November 12, 1941
Dear Folks:
Well I have plenty to write in this letter – as Monday was the anniversary of the Marine Corps and Tuesday was Armistice Day I was off from Saturday until this morning. So I spent the holidays with the Whitemans. I am enclosing my pass and property pass to show you how rigid a check they keep on us. Keep them as I will want to put them in my memory book.
The Whitemans drove me up to Hollywood where we saw Jack Benny’s, Wallace Beary, Robert Montgomery and several other movie stars homes. Then we drove on over to Pasadena and had a look at the Rose Bowl. It reminds me of Soldiers Field in Chicago.
The Whitemans and I drove out to have a visit with the Laws. They surely do have a swell home. In the back of their yard they have quite a fish pond and barbecue place with fancy seats, tables and even cupboards to keep the dishes in. We had quite a time reminiscing about the fishing trips we used to have in the old ford and buick. John Jr. left Saturday for the army. He was drafted and sent to St. Louis, Mo. He wants to get into aviation. Didn’t get to see Maynard and his wife but I will some weekend in the future. Tuesday morning Bob & I and two fellows from the bank played golf and Tuesday afternoon Bob, Barbara and I went to a baseball game. Struck it lucky as I got a ride to Long Beach and back with a lad named Key who is in the tank battalion. He visited the Vice President of the bank where Bob works. He is from California and a graduate of Santa Clara. His father is a doctor here in California. He has a 39 ford convertible coup. We rode down to Long Beach with the top down and in our shirt sleeves. The temperature was 87 degrees. I even got my bald spot sunburned playing gold Tuesday.
Last evening on the way home it rained all the way and didn’t stop until about ten this morning. As a consequence I have the kerosene stove lighted this evening. It is awful funny weather. Warm one minute and awful chilly the next.
Received a nice letter from Elizabeth today and also your letters which I am always glad to receive. Thanks Dad a million for the stamps. They surely do come in handy.
Mother, in the letter to Leota I merely was kidding her and you needn’t worry. I am behaving myself and it is just as I told you they really lock them up here for drinking and gambling. I think the civil authorities should have as good control as the Marines do over their men. Really it is wonderful. When one is thrown in the brig they take away first your Marine emblems and then your liberty card. Then they make them work all day long such as cleaning the streets and etc. For each three men there is a Marine standing guard and if one of the prisoners escapes you take his place. At least the Marines get work out of their prisoners and don’t just let them sit in the brig and eat. Also, on their uniforms they stamp “BRIG” all over them.
Also, I received a letter from Mrs. Hayes today. By the way did Grandfather Shawler say anything about receiving my letter?
The Whitemans surely are a swell couple and they treat me swell. They surely do seem glad to see me. Bob’s Plymouth wasn’t running so good so he and I cleaned his carburetor and the needle float. Much to our amazement the car started without any trouble at all and runs fine. As Sara says the Marines have landed and have the situation well in hand.
Will close for this time as I want to shine my shoes before retiring this evening.
Mother, Mae mentioned something about Wilson’s and the will. I’ll get more detail when I see them again.
Hope this find all of you feeling fine. Don’t worry about the trunk. I even believe if it fell two stories it wouldn’t hurt it.
Love to all,
Leo
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