The series of old letters I recently found that my dad wrote to his family while in the service from 1943-1945 continues. This particular letter has no date on it but I’m guessing it was written somewhere in 1943 when he was stationed in Miami. Also, the letter ends abruptly after two pages, the end is missing but there still is enough here to give you an idea of what he was experiencing. My grandfather had his own window cleaning business and used to have my dad and uncle work with him from time to time. My dad often spoke of climbing ladders several stories high in Harvard Square to wash windows. I’m guessing that with my dad in the service my grandfather had to hire someone to cover for him. I think that is the Jack he’s talking about here. My dad’s obsession with track continues despite being 1,500 miles away as he talks again about his brother George’s running accomplishments. Also, I’m not sure what he’s talking about regarding finances (allotments? dependents?) or getting his clothing “marked?” It’s hard to read his handwriting at times so I’m guessing that’s what he’s saying.
Hi Folks,
Well, how’s everything with you? Was very glad to receive your letter, it was ever-welcome. I’ve put on about 6 pounds I now weigh 138 lbs.
Boy, what an appetite I’ve got and we get plenty of food, sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s not so good. We get plenty to eat, we get meat, salad, plenty of vegetables, potatoes, sometimes lemonade, iced tea or coffee, and ice cream and cake. You have to eat everything that they put on your tray or else the mess sergeant won’t let you out of the mess hall.
I’m glad to hear that Jack likes to clean windows, are you paying him very much?
Well, I’m glad that George ran a good half, his best so far, but he’ll have to do a lot better if he expects to do any better. Walter Crowley must have broken two minutes, boy what a kid, watch out for him in a couple of years.
Well, my financial condition is okay and I’ll let you know if I need any money. I don’t know whether they’re going to let me send home an allotment. Up at Devens they said they wouldn’t let me, but as soon as I can find out I’ll let you know how I make out. They told me that I didn’t work long enough to have a dependent, so I don’t know if I can make out one.
Well, you better have a good garden for me to eat out of when I come home on my first furlough if I ever get one.
Well, the army life isn’t so bad now that I’m getting used to it. The last couple of nights I’ve been busy getting my clothes marked and that’s a job in itself, and I’ve been doing quite a bit of washing.
Well, I haven’t had a chance to go swimming yet but we…
Duke of Dead Air 