August 8, 1942 - Dear Audrey

Jan Palson

08 Aug 2026 — 6 min read

Big Guns! Casemated 12-inch gun at Fort Ruckman. Source: Wikipedia

Usually I get stuck for all the bad details...

How about a happy-go-lucky outing - this one sounds fun. About 20 miles down to Boylston. What a ride. And what are the odds the place they stop for lunch serves drinks. uh. He deserves some fun. People are out at Revere Beach and the weather is great - maybe a little cool. That's the plus side. On the downside, his letter writing has fallen behind and can't get to E. Hartford until the 21st.

Original Letter

Transcript follows.

Transcript - August 8, 1942

(and the rest of the same old baloney)

Dear Audrey:

Another week has rolled by. Somehow or other the time goes by. I would go so far as to say the time flies but it gets there. (that is, it isn’t in any real hurry and so I don’t see why we are always waiting with such anxiety for it to pass. Wasting our lives away. This morning I was wondering how I could last the day out (not that I was tired but just fed up with shoveling) when it suddenly took care of itself. Usually I get stuck for all the bad details but today I pick a good one. There were some telephone poles over in Newton that they needed over here. These Army truck-drivers are all the same. They drive like mad and always take the longest route and in the latter case I have no objection. Right up Tremount St. and down Boylston with the big truck we went. At the corner we had to stop for the light and a fellow with three or four girls started to cross in front of the truck. They obviously were together and all carried suit-cases and so one of the bright boys in the truck yelled, “carry your bag, Mister”. The girls seemed to get a big kick out of it and because we had to move, no other remarks were exchanged. It seemed funny to be riding around in an Army truck through such familiar territory.

It would have been fun to pull down to Woods Court. Just a big kid at heart. It didn’t take long to get to load but by that time it was after noon and so we had missed chow back at camp. Well to make this story shorter we stopped for something to eat and by a strange coincidence they happened to sell liquor there. Between the drinks I got myself and the ones set up for me I had all I could manage. Oh yes, I almost forgot. That spree ruined the two dollars you sent me. Now don’t go bawling me. No good excuse either. I had a steak and it was pretty good. I think the punishment I have got is enough. We didn’t get back in time to get our clean sheets and so I’ll have to go another week with these. Then I was so unsteady that I lost two games of pool before I decided to quit which increases my battery bill ten cents. Where is this Round Table that you went to for a cocktail? I don’t seem to be able to place it. We had such a nice time over at the Polish American Club last Sat. that we shall have to go over again the next time I come down. You dance wonderful with me and that is not easy. Half of the time I don’t know what I am doing and so to make one look good, which is what you did, you had to be right on the ball. (most of the time I am on something and that is my partners feet). I don’t ever want to step on your feet. You are my partner for keeps. For always. I don’t want to ever lose you.

If Uncle Elmer hasn’t very much gas, remember also that you don’t have very much either. Perhaps a little more than them but not much. I like to have you go over and get chummy with them so go ahead if you like. Aunt Ada would not have asked you again if she did not take to you before. Of course I mean Vicky too. The Grala sisters are quite a bunch. I think I was pretty smart in picking the best one of the lot. The nicest and sweetest of the five. I love you darling and ok, miss you so very much. This letter writing is tough. I can sit down any time and write you. I don’t mind it at all. But it takes me three or four days to get up enough courage to write some of the other letters I owe and then I usually throw up my hands at the first attempt. I owe Elmer, Tony, Peggy, Laura, Jean, Mom, and one other. I guess I’ll try to catch up tomorrow which is Sunday. What with my studying, the guard duty tonight, and my washing I shall probably scratch to find time for one letter. This letter is all you get until Monday. And that is Monday, Nov. 7, 194- (I haven’t made up my mind what year as yet). There was quite a crowd at Revere beach this afternoon.

I don’t see how they swim in such water and in such cool weather. It is nice and cool. Just right but I can’t see how they stand such water. They can have my share. Going thru Lynn, I saw Stump Myers again today. He started to come over to the truck, but I couldn’t talk to him so had to wave him back. Well I think I’ve rambled enough. I’ll catch a nap before going on duty. Don’t look for me Tues. If I leave here at six o’clock I wouldn’t get down to you until midnight and then have to leave at noon to get back here at six again. You would leave to work, and it would mean just getting there and then turning around to start back. I want to see you very much darling too. I’m planning on coming down the 21^st though and am looking forward to it. If I can’t save this pass, I’ll go to Natick and maybe to the ball game. I’ve been asking you how the Red Sox are making out and this way I’ll find out first hand. Lots of love from your fellow.

From Mrs. M’s husband

“Chunky” Leonard