February 24, 1942, Evanston, Illinois

Tom has received a box of candy from Mr. and Mrs. Foran, Zoe’s parents, and he writes them a thank you note. This is the first of nearly a dozen letter he wrote to them through April of 1945. They were all saved by the Forans, and passed from them to Zoe, and then to Zoe’s daughter, and ultimately I received them. Tom writes in a way that suggests he is planning a medical career. This is in contrast to his high school quotation in which he said he did not want to become a doctor. But Tom also made some reference to “pre-med” studies at Northwestern, so perhaps he changed his mind.
3:00 o’clock Mon. afternoon.

February 24, 1942, Evanston, Illinois, Page 1
February 24, 1942, Evanston, Illinois, Page 1

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Foran,

I was really glad to get such a quick return on my letter, at least one member of the Foran family believes in prompt replies. Sometimes thats more than I can say for Zoe.

The candy arrived today and is really swell. If you won’t take my word for it just ask my roommate or anyone else on this floor. Everyone else knows what mail you have got before you do and there is really not very much need in trying to hide anything. Thanks alot.

The way it sounds your doctor at Sorento is doing well by everyone except you folks maybe when I get through I should come there, then I am sure you would have plenty of business.

February 24, 1942, Evanston, Illinois, Page 2
February 24, 1942, Evanston, Illinois, Page 2

I just returned from swimming they certainly do give you a work out. It is a good thing I don’t have any more classes today for I don’t believe I could get there. About all we do in swimming is play water polo and that means you are in the water about 45 minutes in one stretch. It’s beginning to snow again and get colder, I am certainly ready for spring to come, but there will prob ably be several more cold spells yet. The way your letter sounded you are not having any summer weather down there either.

Yesterday afternoon 5 of we boys from the house went down to Elaine’s and had Sun. dinner you can imagine what her apartment looked like after we left. It was alot of fun and had a good dinner. The that we have been getting here has been lousy and is getting worse.

This letter is going to have to be alittle short I have an hour exam in Chem. and Trig. tomorrow and will have to do some reviewing the Chem. is the only one I’m afraid of.

I want to thank you again for the candy and it got here in fine style.

Yours sincerely,

Tom

February 24, 1942, Evanston, Illinois
February 24, 1942, Evanston, Illinois

A Young Man Went Off to War