Picture posted from http://www.wearinghistoryblog.com

My grandmother’s birthday was November 1st. Jake was thinking ahead. He was saving money and now he had enough to send some money orders home. He also planned ahead. Gladys’ birthday was still about 6 weeks away. He was very clear that she should spend the money on herself. He suggested getting clothes or even a coat. We’ll have to wait and see what she spent the birthday money on. It is likely that she let him know what she purchased. I am sure there is a letter about it somewhere.

Letter transcription:

Sept. 15, 1942

Dear Mother,

I’m writing this at night with a board across my lap with a candle in a wide mouth fruit jar on the corner of the board. The lantern is too far away. I could wait until morning but it seems I can write better at night.
This P.M. seemed almost like a Thur P.M.-work hard putting a floor in our tent and now it seems more like home. Of course we don’t have a rug nor running water but we are up off the ground. Now will have to get a broom. We are getting more modern and need more of the conveniences of civilization. That is what we have to pay for our trying to get fixed up.
I finally got the money orders all fixed up and will include them in this letter let me know as soon as you get them. These are to be used as you wish clothes, coat (or partial payment on a coat). Maybe by Christmas I can send you enough to finish payment. I still don’t have the uniform money-this was some that I saved as time went along. Surely you won’t have to use any

[page 2] of this money for the usual run of expenses. The only thing you might use just a little for the boys if you see fit. All the boys are putting in for their wives traveling expenses which can be done only once to and from any station and since you were in Norfolk I’m going to put in for that. It probably will take some time for that to come thru but it will be good when it does come thru. So let me repeat this is your birthday present and hospital present, but don’t use it for hospital expenses, take it from the regular bank account.
After breakfast next morning, got tired of writing under the cramped night conditions. I’ve got to go into town today to pick up my laundry. It’s the first I’ve sent since arriving-shirts & pants the other things I’m doing myself.
I wrote to the Folks last night. That was the first in some time & since stamps are more plentiful I can do that now.
My watch band broke during the night so now I have a pocket watch, works OK but I’ll forget and drop it on the floor when I take my pants off at night. I guess time don’t

[page 3] mean much anyway for I’m not expecting any leave especially for a few months, years etc.
After finishing our heavy work last night I took a shower in our open air bath house. There is only cold water and the room has just the four walls. It’s “sorta” breezy but once the initial plunge is taken it isn’t so bad. The after effects is wonderful.
Well, hope you and the boys are OK and that you will enjoy the birthday present.

Love Daddy