February 11, 1942

Dear Mother and Dad,

Received your letter today. I have been wondering what your answer would be. From all indications, I think I will be justified by getting into something now before I am drafted. I had the plant officials draw up my termination papers last night. Friday will be my last day with good old Lockheed. I hate to leave but then can't get sentimental at a more-or-less critical point in my destination.

I know three or four fellows--very good men--the type you would think Lockheed would want to keep--that have been classified 1-A subject to call within the next month. Whether the company has tried to keep them or the draft board has just taken them now one knows, but thinks the draft commission has just taken them.

Haven't made up my mind what I would like to get into. When I quit I told the officials that I was going to have my eyes remedied and try to get into the Air Corps.. At any rate, I would like to get where I could get a commission. We'll discuss it when I get home.

Last night I talked with the supervisor after we went over my tool card--the list of tools I have got out. I asked him if Lockheed would give me a letter of recommendation. He said that they didn't give them, but would always have a record of my work which would serve as a reference. Later, back at my post, my lead-man told me that I had gotten one of the highest recommendations Lockheed gives a man. Now I am bragging and above all, don't expect you to believe it.

Am getting my belongings together and I am afraid I will have to ship some of them home in a box. If I do, I will send them Thursday or Friday. wanted to leave here Saturday sometime. Will let you know my departure and arrival--- Love Tom

Newspaper Clipping sent home with February 4 letter

Newspaper clipping Tom sent home:

War Factory Workers Face Army Draft

Southland Defense Industries Must Recruit 75,000 From Ranks of Exempt and Women

Seventy-three per cent of the men now working in war plants are of draft age, and those under 25 "may well expect to be put into uniforms" in the very near future.

And since war production industries in Los Angeles and the Southland will require the services of men over and under the draft ages, and women.

These and other vital points were made yesterday by David T. Babcock, chairman, and Burt Harnish, executive officer, of the Area Labor Supply Committee, at a manufacturing and industrial group luncheon at the Chamber of Commerce.

"REQUEST" FIRST MOVE

"The time is near." declared Babcock, "when it may become necessary to take skilled workers from non defense industries and place them in war production plants.

"I expect the first move will be in the form of a "request". If compliance is not satisfactory, stronger methods may be used, such as an all-out labor priority program."

Referring to the large percentage of draft-age men working in war industries, he commented: "Until the present, the defense plants have been getting the "cream of the crop" and leaving the Army the remainder. This is to be reversed."

Industry must begin training men over 36, and women, to take the places of these men who are inducted into the armed forces, he added.

"California's laws relative to women working are causing us some trouble" he continued. "These must be relaxed, at least for this emergency. We do not want to bread down social gains, on a permanent basis.

"At present, the laws are that women cannot be worked more than eight hours a day, and must be paid time and one-half if employed between 11 p. m. and 6 a. m."

He suggested that these laws be waived, for the duration, in plants where war production is carried on, exclusively.

"We are up against it," he declared. "Governor Olson refused absolutely to put anything referring to labor in the special session call of the State Legislature."

Springing up of war production units throughout the nation, resulting in high-pay employment, is a serious threat to agriculture, Harnish remarked.

"Shortage of tires is another factor," he added. "The migrant farm worker will hot be able to cover the country as in former times."

Recommendation that the Federal Government relax to some extent the rigid requirements for birth certificates for war plant workers was agreed upon at the meeting.

Age limitations and physical requirements are gradually being made less exacting, as the demand for labor becomes more acute, the officials declared.

February 4, 1942

Dear Mother and Dad,

Here is the letter that I promised I would write Sun. Sorry--I can still remember what I did over the weed-end, though, so will do my best to tell you about it. I just finished my after dinner walk, listening to Bob Hope, and eating my apple for the day--feel like a caged mountain lion with night and darkness as my barrier. Say, what kind of talk is that?

Now for the news: Sat. night the boys came over about eight O'clock. We settled in my room and took the bull by the horns--"slung the bull"--for about two hours. At ten, imaginations exhausted, we decided to go over to Hollywood and see Whitlock. Strange enough he was home--we talked, again, and played poker. I lost ninety cents--and then, at quarter to twelve or so, we went out and got something to eat and took in a midnight show. I spent the remainder of the morning with "Whitty".

Sun., back home with the boys at 404, events begun about three. We all piled into the twins car and went out to dinner. Nelson and I ate frogs legs which upset our stomach for the day. We rode out to the ocean and took a look at the waves we had been reading so much about in the papers and then came home. Some of the boys went out again, I read the paper and talked with the older folks down stairs--came up to my room--read the funnies--slept--and then went to work.

This letter isn't going to ramble on like this any longer--I hope. Since I haven't been able to do any studying, I have been giving my future some serious thought. My conclusion is simple, and I think, best. I am going to come home to register--quit my job--spend some time at home--and then enlist in something. I am sending a clipping which will give you some idea of the position of the defense worker. Boys are being drafted from the plant now. By quiting my job and coming home, I think I can get into a good phase of the Army. At any rate, I don't want to be drafted as a private in the rear ranks. I have talked to too many privates.

This is probably a startling bit of news, but, I think, as I said before, it will be best. It isn't a spur of the moment, impulsive, idea. I have genuinely and seriously considered it for some time.

Think I will run down stairs and steal another apple. Write soon and tell me what you think. I don't think I am making a mistake. Love, Tom

P.S. I tore the top of the other sheet turning my paper. I had to copy my letter over or do I have to tell you that I did.

February 1, 1942

Dear Mother and Dad,

Received your swell letters this week. Quit bragging about the snow and cold weather. In this tropical climate it makes me home-sick for my boards and boots. Sorry I haven't written sooner. Have been threatening to every night this week. Here it is my dead line for clearing the week so nothing can stop me now.

Wed., when I received your letters, I got up and started to write. When I completed the first line, Andy came bounding in and said "What the H--- are you doing up? How would you like to ride down to the ship yards with me while I pick up some plans?" The next thing I new I had on my cleaner shirt and was riding south enjoying the weather and the sunshine---the first time I had seen it this week. I planned to write the letter after dinner.

We drove through ten miles of oil fields and over rolling green hills. The scenery was beautiful but marred by the stench of the oil. From the tops of the higher hills you could see the ocean. The color combination of the green hills, the pale blue sky, and the deep blue ocean was a contrast of colors--artistic grandeur. However, I wouldn't like to see such a color scheme in clothing or the likes. Andy was driving about seventy and eighty miles an hour and we reached Los Angeles harbor in short order.

The stench of oil was soon quenched by that of fish and the smell of production and dust. We started up the harbor from the western end. We weren't over five hundred feet from the waters edge at any time--we saw L.A. ship yards, Consolidated, and California ship. The weighs--the forms the ships are built in before they are launched--settled practically the entire harbor front. Men looked like ants or flies working around the huge cranes and mammoth weighs. The streets in that area are, bustling with activity and the little towns look like boom towns. When we left, we got caught in the shift change--four O'clock--and were swept from the harbor district to L.A.--thirty miles away--in forty five minutes. At five thirty we were home. Instead of writing to you after dinner I went to bed to rest my eyes and go to work a bundle of energy.

My eyes have been feeling better since I stopped reading at night. I manage to read something every night but only a paragraph at a time. Went bowling one night last week with some of the boys from the plant; had a lot of fun but can't say much for my score. From the bowling alleys we went directly to work on the side. Have been making good record since my butch and have now got a crew as fast as any on the graveyard. The boys aren't quite sure of themselves yet but they seem to understand what they are doing. With a little prompting from their instructor they manage to get out two skins a night--the quota. Now I'm bragging again. Starting last night I got a four cent raise per hr. and am now classified as a junior craftsmen. Still bragging.

Tonight is my night off. I got up at three this afternoon determined to write. I picked up my laundry while I was having my room cleaned, got a bite to eat, and helped the Landlord fix a leaky pipe on the bathroom basin. Haven't made any plans for tonight but intend to do something. A couple of the boys from the basement I run around with occasionally, are coming up and, I think, we are going ice skating. Dinner is ready and I think it is rabbit. Will drop another line tomorrow and tell you about tonight. Am in a writing mood. Maybe I ought to try writing a story. Oh yes, I balanced my books today for the year "41" and am out fifty cents, so I chalked it up to depreciation. I made seven hundred and forty six dollars for the year, lacking four dollars of the minimum requirement for taxation. Am being paged for dinner. Love, Tom

January 24, 1942

Dear Mother and Dad,

As usual, just finished dinner, but tonight I didn't just sit around the dinner table after the meal in the regular bull session. I walked up to the grocery store and got my check cashed. When I got back the session was still in full swing, I joined it, made plans for tomorrow night, which consist of calling on a sick friend of Andy's just now got settled in my room for the evening--eight thirty.

And, also as usual, there isn't any news to speak of outside of the war. This sick friend that I mentioned, is a girl friend of Andy's. She had her appendix removed. I mentioned the fact that we ought to go and cheer her up. Andy took me seriously, so that is what we will do. She is an old school girl chum of his and doesn't know many people in L.A.

I have been wondering lately if you ever hear anything from Bud Christensen. I don't know his address, and would appreciate it very much if you would phone her father or m other and get it for me. Would like to hear from the "rum-dum".

It has taken me exactly two hours to write this letter so far. I wrote the first paragraph and then I listened to "Gang Busters." During the program Big Bill and Tom came in. After the program we chatted for awhile and then went out and got a malt. When we got back we listened to the news and then I started my letter--again. Judging from this letter I am doing nothing but sitting around. To tell the truth that is about all I have been doing for the past week. I went to a doctor last week to see about my eyes. Up to that time they were blood-shot, and when I used them for reading and the likes they made my head ache. About the only thing I have been able to do this week to keep y head from aching at the plant, is just sit, talk and rest my eyes. Am getting tired of just sitting but I guess I can stand it for a while, anyway. If I don't shut up you will think I am going blind. It isn't bad, just boring.

Have got to write a letter to the school tonight and tell them why I haven't sent a lesson in for the past two weeks. I do answer a few questions or read a few pages, though, each night. It's still warm and sunny in this country, and it makes you feel great. Write soon. Love, Tom

January 20, 1942

Dear Mother and Dad,

Just finished dinner and getting my laundry. I started the new week out with a bang and a butch. One of the new fellows that I neglected to watch, for about ten seconds, drilled a hole next to a jig hole--the jug holes are the mating holes or the holes used to bolt the entire wing together at final assembly. Lat night I was given two more new men to teach. I was tearing my hair because they didn't seem to comprehend a thing that I said. Guess they weren't listening, no doubt. At any rate, I hope and think that I can have them all well trained within a month. Out of the seven men that I am teaching there is really only one that I have been able to rely on so far.

Whity phoned me Sat. night. He is staying in an apartment with two other Salt Lake fellows. He is going back to school and the other two work at Lockheed. He told me that he talked to you while he was home and asked me if I liked my new watch. Sounded like a conspiracy. I was getting set to tell him about it just as he asked. Andy, the engineer and new boy in the house--a swell fellow--and I went over to see the boys. When we came home we raided the ice box, and then tucked in, but not until we had read the funny papers.

Sun. morn at the breakfast table Andy asked me if I wanted to go see a couple of old maids with him. I was feeling chipper upon seeing the sun for the first time in a week, so I said that I would enjoy visiting with some of his friends. They turned out to be old maids all right but they were also marvelous company. They are the type that you meet in the skiing areas--hospitable and friendly. One of them is a nurse, second lieutenant, in the Army and the other is in the advertising game. The one in advertising, is connected with the sales department in a department store here. We discussed advertising, and I pinned her ears back a couple of times, concerning mediums and illustrations. She laughed and wanted to know where I got all of my information. I told her and then leaned back and listened while she told me about her job. Andy finished talking to them and we left. We ate, and then came home. I sat around until the sun went down and then went to bed.

Have got to get busy now. Have got to write Vandy a letter, and the fellow who lived here and joined the Army about two months ago, or rather the fellow who got drafted. I feel great and will write soon. Love, Tom

P.S. Got another lesson back today. My grade was a B.

January 15, 1942

Dear Mother and Dad,

What's this? A letter or rather a Christmas card for me, at home, from L.A.! And from a girl too! I didn't know she cared. Will have to phone her and thank her. Thanks for sending it down to me. Guess I had better tell you who she is. The girl is Whity's cousin, a former Salt Laker. Every time I used to go over and see Jack she was usually there, so what else? I got friendly with her and one night Jack got one of his best girls and I got his cousin and we went to a show. Will have to put her name on next years or rather this years list.

Les, the former Salt Lake fellow that I think I told you about in one of my first letters, who moved down here about four years ago with his parents, is going in the Army next week. I just talked to him over the phone and he is going to come over about five thirty. He wants to talk to me about the Ski Patrol. He says if he can't get the type of job that he wants in the regular Army--an office job to keep up his office training--he is going to try to, later, transfer into the S.P. He says if he has to go rugged, he wants to do it up right.

Have got a confession to make, but a darn good excuse for having to make it. Last night I didn't go to work. Mon. I started riding to work with a fellow that gets his sleeping done in the evening just before going to work. Well, last night he didn't show up. At quarter to twelve--the time he should have picked me up--he didn't show. At twelve, the same, and so on until twelve forty five--the dead-line for getting into the plant. I was raving to think that he was so incorrigible not to phone. About the time my anger had reached its peak, I herd him honking out front. I went down stairs and outside, calming myself as I went, and told him he might as well go home and go to bed. He apologized and said his alarm didn't go off. He was so sympathetic I couldn't help but excuse him. We talked for about ten minutes and then I came back in and resumed reading a book that I recently bought on advertising. I phoned the plant and they excused me, so I guess no harm was done. And I don't think it will hurt my record--at least it shouldn't.

That tear at the top of the page if from the sight bars on my typewriter. About two out of every five letters that I write, that usually happens.

Well, that's about all the news for the week. am having a lot of fun and up against a tough lesson. It's taking me over my schedule. Hope to get it done this week-end. Write soon-as if I had to tell you. Love, Tom

January 12, 1942

Dear Mother and Dad,

Just came in from a walk. Nelson, Andy,--Andy is a new fellow here in the house, an engineer, and a grand fellow,--and I just made a tour of the neighborhood. The temperature is and was about seventy five or eighty degrees, the sky is and was clear, and the sunset was beautiful. Andy is now in his room writing home to his parents--his home is S.F.--Nelson is reading a story and waiting to borrow my typewriter, and me, well, I'm proceeding to have some fun writing the news.

Sorry you can't be here to share a little of this warm weather with me. It's funny what eight hundred miles difference makes in the temperature--glad it doesn't make eight hundred degrees difference in the weather! To give you a more vivid picture of how warm it really is, I guess I should tell you how much bedding I used last night--one sheet. If I weren't here I wouldn't believe it. Do you? Gad, I had better shut up about the weather. Just remembered that it is cold back there. Sounds as though I am gloating and turning into a typical Californian.

One of the boys just came in--Chris. He has been working. He had to go out to the Douglas plant today and pile sand bags. He just said: "God Dam, have got to take a shower, have got sand in my hair, in my shoes, down my back and in my shoes". Guess he had a lot in his shoes. He said that the Army is moving more anti air craft guns in and stationing more men on guard Sum-thin' must be brewin'.

Well, there is no news to speak of. Still "hell-bent" or bust for something at the plant, am still pounding at the doors of advertising, and am still having a lot of fun in general. Went to a show last night with the gang here in the house, and am now all set for another week. I haven't received my emblem of merit yet from the school but am expecting it any day. I got another lesson back a few days ago, and, guess what?, got an A. Andy, the new fellow I was telling you about, knows a couple of people who are working in advertising agencies. He is going to introduce them to me. Will tell you about it when I meet them. Write soon and don't freeze your tootsies. Gad, sound just like a native Californian. Love, Tom

January 8, 1942

Dear Mother and Dad,

Just finished another lesson! Have been planning to write to you every day this week. Sorry I haven't written more often these past two weeks. Now to get back in the grove. As one of my new fellows says--"Let's get groovey."

My lessons are getting tough. So tough, that I have to spend four and five hours a night on them to keep up my schedule. I think I have discovered something or maybe it's because I like this course, but the tougher they come, the better I like em': the harder I work, the easier they come. Anyway, it all simmers down to good old hard work and the feeling of accomplishment. That old adage--work a little harder and do a little m ore than the best fellow, is proving itself to me at the plant, too. Now I am bragging. Gad something went wrong with the space regulator--maybe my bragging did it.

Over the next week-end I went to a cowboy feature out in Hollywood. When I got home, Nelson was in from work, so we went out and got a bite to eat, bought some funny books, came home and got into bed, read the books until about three, and then talked until sun-up. After that we tucked our torsos in for the day. I slept all day Sat., and Nelson said he didn't work very hard, so we came to the conclusion we had more pep than a couple of caged panthers--the result was our staying up all night. When we got up Sun. night, Nelson went to Hollywood to hear Tommy Dorsey--a dance band--and I resumed my studies until twelve. Then I started punching in a new week at the plant.

Some variety has reached old 404 at last. Over the week-end a couple of good looking gals moved in. I don't know them too well as yet, but I intend to get acquainted. I have a kick, though! Now I have to shave when i go to dinner.

The rent went up on the 1st as did everything else in this country. Instead of the usual eight a week, now I am paying nine. It's well worth nine, though, and under the circumstances--prices soaring--I don't mind at all. Probably wouldn't be making the money I am, if it weren't for the boom.

Am still hell bent on getting the best possible rating I can for the time I have been at the plant. Have gone speed "nutty" or at least that's what the boys say. If I possibly can, though, I am going to have the fastest, most efficient, thorough crew on the graveyard.

Have got some reading I want to do before I go to work and if I write anymore I won't be able to finish it. Now I'm bragging again. All's well, write soon, and I will do the same. Love, Tom

January 3, 1942

Dear mother and Dad,

Just got back from a show! Last night at the plant a group of us decided we would get together this afternoon and see a show. Was a good show, and we had a lot of fun ribbing each other as is our manner---Have made a lot of acquaintances to date at the plant and the boys are a great bunch of fellows. the best news of all, though, is yet to come. Starting last Mon. I became a full fledged instructor, with about five new fellows to instruct. The work is easy and a lot of fun. I have more responsibility now but I love it. Where I used to be responsible for only myself I am responsible now for the five. As yet I am not getting an increase in pay and won't until I get y first six month training period review. If my review is successful and my past record warrants a raise according to their pay standards then I will get a raise. Am hoping, but if I don't get what I expect, I am not going to cry--am going to keep on plugging. Now I'm bragging or preaching--will change the subject and tell about my holidays. Main thought is, though if I work hard enough I might get classified as a key man in defense industry.

My holidays consisted of two days off,--Christmas and the following Sun. I had to work New Years but then I didn't mind--I didn't' especially have anything to do--saved money as well as earned double time for working the holiday. Christmas was a big day for me. I had a new watch to show off,--my proudest possession--which made it a complete day. Different fellows I know in this still warm sunny country, either from the plant or Salt lake dropped in. Whooped it up with the boys in the house and the boys from the plant, talked over old times with the boys from home, and got fairly stewed before going to work. Felt good in time to go to work but some of the fellows were in poor shape. In fact, even my Foreman was plastered. As far as everyone was concerned, with the exception of the boys I work with, I was one of the few boys who came to work sober. Added prestige, I hope. There I go again.

Want to thank you again for the watch. I have a hard time telling you how much I appreciate it because I am so proud of it and it means so much to me. I can't seem to find words other than thanks. Guess I became flabbergasted every time I think about it. Thanks again--it's a present I will never forget.

Am feeling fine, fit, and that usual winter cold I used to have at home hasn't haunted me in the least this year--guess it's the climate. Am still romping along with my course, and have got a routine now that you might call a rut, but, which keeps me well occupied and happy.

Got a letter from Vandy today. She devoted half of her letter to y our phone call and wants me to thank you for calling. I think she appreciated it very much. You ought to drop over to see her. Love, Tom

December 23, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

Just finished dinner and the regular evening bull-session. Discussed the recent bombings off our coast and our chances of holding our jobs which seem rather promising. Tonight is my last night of work. We get paid tonight--happy thought--and I am going to hang one of my dirty old wools under the tree. Mrs. Wilson has a small tree and all borders will be present to catch Santa.

I should have written this letter sooner--sorry. Finally got all of my presents in the mail--sent Louise and Ellen some colored table cloths--Dick and Bob some hand bordered handkerchiefs--and Vandy a wrist watch. Went overboard on the wrist watch but she is certainly worth it. Received your package last Sat. but didn't open it. Sun., didn't open it, Mon. , didn't open it. Tues., Thanks a million: Without a doubt, it is the most wonderful present a fellow could ever get. Sorry that I didn't wait or couldn't wait but I was busting with curiously. It makes my Christmas a complete one--well almost--even though I can't make it home.

If you ever get a chance I want you to do a little explaining for me to Vandy. Last Sat. I wrapped all of my presents and went down to the post office and mailed them. That is, I mailed all but one--Vandy's watch. The post-man wouldn't insure it the way it was wrapped, so I went to the nearest jeweler and got some equipment to mail it in. Upon completing the job of re-wrapping I discovered that I didn't have enough tissue paper to pack it tight so I went into the nearest cocktail lounge and bought a dimes worth of a little cocktail tissue. And with those I completed the job. She is going to wonder and so are her parents if she opens the present under the tree Christmas morning. As I planned, I hope it goes off as a gag and doesn't make Vandy or her family agog.

Now to do a little more explaining. The glassware I sent to you should be divided thus, the rose drinking glasses are for you mother and the cocktail set is for you Louise. Sorry I couldn't say so with the shipment but I had them sent directly from the store. I didn't send the boys any present Boby and Gary, and Boby, but tell them that I will make up for it.

There isn't much news, am feeling great, and still getting along swell at work. Merry Christmas and thank you again for the watch. Reached me in fine shape and makes my Christmas truly a complete one. Love, Tom

December 18, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

Well, just like I was saying, I am going to try and write more often. Looks like I'm off to a good start. I won't tell you anything that I have heard about the war because, mainly, you probably know more about it than I do. The radios have been off all day and I haven't heard a blasting thing. Last night only a few of the airplane factories were open and at the ones that were open, black-outs prevailed. At Plant number two, my plant is about the safest spot in L.A., secluded in the eastern part of the city, out of the airplane industry section, word was passed around by the lead men that there might possibly be a blackout, and that if there was one, to drop everything you were doing and not move. Anyone caught moving, they stated, would be fired. Well, we didn't have a blackout. The location of the plant determined that ---it was about the only plant in the Pacific area that didn't have one.

I just heard the President speak (Franklin Roosevelt) Sounds as though we've got a real fight on our hands.

The Lockheed paper stated today, in a round about way, that they would fight to keep their men where they are. Sounds good. At any rate, I am just going to sit tight.

After the President's speech, one of the twins and I listened to a news broadcast, and when he heard that the country had stopped producing tires, he bolted out of the room hollering that he was going to buy a new set before the word got around.

I got some more good news from the school today. They are going to let me have what they call their "emblem of merit", which is judged by the first three months record. Can you imagine---me---It is a pin, made of fourteen karat gold with a red and gold setting.

From the looks of things now, I don't think I will be able to come home Christmas. Looks like I will be working seven days a week; but then I don't mind under the circumstances. Speaking of giving hints for presents, why don't you give me a few? Am going wild over some of my decisions.

I am going to try to write a letter or two to someone every night, and Louise, if you find anything in my style, which I am sure you will, and if you want to call it a style, let me know. Would appreciate it.

Am inspired by the school, feel safe and secure at least for the present, about my work, am feeling fine, and now I am going to dig in an see if I can't get another lesson in this week. Thus far, I have covered about a fourth or a third of my course. It is a lot of fun to work and study this course. Why didn't you tell me about it sooner? Write soon and I will do the same. Love, Tom

December 15, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

Am still sitting tight. And am just going to continue doing so until something more-or-less definitely hinders my doing so. Not much can be determined to date but from the reports in the newspapers concerning the new draft regulations i judge that in the very near future I will have something definite to determine the course of action I may take--vital defense or home defense.

I have read over the questionnaire, in fact I have it in front of me now--had to check the spelling of questionnaire, and the entire set-up intrigues me very much. Fellows are leaving the air-craft industry every day to enlist because they don't think they will get another deferment and they want to choose that branch of the service that appeals to them---that they are fitted for---otherwise they seem to think that they will not get in to the type of service they want. I guess I will have to register now, so I am going to get ready to enlist in the Ski Patrol. I think that it is the wisest thing to do because the government might speed up and clamp down on the inductment program. At any rate I want to do my part and be where I am best fitted.

During the past few days painters have been going over the windows of the plant with black and white paint. First they sprayed the windows white to give better reflection on the inside and then they pained them black. This all took place on the outside! When I went to work last night I hardly new where to get off the street-car it was so black, in fact I got off a block to soon, as did a number of other fellows. Will have to find myself another land mark. Am still having a lot of fun at work and thinks look promising in a way and not so promising in another. They are hiring boys under twenty one and women exclusively. It is promising that I might get a better position out of it while they are in training and not so promising when you think that after after they a re trained they can be used to replace you.

A new fellow moved into the house the other day. He is about twenty five, is very brilliant in accounting from all that he says, and he resembles the book-worm in every respect. He is now studying for a C.P.A. rating, and is very thick concerning life in the raw. He is likeable, though--his name is Tom---hm-m-m I wonder, now I am getting cocky--had better stop. That just about sums up everything of importance. Haven't quite completed Christmas shopping and still don't know whether I can come home for Xmas. Am feeling great and will write soon. Love Tom

December 11, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,
Sun. again, and as usual I am just sitting around, partially dressed, and relaxing. Just finished addressing my Christmas cards and now for the news.

At present, reclined on my bed, I am listening to tunes by Victor Herbert. The position I am in with this typewriter on my lap is anything but comfortable. Am going to move my hulk and my machine to my desk.

The novelty of this first outburst of the war has worn off now and the people in this country are settling down to their tasks with grim determination. At first they all took it frivolously. One fellow ran into a store where I was the night of the first blackout and bellowed that he wanted to report the first casualty---said he had lost his hat. Every one you talk to is enlisting in some form of defense.

Last night I went on my first date. I took a Salt Lake girl to the Palladium, a big dancing or I should say ballroom where all of the big bands in this country are sooner or later engaged. Her name is Lois Brown and she is a beauty. She went to the U. during my first year. Then moved down here with her mother and has been living here since.

Whity came up yesterday afternoon and we dated her up for me and a girl friend of hers for him. Hardly knew how to act I have been living around men so long.

Got one of my lessons back yesterday on layout as as usual, note the casualty, got an A. Am getting well into this advertising course now. Have completed about a third of it. I guess I told you about the emblem of merit they are giving me. I was informed of it before I wrote my last letter. I must be slipping if I didn't tell you about it.

I got a letter from Louise a few days ago and she states that all is well. There is no news to speak of. All is well here. Am having a lot of fun, and I still don't know whether I can make it home for Christmas. Will try to let you know in my next letter. Write soon and I will do the same. Love, Tom

December 9, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

Have got a half-an-hour before I go to work, read over my lesson after dinner, finished my reading about nine thirty, and since, have been listening to the latest developments.

I was listening to a broadcast and the commentator was going to divulge some information concerning the third shift defense workers when one of the twins came in and changed the station on the radio. I tried to find the station again, but couldn't find the familiar tone of the commentators voice. I guess I will hear about it though if it was important.

Yesterday we went out riding. We drove past the various airplane factories, or that is we drove as close as the Army would permit. They had blocked all roads within walking distance of the factories and Big Bill ask one of the soldiers how he could get into work and the soldier told him he could get in if he could properly identify himself. Near the factories anti-air craft has been mounted, search lights, and the like, and the detachments have pitched their pup-tents in the adjoining fields.

On the way home we were stopped by a police car at an intersection and they asked us for identification as they did everyone else. We talked to the police for awhile--in fact we became quite friendly--and then headed for home.

When the news first reached this country, the police and the firemen immediately went into action by surrounding the Japanese districts looking for any type of subversive activity. Reports over the radio said that they picked up a few of the devils.

When I went to work last night I had to identify myself through a maze of guards. Took me a little longer than usual, was interesting, and extremely exciting.

They are going to reclassify everyone at the plant again, soon, now, and those that are not absolutely essential in defense will be drafted by the Army. If they rate me as Army fodder I am going to quit and come back to Salt Lake and join something like the Coast Guard. We will give that some thought, but is inevitable the best. Am feeling fit and now I have got to go to work. Will try to write more often and give you the low down. Love, Tom

December 4, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

Just finished a lesson. Started on it about two weeks ago, worked on it every night, and finally wound it up tonight. Am happy to get this one in the mail and over with because it consisted of laying out two full sized newspaper advertisements, and getting my ideas on paper like I want them is no easy job. Am still having a lot of fun with my course and the intriguing features are, I am finding, the toughest features, which I intend to get down pat. I got a letter from the school today. It was signed by the advertising head and the content stated that I had received five dollars on account from the school for, what they termed, an excellent record for the first three months--can you imagine!

Have got about fifteen minutes before I take off for work so will have to write fast.

Received your last letters and they were both swell. They both read as though you are keeping busy and having fun, but I read between the lines this time, and your accepted advice seemed to come right from the heart. Now I am getting sentimental--but I do want to say that they pepped me up and if I possible can I am going to hang my stocking up, like I said before, in my old hangout.

I am going to tell you another strange thing about me. Working is still a pleasure. Even working while the rest of the world sleeps. am having a lot of fun at the plant and am getting to k now the boys better each day.

The other night the landlady came up and got me and ask me to come down in the living room. There were a couple of muscle men working out on flat boards. I almost broke into laughter when I first saw them. They worked out on the boards and gave a sales talk while they did so. They are for exercising stomach muscles and to keep the digestive system in shape. When they left, they left four boards for trial and approval. I have worked out on them a couple of times. The exercises are easy, and they actually make you feel good. The exercises you do are about like the ones I used to do in the living room after school.

Well, have got to run. Am going to stop saving money, now, until Christmas is over. Have got $125 to date. Write soon and I will do the same, in fact I'll bet I get the next letter off before you do. That is, I will, if you don't write before tomorrow night. Love, Tom

December 1, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

Just finished dinner and bowling a couple of lines. I am going to relax tonight and just sit. Might do a little reading, but first I am going to tell you what I have been doing.

A week a go I joined the bowling team at Lockheed. We bowl every Saturday morning after work. Each team consists of four men and believe it or not I got slapped on a team the first day. This will kill you. Rumor has it that Larsen will be the best bowler on the team when he learns how to pick up his spares. My average for last week was 143 for three games--the average is taken from total pins from the high score of three hundred, and for this week my average was 179. Combining the six games for two weeks of bowling gives me an average thus far of 161. It's a lot of fun and gives me exercise other than working.

If anyone asks you if they can borrow my ski equipment tell them you sent it to me and the only thing you could let them take is an old pair of wool socks with holes in the heels and toes. Skiing hasn't started yet, but when it does I will send for my equipment. Lockheed has a ski club and they want new members and new talent. They have some of the best skiers in the nation in the club. I am going to join it when they have their first meeting or rather I should say next meeting. They have had several if I remember correctly.

Say, your idea about me hanging my stockings in my old hang out is the best thing I have heard yet. Know one knows yet, but rumor has it that we get three and one half days for the Christmas. I won't know for sure until a week or so to come but I am more-or-less planning on it. Always hope for the best: another of my mottos. Tonight I am going to ask them for a couple of days off for Christmas and by doing so I will find out how many days we get off, maybe. If we don't get any I am going to ask for a week. That almost comes out even.

Am having a lot of fun, learning , at least I think I am, about people in general. Am still plugging at my lessons, and am trying to still be the best man at work. Now I am bragging again. Write soon and if I possible can I will see you Christmas. Love, Tom

P.S. Oh, I almost forgot, think I am gaining a little weight. Haven't weighed recently by I feel heavier.

November 24, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

Just finished another lesson--have got an hour and a half that I don't know what to do with myself in--just read your letter over again--and decided it's about time I was writing another letter. I haven't been writing as much as I used to and I am awfully sorry for that--guess it's my course.

Had a turkey dinner yesterday as part of the Thanksgiving celebration, went to a show with Nelson and Dick Scovelle, another Salt Lake fellow, came home and worked on my course for awhile, and then took off for work.

Am sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling good mother. Hope you are feeling better when this letter arrives. Your letter was swell. Full of that good old news that I like to hear and plenty long which I like. Thank you for the clippings. It was fun to read over them and fun to reconsider and live the memories they evoked. You took good care of my letters and I will send some more as soon as I get them. Thank you for sending them back. I appreciate it. Will give me something to show my grand kids.

Have they started the Christmas celebration in Salt Lake yet? Here, the streets are decorated and lighted, and all the advertising and talking has turned to Santa Claus. Tonight they are having the big annual Christmas parade in Hollywood, which will be loaded with movie stars. A bunch of the boys went over but I didn't have time. Wanted to finish my lesson and write you this over-due letter, which is a lot of fun to write.

Still, we are having sunshine and warm weather. The sky is a chronic deep blue--how do you like that adjective Louis---? The nights get a little chilly but I wear my heavy ski shirt which nothing penetrates. I have been wearing my ski shirt to work for the past couple of weeks. When I first started no one wore them. Now every one in the plant is getting them. Some fellows ridiculed me for the flashy colors but it is beyond that now because the interior of the plant looks like the boys all came in off the slope. Working is still a lot of fun and am still hoping for my instructors rating. We get reclassified some time this month.

Well, tonight is the last night of the week. Then tomorrow when I get up I will read over my next lesson and then Wally Romney is coming over. He has been down her for about tow months. He is fitting ships, or that is he is learning to, at Long Beach.

Will write you a letter Sun. and tell you about Sat.--hm--hm tonight is Fri. That sounds silly. Be good and I hope to hear from both of you soon. Love, Tom

P.S. Am sorry to hear that Louise couldn't make it. She wrote and told me that she probably wouldn't be able to because the people she was coming with lost a member of the family and couldn't make it, but she said she was going to try to make it for Christmas.

Letter 28, November 17, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

I want to tell you what this room looks like before anybody moves, so I will tell you now. There are five fellows including myself. We have been reading funny books and funny papers since nine-thirty this morning. Nelson is sitting in his shorts with a cigarette in one hand and a Superman comic book in the other. The twins are sitting on my bed and Buddy--Buddy is the fellow who is living with Nelson and I now--is laying in his bed reading the Phantom comic book. Nelson's radio is going and now the boys are starting to move Nelson is getting ready for the shower, one of the twins just threw a comic book down and said: "it's hard to believe", the other twin is changing the radio, and buddy is getting dressed.

I wrote all that to try to get into a writing mood. I hope it worked.

That new suit of yours sounds like a honey Louis. What do you get mama? You can't go with a dude unless your as well dressed.

The twins sent for their ski clothes about a month ago and they arrived last Thursday. They both proudly brought them in and showed them to Nelson and I. I thought I was going to break out into uproarious laughter when I first saw them but I restrained myself. Their pants are dark blue, heavy woolen fabric, with heavy rubber bands around the bottom. They are built for cut on the order of a two year old's snow suit. Their jackets are of the same material with rubber bands around the waist to keep the snow from getting under the jacket. All total, their ski suits are the most cumbersome suits I have ever seen. And to top it all off, they told me they had some band new strand skis. Stramd skis are flat tops, made of white pine--about as durable as snow itself. When they left the room Nelson and I almost ruptured our vocal cords laughing. They came back and suspiciously ask us what was so funny--I told them Nelson just told me a joke.

Well, everyone in the house wants to go eat and I am not going to argue with them. I will complete my letter on a full stomach.

Back again. Now the boys are all back in the room. We are listening to Jack Benny. When the program ends we are going to a picture show. Then I will mail this letter. There re4ally isn't any news. You probably read about the earthquake and the P-38 that crashed--as I did--am having a lot of fun and still trying to get a lot done. Hmm a poet.
Love, Tom

P.S. Sorry I can't make it home for this Thanksgiving. Have a good time and don't eat to much . As usual, am late mailing my mail.

Letter 27, November 11, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

Sorry I haven't written sooner. Have been planning to write for the past three or four days, but something always comes up. I set a dead-line for doing this and doing that and today is the dead-line for my writing home.

Your letters were both swell. You both gave me so much good old solid advice and encouragement that I look upon everything with that never say no (or die) attitude. Have got another ambition now. If I can settle my transportation problem I am going to take a course in writing of some kind in one of the colleges next quarter. If I could go to school for an hour or so each day, right after I get off work, it would round out my day perfectly, and wouldn't press me to much for time.

I guess you have read about the soldiers being in L.A. for the weekend. They have come from all the coast camps. We went down town to a show Sat. night and every other person was or were three soldiers. Reads like I am trying to say everything in one sentence. Looked mighty good to see them take over. To anyone not knowing the state of affairs today, this city would have appeared to be a city made up of soldiers and sailors. All total, though, it even gave a young buck like me a feeling of security. We discussed this country's growing defense, walked into Persian Square--the U.S.O. center of L.A. --wholeheartedly contributed to the cause. Bought a couple of soldiers a drink, ask them if they knew Lefsay, Harris or some of the boys, and then went to the show. When we got out the soldiers were just getting a good grip on the night-life of the city. We saw a soldier and a sailor walking down the street arm in arm--rather, supporting each other--got a sandwich at a drive-in-stand, and then came home.

I worked on my course yesterday from the time I got up until I went to work. I made my first layouts--complete--and reviewed the highlights of the course from the very beginning. Tonight I am going to try to get in another lesson, and then write a theme on something. Think I will describe my desk and then send it home to you---I'll send my description of it, too. Got another lesson back the other day and am so pleased with it that I am going to send home the letter that they sent with it. It is the most encouraging letter they have sent yet. Now I'm bragging! Don't forget, I want my letter back--I am going to frame it.

I got a letter from Louise the other day. She seems very happy, and it seems that I owe her a letter, so I am going to write it now and then mail it with yours on my usual after dinner walk. Love, Tom

Letter 26, Halloween, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

Celebration over for this little "graveyard-er". Due to my "Topsy turvy" routine of living I did my celebrating this morning. I will tell you about it, but it's apt to be a little "shady" in parts, so, you will just have to excuse it.

This morning when I got home from work I found one of the twins sitting on the "throne" apparently in distress. He looked at me and asked me if I would do him a favor. I told him yes, because I was in a good mood over what I learned at work last night, which I will tell you about later. The twin asked me if I would get him some toilet paper. An idea "popped" into my mind immediately and I walked to the other bathroom opposite the one he was in, around the balcony at the top of the stairs, took hold of the toilet paper and proceeded to take the long way back to the twin. I passed in and out of every room, leaving my trail marked by that white ribbon. Finally, when i decided that I had just about exhausted the role, I made it for the twin, handed him the paper, washed my hands, and went down to breakfast. It was still draped all over the second story when I went to bed, and the twin had gone to work. It was gone when I got up this afternoon, everyone made a comment of every degree, and all enjoyed the prank, of which the land lady still doesn't know the instigator.

Just finished typing out one of my lessons and am going to enclose a piece of copy--my first--for Louis' criticism. And mother I want you to read it and see if it excites your interest and sustains it until the particulars are given concerning the product itself. I want all the criticism I can get from here on, of the copy I mass together, so when every I write any, I am not only going to send it to the school, but home to you two as well, for your approval and criticism. I am also going to enclose with this letter the letters I have been receiving, and also the marks of each lesson. Am rather proud of them and maybe it will give you some idea of how I am progressing. I would appreciate it, though, if you would send the letters back because I want very much to keep them in my file and returned lessons.

Last night at work I was earnestly drilling away ant my lead man came up to me and we had quite a chat. It all started out by his telling me a joke, and then me telling a better one, and then him telling one, and then me, and then him and, well he didn't let me better him, he changed the subject. He told me he had to figure out who his new instructors were going to be and to what men they would be assigned. He actually confided in me, and ask me who I thought would be the best men and where. We worked out two inboard crews and one outboard crew, and when we started on the second outboard crew he stopped me. Said he was going to give it to me. That is, he is going to if he can because he can trust me for good work and he likes the way I get along with the fellows. Can you imagine? He said he wanted me to train all the new men coming in and pick the best of them. Only the best are kept they tell me. I really often wonder at times why they kept me. When he left he said he was looking forward to such a set up in the near future, but it if doesn't "pan" out that way, he said, you will know that there is only one reason why, and that is that you haven't been with us long enough. Am hoping, anyway.

Am practically debt free--am completely outside of my type writer and my course, and have saved abut sixty five or sixty dollars to date. Will know exactly when I get my check cashed and living expenses paid.

Now that I have started a new sheet I might as well fill it. I will tell you about various incidences at work.

About a week ago they took about half the men off the crews in the big jigs. The jigs where only the best are kept. Where only the best are kept, is practically the motto around there. Hm, gives me an idea--might stress that point to all new men. Scott, my lead-man would probably like the idea too. They took the so-called best groups and told them before they brought any new men in, they were going to teach them framing, skinning, and riveting. They seem to think that by doing so they can develope speed and perfection later on. I am leading up to another tale, think I will swing into it about now.

I was vigorously riveting away on a skin had just finished drilling, dimpling--each hole is dimpled so the wing will have a perfectly smooth surface when the flush head rivets are put in--and trimming. The man I had bucking the rivets was the new man I told you about that they brought in to train for better things. Do you follow me--that comes out even to there, I think, if you use your imagination. He was doing a very poor job, so teasingly I took the bucking bar from him and told him to rivet. I bucked a couple of bays--the spaces between each rib--with marvelous results--all of the rivets were good. The inspector checked them and told me to paint them over. Each rivet is painted with a yellow dope, to preserve them, and to help the rivets resist corrosion. I picked up the little half-pint paint can and it slipped from my hand because the outside was covered with wet paint. I grabbed for it and flipped it at the same time so I wouldn't get paint on my clothes or anyone else's. It flew into one of the bays I had just bucked and splashed over the rivets. Outside of painting my right hand yellow and being slightly sloppy the inspector said it was the fastest job of painting he had ever seen. I had a hard time getting the paint off my hand, and that dried before I could wipe it off--will just have to wear off.

Have go to end this, can't classify it, now in order to dig the letters I am going to send from my file4s and make it to work. Last night I went to sleep about an hour before my "take off" and missed my street -car--was two minutes late. From now on am going to "take off" a little earlier to be absolutely sure of punching in on time. Your letters were both swell, Write soon and I'll do the same.
Love, Tom

Letter 25, October 27, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

How are you two this gloomy and rainy evening? You say you are in for a tough winter. Your not so different. L.A. has had two inches of rain fall in the past week with no sign of a let up in sight. They tell me these early signs of winter, are also, signs of long and wet ones. Let er" rain. I'm prepared and it means more snow in the mountains--10 inches to date.

Which reminds me, if Jimmy Howell inquires about his ski again, tell him it's in Sugden's garage. I intended to match it up with my only good down mountain ski. Then when I got my new skis, as I had planned to get, we were going to sell the matched pair and split the profits, or keep them for emergencies. I told him before I left that they were in sugden's garage. I have got my ski poles there, also, if I remember correctly. I would appreciate it very much if you would save the bindings, irons, --too irons--and poles and I am sure that the Sugdens' wouldn't mind your snooping in their garage. Luggi bindings and Hogg ton irons. You can identify the parts by the broken mate in the basement.

Practically every fellow in department 11--my dept--seems to list skiing as his favorite hobby. A lot of us plan on weekend trips soon now, so don't be surprised if I send for my equipment, if there is any of it left from last winter. I can't quite remember what i did wear out and id break. Believe it or not, I think they get started on the icy slopes here as soon as they do in Salt Lake.

We Californians had quite an experience the night before last. Maybe you read about it in the paper. We had the worst earth-quake we have had since the big quake in "33", which rocked Long Beach to the ground. Everything just rocked and rumbled for a few seconds. Outside of the rumbling and rocking it was exciting to say the most.

Well, I could tell you about last week-end, but as usual I went to a show with the boys, lolled around Sunday, and then went to work. Hope to hear from you soon and in the meantime will be more observing so I will have something to write home about.
Love, Tom

P.S. This is rather a late date to be adding a post script but after reading over Wed. letter I decided to keep it until I could add further to it. This week-end gives me a little more to add. Can you remember the Farber twins and Burt Manily? Well, Burt is going to the U.S.C. Dental school and the twins are living in Arcadia, a suburb of L.A. They came over Sat. evening and we went to a show, then after the show, we discussed the good old days. We concluded the evening by making plans for the big Stanford U. C. game which is going to be played on Nov. 8,. Today I lolled around again and read my course, preparing for another lesson. I have been reading and memorizing since about four this afternoon. Now it is ten thirty and I have got to begin to get ready for work. What did you two do today? Did you by any chance phone Vandy? I wrote and told her that she could count on hearing from you in the near future----Write soon and tell me what you have been doing and seeing and I will do the same. Sorry I have been so long in writing. I think it is fun to write home and then again I know it is helping me to develope a style so I will make my letters more frequent than they have been this past week. Love again, Tom

Letter 24 October 27, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

Just finished my usual Sunday evening dinner---chicken---but far from anything like I ever got at home. I typed out one of my lessons this afternoon and when I finished this letter I am just going to relax in the only easy chair in the room and listen to Nelson's radio. Quite the chair! Quite the radio! AND, well I don't know about this letter. I was, also, going to say quite the letter---we'll see. Not a hell--quot Rabelais--has happened since I wrote last. Eat, sleep, and eat, and work, and eat, and sleep again. With the usual show on Saturday and Sunday to do as you please. It pleased me to complete another lesson and now it is pleasing me to write this letter, but what to say---news is scarce.

I might describe to you what L.A. has been like over this week-end. People were buzzing, scurrying, and speeding; silence ans solace were about as easy to find as a pearl in a coal yard; lights were flashing, blurring, and blinking, some streets were dark and dirty and some were light and dirty; Jews were kyking and Kykes were jewing; stores and shoppes were open until nine on Saturday just like a Christmas holiday in good old Salt Lake--but a usual, and casual weekend in L.A. and there was a slight rain storm this afternoon and now it is rather windy, but warm.

What did you two do today? You didn't per-chance ask Vandy to join you did you? I hope.

I must be in a pretty good mood tonight to write such a wild letter, I hope you are when you get it. Have you heard about how the skiing is progressing at Alta or Birghton. It hasn't started here yet but you will know when it starts, when I send for my equipment. A number of the fellows at Lockheed ski and we have big plans for this winter. I haven't told them that I can ski and they seem to think anyone who can negotiate a turn properly, ski in a tournament, or jump is the next thing to Superman. If I haven't forgotten how to jump or turn I am going to have a lot of fun when we go out for the first time. Maybe they are pulling my leg, as I am theirs, not restraining in the least, but somebody is going to have a lot of fun on the first trip out and I hope it is me.

I had my arms on my glasses adjusted to fit me ears a little more comfortably yesterday, bought a pair of shoes, one necessity I was badly in need of---others broke loose in the seams, and have got to send 16 dollars to the school tomorrow. Can't seem to save over $45 dollars, which is my total savings thus far. I haven't seen a football game yet but am going to before this year is over, or bust.

I am still looking forward to coming home sometime between now and Christmas, if I possible can tear myself out of the clutches of the strict regulations, laws, and ruling at the plant without detramenting my personal record. Hope I can make it sometime when Louise is there--then we can have our own little family reunion. Might even get you to send me a telegram saying someone of the immediate family got seriously injured. Want a little further comment on that, though.

Write soon and I will do the same. Love, Tom

P.S. Wrote this last night and missed the mail---got to take off for work--be good, you two, love again, Tom

Letter 23, October 21, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad:

Well, what do ya know? I have finally got myself a typewriter, and still stranger, I didn't buy either an Underwood or a Royal---I bought an L.C. Smith Corona--portable. I am having a hell of a time adjusting my fingers to the key board but in the long run I will appreciate it more. It is transportable; where ever I go I can tote it if necessary, didn't cost as much as the other brands, and I liked their ad better than the others. Cost enough though, sixty five dollars all total.

Have got to hurry. I just finished a lesson and it is just about time I was taking off for work.

Thank you for your letter mother, it was swell. You asked me about the deferments from the army concerning the defence industry. They didn't take the fellow I told you about. They gave him a permanent deferment. Sounds good.

I am still hoping for a work heads job but am not quite as sure now as I was. They have brought a fellow in from the day crew to work with us. He knows a little more than I do about it and has been there two months longer. From tonight, on I am going to find out just exactly what he does know---learn it--and try to learn a little more.

I dare not read over this letter. Probably doesn't make sense. Sorry I had to hurry so and am sorry I have to quite so soon. I will write a long one over the week and you two do the same. You might even call on Vandy if you are just going to ride around. How do you like my new typewriter. Love, Tom

PS Under this new arrangement I get thirty six dollars a week.

Letter 22 - October 8, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

I guess you two are writing today, so I will do the same. Just finished reading over one of my lessons. This is getting tough, but fun. Am getting so I would sooner type out one of these lessons than eat.

Last night I went to a show with Whity and Fagan Taft. Fagan is one of the latest to arrive. He is working in one of the factories as a draftsman on control parts. They are the parts installed in the dash. I say one of the factories because I have forgotten the name of the place. It is one of these many, parts plants, that make all the small parts for airplanes.

The weather is still the same. Bright, warm sunny days cool evenings. The land lady says it should rain any day now. I wish it would so I could get out my new coat and see if it is rain proof as the salesman said it was.

When Nelson and I got up today one of the fellows ask us if we wanted to ride out to Burbank with him. We dressed, ate, and went along. The fellow, Little Wil, had to go see some relations. When we finally left his relatives house it was time for dinner so we drove over to the Lockheed air terminal to eat. They are enlarging the place. Construction is going on in every corner of the building. Even the kitchen, I think, for the food had everything but nails in it---including cement. If you think calcimine spoils a good old dish of canned spaghetti, Louis, you ought to taste oysters with cement. Why don't you make him a dish of it mother, the next time he complains about one of your good old roasts. It's a sure cure for anything.

I want to write to Louise tonight so I had better close----be good. Love Tom

Letter 21, October 4, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

It is now nine O'Clock. Just got up from a two hour nap. Nelson woke me this afternoon and I couldn't go back to sleep so I got up and worked on my course. I haven't heard any results yet, as to how I have been doing, but I just keep sending in my lessons. Have you heard anything? Hm, time will tell, maybe I am too anxious. Am glad that storm didn't reach Salt Lake. The trees there couldn't stand many more storms. The weather here is still peaceful and balmy with the usual warm sunny days and cool evenings. Say what is this all about your getting a tie with the big chain of banks in Seattle? I hope you do. When I learn the business you two can retire and I will run it. You can spend a few years at Whistle-n-Jacks and play around the country in general--that is, if the war will permit me to. Today it looks as though it might. I hope so, anyway. I don't know yet whether I will be able to to come home Thanksgiving. I don't want to ask or it might hurt my personal record, and I wouldn't mind that, but I am hoping for a work heads job. They are the ones that walk around the jugs where they keep the wings and see that construction is going along all right. A thousand more men have been hired at plant no. 2 since the first of September and someone has to show them what to do. They are classifying everyone this week to find out who knows the most about his job--I was one of the first classified and my work head says I have a good chance to become one if they don't shift someone in from another plant. He said I know enough about my job--am hoping. Better get back to the subject. if can possible make it, I won't know until the last minute, but if I can I will be there for that turkey dinner. I went out to the laundry after dinner with Big Bill and got some shirts. The little Japs that clean them had a real problem on their hands. Somehow they had mixed up about five hundred shirts, and shorts, and stockings, and so forth. Mine didn't get in the entanglement but Big Bill's did, and he can't get them for a week--the time it will take three little Japanese boys to sort them. I wish you could have seen the look on the owners face, made me roar that good old Larsen Laughter. Bill was mad but my laughter cheered him up. He hasn't got a clean shirt to put on and can't borrow one because of his brawn. No one is large enough to lend him anything. He says if no one criticises his wearing dirty shirts for the next week he is going to make a habit of it because he could use the money for his car. Oh, I almost forgot. There is a fellow who works with me, now, that looks and is built about like me. He is from Los Angeles. My work head says the only way he knows how to identify us is to look for one that is working---that is Lars---, amazing eh---and one that is clowning---that would be him. He would sooner clown than work. I hope they don't get our personal records mixed, that's all I hope. Well, I had better quite before I end up writing a 'whacky' letter. There is no astounding news, and say, have you seen Vandy yet? Keep me posted on everything you do and see--and write often. Love Tom

PS
Still am using the same typewriter. Guess I will buy it. This letter reads as though I am still asleep.

Letter 20, October 1, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

I haven't written that letter to Louise yet but everything else in Sunday's letter stacks up. I read my lesson again and when I finished it was time to go to work. I even took it with me to read it on the street car. Thus far, my course has covered what the book calls the fundamentals of advertising. It consists mainly of memorizing the elements and stages of advertising and advertising campaigns. It is a little different than the McAdams system but from what I know of the McAdams system they are alike in some respects. I will know better when we get into the actual study of an advertisement.

I have got to have this machine adjusted. The touch is a little heavy--especially on the r.

Last night I was called into the group leaders office and quizzed on everything I should know. It took about an hour. The answers I gave will determine the classification I will get when they put in the new jigs (jigs are the forms or dyes that the wings are made in).

The clown, fellow I was telling you about, was made my partner the other night. He and I were on the fastest crew in--and most efficient--the plant, and now we plan to be the fastest pair in the plant.

He brought a car to work last night and this morning when we got off he asked me if I wanted to ride home with him. So homeward bound I came in a car. It was an old 1930 Buick. I don't know how long this will keep up but he said if he decided to take it everyday he would give me a ride.

Now it is Tuesday!

It didn't take me that long to write Monday's letter. While I was writing your letter I got an idea for the theme that I have to hand in with this lesson-fifth lesson, so I wrote it. It is a description of L.A. I wrote it as Rabelais would, only without the profanity. That is I tried. I want to change it a little but when I finish it I will send it home and let you read it.

Last night at the plant I made my first butch. The material wasn't rejected so it really wasn't a butch but It was my first mistake. I reamed out a half dozen #40 holes #30. I immediately told my lead man, he looked over what I had done and said well it's about time, now everyone in my group has made a butch. "Really thought Larsen," he said "that was uncalled for. You must not have been thinking." I told him I must not have been, and if I ever pulled another bonehead mistake like that I would take a Saturday off. He laughed and said he would remember it. That little resolution gives me a good excuse never to make another one anyway--the one thing I didn't intend to do and don't intend to do it again. Such mistakes don't affect your personal record because they are easily fixed. One of the fellows said, "well, don't worry Larsen, McDonald here has had four skins rejected." I have heard about that and such things as that are absolutely uncalled for.

Well, anyway, I left the plant and as I was getting into Wally's car --Scott--my lead man walked by and said, "now God-Damn it, Larsen, get some sleep tonight, I have got to have someone around here I can depend on." Hope he meant that. It might be indicative of what I am hoping for. Still hoping (?).

By the way I mentioned Wally's car. I am still riding but he says he is going to sell it. I like the street car now, anyway, because I know practically everyone on the line.

This morning when I got on the street car a very good looking girl spoke to me. She had on a college sweater---USC--and had an arm full of books. I spoke and walked back and sat down with the boys. They all made an issue of it--boys will be boys--and ribbed me thoroughly. She kept turning around and smiling--I kept smiling and blushing--and when we reached Broadway--the main street of L.A.--she got off. She smiled when she left and said something but I couldn't hear it for the "smart remarks" the fellows were making. I kept thinking about it all the way home and when I got off the car it suddenly donned on me that I used to know her in High School and my freshman year at the U. Her first name is Virginia and her last, I think, Marshall. Now I am kicking myself for not talking to her.

I just finished dinner and telling the boys some tall tales about Salt Lake. I happened to mention skiing and they asked me if I skied. I said do I ski? Why once I was standing up at the top of the big take off at Ecker Hill cleaning the snow drifts off the run-way with a scoop shovel, and I slipped, lit on the scoop, went spinning down the runway, off the end of the jump, two hundred and fifty feet. That one broke up the bull session after dinner and now I think I had better quite and do a little reading. Write Soon. Love, Tom

Letter 19, September 26, 1941

First Letter Typed on new Typewriter

Dear Mother and Dad,

Got up today, studied my course, ate dinner, wrote Vandy a letter, took a nap, and as soon as I finish this letter I am going to resume my studies. Not much happens around here. I am pretty well acquainted with the boys here in the house now, and consequently they are nice fellows. Two of them--twins--are from Idaho, two are from Wisconsin, one is from Northern California, and, well, they are the ones I do most of my paling around with. One of the twins is in my room now listening to Nelson's radio.

He is quite an intelligent, sophisticated fellow. He seems to have a general understanding about everything. What I don't know about this being on my own, he teaches me. He is the is one I told you about that has been called to the army but due to his lungs and nostrils he has a slight breathing difficulty, so they aren't going to accept him. At least he doesn't think they will. He will know definitely in about ten days. His trouble developed from pneumonia. He was even operated on for it and they had to remove a section of one of his lungs. From now on I will refer to him as Bill. His twin brother's name is Mark. They are not identical twins in appearance but mentally they seem to be, except Mark is more backward than Bill.

The fellows from Wisconsin are happy-go-lucky good time Charlie's. They would give you the shirts off their backs. I will refer to them as Harold and Chris. The fellow from California is friendly, and good natured, and big. I will refer to him as Big Bill. They are all working in the defence industry.

Hey mother, where are my letters? Louis has written two since I last heard from you. Are you busy with the fruit or are you putting any up this year? Vandy tells me she just finished peeling, what it seems like to her, a million pears. Some weekend when you have nothing to do, you ought to phone her and ask her to go someplace. I am sure she would go. I wrote and told her you were going to call on her some weekend and she said she wished you would.

I am very much in favor of accepting your more solid advise Louis. I have got a motto from it that is very sound I think. I am going to play the field and never get involved. You speak of alliances with the wrong people as being millstones around your neck: I know now where I could make a mistake by tying in with at least one person I know--and that is Bridwell. He is interested in advertising and wants me to get you to help him. And, maybe someday he thinks maybe he could get you to give him a job. I told him he didn't need to try because you probably know as well as I do that he is about the same type as Paul. I don't think it would hurt to help him, if he takes advertising seriously but I don't think he ever will. I had several arguments with him while he was here but didn't want to have anything to do with. We got along very well while he was here but just watching him and listening to him convinced me of one thing, and that is he is not the type of person I would like to be around. I am quite sure he didn't go home because of me, because I always treated him friendly. He is just a person who's character is weak in almost every respect and that think alone turned me against him, although i never told him so. Maybe I am wrong to feel this way but I can't help it. It is natural for me to feel this way as well.

I might be wrong to talk this way to anyone--even my parents--but I think he believes I like him enough to go into business with him someday. He talks about it and I just listen and tell him nothing. He takes everything for granted. Maybe I am wrong in telling you not to give him a job, but I don't think he will work and If he does start working for you, due to our friendship I think he will expect to work with and share with me for life, when I come into the agency. That would be a millstone around my neck because in the first place we don't think in any respect alike. I hope you will understand what I mean, and excuse me for talking like this.

There is not much news and this is something I have wanted to tell you ever since Bridwell went home. I am not asking you to keep him out of our agency business to keep him from getting ahead for I am sure if he wants to get ahead he con do it on his own. Damn it, this is hard to say. I hope you don't get the wrong impression. Then again he might lose interest before he gets the general idea from this course and asks you for a job. speaking of no news I had better quite. Keep an eye on the little woman for me, once you break the ice and take her with you on one of your Sunday jaunts. I have got to go to work in about two hours so if I want to study this course I had better get started.

I am sorry to hear that you have a cold Louis. I hope it is better by the time this letter comes. And Mother, I wish I could help you wash those dishes every night. I intend to someday but I have got a lot of things now that I want to accomplish before I come home. I want to invest in myself for a few years and see if I can't make a real man out of myself, and I think this is the only way. Anyway I will see you over the vacations. Either I will come home or you two can come and see me. Love, Tom

P.S. How do you like the type-writer? I am either going to buy this one or another one which I think would be a little easier to type on. This one is to small.

I forgot to mail this letter last night in all of my rambunctious efforts to get to work. Will write tomorrow. Love again, Tom

Letter 18, September 23, 1941

Dear Mother & Dad

Just finished studying for awhile.

I got a regular sized pay check for a change this morning. Tomorrow morning when I get off work I am going to snoop around town and see if I can't pick myself up a typewriter.

Lovesick & homesick--Bridwell--is quiting his job tonight and going home Sunday. I think he is making a mistake too. I am glad you stopped me when you did. I can see now more & more each day, that I have got to stick this thing out. I will not only develop some character but I will get off on the right track in life by getting this fickleness out of my system.

Moench, I understand, is coming back down here sometime next week. If he does come and feels like it, Whity and I are going to get him to go to the football game on the 27th. This is a large conference and it should be an exciting game.

Write soon, and start planning for a trip---a trip to California over the holidays. Love, Tom

Letter 17, Septermber 20, 1941

Dear Mother & Dad

Between my working and my course I am keeping quite busy, and believe it or not I love it. Keeps me mind from wondering to far.

Last Sunday the union closed the bill with Lockheed, which has been in effect since July 1, by giving the employees a ten cent blanket raise starting at sixty cents. All that is retroactive, dating from July 1, will be paid up. My check for that time will amount to forty five dollars aside from my usual check. That means that in about three weeks, the time it will take to tabulate all of it, I will get a check for eighty five dollars. With that I will have money to burn, but I am not going to burn it, I am going to salt it--if you get what I mean, and use it for my future interests.

One of the fellows here in the house is going to be drafted in a few weeks. He is trying to get a deferment but I doubt if he will bet it and so does he. He is worried sick. I am glad I am witnessing this. I know now what I can expect if I step out of the defense industry. He is down at the local draft board now trying to get some sort of deferment.

Last Saturday I went over to Hollywood and stayed with Whitey. We plan to get together every weekend. We went to a show and then walked from there to his apartment, or rather his parents apartment, three miles away. We had quite a talk. I have never seen Jack quite so serious about his school. I have never seen any of my friends show as much interest about something as he did. I am not going to say he will make it this time but from all indications, if he ever does it will be now. At least I hope he does. He has even been making a scrape book about dentistry and it shows that a considerable amount of time and work have been spent.

I sent my first lesson in last night and am now thinking I had better get started on another.
Write and let me know what you are doing and I will do the same in my spare moments. If I have none, I will make some--------Love, tom

Letter 16, September 12, 1941

Dear Mother & Dad,

Sorry I haven't written sooner. Have been busy every night this week with my course. I just finished the first lesson. I will be mailing it to the school along with this letter to you. I enjoy it very much and am becoming more and more interested in it every minute.

Thank you very much, Dad, for the letter. Without knowing exactly your reasons for telling me to stay--I do know, that you are right about sticking it out. I have started something and I would never be content if I didn't stick it out. It is going to be tough at times, like you say, but I think I can take it.

Three of us in the family wear glasses now. I went downtown today and bought me a pair. I have astigmatism. I will need them with my work at the plant and mainly for my course. Bridwell and Nelson work the swing shift and I, being on graveyards have nothing to do in the evenings but study. If I do get lonesome I go into someone else's room and chat for awhile. I am on friendly terms with everyone in the house. Well write when I get some more stationary. I just ran out. Love, Tom

Letter 15, September 6, 1941

Dear Mother & Dad,

I just finished a letter to Vandy. I told her about the trip down. It was tiresome and uneventful, but that isn't what I want to say to you. I have got a confession to make.

I drove Moend's car from Provo down. He got a touch of tomaine and was quite ill. All the way down I thought of what I was giving up to come down here. For two days I have done nothing but think of my future, and this is what I have concluded.

I made some rash promises which were radically wrong. If I had thought, I wouldn't be saying this now. At least it leaves me somewhat wiser. I told you I was going to become a government inspector. If I were to try, I found out later it would take me two years at the very least to become one at Lockheed. I am going to stop kidding myself. Unless I am married I won't get over two month deferments from the Army and I don't intend to get married by then.

My advertising course was here when I got back. After reading it over I still know that is what I want to go into. With your help Louise, and your inspiration Mother--I think I can get tenfold the amount of good out of the next two years at home rather than here. I realize now that I am doing what 90,000 other young fellows are doing. But they are doing it because they have to. They haven't the opportunities at home that I have. The vital defense is there as well as here and every thing I want is in S.L. If you feel that I would be better off at home let me know and I will see you in the near future. I hate to admit it but I think I have made a mistake in coming down here again. But, I didn't quite realize so, until this course came. I only regret that I didn't attempt something like this a couple of years ago. I would have been much more wiser. Write soon and let me know. I haven't, as yet, Louise had time to sell your poems. Will try with all my effort, though, before I come home. That is if you think it would be best-----Love, Tom

Letter 14, August 25, 1941

Dear Mother & Dad,

Just finished dinner. What a meal. This gal can really cook. And not only that, the food is good.

received your letter today Louis, and yours Mamma, a few days ago. They were both swell.

I feel good tonight. Thinking of where I will be in five days does this to me.

I am a little bit puzzled over what to do regarding my future. I have registered for an advertising course. It takes about two years to complete, and the nice thing about it is that there are no lectures to attend. It is an extension course. I will be able to spend more time to study that way. We will discuss it when I get home. I want to tell you what have been doing.

At the plant one out of about twenty is chosen to work on the wing flap section. I got chosen. It's harder work but interesting. Gives you a chance to use your noodle. Will tell you about that too, when I get home.

I have all the comforts one could expect, now away from home. I have got to write Sizzy so I will close. Will be home Saturday Morning. Am healthy and happy. Love, Tom

Letter 13, August 19, 1941

My New Shelter. Ain't she a beaut? My room is in the second story right front.

Dear Mother & Dad,

Well we did it. We three---us old maids moved again. We live in a mansion or that is it was a mansion in it's day. It's still a "Lu-Lu" though, in my opinion. I would have mailed the other letter Friday, but I thought it might get awfully complicated if I didn't wait so I waited. My new address is: 404 S. Mariposa Avenue. Sorry you haven't heard from me though.

Say I am getting so brown you won't recognize me. Moench and I go to the beach just about every day. We go out about noon, work out on some tricky bars---they have hand standing bars, throw or rather play catch with medicine balls and well I could fill two pages just telling of the equipment they have for exercising. You can get extremely healthy ore extremely dissipated in California. I prefer my health. Let these Californians know they come big and husky from Utah!

About six other fellows working in the air-craft factories are living in this house. They are swell fellows. I don't think I would have mentioned the last bit of news, but one of them is in the shower singing like a--well--just singing.

Will write and let know what else is happening around here tomorrow. For now, I have got to write Vandy and go to work. Write soon you two and tell me what you are up to. Love, Tom

Letter 12, August 18, 1941

Dear Mother & Dad,

Sorry I haven't written to you these past few days. Have been very busy. We moved Sunday. We found a much more masculine apartment in a Spanish designed apartment house. The rent is the same and the local is a little closer to work. Very little though--just two or three blocks.

I talked to my Foreman about the possibilities of my ambition in advertising and selling. He said that you can get anything you want at Lockheed if you prepare for it. Now to prepare. I asked him if I could get a day off over Labor Day. He gave me Tuesday. That means I'll be seeing you. I'll only get two days at home but then I can see you---which is more than worth the trip---and we can get me some definite plan for learning advertising. When I look over ads here, I hardly know where to begin. I do a great deal of letter writing but that sums up my preparation thus far, in preparing. (ghastly construction-aye Louis)

I am beginning to like this country a little more now. I guess it's all in getting used to it. The climate is wonderful anyway. A lot depends on getting settled though. I think I have a happy medium for living too. I have got a place I can call home, and still it is inexpensive. I'll never find a place, though, that will equal my first home.

I have been ranting around today and I am awfully sleepy right now, so I'll close and write you tomorrow. Let me know what you two are up to. Thank You again and I'll be seeing you soon.
El Vigo---my new home
Love, Tom Goodnite

Tom's Birth Certificate



Tom's Lockheed employment position.

Letter 11, August 13, 1941

Dear Mother & Dad,

My first check came last night. It was short, but will help. At last I am finally started. The check was for one night--$4.52. I can manage perfectly from here on. Thanks to you, I've got this far. Don't know how I would have done it otherwise.

I may see you over Labor day. Bird is going to come home, and I am going to come with him if I get an extra two days off, which I am going to request first thing in the morning. If I don't get it, I can dream anyway.

How was your trip to Idaho? Did you have fun and raise hell with the old gang?

I guess you have thought over my future in the advertising department here. What do you think by now? I am still hopped up over it. Write and tell me what I ought to do and we will discuss it when I get home.

When I said that I was started, I meant that also, in reference to my living budget. I have got it worked out so I sleep eight or ten hours a day, eat regularly and keep all of my linens clean at a very moderate price--never more than a dollar a week. Average is about sixty or seventy cents for linens. Lost about twelve or fifteen a week to--leaves about twelve or fifteen a week to live. The rest is gravy.

I got a letter from Louise, and she says I should buy government bonds. After thinking over what you have said about them, and what she said in her letter, I think I will invest in one about every month.

Will write tomorrow at present, have got to write Louise and Vandy. Love, Tom

Letter 10, August 9, 1941

Dear Mother & Dad,

Thank you for the second ten dollars, and the birth certificate. You won't have to send me any more money now. I will get five from the factory Friday and from every Friday there after thirty, so I guess at last I am finally started. Thank you again for all that you have done for me. This might turn out to be very profitable and possibly a lifetime job. Lockheed has-- or that is will have-- one of the largest advertising accounts in America after the war. If they don't' sell and advertise--they say--they will loose thousands and possibly millions because of the unused assets the war preparedness program will leave when it's over. They are concentrating on the future for more sales but as yet they don't know how they will make them. In an article I read it said it's the selling and advertising departments job. I would like to prepare my self for such an opening with Lockheed now--and then get into that field when all of this is over. I am going out to the main office in a few days and find out all of the possibilities of this scheme. I will write and tell you what I find out and in the meantime let's devise a system for me to study. Write and tell me what you think would be the best way, until then and always I will study advertisements. Looks like I might find a real opening. Let's keep our fingers crossed until then.
Love, Tom

P. S.

Am out of paper but want you to know that I will always appreciate what you have done.

I don't like that word---but its
fitting---I think.

P-38 :: Lockheed Martin Corporation (American corporation) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia

P-38 :: Lockheed Martin Corporation (American corporation) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia

Letter 9, July 31, 1941

Dear Mother & Dad,

Am working at last. Took my last test today--the physical. This morning I went in to the personnel office at eight O'clock. Filled out an application to work, and signed my name at least fifty times. The efficiency of Lockheed is absolutely flawless. You sign a paper in one building and fifteen minutes later in another, among thousands of others. They never loose or misplace a single item. One piece of paper, your admittance slip which you never see, travels the entire area of the personnel offices about fifteen minutes ahead of you. Everyone you see knows all about you. For a while I thought the place was infested with fortune tellers and physics. Well, anyway at four I left thought the door I entered at eight, with a job, an insurance policy for one thousand dollars, tool checks, a badge, had my finger prints taken, had my physical, had personnel interviews, at least a dozen, went on a tour through the plant and the result was well worth it, had a job and a head ache. Well worth it.

I have seen the plant from the outside once or twice but never realized what was going on inside. There are thousands of planes on the assembly line. You can't imagine what an immense thing it is. From the inside of the plant, the planes are packed as close as possible--the complete or rather the tips of the wings are left off until final assembly in order to make more room for the fuselage construction.

I am not at the plant I saw today. I am at plant two, station eleven--one of the subsidiaries. It's the old Ford plant. I haven't seen it yet but they tell me it's about as large as the one I saw today--about four blocks in diameter. I am working on the fastest plane in the world. The Lockheed Interceptor (P-38) Each one costs about $100.000.00. My instructor recommended two of the students from 232, my class number, to that plant. I was one of the two. It's amazing. Most of the fellows they take there have worked at Lockheed plant number one for at least three months. That's what Mac, my instructor tells me, anyway. He says the advancements are faster there too. Especially at the present because they are going to put a couple of thousand men on there in a month. By that time, he said, I might even be over some of them, a lead man, a higher position and more pay. That is, he says, if I keep working. He's really a great guy--has given me a lot of tips. They all help. He skies too. Could be--could be---if you know what I mean. Don't' want to give myself away, thought. Well, I don't know to much about it yet except that it's immense, amazing, interesting, and good pay. Note how I added that I will make about $28.00 for the first four weeks then, God only knows what happens---I might even make $40.00 if everything works out. Am going to try hard anyway. Mac says if I don't climb to fast thought, not to get discouraged because they can't hold a good man down. Gad, listen to me blow. I must be elated, have never talked like this before. Will tell you more when I know more and always let you know how I am getting along.

I counted 34 faces I knew, when in Salt Lake, at the plant today. They hold all types of positions. Everything from broom jockeys---janitors, to office executives. Don Williams and the boys came up to the apartment tonight. Is there anyone left in Salt lake? I almost forgot, am working the grave yard shift--12:30 AM to 7:00 AM, get paid more and will be able to save more.

I am enclosing two papers, one is the data concerning my insurance. You can keep it. I have got another copy, and the other concerns my birth certificate. The Church certificate was a very good recommendation but have got to have a more complete record. You can get the real McCoy at the police station, or the Capitol, for $1.00. Would appreciate it if you would send it. I need to within the next seven days. Will write more about what I am doing after I work a night. I Start tomorrow night--12 AM. Write Soon! Love, Tom