Spitball Army

Aisle 14. Walk toward the display of security lights. As you pass, they light your profile. Pause. Turn. Vamp for the paparazzi.

On break, discussion has veered to the predicted May 21 end times. “I won’t hear Gabriel’s trumpet,” she says. “I’m tone deaf.”

[Letter postmarked on 30 September 1942 at 12:30 p.m. at Wood River, Illinois. Addressed to Miss Crystal K., Berwyn, Illinois. Return addressed to Richard N., Portage Des Sioux, Mo.]

Wood River, Ill.
Sept. 29, 1942

Darling,

Gee hon, the way your letters keep coming in is wonderful. I am very much ashamed of my self for not writing sooner, but I have been busy, hon. – sooo here goes for a good long one.

Saturday after you left, it rained all day and was very cold and damp. I thought Saturday night would never end. I went to bed at 2:30 Saturday afternoon and never opened my eyes till 11:00 Saturday night. Then I was on watch till the next morning. We were relieved at 10:30 and at 11:30 we were in Portage at Sunday morning and at 12:30 we (Mack, Whitey, me) were on our way to St. Louis. I picked up your letter when we got in, you told me every thing but I enjoyed reading it anyway.

When we reached St. Louis, Mack got off and Whitey & I went to the U.S.O. We were there a few minutes and Whitey got ants in the pants and wanted to go to the Show, so we did. We saw “It Happened in Flatbush” and “Lady in Trouble,” both very good. Then we started back to Alton. In Alton, we went to the Bon Air and met a bunch of the boys from Portage. We sat around drinking beer and had a swell time. We got back at 3:30 in the morning.

Monday we were up at 6:00 to run and walk 2 miles for an eye opener – boy, was it cold (I forgot to tell you before we went back to Alton (Sunday) evening). We went down to the barge line right above Mound City, remember where all those tugs were. The Helena was there and the Missouri was behind it. We had supper on the Missouri – boy, was that a meal. I’ll never forget. The only thing I could eat was the ham and that was no good. They had dumplings but I couldn’t eat them. Monday, we were on standby. About 5:00, we were told we were going out again because we were the only boat running. 7 other boats were broke down, 4 of them came into service two weeks after we did. We are the pride of the base, hon. I wish it wasn’t such a running Son of a Gun. To-day was our day of liberty – this is happening so often. After I heard this, I said, Nuts, I’m going into town regardless of the consequences, so I did. I went to another show, “The Eagle Squadron.” Boy, hon, see that if you get a chance, it’s very good. Then I had a few beers at Bon Air and was home at 11:30.

Tuesday, up at 6:00 and on our way to Wood River – still darn cold this morning. Boy, the climate down here is terrific after all that rain & snow up north – it’s about 12 miles an hour and wavy. We are anchored out side of the channel. Now to get to your letter, hon (What did your dad say, does he still doubt our veracity, hon?)

I don’t know when I’m coming home hon, but you can bet it will be as soon as I can. I sure was worried about your getting home hon, but I guess you can take care of your self now – hey, honey, I was worried that what did happen would happen, hon – you get them like honey gets bees, dear. I am glad they were nice though, hon, for I imagine they helped pass the time away, didn’t they? As long as you can handle them it’s all right, hon, but it don’t take much for them to get out of hand sooo you have to keep them tight _____. I’ll bet the time went fast. What time did you have lunch? Do you think you will ever see or hear from them again? Did you tell them anything?

That’s pretty good hon, you giving advice to the young married couple, an old married gal like you. When you write Henry, give him my regards and my address and send me his, hon. Forget about the cigarettes, hon, I can buy them for 14¢ a pack here.

Naturally, I am giving your question some thought, in fact, that is all I can think about, honey – it keeps running through my mind all the time. I am trying to figure out whether it would be fair to you or not for us to be married. That’s what I am wondering. You know, darling, that’s an important step in a life time. You relieved me of one problem, hon, I know now we will be married! That’s really had me worried, hon, now to figure out when. Remember hon, I love you very much and think about you every moment.

Love
Richard.

He carts a framed door to the hardware store returns desk. Wrong size? No. “It doesn’t fit the hole my wife measured,” he says.

Card is titled: “A Sausage Tree in Florida.”

Printed on back of postcard:

SAUSAGE TREE, RIVIERA GARDENS, MIAMI
The Sausage Tree (Kigelia Pinnata) also sometimes called the Fetish Tree, is a native of tropical Africa.  It has rough Pinnate Leaves, and flowers which have a rather peculiar appearance and hang suspended by long peducles.  From each flower a large fruit develops.  These fruits have the appearance of big sausages, and doubtless have given the tree its name.

Publishing information: “Genuine Curteich-Chicago ‘C.T. Art-Colortone’ post card (Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. / 303-F – Tropical Florida Series.”

Card is addressed to Mrs. W.S. Rountree, 3121 Highland Ave., Birmingham, Ala.  Postmarked in Fort Pierce Beach, Fla. on 4 March 1951, in the p.m.

Text of written message:

This is the life – can’t say whether it would get me notorius or not – but I am truly enjoying it.  Planning to drive down to Palm Beach & Miami soon just to look it over.  Love to the family – Pat

To many people, California is a chalice cradling their dreams: a place to make money, a place to gain fame, a place of natural beauty, a place to get a thrill, a place in which to settle and make a home. The reality of California has morphed like a salty rumor passed down a line containing dozens of people with poor hearing, whispering about the beach culture and the glitter of Hollywood. People who don’t live there have an idea of what California is, but it doesn’t come at all close to the dense multi-faceted richness which is the state’s mighty character.

This playlist is an attempt to reflect a few of the larger-than-life ideas that the general public has about the state in which I was born. I now live more than halfway across America; all I seem to want to do is to go back.

Approximate playing time: 79 minutes.

1. The Main Ingredient  “California My Way”
2. Neko Case  “In California” (2001)
3. Mason Jennings  “California (Part II)”  (1997)
4. The Sons of the Pioneers  “Out California Way”  (1946)
5. José Feliciano  “California Dreamin'”  (1968)
6. Rufus Wainwright  “California”  (2001)
7. Annette Funicello  “Beach Party”  (1963)
8. The Chantays  “Pipeline”
9. The Beach Boys  “Girls on the Beach”  (1964)
10. Tom Waits  “San Diego Serenade”  (1974)
11. Johan Blomgren  “California Sundown”
12. Linda Ronstadt  “The Dolphins”  (1969)
13. Ned Doheny  “Postcards from Hollywood”  (1973)
14. Jackie Greene  “Hollywood”  (2006)
15. Kool & the Gang  “Hollywood Swinging”  (1974)
16. The Standells  “Riot on Sunset Strip”  (1966)
17. Chicago  “South California Purples”  (1969)
18. Arctic Monkeys  “Fake Tales of San Francisco”  (2006)
19. Cass Elliott  “California Earthquake”
20. Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton & Linda Ronstadt  “High Sierra”  (1999)
21. Lucinda Williams  “Here in California”  (1998)

Incidentally, there are enough songs suitable to this theme to re-create this playlist uniquely several times over. Take that, Kansas!

[Letter postmarked on 21 September 1942 at 9 p.m. at Alton, Illinois. Addressed to Miss Crystal K., Berwyn, Illinois. Return addressed to Richard. R. N., Portage Des Sioux, Mo.]

5: PM
Sept 20, 1942

Darling,

Well, you know what I have been doing up till yesterday. Yesterday was our day of liberty, when we woke up it was very cold and raining to beat the band – our day off. There was nothing to do but lay around. Finally about 10:30, I decided, rain and cold, I was going up to portage, regardless, to pick up the pictures that have been there for a week because of 6¢ overdue postage. I also wanted to look for a place to keep my car, for I sure could use it down here. I found a very fine garage about ½ mi. from the base. I got the pictures, too. Then I walked back. Still raining.

The stove quit and the battery has been running down, so Fri. or Saturday I fixed the stove and a mech. Looked at the Generator. One of the brushes were bad and in trying to fix it, he broke it, so we need a new brush. Late yesterday afternoon, they told us we weren’t going out to-day as we were to do. So we have a vacation to-day.

Because we weren’t going out, I asked for a 72 hr leave (one on board had 2 and the skipper had a 48). But the Ensign said no because he was waiting for us to get orders to move somewhere – he didn’t say where. We also got orders to put things in perfect order and be prepared at all times. Thank goodness we are leaving Portage.

Lee Turner was out to-day. I spoke with him and he gave me a ride in the “May-Dix.” It felt good. The wheel was bent already and they put a new one on. He took it to St. Louis this afternoon. This evening I had liberty so I walked about 2 mi. up the road and had 3 beers and walked home. Even a walk is a diversion down here. I was in bed at 9:30. I can’t mail this letter to-night so I will continue to-morrow.

Mon.

Boy, was it cold last night, I almost froze to death after perspiring so much. We were up at 6:00 this morning for calisthenics and it was so foggy we couldn’t see our hand in front of us. It was the first time I liked them because we had a good work out (30 min.) and I finally warmed up. After that, I went to the boat and sat down. I no sooner got in there and Bob Gordon came in and said he needed a man. I was the only man left because yesterday they took the other two. I quick made myself some bacon, eggs, jelly, cantaloupe, and milk for breakfast. We had to wait till 9 to pull out. We got down here and I was put on a boat above the dam on which was the Mech. of our boat, so here I am. We were told that a car would come down and pick us up if our orders came in. I’m hoping for Peoria – closer to home, you know. Now for your letters.

Honey, I really enjoyed that poem you sent me. I showed it to some of the fellas and they got a big kick out of it, also. I showed them the pictures, also. Boy oh Boy! did you ever make a hit with them. They can’t understand why I am not married – after 3 weeks down here, I can’t either, Hon. They wanted your name and address. I see where I would have to keep an eye on you if you ever came down here. The boys are really hungry – so am I, as far as that goes. If I had you in my arms now, I would probably kiss you and smother you to death.

Yes Hon, the thing that kept my chin up was the thought of a leave, but I sure caught it right on the chin (good) when I was refused. You tell Ginny I am in the C.G. for sure. I am glad to hear about your good score in bowling – you did well, Hon. Fleishman Grocery? Kind of Jewish, isn’t it, Hon? The duce with the pants, Hon, we have the pictures, anyway.

Gee Hon, I wish I could see Martha in their new place. You know, it was my first sale and I have a warm spot in my heart. I hope they are satisfied. If you get in there, Hon, see if you can find something they need, tell me about it, and we will see about it. Give them my best wishes, Honey.

I haven’t forgotten about your surprise, either, Hon. I have been thinking a lot about it, Hon.

I just had quite an experience. I took a shower in a tug boat, Hon, it was just like home – hot water and everything.

Well, Darling, I haven’t much of anything much else to tell you. I can tell you how much I love you, though, and how much I miss you. I have been pretty busy but I still think of you very much, in fact, continually. I love you, Hon, I love you more than you could possibly realize. My arms are longing to hold you, hon, and my lips are burning for yours. After all, a kiss is an international language and would really express my love for you more than this pencil.

Good-by Hon, I love you
Dick xxxxxxx

The tornado drops bits of Tuscaloosa in Birmingham yards: shingles, chunks of insulation, a bank deposit slip, a woman’s swimsuit.

“I love you. Ever since that first day at the convent, when I saw you playing volleyball with the nuns, I couldn’t help myself.”

– Spoken dialogue in Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets.

[Letter postmarked on 15 October 1941 at 8:30 a.m. at Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Addressed to Miss Crystal K., Berwyn, Ilinois. Return addressed to Geo. B., Greensburg, Pennsylvania.]

Greensburg, Pa.
October 14, ‘41

Dear Crystal:

So the next time I see my Honey-Bunches, there will be some part of her missing – doggone – I didn’t know that your tonsils were bothering you.

Out here the Doctors say that tonsils are the best defence against Strep-throat or (Polio), another name for Inf. Paralysis or something – too bad you had to lose your pals. – Anyway, they’re gone, so what! I’m glad the operation was successful. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to go back to work, you will get your share of it.

By the way, who is this Dick who is away at School, and what does “Delta Tau Delta” mean, please explain; because to me, that is just a certain way to hook up a group of transformers (electric). Anyway, he sure knows when to come home – Thanksgiving time – He sure has a lot to be Thankful for – A pretty girl like you, I mean. I just come off duty and this was a dreary night. Rain all evening up to mid-nite. At 6:15 PM, an Army plane crashed near Armbrust about 5 miles from here and two U.S. Army fliers were killed. 1st Lt. Marshall E. Stewart from Phoenix, Ariz. And Doctor Schluger from Dayton, Ohio. They were from Kelly Field in San Antonio, Texas, and were lost, couldn’t find a Field to land on and crashed near some drillers’ Derricks which were all lit up as the men were working nights, sinking gas wells. – The fliers would have had more chance for their lives if they had gained altitude and then jumped out. The Pilot must have been used to level country. Out here it’s all hills & valleys. – Too bad. –

You say you are going to have some time for yourself between now & Thanksgiving. Boy, I wish I could come out there now. As it is, I’ve used up my Vac-time and my lucky streak didn’t work, as to-morrow a couple of our men are leaving for Wisconsin and they will be stopping off in Chicago for a Day. I will just have to wait until next time, I guess, and I hope it will be Thanksgiving day. Say, when are you going to be 21???

Sincerely,
George. –

When you write letters, you usually make them real short, so I just figured that I would fool you by signing off sudden like. However, you said in your letter that you didn’t know where I got the idea that you didn’t want me to come out there again. Well, did you ever hear of an idea called “Dick?” O’ boy, some goils just can’t catch on. Anyway, you have to work things out for yourself and no doubt “Dick” is a swell, respectable fellow or you wouldn’t be going out with him, and since circumstances are as they are, I am too far away to even think of being a competitor. Boy, but I sure would like to. Maybe some day my chance will come like, say, an out of state job for an indefinite period, – I sure would try to make the most of it. From now on, I will be hoping for a chance like that. Meanwhile, let your heart be your guide. Be a good little girl and things will turn out for the best. –

Sincerely, the 2nd –
George. –