January 19, 1942, Evanston, Illinois

For the first time, Tom discusses his interest in joining the Air Corps. His swimming class is physically taxing, and he’s fallen behind in his studies since being hospitalized. Fraternity pledge activities are continuing. He’s getting discouraged.
7:00 Mon. night.

January 19, 1942, Evanston, Illinois, Page 1
January 19, 1942, Evanston, Illinois, Page 1

Dearest,

Just a short note but I wanted to finish this letter and then get to work. Steve and I are going up town to get a drink at 12:00 so I will mail this then.[1]I’m not sure what he means by “get a drink.” Evanston was dry – did not allow alcohol to be served – at the time, so either they weren’t staying in Evanston, or … Continue reading I went down to Chicago this afternoon. Do you think I would be crazy to try and get in the air corps, it wouldn’t be before next fall but I would probably have to sign up before then. That was the reason I went down to Chicago. They have lowered the age limit to 18. They are going to let me know as soon as they start taking more applications.

I went to swimming class today for the first time in 2 weeks. The first thing he had us do was swim 250 yds. 100 free style, 50 breast stroke, 50 side stroke, and 50 flying breast stroke I couldn’t hardly get out of the pool after that. The next 1/2 hour we played water polo.

January 19, 1942, Evanston, Illinois, Page 2
January 19, 1942, Evanston, Illinois, Page 2

I found out that I register from 10:30 to 11:30 Fri. the 6th so I will get out of here Fri. afternoon if I can get a train.

The actives really put us through the paces tonight at dinner. I had to sing a song and crawl under all the tables.

Honey, the time seems to be so far away before I will see you and the days are so long that it seems it will never come. The way the work piled while I was out I feel like quitting and letting it go to he–. You remember the theme I told you I finished that night I got out of the hospital to be turned in the next day I got it back today with a C. When he gave it to me I felt like pushing it down his throat but that wouldn’t have been nice.

I better close now and get to work.

Write soon and be good. –

With all my love,

Tom.

January 19, 1942, Evanston, Illinois
January 19, 1942, Evanston, Illinois

References

References
1 I’m not sure what he means by “get a drink.” Evanston was dry – did not allow alcohol to be served – at the time, so either they weren’t staying in Evanston, or the drink was not alcoholic.

A Young Man Went Off to War