Jan 18 1944
Darling:
Today was Christmas for me! Most of the things I expect arrived and I had a big day opening two packages from Fremont, one from Aunt Mable, one from Mom and Aunt May, and even a carton of cigarettes from Dobby!
Having asked for my pipe, etc, in a letter three days ago I was stunned to find it in the packages with funnies, the capsuled Sunday mag, sports section, airmail stationery, toothpaste, candy, books and family circle.
I wore the swell slippers (a kiss, darling!) on the cold concrete to the shower today, examined my whiskers in John's mirror, chewed John's gum, admired Rob's selection of books and the pretty jack-o-lantern drawing, looked up the difference in Washington and Bombay time in the diary and was properly awed by the handy apron from Grandma. And of course the cigarets bore Dad;s stamp and were extremely welcome at this time though we expect a solid supply from now on.
I can't thank you all enough! I have gorged on candy all day and thought of home even more than ever. I'll write in more detail later, but wanted you to know in a hurry that I got the things.
P.S. I've written Ruth and Aunt May (yesterday). Thank Pete and Betty for their card.
All my love,
S
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Letter #17 February 6, 1944
Feb 6, 1944
Dear Robbie and John:
I wish you had looked at the door of my office with me day before yesterday.
Galomping along the street came two of the biggest camels I ever saw. You would need a step-ladder to pat them on their heads!
The looked very serious and sad, as camels always do. But these camels should really have been smiling. For each was pulling a great cage on rumbly wheels. And in the cages, thought I got only a very fleeting glance, must have been all sorts of little wild animals. I'm sure there must have been lots of monkeys, tho I only saw a few. The rest were probably hiding. Driving the great old wagons were fierce-looking dark men with big white turbans -- and even bigger mustaches. One of them played a flute, or something more like a clarinet, I guess, though I really don't know the right name.
It was the first traveling circus I'd seen in India. And that's rather off because there were circuses here long before there was a Fremont -- or even a United States!
Love to both of you,
Daddy
Dear Robbie and John:
I wish you had looked at the door of my office with me day before yesterday.
Galomping along the street came two of the biggest camels I ever saw. You would need a step-ladder to pat them on their heads!
The looked very serious and sad, as camels always do. But these camels should really have been smiling. For each was pulling a great cage on rumbly wheels. And in the cages, thought I got only a very fleeting glance, must have been all sorts of little wild animals. I'm sure there must have been lots of monkeys, tho I only saw a few. The rest were probably hiding. Driving the great old wagons were fierce-looking dark men with big white turbans -- and even bigger mustaches. One of them played a flute, or something more like a clarinet, I guess, though I really don't know the right name.
It was the first traveling circus I'd seen in India. And that's rather off because there were circuses here long before there was a Fremont -- or even a United States!
Love to both of you,
Daddy
Letter #16: January 15, 1944
January 14/1944
Dear Robbie and John:
Can you imaging a country where it almost never snows? Here it is the middle of January and there hasn't been a speck of snow or ice. And I never need my coat or gloves.
Indian children never toss snowballs but other things just as much fun. For instance, they ride in carts drawn by bullocks. The carts have huge wooden that are solid instead of having spokes. And instead of seats the carts sometimes have only planks to sit on -- they are something like little railroad flatcars except that the wheels are big.
The bullocks usually are fat and strong and the driver pokes them with a stick to make them trot or turn. And always the big brass bells around their necks jingle merrily.
Please tell me, Robbie, how you like school. You certanily must study very hard. But please don't read too much or you may have to wear glasses as I do.
Johnnie, tell me about your playmates. I imagine you must be tall enough by now to carry the piano upstairs. But you needn't try to prove it.
Love from Daddy
Dear Robbie and John:
Can you imaging a country where it almost never snows? Here it is the middle of January and there hasn't been a speck of snow or ice. And I never need my coat or gloves.
Indian children never toss snowballs but other things just as much fun. For instance, they ride in carts drawn by bullocks. The carts have huge wooden that are solid instead of having spokes. And instead of seats the carts sometimes have only planks to sit on -- they are something like little railroad flatcars except that the wheels are big.
The bullocks usually are fat and strong and the driver pokes them with a stick to make them trot or turn. And always the big brass bells around their necks jingle merrily.
Please tell me, Robbie, how you like school. You certanily must study very hard. But please don't read too much or you may have to wear glasses as I do.
Johnnie, tell me about your playmates. I imagine you must be tall enough by now to carry the piano upstairs. But you needn't try to prove it.
Love from Daddy
Letter #15: Dec 30, 1943
Dec. 30, 1943
Darling:
I'll repeat that there are packaged bound your way, tho please don't look for them soon. One contains souvenirs for Rob, John, Dad, Jimmie and Bee. The other is for you. I'll try to remember others as I can, tho the shopping situation is not too good.
The holidays have been as pleasant as possible under the circumstances, but I couldn't help recalling the 1942 Christmas and others. I missed the excitement of the kids opening their presents. And I missed you even more deeply than usual.
This was far from a White Christmas. It wasn't quite warm enough to go swimming, but I spent the day without a coat. When I get home I'll be ready to take any seasons as they come!
The other day I reported for duty to Maj. R. C. Wittmans. Yes -- he turned out to be from Lincoln!
So far I haven't been able to use my newspaper background, but I'm still hoping. Of course, the big problem overseas is knowing what NOT to write.
Be assured that conditions in my present station are exceptionally good. We have excellent food and beds and the finest of recreation halls. So you needn't worry a moment about me. In fact, what with the influenza epidemic and all, I'm concerned about the home front. Do try to avoid mob scenes as much as possible while there's any risk.
On Christmas Day I heard a Bing Crosby overseas program. It included many classics, including the now immortal "White Christmas."
I remember when Carl Gartner saw "Holiday Inn" and couldn't be convinced old Irving Berlin had written any hits. The Great I Am told him "White Christmas" would be popular but I never suspected it would become a classic.
By the way, death of Fats Waller reminded me of his "Santa Claus" song -- the one I heard over and over on 40th St. Remember?
All my love,
S
Darling:
I'll repeat that there are packaged bound your way, tho please don't look for them soon. One contains souvenirs for Rob, John, Dad, Jimmie and Bee. The other is for you. I'll try to remember others as I can, tho the shopping situation is not too good.
The holidays have been as pleasant as possible under the circumstances, but I couldn't help recalling the 1942 Christmas and others. I missed the excitement of the kids opening their presents. And I missed you even more deeply than usual.
This was far from a White Christmas. It wasn't quite warm enough to go swimming, but I spent the day without a coat. When I get home I'll be ready to take any seasons as they come!
The other day I reported for duty to Maj. R. C. Wittmans. Yes -- he turned out to be from Lincoln!
So far I haven't been able to use my newspaper background, but I'm still hoping. Of course, the big problem overseas is knowing what NOT to write.
Be assured that conditions in my present station are exceptionally good. We have excellent food and beds and the finest of recreation halls. So you needn't worry a moment about me. In fact, what with the influenza epidemic and all, I'm concerned about the home front. Do try to avoid mob scenes as much as possible while there's any risk.
On Christmas Day I heard a Bing Crosby overseas program. It included many classics, including the now immortal "White Christmas."
I remember when Carl Gartner saw "Holiday Inn" and couldn't be convinced old Irving Berlin had written any hits. The Great I Am told him "White Christmas" would be popular but I never suspected it would become a classic.
By the way, death of Fats Waller reminded me of his "Santa Claus" song -- the one I heard over and over on 40th St. Remember?
All my love,
S
Letter #14 January 3, 1944
Jan 3, 1943
Darling:
You may have wondered about recreation facilities. Here they are very satisfactory.
The Red Cross sponsors one hangout that looks like the Ritz Carlton. It has a tremendous lounge, grand piano, record player, and such sports as pool, ping-pong & shuffle board.
For four hours the lads have been having a jam session... an English RAF lad at the piano, one Indian trumpeter, one American 2nd Lt trumpeter, the American guitar man and an Indian scat singer.
You'd be amazed at the international feeling for swing. Actually the RAF player is as interesting at the piano as almost American I've heard.
Our day room is better than any I've seen in the states. We have broadcast recordings and movies at times. There are several good movies in town.
So you can see I'll have plenty of fun along with a full schedule of work. That'll help the time go faster and in some mesaure bring our reunion nearer -- hurry day!
P.S. At last mailed you your package -- delayed -- and it goes first class.
All my love,
S
Darling:
You may have wondered about recreation facilities. Here they are very satisfactory.
The Red Cross sponsors one hangout that looks like the Ritz Carlton. It has a tremendous lounge, grand piano, record player, and such sports as pool, ping-pong & shuffle board.
For four hours the lads have been having a jam session... an English RAF lad at the piano, one Indian trumpeter, one American 2nd Lt trumpeter, the American guitar man and an Indian scat singer.
You'd be amazed at the international feeling for swing. Actually the RAF player is as interesting at the piano as almost American I've heard.
Our day room is better than any I've seen in the states. We have broadcast recordings and movies at times. There are several good movies in town.
So you can see I'll have plenty of fun along with a full schedule of work. That'll help the time go faster and in some mesaure bring our reunion nearer -- hurry day!
P.S. At last mailed you your package -- delayed -- and it goes first class.
All my love,
S
Letter #13: December 26, 1943
Dec. 26, 1943
Darling:
You will note my new, presumably permanent address: "Hqs + Hqs Co, S.O.S, USAF, @ B.Im APO 885, c/o PM, New York, NY"
So, a year to the day from my actual induction, I have at last settled down.
I'm in a beautiful city of straight streets, cleanliness, and lovely cool climate (at least at this season.) Our barracks are like college dormitories, with every convenience.
For Christmas Dinner we had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, pumpkin, asparagus, celery, cranberries, cookies, chocolate cake, fruit cake, mints, candy and apple pie. We had our choice of tomato juice or grapefruit juice. I mention these things to illustrate the fact that compared to some of our previous locations we have reached a very swell place. Some of the original QM school boys are still together, including Bush and Clark, whom Uncle Roy and Aunt Fanny met in Riverside, and I have already found good companions.
By the way, small souvenirs are on the way for you, Rob and John, Dad, Bee and Jimmie. They are the best I could find in a brief, hurried shopping spree on a Sunday. Later I hope to do better and remember others. Yesterday I saw Joe E. Brown and Harry Bemis in person, but Christmas wasn't Christmas without snow and the fun of watching the kids open their presents and -- yours. (My presents for the kids may fit by the time they arrive -- or maybe they're too small now.
All my love, S
Darling:
You will note my new, presumably permanent address: "Hqs + Hqs Co, S.O.S, USAF, @ B.Im APO 885, c/o PM, New York, NY"
So, a year to the day from my actual induction, I have at last settled down.
I'm in a beautiful city of straight streets, cleanliness, and lovely cool climate (at least at this season.) Our barracks are like college dormitories, with every convenience.
For Christmas Dinner we had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, pumpkin, asparagus, celery, cranberries, cookies, chocolate cake, fruit cake, mints, candy and apple pie. We had our choice of tomato juice or grapefruit juice. I mention these things to illustrate the fact that compared to some of our previous locations we have reached a very swell place. Some of the original QM school boys are still together, including Bush and Clark, whom Uncle Roy and Aunt Fanny met in Riverside, and I have already found good companions.
By the way, small souvenirs are on the way for you, Rob and John, Dad, Bee and Jimmie. They are the best I could find in a brief, hurried shopping spree on a Sunday. Later I hope to do better and remember others. Yesterday I saw Joe E. Brown and Harry Bemis in person, but Christmas wasn't Christmas without snow and the fun of watching the kids open their presents and -- yours. (My presents for the kids may fit by the time they arrive -- or maybe they're too small now.
All my love, S
Monday, August 19, 2013
Letter #12: December 5, 1943
Dec 5, 1943
Darling:
First, I'll answer your questions and comments on items of special interest in your letters.
[Two lines censored] Fremont or Lincoln would do very nicely, but I still have a hard time falling in love with Des Moines.
You needn't send me airmail stamps since our mail is going by the fastest route anyway. Yes, your V-Mail is photographed and should be in ink or typed, although the one letter from Rob arrived in its original pencil form, just as she mailed it.
Incidentally you needn't send all your letters V-Mail. I enjoy the longer letters of course and think they arrive about as quickly as V-Mail.
You wondered if I had singed the safe arrival card in blank form. Yes, and I am surprised they didn't fill in our destination, though there must be some good reason for it.
Before I forget, I'm delighted with the star book and certainly I had had sense enough to buy one in the States. Here the stars seem unusually clear and I'll be glad to brush up on them.
Robbie and Jon certainly do beautifully in their letters to me, which I enjoy very greatly. I see Rob is progressing out of the printing stage and am extremely proud of her promotion to Third Grade. I know she'll be much happier with enough studies to keep occupied.
Her school chairmanship of radio is important and between you and her and Mother Chris and Dad (always remembering all of Grandpa's positions), the Christensen-Hammond combination must have a corner on war on civic work in Fremonth.
I do wish you'd explain, in one sentence how you find time to read even Reader's Digest along with your Red Cross, Brownie, AAVW, PTA, bond-selling, canteen and Sunday School activities. But maybe Robbie keeps your posted with her Bathroom Scholarship (B.S.)
I also received the miniature copy of Time and would like a subscription. Of course Reader's Digest would be a great help too.
[Approx 1 page censored]
On the newspaper front, I was sorry to hear of Frank William's death and that of (apparently - the clipping was incomplete) Harry Dobbins.
I was surprised Jim Morrison had left Des Moines. I sent Christmas Cards to him, Frank Clark, MacDonald, Gartner, Alma, Dobson, mom, you, Uncle Harry, Uncle Ray, Uncle Lon and Aunt Maud, Betty and ELmer and Margaret Welton and sadly lacked the other addresses, including the current one for Bill and Harriet.
Glad to hear of Jim Russel's new job and F. Everly's discomfiture, MacDonald's enlistment, etc. A copy of The Spirit confirmed most of the information relayed by you and Dobson.
I was surprised and pleased at the expectations of Frances and Raymond.
It's easy to picture John in his commando helmet (the boys in England call British beauties Commandoes!) and would love the hear him sing even one bar of "Deep in the Heart of Texas." And I would love to inspect personally the new brown suit which you must decorate so curvaceously. Ah -- me!
The photographs Jean took at the canteen were all swell and I'm carrying them with me to punctuate conversations. Incidentally, I was amused to read a request for 1-A film after I had requested both camera and film from you. It will be a shame to miss a photographic record of these Oriental nights but can't be helped I guess.
I was amused when I was interviewed at my present camp by a classification sergeant. When he learned I was from the QM School's Class IV he grinned and said, "I was graduated from Class I."
When we drove out of Shenango the last face I saw from the rear of the truck on the way to the station was Shayer, the Californian with whom I spent my last Shenango weekend. And as we drove into our present camp, halfway around the world, I looked out of the truck and saw Shayer grinning at me! He and several others from QM school had left Shenango a month after we did. What a life!
All my love,
S.
Believe me, I've never seen a sunset, moonrise or falling star without thinking of US. And there'll come a day! Watch out!
Darling:
First, I'll answer your questions and comments on items of special interest in your letters.
[Two lines censored] Fremont or Lincoln would do very nicely, but I still have a hard time falling in love with Des Moines.
You needn't send me airmail stamps since our mail is going by the fastest route anyway. Yes, your V-Mail is photographed and should be in ink or typed, although the one letter from Rob arrived in its original pencil form, just as she mailed it.
Incidentally you needn't send all your letters V-Mail. I enjoy the longer letters of course and think they arrive about as quickly as V-Mail.
You wondered if I had singed the safe arrival card in blank form. Yes, and I am surprised they didn't fill in our destination, though there must be some good reason for it.
Before I forget, I'm delighted with the star book and certainly I had had sense enough to buy one in the States. Here the stars seem unusually clear and I'll be glad to brush up on them.
Robbie and Jon certainly do beautifully in their letters to me, which I enjoy very greatly. I see Rob is progressing out of the printing stage and am extremely proud of her promotion to Third Grade. I know she'll be much happier with enough studies to keep occupied.
Her school chairmanship of radio is important and between you and her and Mother Chris and Dad (always remembering all of Grandpa's positions), the Christensen-Hammond combination must have a corner on war on civic work in Fremonth.
I do wish you'd explain, in one sentence how you find time to read even Reader's Digest along with your Red Cross, Brownie, AAVW, PTA, bond-selling, canteen and Sunday School activities. But maybe Robbie keeps your posted with her Bathroom Scholarship (B.S.)
I also received the miniature copy of Time and would like a subscription. Of course Reader's Digest would be a great help too.
[Approx 1 page censored]
On the newspaper front, I was sorry to hear of Frank William's death and that of (apparently - the clipping was incomplete) Harry Dobbins.
I was surprised Jim Morrison had left Des Moines. I sent Christmas Cards to him, Frank Clark, MacDonald, Gartner, Alma, Dobson, mom, you, Uncle Harry, Uncle Ray, Uncle Lon and Aunt Maud, Betty and ELmer and Margaret Welton and sadly lacked the other addresses, including the current one for Bill and Harriet.
Glad to hear of Jim Russel's new job and F. Everly's discomfiture, MacDonald's enlistment, etc. A copy of The Spirit confirmed most of the information relayed by you and Dobson.
I was surprised and pleased at the expectations of Frances and Raymond.
It's easy to picture John in his commando helmet (the boys in England call British beauties Commandoes!) and would love the hear him sing even one bar of "Deep in the Heart of Texas." And I would love to inspect personally the new brown suit which you must decorate so curvaceously. Ah -- me!
The photographs Jean took at the canteen were all swell and I'm carrying them with me to punctuate conversations. Incidentally, I was amused to read a request for 1-A film after I had requested both camera and film from you. It will be a shame to miss a photographic record of these Oriental nights but can't be helped I guess.
I was amused when I was interviewed at my present camp by a classification sergeant. When he learned I was from the QM School's Class IV he grinned and said, "I was graduated from Class I."
When we drove out of Shenango the last face I saw from the rear of the truck on the way to the station was Shayer, the Californian with whom I spent my last Shenango weekend. And as we drove into our present camp, halfway around the world, I looked out of the truck and saw Shayer grinning at me! He and several others from QM school had left Shenango a month after we did. What a life!
All my love,
S.
Believe me, I've never seen a sunset, moonrise or falling star without thinking of US. And there'll come a day! Watch out!
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