Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, December 29, 1944

Gee it seemed wonderful to hear your voice last night. Wish it were possible to talk with you every night. Had a funny thing happen after our conversation regarding the bill for same. At first the operator told me we talked 12 minutes and that I owed $5.05. I told her I would have to get change and when I returned we were disconnected. I called her back and she said there must have been some mistake because she had no record showing I owed for overtime. I said, what should I do about it, hang up, and she said sure so our call was only $2.25. Really reasonable don’t you think.

We boys really had grand time in New York. The inclosed picture was taken in the Turf Club where we had a few drinks. We were also in the Astor Bar, Club Zanzibar, Jack Dempseys and numerous others. Saw Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, Saks 5th Ave Store and the big cathedral and all the big theaters. Ethel Barrymore was playing in person in the Embezzled Woman at one of the theaters. Jimmy Dorsey at another and Woody Herman at another.

I was sorry to hear of Elsie's Laryngitis and hope she recovers soon. Also glad to hear of Mary landing a job and the type she wanted. I was so glad to hear of your invitations over the Xmas Holiday and would like you to thank them for me for looking after you so well. They are certainly some of the best friends we have.

I really got a bang out of the Xmas card from Dorothy & Mike. They really figure out the original ideas don’t they? Really look like the old tin types of years ago.

I was surely glad to hear that you got rid of the car okay. I think that a very good price considering everything.

Sal told me today that Betty had written him of seeing you and how glad she was to have you to talk with.

Had some snow and rain night before last and the streets are still very icy. The weather has been quite cold and is really penetrating.

I saw in the J.C. Link that Lone Oak had burned and meant to write you of same but just forgot. At the present time that really doesn’t bother me much.

I can hardly wait until this thing is over and we can be back together. I hope some time before too long we can see New York together. Boy, will we ever celebrate.

Well, honey that is about all for now. Keep your chin up and I am hoping I get to call you at least once again before leaving.

Tell everyone hello and give them my regards