United States Army
Friday
29 December 1944
Dearest Gretchen —
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.
United States Army
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.
Always thinking of you,
Worlds of love
Clarence.
Tell everyone hello and give them my regards