Letter and Envelope from William Smith to Edith Smith
December 24 1942 (Earliest/Latest dates)
Paper, Ink
A letter and envelope sent by Private William Smith from Camp Gruber, Oklahoma to his sister Edith in Georgetown, Connecticut. Smith describes his train ride to camp and the cold weather conditions -
Dear E.
Maybe you should consider this a continuation of the letter I wrote mom telling what has gone on since I left home. Only this after dinner and other [illegible] have been mailed.
How did you make out with Christmas tree? Get it all trimmed, did Skippy like it? How did Anne like her apron? How did Mom’s sweater fit?
After traveling in the train over 60 hours without washing or shaving, only eating and playing in one car, we sure went to town after we landed and got plenty of hot water and a shower, change of clothes and steak for dinner. This P.M. a lot of the regulars are playing at football.
After dinner the Colonel, Lieut Col., Capt. and chaplain spoke briefly. The Colonel told us that we would have 6 weeks of intensive training and [illegible] unless some were sent to other training schools. They could expect shipment any time.
We came back to the barracks and then a couple of us washed out our towels, long legged underwear, packs and [illegible]. I guess they won’t dry too good as it looks like rain. At least it isn’t going to snow and be 20° below like Fort Devens. The barracks seem to be very well heated in every camp. When with our warm underwear and clothes and then with wool blankets and comfortable at night - it sure gives one no reason for being cold.
I asked mom to send my wooden clogs in that same package could you send 5 wire coat hangers and some clothes pins about 1 dozen.
The sergeant is going to [illegible] mail so long for now
William
Dear E.
Maybe you should consider this a continuation of the letter I wrote mom telling what has gone on since I left home. Only this after dinner and other [illegible] have been mailed.
How did you make out with Christmas tree? Get it all trimmed, did Skippy like it? How did Anne like her apron? How did Mom’s sweater fit?
After traveling in the train over 60 hours without washing or shaving, only eating and playing in one car, we sure went to town after we landed and got plenty of hot water and a shower, change of clothes and steak for dinner. This P.M. a lot of the regulars are playing at football.
After dinner the Colonel, Lieut Col., Capt. and chaplain spoke briefly. The Colonel told us that we would have 6 weeks of intensive training and [illegible] unless some were sent to other training schools. They could expect shipment any time.
We came back to the barracks and then a couple of us washed out our towels, long legged underwear, packs and [illegible]. I guess they won’t dry too good as it looks like rain. At least it isn’t going to snow and be 20° below like Fort Devens. The barracks seem to be very well heated in every camp. When with our warm underwear and clothes and then with wool blankets and comfortable at night - it sure gives one no reason for being cold.
I asked mom to send my wooden clogs in that same package could you send 5 wire coat hangers and some clothes pins about 1 dozen.
The sergeant is going to [illegible] mail so long for now
William
2017.31.93A-C