Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, July 28, 1945

Well honey I really had my full day of entertainment yesterday. As I wrote you last night from the Red Cross, I went to see the Rainbow Show and it was without a doubt the best I have yet seen overseas. It was a nice variety show with just enough of everything so as not to be tiring. The band was wonderful, sounded like Benny Goodman’s and the civilian talent was of the highest type with beautiful costumes. The theatre is small, holds about 500 but I think it is one of the most beautiful I have ever been in. I am inclosing the program to give you an idea of what they had. I would even enjoy seeing it again and may go tonite. After leaving the theatre last night about 9:00, I had a hell of a time catching a ride back to camp. I walked a couple of miles to the outskirts of the city where a guy from the Field Artillery and I decided to sweat out a ride if it took all night. We finally succeeded after about 1 ½ hours but only for part way. We started walking again and finally caught another ride to Anif but walked in from there. Borrowed some blankets from “D” Co and fixed him a bed in our tent. After breakfast this morning he took off to try and catch a ride to Hallein about seven miles from us. He seemed like a swell kid and really appreciated my helping him. Stacy who was formally a Sgt in our Personnel Section is now   a Warrant Officer, TG, and is their Personnel officer so I told him if they called him AWOL to tell Stacy he was with me and I would verify why he was late getting back.

When I got back last night I had four letters awaiting me. Yours (2) of the 20th and 21st one from Mother and one from Pharis Tire and Rubber Co. Also I noted in your letter of the 16th where you got Freda started off on her way to K.C. I’ll bet she did hate to leave and no doubt Vi hated to see her go. I think as you say you are probably smart to keep your Ap’t especially since being so convenient for you and now that you have the things you want. Also in again moving over there you have the street cars to fight. I remember that little cherry tree you mentioned it was a tiny little thing when last I saw it. I am glad to hear she quit her job because it naturally would drain her energy which she no doubt needs to conserve more than over at this time.

Regarding Lattie’s folks in Cologne, I am of course a long, long ways from that city and at present don’t know any one stationed in that territory. I believe Cologne is now being occupied by the British if I remember correctly. If by chance I hear of any one there I will surely let you know as I am sure any G.I. would be glad to help her out under the circumstances.

So you finally got your chance to tell Louisa what you thought about the housing situation. At least it makes one feel good   to get some thing like that off your chest. I'll bet she wasn’t too happy to hear it.

Mother mentioned in her letter that you had called one Sunday and had a nice visit.

I received a nice long letter from Chuck B. today. He states he is now in the 36th Div. which is definitely Army of Occupation. Seems to think he will be over here for a long time now. He also says they are starting another basic training and that the fellows are of course all unhappy about the deal.

I guess it is definitive now that we are moving the first of next week however hear it is a different town than the one I recently wrote you about. I don’t know the name of it at present but will let you know as soon as I can find out.

Well darling I guess thats about all the news for today so will close —

I am inclosing a copy of our Rainbow Reveille in another envelope —

Bye again honey,
C.