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.