Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, September 26, 1945

What a day this has been, more rain and more cold. Guess I wasn’t kidding when I said it would rain for a week. I didn’t receive any mail from you again last night making two days in a row so am looking forward to mail call tonight and hoping for the best.

We really had some excitement here in Hallein this afternoon when the hugh church steeple collapsed. The church is located only a block from our station and the dust rolled down over town like a cloud of fog. There was no apparent reason for it falling except old age however I guess the war time bombing possibly helped to crack and loosen it. I understand the church was built in 1547 so is about 400 years old. I suppose it is only natural they must fall at some time. We ran up there immediately to see if any one was injured but evidently no one was hurt. We heard tonite that the bellringer was in the tower but I think it may have been a rumor. On the way up there we met a girl running out of the cloud of dust and asked her what happened — she said, “the church, the church, all is kaput,” and she wasn’t kidding. I am inclosing a picture to give you an idea of the size and plan to get a picture of the debris tomorrow so you can see the remains.

This afternoon we had nothing to do so a bunch of us went to the shows in Salzburg. Most of the fellows went to the little theatre and saw “Caribbean Mystery” but Geo. Marrell and I went to the Roxy and saw “Frisco Sal.”It was a terrible picture and I was very much disappointed however according to the boys the other picture was also no good.

After writing you yesterday I also wrote a couple of pages to Carl Ragnitt inclosing a copy of the S & S with the story about J & R. I also sent one to Mr. Mullen as was quite sure he would enjoy reading one of our editions.

A bunch of us are going to the show here in Hallein tonight to see “Rainbow Over Bdway.” I understand it is very old and not good but anything helps to break the monotony and keep us from beating our heads against the wall. I don’t know whether I can stand two no good shows in one day but it is one way of spending time. Tomorrow I am on C.Q. again so won’t be able to leave consequently I have to get two days entertainment today. We finally got our radio repaired and got it back today. Gee it seems wonderful to have music again and surely helps to make the time go faster. Right now they are playing “Bell Bottom Trousers”. That is the first I have heard it.

Well darling I’m all out of news so guess this is it for today — Bye for now —