Introductions by Debra
This is a true, first-hand account of the innermost thoughts of Art to his beloved Lois, written while serving our country as a United States Marine during World War II. My name is Debra and I am sharing the gifts of Art’s Love Letters. Art was my grandfather and Lois was my grandmother. It was 1944 and they were 21 years old when the letters began.
To recap this Love Story thus far, there have been 3 letters sent by Art to Lois and they enjoyed 3 lovely days together. Art received orders to report to California the day after their 3 days of paradise. He will be using Lois’s picture to comfort him on his cross-country trip.
The Letter Transcript
Saturday, April 22, 1944
Dearest Lois,
Here I be, way out in California again. Arrived here at about five last night and began school this morning.
All the fellows in the barracks have left for liberty. Only have Saturday night and Sunday off for the whole week, except yours truly. Must write my little darling first. Honestly, Lois, sure have been in the dumps since leaving Norfolk. Had you constantly on my mind all the way across. God I hope these next five weeks pass quickly. Now if only a few letters from you come maybe I can hold out until I see you again. {Narrator’s Note: Remember in our last letter he was notifying her he had to leave that afternoon. He has had no contact since he last saw her on Sunday April 16th.}
The school I’m going to isn’t so bad, am right at the North American plant. Have civilian instructors, eat at the plant, and sleep in some Army barracks across the road. My class in B-25’s is made up of ten doggies, five swabbis, and one Marine – that’s me. Odds I should say are about even, don’t you think? School goes from 7:00 till 4:00 six days a week. Fun is over for awhile but that is okay with me as it will be quite an education. From 4:00 till 5:00 each day we must have exercises. First work out for me for a heck of awhile. Finished up the workout by running nearly two miles and I guess you know I’m beginning to feel it now. By the time we go back to Norfolk, I should be back in shape again – no drinking and very little smoking, thanks to you Honey.
My sea bag and locker box haven’t come as yet, so am a bit fouled up on clothes and other gear. Good thing I put some writing material in my hand bag – was thinking of you when I did that. No pen though, so please excuse the pencil. Everything will be here next week and get back to normal gain.
Gosh, Honey, I hope a letter comes real soon so I’ll be able to know how you still feel about me. No need for me to tell you how much in love I am with you for you sure must realize that. I guess I’ll always be in love with you regardless of the way things turn out. As I look at your picture now, it just seems alive. Remember how I compared the picture with you by placing it under your chin, well that is how I see you every time I look at that pretty little face of yours. Then the way, I liked best, you looked when you sat in front of me on the couch with a half serious expression, head a little cocked and those beautiful brown eyes just sparkling. How I wanted to kiss them! Remember that pose, Honey, for I want you to do it again and then I’m going to kiss you so hard you will know for sure how much in love I am.
How is every little thing with you, Lois? Just glowing with health as usual I bet. Let me know the way things are going in the new house. Still number one cook are you, Honey? Wish I could have sampled some of your cooking, have to be content with the idea you are a wonderful cook. Remember me to the girls, Dear, they sure are a real nice bunch. It is something to know there are still girls like you four still around. Was beginning to think virginity is a thing of the past.
Darling, think I’d better close now as it so so cold in here I can hardly hold onto the pencil. It gets warm during the day and very cold at night. Crawl under the blankets and dream of you. Goodnight darling.
With Love Always,
Art
Questions, Conclusions and Commentary
Conclusion1: Once again, Art experiences inequality and separation. He tells us the fellows have left for liberty except for “yours truly” on his first night of arrival. In previous letters we learned he received less money than his brother when they wired home for their needs. Art’s experiences of unfairness and inequality seemed to be commonplace to him since he tells Lois “naturally” he received less. We also know he was separated from all his buddies in Norfolk for this “special” assignment in California that is supposed to be a good thing. I find this interesting. I look forward to learning more about his “special” assignment. He barely touches the surface except to say he expects to receive “quite” an education.
Question 1: What is the North American plant where civilians are instructing our military men? I would love to know what a typical day was like there, including what they fed them. Perhaps he shall tell us about that in future letters.
Question 2: What is a B-25? Sounds like a plane to me. I am wondering what he was learning about planes since he was not a pilot by trade in his employment. Maybe he was learning to fix and maintain them? He did not do that for work either, but I do know he worked for Gillette and won an award for inventing a clutch for their mechanical assembly line process so perhaps he was learning the mechanics of engines on planes.
Question 3: What are doggies and swabbis and why are they referred to as that? I’m guessing they are other military branches since he says he is the only Marine. Also, why is it “about even” at a ratio of 10 doggies, 5 swabbis, and 1 marine?
Closing Conclusions: It appears Art is not just a deep feeler. He is also a Visionary like myself. He comforts himself with pictures. He appreciates what memories he has of Lois with her head in certain precious poses. He longs to recreate them again and add the detail of kissing her face as he envisions himself doing with the picture. I love and appreciate his DNA more with every letter.
Although I feel, war is a horrible story under any circumstances, I ponder if profound feelings and imagery perhaps only could come forth in souls during times of challenging difficulties. We are in such times now. Let us think good thoughts of Love and kisses on the precious faces we see in person or online until next week’s letter. Stay tuned!
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The Calling 