Letters to Lou

Tuesday Oct. 23

Dear Lou,

If you’ve gotten a letter from Ann recently you’ll probably know that I’m now a civilian! It’s almost unbelievable, Gate, that I’m a free man! Once I landed at McClellan things moved fast. We had a nice ride from Shelby – on Pullmans! When we arrived we ate and they started right in processing us. By seven that evening we had our complete physical and the clothing check. The next day was counselling and more counselling. The following day (Friday) 48 hours after we started the business, we were getting our pay and discharge papers. Once we got them we all grabbed our bags, got in the bus (they provide one to town) and off we went. The train that was waiting at the station I figured would be too slow so I decided to take a bus. I thought I’d eat when I got to Atlanta. I never took the bus, for a sergeant there had a car and took a bunch of us to Atlanta 4 bucks apiece. We made better time tan either bus or train. When I inquired at the R.R. station I found there was a train (a fairly fast one) due in just then. It was jammed but I decided to take it even though I hadn’t eaten. It took about ¾ of an hour pushing along with a duffle bag before I could even get onto the train. I was standing in the aisle thinking I must be some jerk to take a ride that long standing up just to save a few hours. However an MP came along and tipped me off that there were some seats up further. It didn’t take me long, I was in a seat before the train pulled out sitting with a discharged sergeant in Civil civilian clothes who’d just returned from Okinawa. There were two good looking girls who shared some apples with us – that they had. I hadn’t eaten since noon. It was a pretty sleepless night. And I felt “beat” in the morning. We got some breakfast. The day passed along and we arrived at Washington at 3:30. I really surprised Judy, she had only received a letter saying I didn’t know what was up yet (that was from Shelby), my ‘phone call came unexpectedly. Three and a half days later I met her at Penn station. It took me 27 hours from Anniston Alabama to New York which was pretty good time.

I wish you could have been with us at Lubalin’s house. I called Ann. She and Beverly met us in the Jamaica station, knits [?] last Sunday I suppose you heard that Bernie Meyerson is a civilian! I’d like to see the guy, it’s three years at least since I saw him. George Fox is due in New York tonight or tomorrow on a leave, then he’ll be discharged when he goes back. He’ll probably take off on a vacation with Eleanor for a couple of weeks. I’ll see him after that. We had a nice evening with Herbie & Sylvia. Irwin and Ann were there on and off – taking care of Jimmy in shifts – Steve Brody and his wife Claire and another couple. The place was a bit crowded.  We missed you, Gate – I remembered the last time I was at Herbie’s house.

Hey, Lou what would you think of a Lubalin-Singer team? I have a chance of working at Reiss. Herbie asked me whether I wanted the job! That rather took me by surprise – I haven’t had a chance to look around. I’ll have to let Herbie know by Friday. The salary is rather enticing if what Herbie says is true. I’m tempted. What do you think of it, Gate?

I met Herbie yesterday and went shopping for clothes. Believe it or not my civilian clothes don’t fit me, they are too small. I’ll have to wait until Saturday to get into civilian clothes. It sure felt good when I tried them on. Herb is having a couple of suits made for him. As yet I haven’t visited the Sackheim establishment. I’ll write you in a few days and let you know what’s new. Judy is expanding in front a little, Gate. She is fine and sends her regards to you. I told Ann that I’d call her this week and Judy and I would visit her – I haven’t seen your daughter yet, but I will – this week. I saw my folks last night. They are fine except my Mom has a little trouble with her knee. Carolyn is a little doll, I wish you could see her.

I guess that’s all for now, Lou. Keep writing those terrific letters. Ann told me Marse [?] was due back early this week. So long for now.

Arthur