forgive me for writing with a pencil.
Dear graduates!
These days you are graduating from your home school, in which you spent your childhood, in which you were growing up, and have become young men and women. The school years flew by very quickly and with them your childhood - the best, most beautiful, and happy time of human life.
To this day, you have had only one way - to school, to knowledge. The purpose of your life was to get a good grade, and a good grade is a good knowledge. Now you have many roads ahead of you. Now you are entering your youth. Youth is also a wonderful, incredible time of human life. You have many dreams and it is fine. After all, a man without a dream is like a wingless bird that does not see far and can not fly up. You will often remember the school years, with a sinking heart you will cross the threshold of your home school.
You will follow one of them, join the ranks of student youth, the ranks of producers.
The first roads of independent life are not strewn with roses, on these paths you will meet prickly thorns. There will be failures and difficulties. But what is life without difficulties?