May 28, 1942 - Dear Pine Knot
Ah well I can’t figure these girls out.
Make up your mind Mom. Once you get that 60 cents, the world is your oyster. Dad just might be movie star material. He could have missed his calling. But did he miss the joke? Edna Mae is beautiful. One of her most famous roles was the wealthy, domineering Aunt March in the 1933 version of Little Women. And pine knots? It's getting real as Tony is getting sent to Texas. But for Dad, it's more drills in the cold. Even with coffee, kind of miserable. In 1942, Memorial Day is celebrated on the 30th, a Saturday. That's why there's a parade. Fingers crossed for a pass to make it down to E. Hartford.
Original Letter
Transcript follows.
The Boston Globe - May 28, 1942
The loss in this war is staggering so it's good news to welcome a missing pilot. So is young love. Edith leaves Texas with $5 in her pocket to find her true love, Sam York in Ayers, Massachusetts. That's Fort Devens where Dad started. She's 18 and he's 24 and I'm sure it'll be great. I'll keep an eye out for any updates on the lucky couple just in case. I'd hate for Edith to have her heart broken. In addition to price controls, the government is planning a labor freeze. Hope you like your job .
The Boston Globe - Evening
See, Japan bombed us then we bombed them now they want to bomb us again. Oye. Deporting a communist is a bit harder than it seems. Did you know Louis B. Mayer started as a theater operator in Boston? He's now the highest paid person in the country in 1942. And I just feel bad for Madeline. she got involved with some real bad apples.
Meanwhile in Hartford...
Here's another one Dorothy gets wrong. He could learn to play bridge. As I recall, yesterday's starter was cold boiled tongue so a hot clam broth seems to be an improvement. That Thrifty Nifty Dish does sound good. I may try it.
Transcript - May 28, 1942
Bat H - 9th C.A., Fort Banks
Dear Pine Knot,
You don’t think I keep my money in one place, do you? You could find it too easy. I’m too smart for that. Sometimes I carry my money in one pocket and then to confuse you I’ll transfer it to some other pocket. Right now, I’ve got sixty cents in my jacket pocket, but when I go to bed I tie it in a handkerchief around my leg. I’m developing good habits so when I have to sleep with you, you won’t get it when I’m asleep. By the way, I wish you would make up your mind. First it was Jimmy Stewart and now it’s Henry Fonda. What has Tyrone Power got that I haven’t got? Did I ever tell you how much you reminded me of Edna Mae Oliver? (I can go along with a joke)
I’m sorry to hear Tony is going to Texas. That sure is a long way off. I guess he feels as bad as Vicky does about it, but I hope he doesn’t do anything drastic. I might do it myself in order to see you before I leave for any place, but I know it doesn’t pay. There is no consolation in saying that it is nice country either. We can’t expect to stay here very long. I figure after we finish our target shooting, we will go someplace. As I said before, this week your attitude undergoes a slow change. You begin to feel that you would rather be any place but here. If you have to do something, why not do it and get it over with. You have to be so consistent here. If you are good, no one says anything but if you are bad, they almost bite you heard off.
After night drill last night we had coffee and – which was something we very seldom have. It was after ten thirty and so it tasted good. We are supposed to be having a lot of drill on the big guns, but I swear I don’t do a thing. I don’t even have to write anything. It’s tiresome and my mind is continually wandering off to East Hartford. All morning and afternoon today, some of the jokes that are told would make you blush. Not me but you. You are the bashful one. Imagine with all the girls in the world, I have to pick a bashful one. But don’t let me kid you. I love you more than ever. If you weren’t, I’d probably give you a spanking. You could wear pants that are a little easier to get off. Or better still, you could leave them off altogether when I come down. Is that bad?
There is going to be a parade in Boston Sat. and Battery H is going to take it in. It’s going to be in the morning and so it won’t interfere with my pass at night. I still won’t say for sure whether or not I’ll be down. I’m going in and see the 1st sergeant to see if I can’t have Sunday off. Maybe I will and maybe I won’t. Don’t forget I seen you about ten days ago. I can’t be running down there every week just to humor you and of course take care of you. Look what I did to you last time. That should last you a month. Ah well I can’t figure these girls out. Anyway, if I don’t get down don’t worry and remember I’ll be thinking of you. Love you so much.
All my love,
Leonard
Next letter Monday, June 1, 1942
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