Friday, November 27, 2009

What Are You Doing For Thanksgiving? - Nov 21, 1944

Nov. 21, 1944

Dear Mother,

I got quite a surprise when you wrote about Junior getting married. It looks like all the boys are getting caught powerful fast. Was the girl anyone I know? I don't think so, but it's a small world.
Speaking of hot letters. One of the boys really had one the other night. It was so hot it nearly burnt the truck up. With the help of a few buckets of water we managed to quench the fire. But another letter had to be composed.
Does anyone work Thanksgiving or is it going to be a holiday? I read in the paper the menu we are supposed to have. Just between you and me it's going to be interesting seeing them put out a feed like that here on field ranges. Maybe they can do it - I'm willing to be convinced.
Until I write again - all my Love
Kenneth

Thursday, November 26, 2009

We Made A Heater - Nov 8, 1944

Nov. 8 1944

Dear Mother,

How is everyone making out? I saw in the paper that temperatures hit eighty in St. Louis the other day. So reckon sweating out the season was experienced by everyone.
You can read in the paper what kind of weather we are having. What I could add about it would not add to your knowledge. But just foul up the air more.
The section I'm in is really looking out for our own interest. We made an oil burner to heat our room - feels good too. But not being contents with warmth alone, we must have contentment so we all chipped in and purchased a radio. The radio cost us fourteen bucks a piece or on hundred and twenty all together. As long as we have to stay over here we might just as well make things as livable as possible.
I'm always thinking of you and all the rest at home, bye with all my
Love
Kenneth

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

A Note From France - Nov. 1, 1944

Nov. 1, 1944

Dear Mother,

Mail from the past three months is finally catching up. - A little at a time. Now then I have an idea what goes on back yonder. It helps a lot when writing.
I also received a package of writing paper - with razor blades included. It was very timely thank you.
I am sending, under separate cover, a little something from France. I couldn't find anything for Dad, so I hope he doesn't feel slighted. I keep on the look out and maybe I can pick up a pair of Jerry binoculars for him.
There is also en route to St. Louis by way of the government three thousand eight hundred francs. Or in plain English seventy-six bucks. It should get there someday---.
That's all the dirt I can dig up for now - bye-
Love
Kenneth

Monday, November 23, 2009

What's This I Hear - Oct 25, 1944

Oct 25, 1944

Dear Mother,

Things are getting straightened out at long last. I am starting to get mail at the new address, in about ten days too.
Whats this I gather from your letter? You intend to build a small house on the place next spring and move out there. Sounds like a good idea to me. Have you made any definite plans yet, or are they all in the embryo stages yet? Keep me posted and up to date on any new developments.
What about Dads job? Will being out of town bother him very much? I hope not.
I met a fellow over here that went to Lamphier when I did. I met him once before at Fort Knox O.C.S. - He is Second Lt. Foster. - I doubt if Puggie knows him, although she might. He is the first one from the old home town I have run across over here.
Thank you for the Birthday card. It with a couple more back letters caught up the other day. There should be more of it coming soon - I hope.
If you go riding in one of those gliders you had better contact a soldier first. The steel helmet they have is just the thing for emergency use.
With that piece of advice I should bid you good-night for now - with love

Kenneth

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Not Much New - Oct. 16, 1944

Oct. 16, 1944

Dear Mother,
I thought I was going to write a letter when I sat down here. But now there doesn't seem to be anything to write about. Everything is quiet around, no excitement what so ever.
Did Puggie ever take her vacation? The last letter I got said she was thinking about it. I want to hear all the inside dope on said vacation, or maybe one of the letters I haven't received yet has the lowdown incorporated within.
I understand that a lot of people back home are worried about soldiers being kissed by French maidens. Maybe I get into the wrong towns, but most of them I have encountered seamed to be satisfied just shaking hands. The only time I got kissed on both cheeks in the proverbial French manner was by a French MAN - and he was three sheets to the wind. I was trying to get that way but the bottle went dry too soon.
Did the world series turn out to everyones satisfaction? How many games did Dad get to see? I would like to have seen this years world series. - OK well maybe next time.
More fun than a barrel of monkeys. Before me sits one fellow blowing his top over one of his girlfriends. It seems she is working at an army camp - and he thinks he know all about soldiers. Maybe he's got something.
Also another young gentleman is trying to do a little sewing. I hate to laugh but he has the darndest time keeping his finger and the needle from meeting. And it's always the point he gets.

Well time marches on. - So must I.

Love
Kenneth

Friday, November 20, 2009

Oct. 10, 1944

Dear Mother,

How is everyone doing? I'm still getting along O.K. - Wonder of wonders.
If I put a bit of swig and sway in this letter you will have to forgive me. - The boys in the room here are playing a Victrola. I don't know where it came from, but it's here.
Have you been down to the place lately?
It should be nice with the fall colors across the valley. Things over here are as green as usual. I don't know about fall frosts - Maybe there won't be any - I hope.
Man oh man! some of the things I think of to write. The only trouble being, the fact that someone else has ideas about what I can write. Yes sir life is tough in the E.L.O.
Hay! this is the last page in my tablet - so I have to say good night until I get more.
Love
Kenny

Thursday, November 19, 2009

From Your Wandering Boy - Sept. 30, 1944

Sept. 30, 1944

Dear Mother,

Maybe I should take a few minutes and give you news of your wandering boy.
At the present writing he is doing fine - all things considered. Under different circumstances France would be an enjoyable place to visit.
I've made a few tours through some of the towns, and had a pretty good time. As yet there isn't much entertainment after dark but during the day it's fun trying to talk to some of these Frenchmen. Every once in a while one comes along that speaks English - that's much better.
They have finally quit bouncing me around. I have a unit once again. Maybe now I can get some of those letters you have been writing. The address is similar to my first two - so it shouldn't be too hard to remember. In case you couldn't read the one on the envelope here tis again --

Co. A - 128 Ord. - Maint. BN.
A.P.O. 256 - % Postmaster
New York, N.Y

Love to all the family from

Kenneth

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Bing Crosby Sings To Us Again - Sept 16, 1944

Sept 16, 1944

Dear Mother,

Maybe they will let me light long enough to say hello. they keep us pretty busy now days, if it isn't working it's moving. Someday they may let us alone long enough to to get our breath.
I haven't decided whether Bing Crosby is following me or if I am following him. He gave us another show yesterday. He didn't know that part of us had seen his show at the last camp. It was worth seeing and hearing again, I think.
If you see scratches on this letter you'll know its just me scratching these little bugs. I have been sleeping in a French barn and between you and me it's hard to tell just what there is to pick up. Of course if there is a good hay loft handy it's as good as a feather bed and the comforts over balance the discomforts.
I'll run along now and let you get back to your house work - until later - Love and lots of luck.

Kenneth

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Sharing My Bed With A Bee - Sept. 4, 1944

Sept. 4, 1944

Dear Mother,

How are all the Register's, both big and little? All on this side of the world are getting along fine under the circumstances.
The French claim the rainy season is due to start next month. If this is their dry season I think I'll trade my pup tent for a houseboat when the rainy season gets here.
I'm about to get mad at some bees I know. I was just about to get a couple hours extra sleep this morning. By chance I rolled right on top of a bee using my pillow for a bed. That bee won't bother any more people, but that satisfaction didn't help my neck much.
Letter writing is something of a job around here. I write a few lines and stop and do something else. I'm going to bring this one to a close for now.
Until later all my love to all at home

Love
Kenneth

Monday, November 16, 2009

A New Place to Call Home - Sept 8, 1944

Sept. 8, 1944

Dear Mother,
I'm about to get thawed out again after a nice soaking the other day. There are several ways of getting a bath and that is one of the worst.
Had quite a celebration on my birthday this year. Bing Crosby and his troupe put on a show. They probably didn't know it was my birthday but they put on a good show anyway.
What's new on the home front? I suppose everyone is still working per usual. How is Stubby making out? Still as badly spoilt as ever - no?
I'm getting into high society now. The front yard of one of these famous Chateaus is now my home. - Home being wherever I pitch my pup tent. - To get back to the Chateau, it's really a nice place just like some big country estate around St. Louis. The house looks to have about thirty rooms or so. Also a nice river runs right by the front door and forms a small lake there. Very nice indeed.
Keep out of mischief while I can't watch you. Until later

Love
Kenneth

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Called On The Count Of Darkness - Aug 29, 1944

Aug 29, 1944

Dear Mother,
I have a few seconds before dark. In that few seconds I'll try and convey to you the impression that all is well with your only wandering boy.
I gather from the way night creeps up that summer is nearly over. Soon our time for writing and reading will be limited to a few minutes before chow.
What's all this I keep hearing about certain people getting like butterballs? I don't want to mention any names, but you are right on that first guess as to whom I am referring to.
Doggone I can't seem to find anyone around that I use to know. All the soldiers that pass through this place and not one from Springfield or Pittsburgh. I'll never give up I'll keep on looking.
It has reached the point where I have to stop - called because of darkness.

Love
Kenneth

Friday, November 13, 2009

Chased By Mail - Aug. 23, 1944

Aug 23, 1944

Dear Mother,

Just received your letter of June seventh. I think the letter got waylaid someplace is the reason it took so long.
Thanks for the piece about the Ninth. I didn't know the fellow that did the walking. But that's the first news I've had from the old outfit for quite some time.
They have finally given us permission to use the address here at this replacement Depot. Had we started using it sooner we would be getting our mail in about ten to fifteen days. Instead the mail chases all over England and ends up by taking thirty to sixty days.
Now that I have a new address I will probably move on to another outfit. That's the way things happen.
That's about all that's new right now. Til later -
Love from me to you

Kenneth

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The French Wear Wooden Shoes Too - Aug. 19, 1944

Aug 19, 1944

Dear Mother,

Clop! Clop! Clop! go the wooden shoes. I always thought the Dutch were the ones that wore the wooden shoes. The French around here wear the wooden gun boats. If you ask me they look awful uncomfortable. I haven't discovered if it's because of the war or whether it's standard wearing apparel.
Now then I have to remember my bed. My bed partner moved out on me. The only good thing about it is the fact that I have his straw along with mine for a mattress. On this bumpy ground something has to be used - or else My Aching Back!
Have they made a decision on moving the plant out from under Dad yet? I hope they don't move.
Thanks for the carmels. They were greatly appreciated by all. I can't tell you the date it was sent. The post mark didn't take very good.
Work duth stare me in the face - so I must close this word by visit until another day.

Love
Kenneth

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

A Wittle Wabbat - Aug. 15, 1944

Aug. 15, 1944

Dear Mother,

I almost didn't get this letter written. A little character interrupted just as I started writing. We have a Wittle Wabbit here that decided my tent would make a good home. As long as he doesn't eat my hay mattress I shall not care.
I can just guess how Dad feels about the government and their love for changes and moves. He does seem to hit places about that time too. He has the right idea about not leaving St. Louis.
So you found Blackberries way back in June. They are just getting ripe over here. I found a few ripe ones yesterday. Most of them are pretty small - no real big ones like we found in Kansas.
I would like to have seen the Old Man sitting in the middle of the suit case with a mattress on top of him. I'll bet Grandma liked having her hat squashed with all that beef.
I just received your letter of July 3. The description of a night in the Ozarks is very good and just about hits it on the head. It's about the best description I have ever read.
Did Floyd get deferred or does he miss the age limit for the draft now. There for a while he was expecting to be called. I was wondering what happened if anything.

Love to all the family.

Kenneth

Monday, November 9, 2009

V - MAIL - Aug. 5, 1944

Aug. 5, 1944

Dear Mother,

How are things back home? Have you been down to the place lately - or has Dad been too busy at his new job? I say new job, probably Dad feels like an old hand at it by now.
Not much new with me as yet. Still doing the same old thing without much possibility of any change in the near future.
Best wishes to everybody and Love to you -
Kenneth

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Thanks For The Letters - July 28, 1944

July 28, 1944

Dear Mother,

I received your letter of May 27 today along with about five others of a little later date.
Thanks for the pictures. I liked that one of you - all dressed up in your uniform and no place to go. A little bit more and Dad would have gotten in that picture with Rosalyn. I hate to mention this in public - but Dad and "you" both are getting a bit on the stout side don't you think. It might be better if you left a few of those sodas for me instead of making a pig of yourself.
If Dad does very much riding in jeeps I don't think he will have much to worry about reducing. Especially if the driving is done by G.I.'s on cross country runs.
I sent sixty-seven dollars home by way of government check a couple days ago. That should make a tidy little sum for us to start out on.
Your cruel to me. Talking about sodas and ice cream. They don't seem to know what ice cream is over here. As a matter of fact there is nothing for the peoples enjoyment over here.
Thanks for thinking about my birthday. To be truthful I can't think of anything I really need. There is no sense asking for something I don't need - Everything I own has to be carried on my back so all excess stuff is out. Now a good quart of scotch would be nice but presents like that are frowned upon for some reason or other. Candy is the only thing that is missing to any great extent - but mail takes so long that most candy isn't fit to eat. Take the car and go out to some nice cool place for dinner on me - and make believe I'm there with you. Dad can even eat a double share for me.

That's all for now.
Loads of Love

Kenneth

Thursday, November 5, 2009

I'll Bet It's Warm There - July 22, 1944

July 22, 1944

Dear Mother,

I suppose you are trying to find a cool spot about now - and maybe a nice cold drink - I'll take some of the same.
What does Dad think of the baseball situation? the question is - Can the Brownies hold on to their lead? I guess all St. Louis is asking that question. It'll be some fun if the two St. Louis clubs fight out the world series - Wow! That would be plain dynamite.
I'm enclosing some money you can look at. The fifty francs is French of course. A Franc is worth about two cents at the present.
The other cigar coupon is an English Pound note. It's worth about four dollars in good old greenbacks. I've got money of all kinds, or maybe I should say all kinds of money, and no place to spend it. So I'll be sending some home in a few days.
Did I tell you that we have advanced a step in our return to civilization. We no longer fix our own meals. We have a kitchen set up much like garrison days. There is a little more variety in our meals now.
All of this talk about food brings to mind that I am getting hungry. That combined with the fact that it is now chow time - leads me to the conclusion that this letter will have to be drawn to a close.
I hate to say Good Night so soon - but I must until later.

Love
Kenneth

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Wish I Took French - July 16, 1944

July 16, 1944

Dear Mother,

Once again I set me down to write you a letter. Maybe I should write to Vanita also. She will be getting peeved if I don't write soon.
There are times when I am sorry I didn't take up French in high school. It's tough when you aren't sure whether you are being cursed or being invited to take a drink. - Not that I would take a drink mind you - OH YEAH
I'm picking up a few French phrases here and there. Such as "Je voudrais manger." When you stop to think of it I always wanted to do some thing like that.
Did anything ever come of that Popular Bluff deal on those signs? Does there seem to be much advertising going back on the roads yet or are the boards as bare as ever?
Hay get out of here! - No not you Mother I'm talking to this d---m calf. It can't seem to find any place to eat except around my tent. If he's not careful he'll end up as nice veal cutlets.
Bonne nuit
and love too all.
Kenneth

Monday, November 2, 2009

That Was Some Cider - July 8, 1944

July 8, 1944

Dear Mother,

Did you get to visit the place over the fourth or did everyone work as usual? Come to think of it Vanita and Al should have been down over the fourth.
Things are pretty quiet here. The best part of our area is a small stream of water - In the afternoon both banks are lined with G.I.'s bathing or washing clothes. The water is cold as the devil but it feels good after the first plunge.
I just found out that some details aren't as bad as they look to be. Five of us got on one the other day that had some good points. In the first place we worked near a farm house. In the second place the farmer had a lot of cider - and in the third place we had a five gallon water can that happened to be empty. Add them all together and you get the same answer that we did. I don't know what they put in that cider but we accomplished more work than any two crews of men that day.
Be good until you hear from me again - till then.

Love
Kenneth