January 3, 1945, Fresno, California

Tom and Zoe both wrote letters to her father. They are relieved her father is happy about the unexpected pregnancy. Zoe describes a day of wedded contentment in front of their fireplace, cooking hot dogs. The weather in California has been bad, interfering with flying and postponing Tom’s deployment to the war.
Wed. night

January 3, 1945, Fresno, California, Page 5
January 3, 1945, Fresno, California, Page 5

Hello Dad,

I am afraid I read the first half of the third paragraph before Zoe had a chance to tell me not to. So she thought I was a Mollycoddle? I am certainly glad to find that out. I’ve been kidding her about her bug killing ability so I guess we are about even. I really was glad to know that you weren’t ready . to get the shot gun after me for my causing you to be a Grandpa. I am giving Zoe strict instructions that you are to be the boss so if she give’s you any trouble just drop me a line. Zoe threatens to cross this part out so if anythings missing in here let me know and I’ll send you a personal letter.

January 3, 1945, Fresno, California, Page 1
January 3, 1945, Fresno, California, Page 1

The way things look I’ll get to be here another month, and might even get a leave. The weather has been so bad here that we can hardly get off the ground. Don’t be to sure of the Pacific area for me. Hope to be seeing you folks soon.

Tom.

P.S. Zoe say take the pen to the store and use it.


Wed. Jan 3rd.

January 3, 1945, Fresno, California, Page 2
January 3, 1945, Fresno, California, Page 2

Dear Daddy,

I was so glad to hear from you – didn’t know if you exactly approved of the new addition to the family but felt reassured when you mentioned putting more boards on the screen doors. I really enjoyed the letter. Maybe you had better dig up part of the chicken yard for an extra garden this spring. On second thought that might not be such a good idea because eggs would taste mighty good to me – they are 72 cents a dozen out here so we don’t eat many out here – I’m saving a space so I can fill up on them when I come home.

January 3, 1945, Fresno, California, Page 3
January 3, 1945, Fresno, California, Page 3

Tom and I have really been living like kings today. All we did was sit before our fireplace all day – we had the nicest fire and tonight it really looks beautiful – sure do like a fire-place every thing looks so cheery. We bought some weiners tonight and roasted them in the fire.

Tom has been grounded for quite some time now – today is the first time he has felt fairly decent. – he had a combination of the flu and asma. – almost ruptured his ear because of flying with a cold. We’ve also had a lot of fog and rain and the fellows have had a hard time trying to get their flying time in so with a combination of both of these I think we might be here another month and finally get a furlough.

January 3, 1945, Fresno, California, Page 4
January 3, 1945, Fresno, California, Page 4

Tell Ruth to be sure to write me if she wants my job in Chi. My 3 months leave of absence is up Jan 22 and if she wants the job I want to tell Sadie about it when I write to tell her I’m quitting which will have to be sent right away.

P.S. Tell Mother that we didn’t receive a package from Frida + Harry other than what she sent in her package so maybe it was lost. Tell me if they did send something so I can thank them anyway.

January 3, 1945, Fresno, California
January 3, 1945, Fresno, California

A Young Man Went Off to War