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
Friday, January 30, 2009
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
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
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
Thursday, January 22, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
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
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.
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.
Friday, January 9, 2009
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
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
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Letter 8, July 29, 1941
Dear Mother & Dad,
Received your letters today, they were both grand. Keep it up and maybe I won't bet so homesick.
Well, tomorrow is the big day. I leave the school and go to the plant. By Thursday, or Monday at the latest, I should be working. I had three more tests today and they wound up my course. Tomorrow, L32, my class number, will check out, and we will start replenishing our empty pockets. After two weeks, that is if I start Monday, I'll have a pay check. It will be a new one on me but it's one I am quite able to stand. But, if I start working this week, I will get paid a week from Friday. It won't be much because they hold your check back a week, and I will only get paid for two days, but it will help.
I would like to have seen the celebration over the Twenty Forth. Hope I don't ever have to miss another one. Heart very little about it down here, but what I did hear sounded to me like I missed something. Yesterday was a holiday for Brid, Nels, and myself. We all slept until noon. Gad, but it was great. I miss my sleeping in. When we finally got dressed, after an hour or so of talking shop etc. we ate breakfast and went to down town Los Angeles for a game of golf...miniature golf. For forty cents you can play fifty four holes. The first thirty six cost forty cents and the next eighteen are free. We clowned around there all afternoon, came back and ate dinner, then went our various ways. Brid went to see Dave Perry, another Salt Lake boy, and this little piggy stayed home. I had some studying to do for the tests I had today. I didn't realize when I left that this course would be so difficult. The shop work was easy but there were a few technical details I had to learn, and their being new, were very confusing at times. It's all over now, thought, and I can see it was well worth it.
Your offer of money interests me very much. I hate to say so but I think I could use a little. Hope your not pinching pennies to send it. Would still have some but I didn't' want to see Jim starve, so I let him have it. Will write you tomorrow and tell you what happens. They even hand out diplomas, at school, I understand. Write Soon. Love, Tom
P.S.
Just had to add this note. I don't know how to start but I am certainly going to try. I want to thank you for what you are doing for me. After seeing what some of the fellows are going through, outside of school, to get this job, makes me sick and realize how lucky and what wonderful parents I have. Love, Tom
Thank you again and again- - - - - - - - After reading that over, I want you to know that what I have said, is by no means a farewell.
Received your letters today, they were both grand. Keep it up and maybe I won't bet so homesick.
Well, tomorrow is the big day. I leave the school and go to the plant. By Thursday, or Monday at the latest, I should be working. I had three more tests today and they wound up my course. Tomorrow, L32, my class number, will check out, and we will start replenishing our empty pockets. After two weeks, that is if I start Monday, I'll have a pay check. It will be a new one on me but it's one I am quite able to stand. But, if I start working this week, I will get paid a week from Friday. It won't be much because they hold your check back a week, and I will only get paid for two days, but it will help.
I would like to have seen the celebration over the Twenty Forth. Hope I don't ever have to miss another one. Heart very little about it down here, but what I did hear sounded to me like I missed something. Yesterday was a holiday for Brid, Nels, and myself. We all slept until noon. Gad, but it was great. I miss my sleeping in. When we finally got dressed, after an hour or so of talking shop etc. we ate breakfast and went to down town Los Angeles for a game of golf...miniature golf. For forty cents you can play fifty four holes. The first thirty six cost forty cents and the next eighteen are free. We clowned around there all afternoon, came back and ate dinner, then went our various ways. Brid went to see Dave Perry, another Salt Lake boy, and this little piggy stayed home. I had some studying to do for the tests I had today. I didn't realize when I left that this course would be so difficult. The shop work was easy but there were a few technical details I had to learn, and their being new, were very confusing at times. It's all over now, thought, and I can see it was well worth it.
Your offer of money interests me very much. I hate to say so but I think I could use a little. Hope your not pinching pennies to send it. Would still have some but I didn't' want to see Jim starve, so I let him have it. Will write you tomorrow and tell you what happens. They even hand out diplomas, at school, I understand. Write Soon. Love, Tom
P.S.
Just had to add this note. I don't know how to start but I am certainly going to try. I want to thank you for what you are doing for me. After seeing what some of the fellows are going through, outside of school, to get this job, makes me sick and realize how lucky and what wonderful parents I have. Love, Tom
Thank you again and again- - - - - - - - After reading that over, I want you to know that what I have said, is by no means a farewell.
Letter 7, July 25, 1941
Dear Mother & Dad,
I'll bet I have spent a dollar or more on stamps alone, but it's worth it when I get letters from home. Have got to write Surgen & Joy tonight, and possibly Louise if it isn't to late. So I will just write you this one page--as I am going to do in their case. It's about ten now and I will have to hurray if intend to get any sleep, which I do. Bird & I were pretty lazy tonight, so we just settled back in our chairs after dinner and talked. We just finished the dishes, so you can see, we must have done a lot of talking. Mainly about home and what we would do if we were there.
Had an eventful day at school. I am becoming quite a craftsman. But, I would sooner be in Ad--Craftsman, which I still want to be. I bought an edition of the New yorker after school today and thumbed through the advertisements while Bird wasn't looking. Am feeling fine. don't worry about me, and hope maybe to get on at the local small arms plant in Salt Lake. Keep me posted and write soon. Love, Tom
I'll bet I have spent a dollar or more on stamps alone, but it's worth it when I get letters from home. Have got to write Surgen & Joy tonight, and possibly Louise if it isn't to late. So I will just write you this one page--as I am going to do in their case. It's about ten now and I will have to hurray if intend to get any sleep, which I do. Bird & I were pretty lazy tonight, so we just settled back in our chairs after dinner and talked. We just finished the dishes, so you can see, we must have done a lot of talking. Mainly about home and what we would do if we were there.
Had an eventful day at school. I am becoming quite a craftsman. But, I would sooner be in Ad--Craftsman, which I still want to be. I bought an edition of the New yorker after school today and thumbed through the advertisements while Bird wasn't looking. Am feeling fine. don't worry about me, and hope maybe to get on at the local small arms plant in Salt Lake. Keep me posted and write soon. Love, Tom
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Letter 6 July 24, 1941
Dear Mother & Dad,
Just finished off a letter to Vandy. It was short but sweet! Thank you again for the fifteen dollars. It well mean no credit and I realize now that that is the way I would like it. Guess it's the way you brought me up. I'm proud of both of you.
I get all my cleaning done downstairs, cook dinner for Brid and myself, and have made one or two resolutions which I intend to keep. First, I intend to eat regularly and second get a lot of sleep. So far, I haven't broken them. If the army were to take me I would stay physically healthy---but---if I stay here and work for a factory, I can stay healthy in many ways.
The school is different than any schools I have ever seen. It's the next closest thing to the army. They are hard, strict, tough, disciplinarians, heartless, but firm and interesting to work for. Besides my liking their methods, i am learning something. I don't mind being thoroughly bossed but I can still think for myself and they like students who think for themselves, voice opinions, and take orders. Under such circumstances I enjoy such discipline. They are fair, concise, and honest and are heartless toward cowards, slackers and wishy-washy persons. It builds up a felling of loyalty and honour for your country. They seem to think we are the backbone of the defense. I am quite sure we are!
Well, what a paragraph! I didn't thin I could stick to an idea for so many lines.
Are you two having fun. I hope so. Write and tell me what you do and see and if it isn't to inconvenient we would all appreciate the Sunday edition of the paper.
I am having fun in a moderate way. Never spend over fifty cents if I go out for the evening and seldom go out because the apartment is so homey...kitchen, and the whole works. Even sheets on the bed.
Well, I think I'll tuck myself in--so write soon. Love Tom Good nite!
Just finished off a letter to Vandy. It was short but sweet! Thank you again for the fifteen dollars. It well mean no credit and I realize now that that is the way I would like it. Guess it's the way you brought me up. I'm proud of both of you.
I get all my cleaning done downstairs, cook dinner for Brid and myself, and have made one or two resolutions which I intend to keep. First, I intend to eat regularly and second get a lot of sleep. So far, I haven't broken them. If the army were to take me I would stay physically healthy---but---if I stay here and work for a factory, I can stay healthy in many ways.
The school is different than any schools I have ever seen. It's the next closest thing to the army. They are hard, strict, tough, disciplinarians, heartless, but firm and interesting to work for. Besides my liking their methods, i am learning something. I don't mind being thoroughly bossed but I can still think for myself and they like students who think for themselves, voice opinions, and take orders. Under such circumstances I enjoy such discipline. They are fair, concise, and honest and are heartless toward cowards, slackers and wishy-washy persons. It builds up a felling of loyalty and honour for your country. They seem to think we are the backbone of the defense. I am quite sure we are!
Well, what a paragraph! I didn't thin I could stick to an idea for so many lines.
Are you two having fun. I hope so. Write and tell me what you do and see and if it isn't to inconvenient we would all appreciate the Sunday edition of the paper.
I am having fun in a moderate way. Never spend over fifty cents if I go out for the evening and seldom go out because the apartment is so homey...kitchen, and the whole works. Even sheets on the bed.
Well, I think I'll tuck myself in--so write soon. Love Tom Good nite!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Letter 5---July 23, 1941
Dear Mother & Dad,
Thank you for the letters. They were really swell, and thank you for the fifteen dollars. I can certainly use it. We've got a laundry bill to pay.
Today I had a test. It lasted eight hours. After whipping up a head-ache and going cross-eyed over some of the questions, I passed it. Due to that I am eligable, or how-ever you spell it--to finish in seven more days. That means I will start work sometime in the near future. Possibly about the middle or the end of the week.
I know now why you never get anymore calls for me. All of the boys are down here.
I didn't see the 1,000 Hudson bomber, but I think I have seen a thousand planes since I got here. They are a new element in the air force.....Steel, iron, brass, aluminum etc. ---an alloy in the elements. Using the word alloy in a very general sense. The air and even the ground around the factory and air terminals, are literally lousy with them. I didn't get to see Ford Halefan or Knudson. They were both here, one touring and the other inspecting---and me, well, I had to go to school.
Am glad to hear that business is boomin! Means I might see you---huh? Good! If you do come, I will show you the town. I should know it quite well by then.
Today with your letters, one came from Vandy. Between both of you I get just about all the news from home. Speaking of news, Your idea of sending me the Sunday paper is capitol. I miss the funnies! Send it if you can, we would all appreciate it. Lets see, I was talking about your letters. Vandy calls herself my Salt Lake correspondent. Louise, your suggestion of a ride and dinner to Provo meets whole-heartedly with my approval. Let me know if you take Vandy, and what happens.
Bird, Les, and myself are just sitting here, all writing home. Les is the Salt Lake fellow I told you about who is living up the street. He spends a lot of time with us and is a good fellow.
I saw Moenck last night. He came over and chatted for awhile and we all plan to get together next Sunday. We think we will go to the beach. If you can will you send me my yellow swimming suit with the Sunday paper. I am glad that everything is soaring like a P-38 (Lockhead intercepta) and that you are both well. Can't get enough sleep, so I think I will tuck myself in. Write soon and thanks again for the fifteen dollars. Love, Tom
P.S. The climate agrees with me. It makes me want to sleep & eat. We do our own cooking and never miss a meal. Good-nite
Thank you for the letters. They were really swell, and thank you for the fifteen dollars. I can certainly use it. We've got a laundry bill to pay.
Today I had a test. It lasted eight hours. After whipping up a head-ache and going cross-eyed over some of the questions, I passed it. Due to that I am eligable, or how-ever you spell it--to finish in seven more days. That means I will start work sometime in the near future. Possibly about the middle or the end of the week.
I know now why you never get anymore calls for me. All of the boys are down here.
I didn't see the 1,000 Hudson bomber, but I think I have seen a thousand planes since I got here. They are a new element in the air force.....Steel, iron, brass, aluminum etc. ---an alloy in the elements. Using the word alloy in a very general sense. The air and even the ground around the factory and air terminals, are literally lousy with them. I didn't get to see Ford Halefan or Knudson. They were both here, one touring and the other inspecting---and me, well, I had to go to school.
Am glad to hear that business is boomin! Means I might see you---huh? Good! If you do come, I will show you the town. I should know it quite well by then.
Today with your letters, one came from Vandy. Between both of you I get just about all the news from home. Speaking of news, Your idea of sending me the Sunday paper is capitol. I miss the funnies! Send it if you can, we would all appreciate it. Lets see, I was talking about your letters. Vandy calls herself my Salt Lake correspondent. Louise, your suggestion of a ride and dinner to Provo meets whole-heartedly with my approval. Let me know if you take Vandy, and what happens.
Bird, Les, and myself are just sitting here, all writing home. Les is the Salt Lake fellow I told you about who is living up the street. He spends a lot of time with us and is a good fellow.
I saw Moenck last night. He came over and chatted for awhile and we all plan to get together next Sunday. We think we will go to the beach. If you can will you send me my yellow swimming suit with the Sunday paper. I am glad that everything is soaring like a P-38 (Lockhead intercepta) and that you are both well. Can't get enough sleep, so I think I will tuck myself in. Write soon and thanks again for the fifteen dollars. Love, Tom
P.S. The climate agrees with me. It makes me want to sleep & eat. We do our own cooking and never miss a meal. Good-nite
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Letter 4---July 19, 1941
Dear Mom & Dad,
Have got about five minutes before I go to school for writing. I was going to write last night but another group of fellows from S.L. came down. They are Harvey Patton, Palmer Ford, Leroy Johnson, Dick Dorton, and Les Struese, and all except Johnson, are going to the Fletcher Air Craft School. They live near here and Les has a car who we all ride out with. Well, I have got to run downstairs and meet them so I will finish this tonight.
Good evening---What are you two eating & doing tonight?---I wonder. I just had dinner with the Bridwells. They certainly are hospitable to me--in fact they are so nice and generous it embarrasses me. They take me riding with them in the evenings, have introduced me to their relatives, and friends, and insist that I eat with them every evening. They are going to leave Sunday and Mrs. Bridwell is going to teach us how to make out our menu's or rather she is going to go with us when we shop and give us a few hints on what to eat, when, where, and how to eat it. (now I am going to do a little bragging)
I am among the top thus far in school. It isn't too difficult but then it takes a lot of time, constant work during school hours, and an hour or more of study each evening. My instructor is an aironotical--or however you spell it--engineer; he is about 28 years old, knows how to handle men and is very friendly toward me. He likes me but trys not to show it by being tough. (as a teacher). He makes me want to work.
Thus far I have learned how to rivet, bundle electric drills, buckrivets, lay out sheet metal, cut metal, and read blue prints. Today he started me on a wing. It is placed above us and we have to drill holes for the rivets and their hammer and buck them. Bucking is done by holding the rivet gun against the head of the rivet and then you place a piece of solid steel against the other end (or tail). When the trigger is pushed on the gun it mashes the tail of the rivet down flat, locking the metals together. It is interesting and fun but I am still interested in advertising and intend to do a great deal of writing as you advised Louis.---Mainly it will be to you and Vandy. Let me know if you take her out. If you haven't yet, call her, I am sure she would go and you will both like her.
Yesterday was payday for Earl so he and I went bowling. I have got about eight dollars left and I am going to give five to Mrs. Bridwell for my share of the food which we are going to cook. If you can, Louis, will you send me a little money. I will need some for transportation and then I would feel a little better if I had a little to carry around. I can't think of any more expenses but I will be broke sometime next week. My letters always have bad news in them---I guess I had better stop writing before I tell you I'm homesick. Well, be good you two and write soon.
Love, Tom
P.S. Could I have some money about the middle of next week. Mercenary, aren't I!
Have got about five minutes before I go to school for writing. I was going to write last night but another group of fellows from S.L. came down. They are Harvey Patton, Palmer Ford, Leroy Johnson, Dick Dorton, and Les Struese, and all except Johnson, are going to the Fletcher Air Craft School. They live near here and Les has a car who we all ride out with. Well, I have got to run downstairs and meet them so I will finish this tonight.
Good evening---What are you two eating & doing tonight?---I wonder. I just had dinner with the Bridwells. They certainly are hospitable to me--in fact they are so nice and generous it embarrasses me. They take me riding with them in the evenings, have introduced me to their relatives, and friends, and insist that I eat with them every evening. They are going to leave Sunday and Mrs. Bridwell is going to teach us how to make out our menu's or rather she is going to go with us when we shop and give us a few hints on what to eat, when, where, and how to eat it. (now I am going to do a little bragging)
I am among the top thus far in school. It isn't too difficult but then it takes a lot of time, constant work during school hours, and an hour or more of study each evening. My instructor is an aironotical--or however you spell it--engineer; he is about 28 years old, knows how to handle men and is very friendly toward me. He likes me but trys not to show it by being tough. (as a teacher). He makes me want to work.
Thus far I have learned how to rivet, bundle electric drills, buckrivets, lay out sheet metal, cut metal, and read blue prints. Today he started me on a wing. It is placed above us and we have to drill holes for the rivets and their hammer and buck them. Bucking is done by holding the rivet gun against the head of the rivet and then you place a piece of solid steel against the other end (or tail). When the trigger is pushed on the gun it mashes the tail of the rivet down flat, locking the metals together. It is interesting and fun but I am still interested in advertising and intend to do a great deal of writing as you advised Louis.---Mainly it will be to you and Vandy. Let me know if you take her out. If you haven't yet, call her, I am sure she would go and you will both like her.
Yesterday was payday for Earl so he and I went bowling. I have got about eight dollars left and I am going to give five to Mrs. Bridwell for my share of the food which we are going to cook. If you can, Louis, will you send me a little money. I will need some for transportation and then I would feel a little better if I had a little to carry around. I can't think of any more expenses but I will be broke sometime next week. My letters always have bad news in them---I guess I had better stop writing before I tell you I'm homesick. Well, be good you two and write soon.
Love, Tom
P.S. Could I have some money about the middle of next week. Mercenary, aren't I!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Letter 3--July 15, 1941
Dear Mom & Dad
Things are moving along pretty nicely now. I thank maybe, I have settled the transportation problem. A fellow at school--a Salt lake fellow--might move in with us tomorrow. He has a car, and if he does, I can ride to school, and later to work, with him. His name is Ken something or other, I have forgotten his last name but from all indications, he is a clean, nicely dressed, well spoken, regular fella! Your letters were both swell and I am looking forward to more. Hope you will write often.
To date I have got twelve dollars left. I spent seven getting here, fifteen for rent, ten for my tools, and the rest has gone for incidentals, such as shaving kit, hair cut, food, and transportation expenses to and from the factory. One nice thing about California you can always find plenty of good places to eat. Bridwell's parents came the other day and I have been eating dinner with them. They are leaving Friday. Well, I had better close now. I've got to get up early, It's getting late. Write Soon,
Love Tom
Good-nite
Things are moving along pretty nicely now. I thank maybe, I have settled the transportation problem. A fellow at school--a Salt lake fellow--might move in with us tomorrow. He has a car, and if he does, I can ride to school, and later to work, with him. His name is Ken something or other, I have forgotten his last name but from all indications, he is a clean, nicely dressed, well spoken, regular fella! Your letters were both swell and I am looking forward to more. Hope you will write often.
To date I have got twelve dollars left. I spent seven getting here, fifteen for rent, ten for my tools, and the rest has gone for incidentals, such as shaving kit, hair cut, food, and transportation expenses to and from the factory. One nice thing about California you can always find plenty of good places to eat. Bridwell's parents came the other day and I have been eating dinner with them. They are leaving Friday. Well, I had better close now. I've got to get up early, It's getting late. Write Soon,
Love Tom
Good-nite
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