They just couldn’t stand it any longer. Lester’s intended headed to Michigan to be close to him. She found a place to stay and a job nearby. What a special time for the two of them! Like many farm families from that time period, Josephine’s family and Lester’s family were all good friends. Lester and Josephine grew up together and had known each other most of their lives. Lester’s younger brother and Josephine’s younger brother were best pals through their school years.

 

Monday night

May 11 – 1942

Dear Folks

I haven’t much time tonight but will write a few lines at least.  Thanks for the candy you sent with Josephine.  It was very good.  I went in and saw her Saturday evening and all day Sunday.  We went out and met Allen’s cousin Sunday afternoon.  They are rather old but seemed very nice.  They asked her to stay with them awhile but I don’t know what she is going to do.  Yes, I wish you could have come with her, Mom.  Perhaps you will be able to come to Chicago when I go back to the Lakes.  You could visit Audrey too, then.

Josephine just called me now.  She is out at the cousin’s tonight.  She looked for a job today but didn’t find anything yet that she wanted.

 

The president of Peru is coming tomorrow to review us and visit the station.  We have been drilling for the performance and he probably won’t stay long enough to hardly see us when he does come.  Rear Admiral Downes is coming Wednesday to see us so we are going to have to watch our step, you see.  Mr Downes is the commandant of the ninth naval district.  He is at Great Lakes.

Tuesday morning.  Taps blew last night before I finished this so I’ll try again this morning.  We will probably have to go to chow pretty soon now.

Is it still raining at home?  We have been having quite a little rain here, not so much at one time but frequent small rains.  It is a little chilly but not cold.

Well, chow is over and we had hash, French toast and syrup, oatmeal, an apple and a donut.  It was pretty good.  When it is warm we usually have cold tea, lemonade or orangeade to drink for noon and evening.

You might tell Mabel that if she wants to write to Josephine before she gets a permanent address, she can send it to me and I will see that she gets it.

Noon:  The president of Peru has been here and gone again.  He is just a little fellow, about middle-aged I would guess.  Mr Henry Ford was along.  This was the first time I have seen him but he looks just like his pictures.  He wore a light grey suit & an old brown felt hat.  He was just as common as anyone.  He looks like he is getting pretty old.

Guess I had better mail this cause it is about time to go to school.  I talked to Josephine at noon and she has taken a job doing housework near here.  Will write more later.
Love

Lester