I knew it would eventually happen. I have a letter out of sequence. It is not that far out of order, just earlier in Gladys’ week, written the day after John and the band went to play at the fair in the rain. I came across it yesterday while I was already transcribing the day’s letter. This one was in the V-mail binder and I had forgotten about it because it is full sized. This letter is unique in the collection because the V-mail is still in its original form and size instead of being the microfilmed photograph version that Jake typically received. It appears as if it was sent through the regular mail as it has a cancelled stamp. It is a nice addition to the collection because one can get a sense of what the beginning stage of a V-mail letter was. It is also a little easier to read!

Letter transcription:

9-16-42

Dear Daddy-

It is nearly noon and that means a mad dash at the front door by two hungry boys. There was a fire in town yesterday. Bill took the boys to see it. A little boy had been playing with matches and set a barn on fire. Mark came back and said he wasn’t the only little boy to play with matches. Clarice was here last night. Said Bob is better and able to be out again. He was quite ill for several days. In spite of rain again last night it is getting hot today-will make it warm for the Fair goers. Mary Parttens is going to take Mark out Friday P.M. John went to play in the band last night and says he doesn’t care to go again. It rained while he was there last night and he got wet. He didn’t enjoy the evening very much. Geo C. has enlisted and is going to officer’s training school the latter part of this month. Geo T. was going to enlist in some service, but haven’t heard what success he had. Mother’s hand is getting better. The swelling is gone and it doesn’t pain her any so I don’t know what caused the trouble. Maybe I can give some local news tomorrow-

Love Mother