Love Letters During World War II

This story consists of a series of letters between Thomas Hale Keiser, Jr. and his family during his military service during World War II. Tom, Jr. was my mother's older brother, and her only sibling.

This story begins with a letter from Tom's mother after he left home for military service in July 1942, and continues until shortly after he returned from the South Pacific in April 1946.  Up to 2 May 1943, all the letters were saved.  After that date all we have are Tom's letters.  However, starting in Dec 1944, Tom's mother, Agnes, began keeping notes on the subjects of the letters sent to Tom, and these notes were also kept with the letters received from Tom.  These notes gives us an idea of the other side of their communications.

Tom was born on 24 Aug 1919, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and as a child moved with his family to Collingswood, New Jersey, where he graduated from Collingswood High School in 1936, and from Peirce Business College, Philadelphia, in 1938. An image of Tom is attached.

Tom was working in Philadelphia when World War II started. What follows is a summary of his military service:

14 Jul 1942 - enlisted at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

25 Jul 1942 - left for Fort George Gordon Meade, Maryland

30 Jul 1942 - assigned to 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

15 Nov 1942 - began Officer Candidate School in the 2nd Quartermaster Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

11 Feb 1943 - commissioned as Second Lieutenant and assigned to Normoyle Ordinance Depot, San Antonio, Texas

11 Apr 1943 - assigned to 476 Quartermaster Truck Regiment, Camp McCoy, Wisconsin

9 Aug 1943 - assigned to 819 Quartermaster Amphibian Truck Company at Camp Gordon Johnston, Florida

10 Jan 1944 - assigned as Executive Officer, 827th Amphibian Truck Company, Camp Gordon Johnson, Florida

28 Feb 1944 - assigned to 364 Harbor Craft Company, Camp Plauche, New Orleans, Louisiana

Sep 1944 - graduated from the Combination Piloting School, Navigation Training Section, ASFTC, Camp Gordon Johnston, Florida

Nov 1944 - sent to the West Coast for transport to the Pacific. Stationed on Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands, and was transferred to Noumea, New Caledonia in March 1946. 

Although Tom disliked the South Pacific, he did request being commissioned as an officer in the regular Army early in 1946.  For whatever reason, either the request was not granted or Tom changed his mind.  Tom took ill from hepatitis in April 1946, and was sent to the States about the end of April.  He remained in the hospital recovering from that disease until late in 1946.

Starting in January, 1947, Tom attended Syracuse University, studying electrical engineering. After six semesters he left college to work part time for WOLF radio in Syracuse, and later full time with WHEN TV in Syracuse. In June 1956, Tom was hired as a computer technician by International Business Machines in their new Kingston, NY office, and spent the remainder of his working career with that company in noth Kingston and Poughkeepsie. He resided in Woodstock, NY, and never married. He retired from IBM in 1987, died in Dec 1996, and is buried in the Woodstock Cemetery. [Update added Apr 2008]

[Throughout these letters I have added editorial comments in brackets. Also, throughout these letters are references to photos taken and pictures or negatives sent back and forth between Tom and his family. These photos are in an album that I will have access to in the future, and I will post appropriate images related to these letters as time allows.  Please check back periodically to see if more images have been posted.]

James H. Culbert

last updated: December 2008

Postcard of Atlantic City, New Jersey

No date

Postmarked: 5:30 AM, 24 Jul 1942, Ocean City, New Jersey

To: Mrs. Thomas Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

Having a wonderful time[sic] wish you were here.  My picture is not shown on the reverse side of the card.

Tom

From: The Keisers, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, New Jersey

Addressed To: Tom Keiser, Somewhere at Camp Mead [sic - in Maryland]

[Note: five separate letters were included in this envelope.]

Sunday [July 26, 1942]

Dearest Tom,

Daddy and I waited for Lester [Kish] to come out of church this morning so we could ask him all about his first days at Camp Mead [sic], and thus know what you are experiencing. He was very patient and gave us all the details, and since he seems happy with his life there now - we hope that you too will be.

He says in 3 days you will either move or be assigned to a place at Mead. [sic] I will be home all day Tuesday but Wed is last clinic day for the summer, so from 1 to 4 - I will be at 303 Benson.

I have asked Daddy to come home for lunch Wed. and stay here from then until I get home - so if you have a stop over on the way thru that day and phone Coll 3669 - Daddy will come right down and pick me up and drive me to see you - or if not that long a time to wait - ask information to give you the store at 301 Benson and they will come upstairs for me.

Leo and Lois [Stahl - Tom's Uncle and Aunt] came over at 2 o'clock today and we had 140 steamed clams, sweet corn, tomatoes, slaw and cherry pie. They thought they had a banquet - so it helped us over a lonely spot. Lois is going down to Ocean City with me tomorrow by train to see Mary [Keiser, Tom's sister] and then I guess she is going back to Syracuse on Tuesday.

Lester thought he could find you tomorrow - so if he can I couldn't resist sending our love and bestest wishes to you.

Love, Mom

--------------------------------------------

Dear Tom,

We are having a good time with Leo and Lois today. I know you are having a good time. Lester Kish says you are having a good time at Camp Meade for he say [sic] "Everyone does" down there. He says it is a good camp.

Tell your supervisors that you have has Tetanus injections etc. That you belonged to the Boy Scouts. Two years at camp in the Poconos etc. Be a good boy. Everything O.K.

Lovingly, Daddy

--------------------------------------------------

Dear Tom,

Guess how many clams and ears of corn I ate for you today?

We are all well and happy and hope you won't hide your light behind a bushel.

You love to play and loads of soldiers will love to hear you. Besides indulging yourself you can give a lot of joy to others.

Let us hear from you and what any small needs may be.

Lots of love,

Unk and Aunt [Lois and Leo Stahl]

-------------------------------------------------------

Dear Tom,

I'll give you the same advice as I heard Mr. Boringer [?], former General Manager of N.C.R. [National Cash Register] said his father told him when he left the farm - quote "Keep your money and your pecker in your pants and you won't get into any trouble."

Kindest regards and Best of Luck, L.E.S. [Leo E. Stahl]

-------------------------------------------------------

Good Luck Fellow, here is one you can spring any place. L.E.S.

Dear Cousin:

Your Uncle has a job at last! The first time he has worked in forty-eight years.

We are rich now, $17.25 every Thursday. So we went up to Sears, Roebuck for one of those new danfangled bathrooms like you rich people up North have. It came and we got her all put up right. You should see it. Over on one side of the room is a big long white thing like the pigs drink out of, only you can get in and take a bath all over, at once.

Over on the other side of the bathroom is a little white gadget, hanging on the wall, called a "zinc." This is for light washing on the hands and face. They also sent us a roll of writing paper, but it's kind of cheap. I think it rips easy.

But over in the corner ---- WOW! They got a thing you put one foot in and scrub till it gets clean, then you pull the chain, then you get fresh water for the other foot.

Yours, Cousin Abner

P.S. Two lids came on the damn thing and we ain't had no use for them so Ma is using one for a bread board, and we got Gandpop's [sic] pitcher framed in the other.

Postmarked: 1:00 PM, 29 Jul 1942, Camden, New Jersey

Postmarked 11:00 AM, 31 Jul 1942, Fort George G. Meade, MD.

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. A - 3, 1302 SURC, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland

[Note: Address has been crossed out and forwarded to Camp Lee, Virginia.]

From: A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

Wednesday

Dear Tom,

Nothing ever did me so much good as that telephone call last night, and Daddy was just as pleased as I was to know that you are well and happy.

We talked about you all day Sunday and though we wrote you the notes, we really didn't feel assured that Lester [Kish] would find you in so large a camp. Lois and Leo [Stahl - Tom's aunt and uncle] hadn't had any sweet corn this year or fresh tomatoes either - you should have seen them eat. We had 2 dozen great big ears of corn. Daddy and I each ate a couple, and there were only 5 left. We thought they would burst. They left about 10 on the bus.

Monday morning Lois and I met at the Camden Station and took the 9:08 train for Ocean City. We had lunch at the Plymouth Inn and Mary [Keiser, Tom's sister] waited on us. She and Irene are so much happier there. Regular and easy hours - good clean food and all they want - no cleaning silver or floors. It is more like a tea room. Their room at the Georgian is much more comfortable than at the Oceanic and everything is so clean and nice. I'm so glad they made the change.

Lois and I took a swim with Mary and then caught the 4:30 train. Just before the train got near Camden there was a cloud burst and as we looked out we could see autos flooded clear over the tops and rivers of water running up over the door steps of rows of houses.

All traffic was at a stand still. Water was over knee deep outside the station. Lois got over to Phila. in the ferry but couldn't get taxi or street car and eventually walked to the hotel. I was over 2 hours getting a bus to Coll. Daddy wasn't worried because he thought we had waited for a later train and anyway it wasn't so bad in Collingswood.

Tuesday morning (yesterday) I cleaned up a bit and at 10 - Partridge, Sutherland, Lummis, Henderson, and Richardson came to O.K. the clinic change to this location. They all approved so if we ever receive the F.H.A. approval of the mortgage - we will all be set. Mrs. Partridge was so surprised to hear you had left so soon. She said to tell you she was disappointed because she came all set to hear a joke. She sends her best to you.

I called Mrs. Sharp about Merritt this morning. She said he was still asleep, but was on the mend. He really needs his tonsils out and they are going to have his chest X-rayed as soon as he is around again. Mrs. S. is crazy about you. She thinks you are so witty and she said you and she just took to each other.

A letter came from the Unemp. Comp. - saying they were unable to give you credit for the two weeks in question since you were not available for work during that time and according to law, a claimant must be totally unemployed, able and available for work.

I am mailing you the funnies. If you want them, I'll save them for you each week. If you haven't time for them anymore just let me know and I won't bother you with them.

How about cash? Don't go without. It may be quite awhile before you receive any - so if you have any needs just let me know how much.

Gladys is coming down to visit Lester this week end and at first I thought I'd ask her to bring you a cake or something, but then Daddy and I thought that maybe since you are taking innoculations that you would be on a diet and it would be just as well not to tempt you to eat something that might not agree with you at the time. When you feel for something from home - just give me a hint and it will [be] a pleasure to make it and send it to you.

I'm not asking you any questions because I could just fill sheets - doing nothing but that - but we are interested in everything that you are doing, whenever you get the time to tell us. The main thing is to know you are well and having a good time.

Clinic today. The last I hope at 303 Benson.

It's hot as the dickens here the last few days, and I think how Daddy used to suffer with the humidity at Baltimore. Hope you are getting some nice breezes at camp.

Lovingly,

Mom

I received your Atlantic City card from Ocean City - Monday and at first couldn't get the connection. I thought you had sent it from camp. Some swell mail service we get.

Postmarked: 5:30 PM, 31 Jul 1942, Camp Lee, Virginia  

To:  Mrs. Thomas H. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

From: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758,8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

Thursday, 30 Jul 1942 

Dear Mom and Pop,

Just a hurried note to notify you of my change of address.  When I talked to you on Tuesday, I thot [sic] it would be several days before I was transferred, since several of the boys were there one and even two weeks.

Boy! is it hot here!  The sweat just pours off like rain water and I have a towel over the sheet under my fingers to keep it from the letter.  Fort Meade was cool compared to Lee.  We were told this morning to get ready to move and at 8:30 we were at the station, ready to go, only to find that the 9:30 train was over an hour late.  About 10:45 we entrained and that was a hot and dusty ride.  Arrived here 4:30 pm, went thru Washington D.C. and saw the Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Monument from the car windows [sic] rode down with a fellow from Sonderton who knows Charlie Heckler.

Can you give me Gordon MacWilliam's correct address here?  I tried to call the hospital! the only way I knew to trace him, but the line was busy both times I tried.  Will try again tomorrow.

I can't tell you much more now, except that it is really hot and even Christian Science doesn't help.

This may not be a permanent address.  I take more classification tests tomorrow, I understand.

I have to write Les Kish again.  Yesterday I dropped him a note and asked him to come see me, so I'll have to cancel it. 

Love, Tom

Postmarked: 10:00 AM, 31 Jul 1942, Philadelphia, PA

Postmarked: 7:30 PM, 2 Aug 1942, Fort George G. Meade, MD

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. A - 3, 1302d SURC, Fort George G. Mead [sic], Maryland [Note: address has been crossed out and letter forwarded to Camp Lee, Virginia.]

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Thursday Eve.

Dear Tom,

Mr. Hawn from the bank called at 8:30 this morning and said the F.H.A. [Federal Housing Administration] had OK'd our mortgage. Later Mr. Henderson called and said the lawyer would get the title papers about August 15th - so now you'll have an "inheritance" in 127.

Your suit, 2 shirts and safety razor arrived via parcel post man at 10:15 this morning. They had gouged a hole in the package but I guess nothing spilled out. They must be letting you wear your socks and undies. Do you want the rest of them sent to you?

Merritt [Sharp] came down today to return your gas ration book and visited with me for about an hour and a half. He is going to try to get to the shore again this weekend - good excuse to recuperate.

Daddy had 2 evening calls in Woodbury after supper, so I went along.

When the F.H.A. called Peirce [Business College, Philadelphia] to verify Daddy's salary this week, I guess they also inquired about the expectancy of his job because Miss Kesler told Daddy that they told F.H.A. that he did good work and as far as Peirce was concerned his job would last indefinitely - so that is some comfort, isn't it?

I called Mr. Carr about your salary amt. yesterday and he said he would get it for me in a couple days. He asked all about you.

If you should find you are to leave Mead [sic] - and are not coming nearer home and can let me know in time - I'll hop a train down. I was tempted to call Alice and ask her to come down this week end but am afraid you might be in quarantine and not be allowed to have company.

Give us the low down on the rules about company when you know them.

Love from us both.

Mom

P.S. Do you want some writing paper? or anything else?

Postmarked: 11:30 AM, 3 Aug 1942, Camp Lee, VA

To: Mrs. Thomas Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, New Jersey

From: War Department, Office of the Commanding General, Quartermaster Replacement Training Center, Camp Lee, Virginia

==============================================

[Note: this form letter has been scanned as an image, attached.]

[Agnes Keiser added the following notes to the back of the letter:

Sat. July 25 to Camp Meade, Co. A-3, 1302d SURC, Ft. Geo. G. Meade, Marlyand

Thur. July 30 to Camp Lee

Started basic training Mon. Aug 3

Richmond [VA] to Petersburg [VA] - 29 miles

Petersburg to Camp Lee - 3 " [ditto]

Barracks - [? obliterated] Floor - 1 Platoon

1 Platoon - 75 men

1 Company - 4 P - 300 " [ditto]

1 Batallion - 4 C - 1200 " [ditto]

1 Regiment - 2 B - 2400 " [men] 

Postmarked: 10:00 AM, 3 Aug 1942, Philadelphia, PA

Postmarked: 5:30 PM, 4 Aug 1942, Fort George G. Meade, MD 

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. A - 3, 1302d SURC, Fort George G. Mead [sic], Maryland [Note: address has been crossed out and letter forwarded to Camp Lee, Virginia.]

From: A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Sunday

Dear Tom,

Just a little bit of a letter from you would be such a comfort, but I'd much rather have it be just neglect rather than illness that kept you from writing. I hope by this time your injections are over and you have not been distressed by them.

Gladys is in camp today with Lester. It will be fine if she sees you and can give us a message tomorrow.

I had a letter from Mary [Tom's sister] yesterday. She has had her hair cut and says it looks very nice. One of her friends, Betty Millnamon, has had to come home [from Ocean City, NJ] with impetigo.

Mrs. Pettyjohn called today to ask about you. She says Bill [Pettyjohn] weighs 185 lbs. Army life surely agrees with him. Douglas McArthur, who was in your class at H.S. is down there at Camp Shelby Miss. with Bill.

We're having awfully hot weather and lots of rain. Everytime I get the sand cleared off the side walks it rains and smears them all up again.

The Overmyers have gone to Toledo for two weeks. Charlie had more pain last week but the doctor said he could go. Dad is supposed to water their garden and pick the beans and tomatoes.

We couldn't buy a piece of beef uptown yesterday. I hope you fellows are getting lots of it. Will be glad to do without it, if we know you are getting your fill.

The Hendersons were over awhile tonight. Just back from Ocean City. Betty [Henderson] was on one of the floats in the baby parade. Dorothy [Henderson] has no date tonight. I guess she got tired of Harry, and the new fellow doesn't turn up steady.

I called Alice [Crompton] yesterday to see if she had heard from you. She was out getting her hair done - so Mrs. Crompton said you had written her last Sunday but not since. I do hope you will learn to love to write letters because now you'll have no one around to nag you to write as I used to do when you got presents and should write thank yous.

Scott MacGregor, who used to be guard at Roberts Park, was sent from [Fort] Dix to the Signal Corps at Monmouth as permanent swimming instructor. He had asked to be in camoflage because he is quite an artist but is delighted with his assignment.

Mrs. Pettyjohn's cousin, Morris Webb, who was married July 4th - with all those difficulties, has to report tomorrow with the August contingent.

Mrs. Blake called me tonight from Phila. She said Mr. Levereng has a baby son.

Daddy and I spent most of the day weeding in the yard and transplanting some of the flowers and patching up the concrete.

We both hope you are well and getting enjoyment out of your new environment.

Lovingly,

Mom

over

Mon. AM

Dear Sunshine,

Daddy just ran up to see Gladys and she says you have been transferred to Camp Lee, Quartermasters. We did so want you nearer but we trust and hope you are getting the best for you.

Love,

Mom

Postmarked: 5:00 PM, 3 Aug 1942, Camden, NJ

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T.758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Monday 12:30

Dear Tom,

Your Thursday letter just arrived and it did me more good than a tonic to know that you are well.  I wrote you letters Wednesday 29th, Thursday 30th, and Sunday Aug. 2nd.  If these do not reach you let me know and I will try to tell you all the news again.  I sent you the funnies last week and again this morning, and will be glad to do it each week if you enjoy them.

Mrs. Pettyjohn just had a letter from Bill and Jean.  He said, "Boy is it hot here!  Camp Lee was cool compared to Shelby."  He said it was so hot they were boring holes in the floor for the sweat to pour thru.  So I guess it is just hot everywhere.  If the dampness would just clear up I don't think we'd mind it so much.  Hope you don't have too much drilling till it is cooler.

I don't have Gordie's [Gordon MacWilliam] address.  When he first went there it was:  Co. L, 6th Quartermaster Training Regiment, but since then he became a Sergeant and then went to Officers school so I suppose it was changed each time.  I wrote Floy [Gordie's mom] and asked her to send it to you.  I haven't heard from her since July 18th but I suppose she has been too worried to write.

I had all I could do to keep from taking the train to Mead[sic] with Gladys on Saturday, but was afraid of missing you on the way.  It wouldn't have done me much good, would it?  Boy, I hope you don't go any farther - yet a while - anyway till I get adjusted to 300 miles.  While I felt you were at Mead[sic], it seemed it wouldn't be long before you would be home for a week end.

[Tom's father now writes:]  Glad to hear from you son. and I believe you will be happy in the quartermaster corps.  Try to write mother as often as you can and it will help a whole lot.  Mr. Witmer's son has been in Camp Lee for some time and has just finished an officer's training course, and is now a 2nd "Louie."

I will try to get his address and send it to you soon.  You might want to look him up.

If ever you wish to contact us in a hurry, use the phone and reverse the charges.  We are usually home from 5 PM to 7 PM and more often all evening.

Take care of yourself and I'm quite sure you will be O.K. for you will have the best of care.  I understand that Camp Lee is a very fine and well equipped camp.

Best of luck to you,

Dad

[Tom's mother continues:]  Daddy just said "To heck with the expense.  Call up Floy and get Gordie's address for Tom." - so you know I didn't have to be coaxed.

She said Gordie was getting along fine and was walking around but they had said nothing about his leaving the hospital or getting a furlough.  She writes him:

Staff Sergeant Gordon C. MacWilliam, Station Hospital, Camp Lee, Virginia

Willie is in N.Y. today - still has no prospects.  Don's job has folded up and he is looking again.  Floy was happy to know you are near Gordie.  I said maybe you had found him by this time.

How are your funds?  Let us know if you need cash, or anything else you would like to have.

Love,

Mom

Postmarked: 1:30 PM, 5 Aug 1942, Camp Lee,VA

To: Mrs. Thomas H. Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

From: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T-758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

==============================================

August 3, 1942

Dear Mom and Pop,

Well, things seem to have settled down a bit.  I will be here in Camp Lee for eight weeks of basic training - four of drill and four of special Quartermaster training.  I will then probably be eligible for Officers Training.

I found out Gordon's [MacWilliam] address from the hospital - Company D, 2nd Regiment, Quartermaster School.  Camp Lee is shaped like a large "L" with my barracks about 16 blocks down one leg; the Q.M. School area seventeen down the other.  Co. D is away back in the woods at that end.  So, Sat. night I decided to take a postman's holiday, and I walked over to see Gordon.  Only the hospital didn't tell me that he had not as yet been released - of course I didn't ask that and so have no one to blame.  (I walked back ,too.)  Yesterday I went to the hospital to see him.  He looks fine and expects to be released in a week or so.  We had a couple of hours chat, and then I left, after promising to come back next Sunday to see him.

It certainly is hot here - about 100 degrees all day long, which is certainly not the most pleasant temperature for drilling and marching.  But, it cools off considerably at night, which makes sleeping endurable.  Sweat just pours off all this time.

How did the pictures turn out?  I presume you have them by the time you get this letter. 

I started this letter at noon.  It is now 8:30.  After lunch we went to a theater here in camp (there are 4 showing all the latest pictures every night) to see a special film on the Articles of War, and on Safeguarding Military Information.  Then we had a lecture on the War and its causes, how this one started, etc.  Then back to the barracks for instruction on how to prepare a pack for marches.  After supper I attended a special class which has as its object preparation for Board Examination for Officer Training.  Tonight was a lecture on chemical warfare which will be continued on Thursday.  Tomorrow night the class lecture will be on current events from 7:00 to 8:30.  It is not compulsory, but I expect it will be a big help.  Attending these classes on Mon., Tue. & Thurs. nights I ought to be able to pick up several points which will stand me in good stead.

There was a rainstorm tonight.  It was a real downpour for several minutes (the first we have had here) and it did cool off the air somewhat, but it won't last.  It is hot again already yet.

Army life seems to be a good way for me to save money.  I started out on the 25th with $10, and I still have $7.15.  I couldn't do that good in Collingswood, could I?  Maybe I shouldn't have told you that, for I want you to send me a carton of cigarettes.  I have just about finished Jane's [Jane Freas was an aunt] carton. You can get them much cheaper if you apply to have them sent by the Tobacco company than they can be bought at the camp exchanges.

Will you also send me four of my pants hangers and my bedroom slippers?  I should also like to have the portable radio, but I don't know whether it would be possible to ship it without injury.  It would be swell if you folks could bring it down, but I don't suppose you could spare the gasoline to come 250 miles and back.

Maybe you could come down by train some week end.  You could stay in Richmond, which is 25 miles away, or in Petersburg, which is only 3 miles.  Let me know.  I don't expect to be able to get a leave any time before I finish my 8 weeks of basic training.  Since the farthest I can go from camp now is either Richmond or Hopewell, I won't be able to get home for a week-end unless I were to go A.W.O.L. [Absent With Out Leave], and that is a bit too risky.

I want to tell you something really ridiculous that happened during the lecture we had this afternoon, that I mentioned earlier.  We were sitting out in the woods, and the Captain was telling us various aspects of life here at Lee, and answering the several questions that came up.  Our dope got up and asked him (I don't remember the exact question, but it was something like this): "Now we are privates in the Quartermaster Corps.  When we become officers, do we get Full-master ratings?  The Captain didn't even bother to answer, but joined in the general laughter.

The fellows here are all swell.  We have in our barracks a good many "Skis" from Hazleton.  The rest are mostly from Pittsburgh and Phila., and that fellow I told you of in my other letter, who is from Sonderton, is still with us.  The fellow on the one side of my bunk is from Lakehurst; on the other side from Upper Darby.  This latter fellow, Harry Harvey, is having his mother and girl friend come down this week end.  He wants me to meet them, and I may ask them to give you a message.

It just started to rain again, and the cool breezes feel wonderful.  I will take a shower now, and then to sleep.

Lots of love,

Tom 

Postmarked: 10:30 AM, 5 Aug 1942, Philadelphia, PA

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Tuesday

Dear Tom,

I had a disappointment today when I went over to Gimbel's [in Phila.] for your pictures. They had finished the wrong ones and those of you with the smile had so many lines brushed out that it didn't look like you. So now they are going to do the whole business over, but I'll have to wait 10 days more to get them.

Dick Stryker called up last night to ask about you. I told him to stop in for his "racetrack" picture when he could.

I an enclosing an article about your friend, "Tombstone." [The article follows:]

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, Aug. 3, 1942, Courier Post, Camden, NJ

Charles G. Canning, 34, of 118 Frazier avenue, Collingswood, is in the Cooper hospital with injuries suffered when his automobile side-swiped an abutment on the Admiral Wilson boulevard, at Federal street today. He has a fractured right ankle, lacerations of the chin and a blackened right eye. He was taken to the hospital by a motorist. Police say that Canning probably lost control of his car.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

I called his mother up this morning. She said Charles was unconscious when they picked him up and hasn't any idea what happened. He had to have stitches taken in his ear and was so bandaged up that they didn't know how badly he was scared[sic - scarred]. His ankle was so swollen that he hasn't been able to have it set yet so he must stay in the hospital till that is done and until all danger of infection from his wounds is over.

His mother said he had been deferred in the draft because his father has heart attacks and he, Chas., has to look after the business. She wanted to be remembered to you. She said you and Chas. called each other "War buddies."

Uncle Leo [Stahl] called me up today to inquire about you. He is very much hurt because Lois [his wife] is seriously considering enlisting in the W.A.A.C.s. The captain at their filter center is pressing her to go to Des Moines for training and a commission and then maybe come back and teach at the Syracuse center [where the Stahl's lived] - but of course in the army they must sign for any place in the world. Betty Jane [Stahl - their daughter] and Jane [Freas - Lois' and Agnes' sister] are having a fit about it and Leo won't write to her until she makes her own decision. Lois wrote to me today and said she promised B.J. not to make a decision until she knew where Leo goes from Phila. [where Leo was working temporarily for National Cash Register] and if B.J. gets a job.

I received the form notice from your commanding officers this morning. [ref. Aug 3 War Department letter, above] Is it a new ruling that no furloughs are granted, except for emergencies? Gordie [MacWilliam] and Bill [Pettyjohn] both got home many times, so naturally that was what we were looking forward to. With the basic training condensed from 14 to 8 weeks, I dare say they will keep you pretty busy and we will have to be patient.

Mr. Pettyjohn said Bill had to have a permit for them to visit him at Camp Lee. You might inquire sometime if that is necessary and later on, when you get more adjusted to your routine, if you would care to have us come down - we will.

If you find things going a little easier and you are going to be free at that time - the Labor Day weekend, Sunday Sept. 6, might be a good time as it would give us a Saturday to come and Monday to return. If you find you are not free at that time - we will just make it some other time when you are.

Your new Book of the Month ought to be coming along soon. Shall I send it right on to you?

Daddy is going down to Ocean City and Atlantic City again on Thursday - so Mrs. Campbell and I are going along to see our daughters. Merritt came back from the shore tonight. I asked Mrs. Sharp to go down with us Thurdsay but she can't because there are so many things to be done before the brother's wedding next Sunday. The married brother from Oaklyn has been called up again for examination. His wife is expecting and they are terribly upset about it.

The insides of the living room radio just came back today. It cost $6.39 to take the squeeks out. They haven't fixed the bed-room one yet because 4 of their radio men quit last week and went to the ship yard.

Les [Kish] and Gladys went to the reception center at Mead[sic] to see you Sunday. Someone in charge said there was no one ther by the name of Keiser. Les said, "Why, yes there is, he is an enlisted man" - and in less than 2 minutes he told them you had been sent to Lee, so that was how I knew it before your letter arrived Monday.

I'd like to hear about your clothes and food and bed and everything if you get time to write it all.

Our love to you,

Mom

I'ts much cooler here tonight so I'm hoping you have relief, too.

Postmarked: 11:30AM, 7 Aug 1942, Camp Lee, VA

To: Miss Mary Lois Keiser, 1120 Central Avenue, Ocean City, New Jersey, c/o the Georgian

From: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T-758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

==============================================

August 6, 1942

Hi Kid,

Many thanks for your card, which was transferred to me and just reached here this afternoon. Note this new address. I'll be here for about 8 weeks, probably more.

On the old address at Fort Meade, the S.U.R.C. stood for "Service Unit Reception Center," but that doesn't mean anything much now. I was there only 5 days when I was shipped here. And it is hot here - I''ll say it is!

I got stuck in Quartermaster Corps (hereinafter written QMC for quickness) and not the Signal Corps as I wanted. Working for the Government doesn't mean you can get what you want. They put you where they need the most men at the time they want them. Of course, there is a QMC in every branch of the service. It is QMC's duty to bring up the supplies. Signal Corps has one too, so it is just possible that I may get there yet.

Mom said in one of her letters that she and Lois [Stahl - his mother's sister] got down to see you before Loch[sic - Lois] went back to Syracuse, and that they approved of your rooms and the Plymouth Inn. So, I guess you are set for the summer. Glad to hear you're having such a swell time.

Every time I get to feeling OK they give us another shot in the arm and then it hurts like the devil for about a week.

Last Sunday I went to see Gordon MacWilliam. He is still in the hospital for observation, but he looks fine and expects to be released in about a week. We had a couple hours chat and I promised to come back this Sunday.

Bet you have a beautiful tan by now. I got a burn when Merritt and I were down to see you and it is peeling off now. So it doesn't look like much. Did you get Betty's bathing suit? It looked well[sic] on you.

A fellow in the barracks took some snapshots but hasn't had them developed yet. Soon as I can I''ll send you a snap. It was so hot then I didn't have my shirt on, but you will be able to get a good look at this Godawful haircut. Maybe it's not so bad though 'cause I don't have to brush or comb it.

How is Merritt [Sharp]? I understand he came down again to see you over the week-end. He wasn't feeling so hot and you were supposed to be part of the cure - I'll bet you sure pepped him up, beautiful. He certainly thinks the world of you, kid, and while I don't want to get preachy, he doesn't like to have you going on drinking bouts at Sam's. Of course, that's your affair. So, I'll lay off and not butt in any more. I guess you're old enough to take care of your own doings.

We are really rushed here. It seems to be "Fall In" all the time and as soon as we are dismissed there is just about time to turn around before there is something else to "Fall Out" for. As yet we have only had class lectures, calesthenics, and a little marching. But next week they will start training us with rifles, 4-day hikes, and the like.

This is quite some letter for the first time a guy writes to his sister and I'd like to write more, but I have to get my laundry over by 6:00 pm and it's ten of now.

Let me hear from you again soon.

Love,

Tom

Regards to the gang.

Postmarked: 10:00 AM, 7 Aug 1942, Philadelphia, PA

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Thursday Aug. 6, 11:00PM

Dear Tom,

It was certainly a perfect ending to a full day to come home from Ocean City tonight and find your letter waiting for us. I wonder if you have received any of my letters, Let me know if you get them. I wrote Wed. 29th, Thur. 30th and Sunday Aug. 2nd to Camp Mead[sic - Meade] - and Mon. Aug. 3rd and Tues. Aug. 4 to Camp Lee.

I've had 3 different ways of addressing you at Camp Lee, - the one you sent; the one from the commanding officer, which was similar to yours but omitted the Barracks number; and today a card from the War department, which said, "For prompt mail delivery when writing the following person, please use the full address given below.

Pvt. Thomas Keiser, Jr.

Company G - 8th Regiment

1307th Service Unit

Quartermaster Replacement Training center

Camp Lee, Virginia"

Daddy said you ought to know where you are - so I will use yours unless I hear from you to the contrary.

I will mail your hangars, slippers and cigarettes tomorrow. I've looked at your slippers every day and wondered if they wouldn't feel good to you at the end of the day, so I'm glad you asked for them. Daddy is afraid your radio might be smashed in transit and thinks we had better bring that to you.

Mrs. Pettyjohn told us of a very nice auto camp at Lake Moore near Petersburg where they stayed. If the plan I told you of in my last letter is OK with you, we will bring your radio and extra battery down then. If not OK, we will try to come when you suggest. Daddy got someone to promise him 40 extra gallons of gas and I haven't used any of your book except the 2 we gave to Merritt. We will take your car to the Jehl Bros. garage on Monday and have the clutch and brakes fixed so we can come down in that - because Daddy couldn't use his. Maybe Merritt will come with us to help drive. I asked Alice but she said she had to work Labor Day. Maybe she can manage it some other week end. We won't make any definite plans till we know what is most agreeable to you.

We had a drowning in Cooper River Tuesday night. A 13 year old Camden boy stood up in a canoe and fell in. Three or four fire companies arrived with pulmotors and grappling hooks. Jack Sullivan was out in his kayak and saw him fall. He dived in for him and lost his pants - with $5 in his pocket. It was 45 minutes before they got him and too late to resus[c]itate him. His name was Holshue.

The bishop is going to send Jack [Sullivan] to a school in Baltimore for 10 years free of charge and make a priest out of him.

The Cools had a 50th anniversary today. I sent a donation of $1 to Mrs. Irish. She took in over $100 so she got a $100 bill from the bank to present to them. Louella and Mrs. Steamer went over to the party, which was continuous from 3 to 10 - but I preferred to go down to see Mary.

Daddy took Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Clayton and Martha Jean, Mrs. Pettyjohn and me along. We spent the day on the beach and all the kids asked for you. There were 23 in the crowd. It was a perfect day, clear and cool, and Mrs. Pettyjohn said she wished we could share it with you boys down in the heat. We had supper at Plymouth Inn and Mary [Keiser] waited on us. She gave me $5 more to bring home, which makes her total now $41. Pretty good I think - to earn a vacation at Ocean City and that much extra. She looked fine today and her hair is very pretty.

I'll bet you and Gordie [MacWilliam] had a good old talk-fest. It is nice to know that he is better. Floy [MacWilliam] is so anxious to see him. When does he expect to go to Long Branch? Give him our love when you see him again.

We were pleased to hear about your work and are glad that you are interested in it and especially glad that you think the fellows are all swell. I'll bet you'll make some fine friends and you'll also see the funny side of a lot of people. You missed college life - with its dormitory associations and bull sessions - so this will make up to you somewhat for that loss and I'll bet you will love that part of it - as both your father and I did - and being the student you are - the other part, the grind, will be fun, too.

What we all wonder is - how you get up in the morning and whether you have had to be called twice.

Mrs. Pettyjohn returned "The Moon is Down" - the play flopped in Phila. because the audiences hissed the Nazi officers because they were too good to be real.

Bob Partridge is home from Florida for a week - will go back next Monday. Mrs. P. is taking roomers now because she can't bear to be in the house alone - and of course she can use the money.

Vernon Ware has finished his basic training at Camp Croft [Craft?], S.C. and they haven't heard yet where he is to be sent. He isn't getting much of a kick out of army life.

Are your inoculations all over now? How about vitamins? Do you miss your pills - or do they give them to you in some hidden fashion?

A funny incident held us up this morning. Just before Mrs. Campbell was ready, their bull dog Betty (in heat) got out; some one left the door unlatched; and a great big mongrel went to town. It took many buckets of water and much embarrassment to free Betty - and since she is such a little dog, she couldn't bear the pups of a big dog - so I drove Mrs. Campbell and Betty down to Dr. Fittipaldi and he was going to do away with her. She had a cancerous sore on her leg and she hates children, so Mrs. C. was going to get rid of her anyway before Eleanor's baby arrived.

I was talking with Helen Wygle (Mary's [Keiser] southern waitress friend) today. When she goes home to Western Va. she is going by way of Richmond to stay over two days with a friend. They will attend some U.S.O. [United Service Organizations] doings - so she said she hoped she might see you.

Guess I'll go to bed now, and sleep better because of this swell letter from my Sunshine.

Lovingly,

Mom

Your letter written Aug. 3 was postmarked Camp Lee Aug. 5th - 1:30 PM and arrived here today Aug. 6th.

---------------------------------------------

Dear Son:

Glad to get your letter and know you are getting along O.K. I think one can have a very fine and interesting time in camp, if they will adjust themselves to it.

I have, and am, making arrangements for enough gas to get down to see you, and if all goes well, you can look for us Labor Day weekend.

Give my regards to Gordon [MacWilliam] and tell him I hope he will be completely well soon.

Best of luck to you. Take good care of health for it means a lot.

Lovingly,

Dad

-------------------------------------------------------------

[Enclosed with the letter was a news clipping, as follows:]

USO Gets Proceeds from Club Dance

Medford Lakes, Aug 5 - Medford Lakes Colony Club held a USO barn dance in the community house and raised over $90 for that agency, in addition to over-subscribing its quota in the regular USO campaign, Mayor Todd announced today.

Costume awards went to Mrs. Edward Moranz, Richard Charles, Mrs. David Johansen and George Hagerty. Specialty numbers featured Richard Meyers, Daniel Jones and Elmer Tattersdale. The committee in charge included Fay Binns, Mrs. Jack Gillen, John Binns and Ray Bondy. Music was furnished by Don Risler's orchestra.

Postmarked: 7:30 PM, 7 Aug 1942, Camden, NJ

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Friday Aug. 7th, 3:30 PM

Dear Tom,

I was talking to Miss Baker today. She is head of the American Service Aid and she wanted to know your address. They write to all the boys from Collinngswood and ask them what they would like to have - and if within reason supply the wants. She said so many of the boys like these "shower bags" as they call them, to carry their things to the bath in, and she insisted on my taking this one and all the accompanying articles for you, so when you have a minute, drop a line to

Miss F. Gertrude Baker

American Service Aid

11 E. Franklin St.

Collingswood, NJ

and thank her for it. They meet every Thursday night and either make things for the boys or pack cookies or write letters or take eats to the boys on duty around here. They want to furnish a place for the local boys to gather, as soon as they can.

The town is seriously considering a 10 o'clock curfew for all kids 16 and under, because it is becoming pretty disgraceful how so many real young kids are hanging around the spotlights until midnight and after, and won't go away when told.

Your book of the month came today. $2.62 - I will pay for it out of your envelope and hold it here until you tell me whether you want it sent to you now or not. Shall I send you the next advertising literature that comes or do you have too much to read now?

Have you been able to get at a piano since you have been in camp?

Daddy just got one of his Irem cards. It said Laning Harvey of W.B. [Wilks-Barre, PA, where they lived previously] had died and also Heine Kleinkauf on Aug. 4th. He was your old piano teacher, do you remember?

Lynn Carr sent a statement of your earnings for 1942. He said including salary and bonuses, the gross amount was $902.50. I will put it in the box with your other papers, so you can use it for your next income tax statement.

No other receipt has come from George Hill on your insurance. Do you think I'd better call him about it?

Daddy is going out on a call - so I'll send this uptown with him now. He is going out to collect for the U.S.O. [United Service Organizations] tonight.

Love from us both,

Mom

Postmarked: 7:00 PM, 10 Aug 1942, Camden, NJ

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Sunday

Dear Tom,

Daddy and I just finished making you some cookies, and I will send them out in the morning. I'm going to enclose a little sweitzer[sic] cheese. Let me know how it arrives and if OK. I can send you some more some time. If there is anything special you get hungry for, just tell us and we will try to get it to you.

Alice [Crompton] came over to see us yesterday about one o'clock. She had to work in the A.M. She visited with Daddy and me until 3:30 and then she had to leave because her mother is in N.Y. and Alice had to do the food shopping. We surely enjoyed having her and wish she could have stayed longer. When she left she took her umbrella and needed it because it was raining.

It has been pouring here off and on ever since. Hope you don't have to tramp around in the mud. What do you do when your shoes get wet? Do you have more than one pair?

We are wondering if you knew Gordy [MacWilliam] went home last Wednesday for 2 weeks. I had a note from Floy [MacWilliam] saying how happy they were to have him. Gordy told her you look fine and seemed in very good spirits. He also said the very remarkable score you got on your I.Q. won't do you a bit of harm - that it is very unusual and he feels you will progress rapidly. Alice told us your score was 145 out of a possible 150. That is certainly swell, Sunshine!

Gordy is supposed to resume classes when he returns and Floy is hoping it won't be too strenuous for him. He said he would be seeing you frequently.

I was talking to Lester Kish again this A.M. as he came from church. He said he got your note and was sorry to have missed you, but he felt sure you would like Camp Lee. I guess he will be staying at Mead[sic- Meade] indefinitely.

Daddy and I listened to a radio program called "Quartermaster" at 7:30 last night over W.I.P. It was about Food for the Men in the Field and it was quite surprising to hear the many things that your department must know and do about foods.

I read a few pages in your "Just and the Unjust" last night. Here is a quote - "The dwarf in the sideshow married the girl in the next booth, the tallest woman in the world, - yeah, his friends put him up to it." Now, do you think that's nice? It is entirely irrelevant to the story, but authors seem to think it necessary.

Brysons stopped here awhile Friday night to get us to walk around the block, and then we went in their place and played bridge awhile. Lex was especially vituperative and he got my goat and I finally sailed into him and told him what I thought of him and others like him who criticized - not even constructively - and did nothing for the war effort themselves. I told him I would walk out of his house and not return if he ever talked against Roosevelt again. I guess we're still friends - we played two rubbers of bridge after that - but he surely did calm down.

Merritt's [Sharp] brother is to be married at 6 tonight in Salem. Merritt will be best man in a big church wedding. It's going to be a wet one from appearances now.

I am sending your Book of the M[onth] advance report on to you. I don't believe you will want the September choice. I will keep here the little slip that must be returned to them before Aug. 25 - so you let me know your decision.

------------------------------------------------------

Dear Son:

I guess mother has told you all the news. We have not been out of the house all day. We, myself included, have been baking, reading, washing dishes, etc. and mom says I can shellac the floor from the dining room to the kitchen tonight before I go to bed. Boy what a day. I guess army life is much easier. What?

Not much news so will start to get dinner ready.

Lovingly,

Dad

-------------------------------------------------------

Gosh, but your Dad is henpecked - isn't he?

Love from Mom

=============================

[Included with this letter was a separate note, which follows, as well as a reminder card, also described.]

Please tell me if you want the funnies. Daddy say[sic] you don't and I'm only making a baby out of you. I have them all saved and ready to send and if you want them - you say so and you shall have them.

-----------------------------------------------------

A Reminder

According to our records your eyes were last examined

Aug. 20, 1938

We advise that you return to your eye physician for a re-examination

Doyle & Bowers

125 South 18th Street

Philadelphia

[Also written on this card was the note: "Was this the last time you had your glasses changed? I suppose you have had a recent test in the army."]

Postmarked: 10:30 AM, 11 Aug 1942, Camp Lee, VA

To: Mrs. Thomas H. Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

From: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T-758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

==============================================

August 9, 1942

Dear Mom and Pop,

It is now a quarter of six and I have until eleven to get some letters written. I wish I were a little better at this telepathy business - then I could just send you a thought every few minutes. Believe me, I do think of you quite often.

All your letters except Sunday the 2nd have now reached me [Note: That letter did arrive and is shown above.], and in addition, the Sunday funnies that were sent to [Fort] Meade. You need not send the funnies, for the [Philadelphia] Inquirer is on sale here at Lee.

I'm glad that something has at last happened about the house, and also that you can hold the Clinic there. That ought to make it a good deal easier for you. [Note: The clinic was for Planned Parenthood, and Mrs. Keiser used to travel to Camden to volunteer.] I was also glad to read the clippings you sent. "Tombstone" [Charles Canning] must certainly have been quite banged up. If I can, I'll drop him a line. It was nice of you to have called Mrs. Canning. I'll also have to drop Howard a line to see if he is still kicking around at Medford Lakes or if he is as yet in camp.

There was a fellow from Philadelphia with whom I made friends at Fort Meade. I dropped him a note to let him have my address and asked him to let me hear from him. Just a day or two ago I had a note from him. He stayed one more day than I at Meade and entrained on Friday. In his note he says he is at the Ambassador Hotel in Atlantic City - private room and bath, with hot and cold running water, either salt or fresh. His room also overlooks the ocean. Some swell picking, isn't it? When I tell him about Lee, I don't think he will be very envious.

Had a card and a letter from Mary [Keiser] and two letters from Alice [Crompton]. So I will have some answers to write to them. By the way, the penmanship isn't always so good in my letter. I'm sitting on my cot, and every so often change my position. I could go to the Recreation Hall, and have a table to write on, but there is always a radio going and someone playing the piano, in addition to several games of ping pong. Here there aren't quite so many distractions - a poker game, a radio, and every so often some fellow going past stops to say a few words. It has only taken me half an hour to get this far. Of course part of that is the way I go at letter writing. You know! I'll write to you as often as I can, but they work us quite hard here and there isn't much time. In the evenings I have to do some of my own laundry, for it takes a week to get back what you send out, then shave, shower, and by then I am generally ready to hit the hay. Lights are put out at 9:30. Bed check at 11:00.

I'll tell you something about camp life here. I have an $8,000 home, quite well equipped. It has an air conditioning system (but not very much cool air comes from it), is equipped with electricity, and has hot and cold showers (hot, if you can get it before someone else), sinks and toilets. I live upstairs. There are a mattress, 2 sheets, a blanket and pillow for each cot. Clothes are hung from a rack on the wall, and some are stored in a foot-locker (like my camp box that I had at the Y camp). If you want to know where some of the tax money is going, figure $8,000 for a barracks building; each barracks holds a platoon. There are four platoons to a company, four companies to a battalion, two battalions to a regiment, and I have so far counted thirteen regiments here at Lee. That is living quarters. There is a mess hall for each company, administration buildings, four theatres[sic], 7 post exchanges (stores), and the quartermaster school buildings and several fire companies. All of which must represent a tidy sum.

It isn't too hard getting up at 5:45. Then we fall into formation for Reveille and police the area. Back into the barracks to make up our cots, mop the floor and clean up. Then breakfast, calisthenics, then classes or drilling - whichever is on the menu. At 11:30 the morning is over - we line up again for lunch, at 1:00 the afternoon classes or drilling starts and lasts until 4:30. Then comes Retreat and then supper. After that we are on our own, unless there is some special class for the evening. The same schedule holds for six days and Sunday is given over to doing whatever comes to mind.

This past week has been rainy and damp, quite a relief from the heat, but it has warmed up again tonight, and I guess tomorrow will be a sizzler again. Of course I caught a cold from sitting on the damp ground during one of our classes but it has just about cleared up now, and I expect it will be gone tomorrow.

My equipment is by now quite considerable. I have two summer suits (shirts plus pants), two winter suits (shirts plus pants), an overcoat, raincoat, blouse, field jacket, two fatigue suits (work clothes), toilet articles, leggings, caps, gas mask, rifle, haversack, meal can with knife, spoon, and fork, canteen, first aid kit, half a tent, cartridge belt, and various other items, including 2 pair of shoes, 6 pair of socks, 5 sets of underwear, and 4 handkerchiefs (all G.I.) G.I. is Government Issue. Enough of that - I'll tell you more later.

I went up to the hospital to see Gordie [MacWilliam] again and found that he had left for Long Branch for at least 14 days - maybe 28, so that ought to pep Floy [MacWilliam] and Mac up quite a bit. He is evidently all well again after the operation. So I guess it will be some time before I will see him again.

The other day (one goes like another and it is hard to keep track of them without effort) we went on a four-hour hike. We left at 7:30 and got back about 11:30. the march was about 6 miles and the whole batallion went - about 1200 men. We had a pack to carry and at that time there were about half enough rifles so each man carried a rifle for half the march - about 2 hours. Fortunately, I had mine the first half. To lapse into the vernacular, my ass was dragging, and it was enough to carry Pvt. Keiser and pack without the rifle for the last half. By the way, it was only a light pack - there are two others, each with more equipment, and I guess the marches will get longer too. Oh well! I guess I can get blistered feet just as well as the next fellow. We marched for 50 minutes and then a 10 minute break for a cigarette. That's the way we have class lectures, too, 50 minutes of instruction and then a 10-minute break. That afternoon we marched out to a large instruction ground back of the camp for instruction in tent-pitching. There were rumors that we would have the afternoon off to bathe our feet, but no such luck!

I have also had a go at K.P. [Kitchen Patrol] (which no longer means Korb Pettit! [Note: A former employer of Tom's.]). The cups were first and went pretty easy. The plates were next, and being heavier, were a little bit harder; the vegetable dishes and platters, weighing about 3 pounds each, were back-breaking after the first 150. Then the mess hall had to be cleaned up, tables set, and string beans prepared for the next day. The potatoes were all done, fortunately! That was just one meal. The next time it is my turn at it, it will be an all-day job.

Last night I went into Petersburg (3 miles) with Harry Harvey. His girl friend and mother were down for the week-end. I stayed in town last night (there is no bed check Saturday night, so it is permissible) and we all came back to camp early this afternoon. I stayed here because I was going to see Gordie, and Bud and his mother and girl went back to town. They came by bus and leave tonight about 8. It is an eleven hour trip. I gave Mrs. Harvey your address and she said she would get in touch with her[sic], so you can find out that I'm doing pretty well, except for this cold. But that's almost gone and is nothing to worry about.

I will certainly be glad to see you if you can get down Labor Day. I'll check up on regulations and let you know about reservations later. I haven't had much time for War and Peace, but if you want, send the books and I'll see what I can do about reading them.

I have a couple of other letters to write, so will close this one now.  Could my account stand a $5 withdrawal?  (I went to Petersburg so I must reverse my decision about money mentioned in my last letter.)

Love,

Tom

Use the address I gave you - it is the quickest if not the most technical.

================================================

[Also enclosed with this letter when I found it was a note probably written by Mrs. Keiser, after talking to or otherwise hearing from Mrs. Harvey, as follows:]

280 miles to Camp Lee.  Neighbor uses 13 gal to Richmond and does it in 6 hours - Petersburg is 22 miles farther.  Camp is ten minutes farther.

Mrs. Harvey took 7:00 bus Sat A.M. at 69th St. [Phila.]  Changed in Washington [D.C.]  Took bus "Norfolk by way of Richmond" and got in Petersburg at 6:45 Sat eve.  It cost her $8.40 return.

Son met her - called Tom over and they stayed in a double room in Petersburg over night.  Did camp Sunday and then went back to Petersburg and left by bus at 8 o'clock - rode all night and got in Phila. at 6:30 A.M.

Phone call costs 65 cents.

Train takes 6-1/2 hours - costs $12 plus.

Her son comes home Sat. eve. by bus and arrives 6:30 A.M. Sunday morning.  Leaves Sun afternoon - Costs only about $6 - soldier rates. 

Postmarked: 1:00 PM, 11 Aug 1942, Camden, NJ

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Wednesday

Dear Tom,

Your Sunday letter just came and I'm rushing uptown to send you a Money Order.  It's 11:30 and the mail goes out at 12.

Take care of your cold - you know a little Argyrol 10% helps you a lot.

If you want me to come down Saturday - call me by telephone and reverse the charges and I will come down either by bus or train.

Will write more when I come back.

Love,

Mom 

Postmarked: 9:30 AM, 13 Aug 1942, Philadelphia, PA

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

[Included with the letter was a news clipping entitled "Industrial Oddities."]

==============================================

Wednesday eve, Aug. 12, 9:45 [P.M.]

Dear Tom,

I couldn't wait for Mrs. Harvey to get in touch with me so yesterday about noon I called her up, and heard the story of your trip to Petersburg. I told her I appreciated their including you in their party. Today Daddy has a call over in Upper Darby [PA] and he stopped to see Mrs. Harvey. She said Bud [Harry Harvey] was going to call her up tonight, so Daddy told her if you were along to have Bud tell you to call us up and reverse the charges.

She said she thought Bud was going to take a six o'clock train Saturday night and get into the 30th Street Station [in Philadelphia] at 12 o'clock and she wondered if we didn't want you to come along. It would surely be grand to have you if you were permitted to come - and if the trip wouldn't tire you too much for your next days work. You know we always want you and don't ever let the financial cost ever hold you back. The satisfaction of seeing you can't be measured in money and we will always find it somewhere. If you do come, call us or send us a telegram collect and we will meet you at 30th Street. If you don't come, we will understand that in your judgement you shouldn't take the risk.

I sent you a M.O. [Money Order] for $10 this morning at 12 and I will send you more next week if you want it.

Mrs. Harvey said you were using tissues Sunday so your cold must have been in your head. I hope it has gone by now and won't get on your chest. Please don't neglect your health, dear. I dare say they will give you proper treatment if you report your cold.

She said Bud wanted his bathing suit and more bath towels. Shall I sent[sic] your suit and towels to you I know your space for keeping things must be limited - but please ask for anything you want.

She told Daddy you said something about wanting Dress Shoes. Lester had on a pair that I spoke to him about. They were plain toes with one buckle over to the side. I saw them in [the] Hanover window in Camden - marked for Service Men. Are they what you meant and would like me to get a pair size 2[?]-9-1/2 and send them to you on approval? Or can you shop in Petersburg and prefer to get them there and shall I send you the money for them - $4.50 I think they were at the Hanover.

I'll send you the Courier [Camden, NJ] funnies for last week. If they don't appeal tell me when you write again and I won't accumulate them. If you get any kick out of them - I'll enjoy saving and sending them.

Would you like a portfolio that would hold your paper and act as a desk or hard surface to write on? I saw a nice one uptown today for 59 cents and I'll be glad to get it for you.

Mrs. Henderson had a letter from Vernon Ware. He said he bet Tom would find it pretty tough in the army because he was used to light work - and he (Vernon) was not finding it any picnic. They haven't heard yet where Vernon's next camp is.

Your friend was certainly lucky to draw the Ambassador. The Army has taken over every Boardwalk Hotel now - so a good many men are going to have pretty swell locations. How grand it would have been to have you so close - yet I am glad you are not in the Air Corps.

Dad said he wrote you today and gave you heck for not writing me oftener. Don't take it to heart, dear. I was terribly worried from the Tues. night you called until the following Monday when your letter came because I thought you were still at Mead[sic-Meade] and was afraid you might be sick from your inoculations, and couldn't understand why I hadn't a line from you if you were able to send it.

It seems to take so long for your letters to leave Camp Lee. The letter you wrote me Sunday (9th) was marked Camp Lee Aug. 11, 10:30 AM - and I got it this morning Wed. Aug. 12. So you see it isn't your fault. And that letter was swell. I've read it and read it and tonight Dad has his poker crowd here and I read it to them.

Your subtle sense of humor is a saving grace and will help you over many a rough spot, Tommie.

Mary [Keiser] said she had a letter from you Monday afternoon. She said it was the first letter she ever got from you and that it was a very interesting one.

Have you heard how they punish naughty soldiers? They send them to bed with a WAAC.

A letter from Mildred Hauser today says Albert has intestinal grippe and a sinus infection and is so weak he can't sit up any time at all. Al Sr. has applied for a commission in case salesmen should be dispensed with but he hasn't heard further.

Skippy Wallace went past tonight and asked for you. He said you should write when you get time. Bergen[?] was home over las week end.

Grandma's [Mary Agnes Sheahan Freas] letter said Jane [Freas] arrived last Sunday. [travel from Syracuse, NY to Jermyn, PA] Frank [Waters, Tom's uncle] is planning to take them to Berwick [PA] next Sat. and they will come down here by train Monday or Tuesday to stay a few days.

Grandma is planning to take Annie [Reilly] back to live with her until October 1st and thinks she will then close up the house. She is never going to be happy away from the place and it would be swell if she and Annie can get along there together. She will have a Martin boy come in each day to bring up coal and his mother will clean and do the washing each week. I hope it will work if that is what she wants.

Mr. Nagler[?] said Bob called them last night from Wichita Falls, Texas. He is drilling every day in the sun at 127 degrees. He says he really sweats. The girls down there won't dance with the soldiers and he says they have to pay for everything they get from the U.S.O. [United Service Organizations] Is that usual? I thought they gave their services and entertainment, etc. They are making their drive here now.

We've had almost steady rain here lately. South Jersey is worrying about its tomato crop and other things will spoil soon, too - if it doesn't dry up.

Mr. Henderson called this A.M. and said they had received the Title for the House from West Jersey Title & Trust Company. Now they must send that to Judge Sharp and get the Deed and maybe we can come to final settlement next week. I'll be glad when it is "signed, sealed and delivered" and we will know just how we stand.

Bob Partridge was home from Florida for seven days. He went back Monday so we haven't done anything about moving the clinic yet but we must start disposing of the furniture soon. We will open here Sept. 9th.

A bottle of alcohol would be a big help for your tired feet. How I'd like to send you all such things - and I only hesitate because I know so little of your restrictions or whether you'd have a place for or time to use such things. I hope you don't get blistered feet. I suppose your army shoes are hard to get used to at first.

And K.P. - Alice [Crompton] said you cut your finger. Did it heal OK? Did you get charged for the breakage? Aren't you glad you had a little home experience in that line?

Mrs. Harvey said you got so many stews. Judy Garland said in the paper that she got so much steak and chicken in the Army mess that she couldn't keep her weight down - so I've been hoping that you were living on the fat of the land.

Don't worry about your penmanship. I'll decipher it some way. I know how tough it is for you to write so many of us when you have so little time, and I'll be patient if I have a few lines from you once a week. You won't mind if I write oftener than that to you, will you? If you're really tired and terribly busy just drop me a card and tell me how you are. And do let me know about your cold.

Lovingly,

Mom

You will be having a birthday pretty soon and I suppose the folks will be asking me what they can send you. If there is anything you can use and would like to have you might as well name it. Since Uncle Sam is providing your clothing it leaves little for people to give you as presents.

----------------------------------------------------------

Dear Son,

Just sent the mob home. I made 55 cents so we will have a Hell of a good time when I come down.

Time to crawl in bed now - 1 A.M.

Lovingly,

Dad

[A note was found among these letters in Mrs. Keiser's handwriting.  It is as follows:]

Friday A.M. Aug 14th 9 o'clock.  Night letter from Petersburg.  Tried all eve to phone.  Lines busy.  Will contact you as soon as possible.  Am well and will write soon.  Tom 

Western Union

[To:] Keiser 127 Haddon Ave.

[From:] Richmond, Va.

Bud and I arriving 30th st. station 4:45 AM Sunday morning tell Mrs. Harvey

Tom

[In Mrs. Keiser's handwriting on this message, which was typed on a piece of paper and not a standard telegram format, was "Sat August 15, delivered by policeman - 2:30 AM Sunday"]

Postmarked: 1:00 PM, 17 Aug 1942, Camden, NJ

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Monday A.M.

Dear Tom,

It certainly did us all a lot of good to have you with us yesterday.  You looked swell in your uniform.  We just hope you weren't too tired after your trip.  Uncle Leo [Stahl] drove us over to the B.F. [Ben Franklin Hotel in Phila.?] to see their lovely suite on the 14th floor - overlooking the entire river panorama, and with the loveliest cool breezes.  Then he took us to his offices and we had to go all thru there.  Nice offices but a hot safari.

By the time we got out of there it was raining and after we reached Colls. it really poured and poured. 

Alice [Crompton] left us at the station because she had to get dinner for her grandmother.  I was so glad she got over.  She looked so pretty.

B.J. [Betty Jane Stahl] didn't come back to Colls., but stayed at the hotel.  Lois [Freas Stahl] and Leo went back to have supper with her.  Bets [Betty Freas Waters], Frank [Waters] and Nancy [Waters] left right after supper and Daddy and Jane [Freas] washed the dishes - so I could snooze a bit.  Grandma [Mary Agnes Sheahan Freas] snored too and was it hot and sticky!

Mrs. Blake came in the eve for a visit.  Guess the main topic of conversation.  She wanted to be remembered to you.

We all turned in at 10:30.  At 11:30 Hank [Henry Leigh Freas] called up.  He was just home from work and wanted to know if you were here.  Jane answered and told him all about your visit.

It rained again last night and was/is so damp this A.M. that there was no use washing.  So I ironed your things a bit and will now take them to the P.O.  When you write, tell me when you receive them so I will know how long it takes.

Love from us all,

Mom 

Grandma and Jane will stay until Thurs. I guess. 

Postmarked: 10:30 AM, 18 Aug 1942, Camp Lee, VA

To: Mrs. Thomas Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

From: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T-758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

==============================================

Monday Evening, 9:10

Dear Mom and Pop,

This has to be a short note for lights go out in 20 minutes.  Bud [Harry Harvey] and I made it  back OK and we had the same air-conditioned car all the way from Phila. to Petersburg (What a break!)

It certainly was swell to have been able to see yawl* even if it was for only such a short time.  I'm glad I could see so many while I was home.

With this note are four negatives which you can have printed.  (Mary [Keiser] wants a set.)  The fellow with me on the steps is Harry Shoemaker from Sonderton, the guy who knows Charlie Heckler.  Please return the negatives for they belong to Harry.

I have to acknowledge Floy's [Mrs. Harvey] cookies, so I'll close by sending my

Love,

Tom

The cold is all gone.  Score one more for Argyrol! 

Postmarked: 1:00 PM, 19 Aug 1942, Camden, NJ

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Wednesday A.M.

Dear Tom,

Jane [Freas] and I went up to the Post Office to mail your clothes Monday morning. We took our time and shopped a little, and when we came back we found Grandma [Mary Agnes Sheahan Freas] stuck in the bath tub. She couldn't bend her knees or lift herself up because there is no rim on our tub and it is close to the wall. So, she just sat there putting hot cloths on her knee. We had some time getting her out and now no more sit-downs for her - only showers.

Daddy took Jane with him to Woodbury in the afternoon and Mrs. Henderson came over and visited with Grandma and me until 5:30. She heard all about you and wanted to be remembered to you. In the eve we had some more rain and Daddy, Jane, Grandma and I played Rummy on the porch. Daddy lost so he had to buy the ice cream.

Yesterday Jane and I left on the 9:08 train for Ocean City to see Mary [Keiser]. Lois [Freas Stahl] came over and stayed with Grandma until Daddy got home. It was a beautiful day at the shore. Mary was working when we arrived so Jane and I had a seafood lunch at Becks and Mary waited on us. She didn't put a service plate on for Jane's crab meat au gratin - so Mrs. Beck very nicely explained the way to serve it. Mrs. B. said she liked Mary very much and wished she had some more like her.

Jane and I walked the boards and did the shops until 2:30. From then until 4:15 we visited with the girls at the Georgian. Left on the 4:30 train. Helen Wygle is suffering with a case of blood poisoning in her foot. She got splinters from the boards and the coast guard removed them but they became infected. She hasn't been able to work and must stay off her foot. She is tired of lying around and losing money. Mary had $8 stolen and Barbara S. had $12.50 taken and they are sick about it when they think how they earned it by dribs and drabs.

George Carroll called up last evening and wanted to know all about you. He was concerned because he hadn't had a line and wondered where and how you are. I gave him your address and he said he would write. He told me Mary [his wife] is expecting the end of the year and how happy he is about it.

Last evening Frank and Polly Hogarth from Woodbury came up and spent the eve with us. Frank is 45 and is an experimental engineer for Socony Vacuum in Paulsboro. They have 2 daughters 11 and 16. I taught Frank in Jermyn [PA] when I first got out of Normal School. He was one of my favorites. You can imagine the Jermyn gabfest we all had. Jane had bought a bottle of "Southern Comfort" and she had just served some drinks when we had our State Wide blackout. So we all sat squeezing our glasses in the dark for about half an hour.

Mary [Keiser] got a letter from Frank Cajune yesterday. It was dated July 14th. He is on anti-tank manouvers[sic] in Northen Ireland. He said he wanted to accept her week end invitation but Uncle Sam wanted him more. Mary read us the letter but she said it was so "drippy" she might not even answer it. He "fell" too quickly to keep up Mary's interest.

Tomorrow is her day off - so she said she might take the bus up tonight after work in order to see Grandma and the Stahls. Lois [Freas Stahl] says she is going back this weekend. B.J. [Betty Jane Stahl] had an interview at Wanamaker's [Dept. store in Phila.] yesterday. Haven't heard any results yet.

We had sunshine yesterday and again today! Hope you are having it too.

All the kids at the Georgian read and enjoyed your letters yesterday and all send you their best. I think I'll have to make carbon copies of them before they get worn out. Everyone thinks they are swell and everyone who comes into the house has to hear them and even Daddy loves to hear them again and again. He loves to kid me about missing you, but he misses you just as much and is very proud of you, too.

Grandma and Jane will leave tomorrow for Berwick [PA]. Frank [Waters] will drive them to Jermyn Saturday so Jane can return to Syracuse on Sunday. Annie [Reilly] has promised to go and stay with Mother [Grandma] until Oct. 1st.

If you get where they sell Birthday cards, send one to Jane either to Jermyn or 200 N. Water St. Syracuse. It is her B.D. on Sunday, you know. Don't go out of your way to do it, however, because she will be glad to hear from you anytime.

Hope your trip didn't tire you too much and that you got back in plenty of time. Now you know the ropes - you won't feel so bound, because you know you can do it whenever you feel you want to. Remember us to Bud [Harry Harvey], and love to you from us all.

Mom

======================================================

[A news clipping was included with this letter, as follows:] 

Excuse Grows Thin As Soldier Keeps Getting Leave

Camp Edwards, Mass., Aug. 13 (INS) - Private George Dion better do some deep thinking and explaining if he expects to get leave from Camp Edwards this weekend.

Two weeks ago Private Dion sought and received weekend leave with the simple explanation that his wife was expecting.

Last weekend he reiterated his "wife's expecting" and won another leave.

When he came up with the same reason this week, the officer in charge queried: "What's she expecting, anyway?"  "She's expecting me home again, sir," replied Private Dion.

Postmarked: 5:30 AM, 21 Aug 1942, Camp Lee, VA

To: Mrs. Thomas H. Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

From: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T-758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

==============================================

Thursday eve

Dear Mom and Pop,

The package with the clothes arrived last night.  Many thanks for taking care of them.  I was going to write last night, but after I cleaned my rifle and then myself, it was too late.  Your Wed. letter arrived this evening, so I can count myself well up on the latest now.  Joe from Camp Edwards sure worked his excuse to death, didn't he?

Too bad Grandma [Mary Agnes Sheahan Freas] had such a time in the tub.  I hope it didn't affect her bum knee any more.  When she and Annie [Reilly] get together they can relate bath tub experiences.

We were drilling all day yesterday and today on the parade ground with rifles - getting the different positions, prone, sitting, kneeling and standing, with the sling tight around our arm and the sun broiling us.  After a good baking we paraded for the Major at Retreat this evening.  They are trying, with all this rifle training, to fit us so that we will be able to go on the firing range for four days next week.  Starting Sunday, our one day off a week.  But this week we spend it on Company time, and no overtime rates either.

I haven't had time to get to Petersburg yet for my uniforms and I'll have to go soon to get my hair trimmed.  So I won't be able to get a card in time to send a card to Jane [Freas].  I'll drop her a line tonight and send it to Jermyn [PA] and hope she gets it there.

Had a card from the Overmyers from Toledo.  What's their Wayne Ave. number?  I'll thank them for it.

A fellow from my barracks went to the hospital last night with haemorrhoids[sic].  Tomorrow night I'm going up to see him.  I can really sympathise[sic], can't I?  Mine have been taking care of themselves and not bothering me at all.

When we make application for Officer's Training, we are supposed to have our credentials, which consist of birth certificate and three letters of rec[ommendation].  So will you please send my certif. down and ask the Pettyjohns if they would mind writing to Bill for one?  Let me have Bill's address, so I can thank him when it comes.  I'm supposed to have all this stuff by the end of next week.  I plan to ask Gordie [MacWilliams] for one.  Do you think that Anne Wagner Freas could get me one from that Captain or Colonel that lives near them?  It would help a lot, but I wonder if that is stretching too far.  I'll write to Harold Kleintop from Korb Pettit - I think he'll give me one.  

It's getting on toward 9pm, and I have to make up my cot - we got clean linen tonight - shave and shower and write to Jane yet.  I dropped a couple lines to George and Mary [Carroll] this evening.  Guess they will have a real Christmas Carroll this year, what?   

Yours in haste,

Tom

One fellow spent a good while last night cleaning the gun in his place in the rack, only to find when done that someone else's gun was there by mistake.  He hadn't checked the serial but went ahead and cleaned it. 

Postmarked: 10:30 AM, 21 Aug 1942, Philadelphia,PA

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

The front and inside card images are attached. Tom's birthday was August 24th.  Mrs. Keiser's note on the back says,

"This dam - p weather stuck the envelope flat to the front of your card, but I know you won't mind."]

Postmarked: 10:00 AM, 24 Aug 1942, Philadelphia, PA

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Sunday eve Aug. 23

Dear Tom,

I called Mrs. Harvey this morning thinking Bud [Harry Harvey] was home and might have a message from you - but she said you were on maneuvers this week end so he couldn't get away.

Jane [Freas] and Mother [Mary Agnes Sheahan Freas] stayed with us until Thursday. Ki [Daddy] and I drove them to the 5:40 train at the Reading terminal [in Phila.]. Frank [Waters] met them at 10:01 at Wilkes-Barre and drove them to Berwick. Saturday afternoon, Frank, Bets [Betty Freas Waters] and Nancy [Waters] went to Jermyn with them.

Dan and Agnes drove Annie [Reilly] to Jermyn Saturday night and she will stay with Grandma till Oct 1st anyway. Maybe she will close up then and come down here awhile.

Mary [Keiser] had her day-off Thursday so she came up on the bus Wednesday night, arriving at 11:30.

Merritt [Sharp] was driving a truck to N. Jersey and didn't get back until 6 P.M. Thurs. He was dead tired, but he came right down and asked her to let him go home and sleep till 9 - and if he could he would be down then - anyway he would call her. She didn't wait but called up Pete in Phila. He lost his job last week and came home. At 8:30 Merritt came down and said he wouldn't go to work but would take the night off so he could spend it with her. At 9:30 Pete arrived. Merritt couldn't believe she would do a thing like that. He stuck it out till after 10 then said he had to leave for work and went. He didn't go to work, though. He felt terrible. He came down to see me the next morning after Mary left and said he guessed it would be best to call the whole thing off, and under the circumstances he wouldn't be coming to Camp Lee with us.

I really like Merritt a lot and he was so kind and generous to Mary. She is just going to make her last High School year miserable by her selfish, tactless actions. She will find sooner or later that she can't ride rough shod over everyone. I don't want her running around with boys outside of Coll[ingswood]. while she is in school. Daddy was provoked with her too, and I'll let that 800 spread the news. Daddy is helping me address some of the cards tonight.

Tomorrow is your birthday dear - your first one away from us. I hope you have a pleasant day and that your cards and rememberances arrive on time. Won't you have a good time writing thank yous? Well it only comes once a year and after all it is nice to be remembered.

Has Gordie [MacWilliam] gotten back to Lee and if so, how is he? Give him our love when you see him.

How is the radio working?

Love from Daddy and me

Mom

Daddy enrolled Ruth Rissinger - Coll. 1936 for Day school. She is now a Mrs. Wright and lives in Had[ddonfield?]. but her husband must go soon. She said she knew you.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Happy Birthday:

Mom wanted to know if I had any news for you. By the looks of her letter she has said it all. Just like Gram MA.[Mary Agnes Sheahan Freas] for she knows all the Jermyn news and never leaves the house. You know - Telephone - Telegraph - and tell-a-woman!

How are you standing the heat? It has been hot as hell here this week. We are having a little relief tonight as it is raining again. I'll soon have mother playing the part of "Sadie Thompson" if it keeps up much longer.

Have you heard this one - (lately). A mother had 3 daughters. One came down stairs all dolled up. Mother says, "Where are you going, Daughter?" "Out with Vance to dance." OK The second one came down and the same question was asked. Daughter replied, "Out with Jim to swim." The 3rd one came and the same question - Daughter says, "Out with Buck to ..." "Like hell you will," said the mother. "You go back upstairs and read your book." The poor girl never had a chance to finish her sentence.

Must get back on addressing post cards. It seems when I have a day off mother finds plenty for me to do. Down moving things from the Clinic, card addressing, etc. etc. - dishwashing, etc. etc. - gettng meals, etc. Well, I guess it is all in a life time.

Hope the cookies arrive in time for your birthday, however they can be enjoyed any time.

Lovingly,

Dad

Postmarked: 7:30 PM, 24 Aug 1942, Camden, NJ

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: [cut off] Keiser, [cut off] Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA [It appears this envelope has the Peirce College address in Philadelphia.

==============================================

Monday - Aug. 24

Dear Tom,

23 years ago at 8:55 A.M. my dear little son of 9-1/2 pounds arrived.  It was a sweltering hot day and I remember seeing an airplane in the sky outside the hospital window - that long ago.  You had 14 visitors that day and were they the proud ones!

Your Thur. eve letter just arrived - and though my last night letter told you all the news - I hasten to answer the questions you ask.

Overmyers' address

Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Overmyer

31 E. Wayne Terrace

Collingswood, NJ

Bill's

Lieut. Wm. E. Pettijohn

Co. E 27th Quartermaster Regt.

Camp Shelby, Miss

(His father spells his Pettyjohn but when Bill learned to write he couldn't make a y next to a j.) 

Your birth certificate is enclosed. [Note: not saved with this letter.]  If they should lose it for you - you can always get a copy by sending $1 to the Bureau of Vital Statisics at Harrisburg.

About that Col. in Scranton - I think it was Kolb or Stanley Korn or some such name and they [Hank and Ann Wagner Freas] talked of him because they didn't like him so I don't believe they would ask any favors of him.

Did you receive "The Just and the Unjust" I mailed it Sat 8/15.  I also mailed you the Bk. of the Month circular 8/12 and since you didn't mention it yet I sent the slip in "Do not send" as it had to be there by 8/15.  I didn't think you'd care much for the 2 for next month.

By the way, did you ever get my Sun 8/12 letter from Meade?

Lois [Freas Stahl] called this morning and says B.J. [Betty Jane Stahl] is now living at 1915 Green St. [Phila.] - has a nice room there for $7 per week.  She started work this morning on the floor at Strawbridge & Clothier at $18 and of course expects soon to be assistant buyer of her department.

Hope you have no trouble with hemorrhoids - Don't forget your Anusol suppositories if you do.  Does your friend have to be operated on?

Lois asked your address and said she was sending you an H. & H. [Horn & Hardart's?] assortment.  Sorry it was late but they had company Sat. and she couldn't get out to the store.

I called Mr. Eichelberger but find he is away for the rest of the summer, so then I tried Mr. Johnson.  He said he taught you Physics in H.S. and will go over to school and write you a reference tomorrow morning and then I will pick it up and send it to you.

I called Mr. Bull and he had Mr. Henry write one and Daddy will bring it home tonight so I can enclose it.  Mr. H. was the only one of your old teachers there [Peirce Business College, Phila.] this afternoon but he will have Mr. Dengler or Mr. Neuman write one tomorrow and Daddy can mail it to you.

I have tried all afternoon to get Mrs. Pettyjohn but she must be gone for the day.  Will tell her as soon as I can but it takes so long for her letters to reach Shelby that I doubt you will get an answer from Bill by this week end.

Daddy got one for you from Mr. Taylor which I enclose with Mr. Henry's - They are both very nice. [Note: These letters of recommendation were not kept with this letter.]

Dad was talking to Lynn Carr and he will bring you one tonight and I will send it out with Mr. Johnson's tomorrow.  Hope they arrive in time.  

Will mail this right out -

Love,

Mom

Daddy is writing an airmail letter to Bill [Pettijohn] and enclosed an airmail stamped envelope addressed to you, going out with this.

================================

[Note:  written on the back of the envelope, in what appears to be Tom's hand, were the following addresses as other possible references:

Roy A. Taylor, Secretary

Leonard M. Addis & Co.

431 Walnut Street, Philadelphia

H.B. Henry, Head of Eng.[lish?] Dept. 

Peirce School

Pine Street, West of Broad, Philadelphia]

Postmarked: 10:30 AM, 25 Aug 1942, Philadelphia, PA

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: R. Lynn Carr, Asst. Office Mgr., Korb-Pettit Wire Fabrics & Iron Works, Inc., 1505-15 N. Mascher Street, Philadelphia, PA

[Note: On the back of the printed envelope is the following:

KORB-PETTIT FOR SERVICE

ARROWHEAD STEEL GRATINGS - INDUSTRIAL IRON WORK

WIRE CLOTH - SPIRAL WEAVE FABRICS

WIRE SCREENS - WIRE GUARDS

WIRE PARTITIONS]  

==============================================

Tuesday AM 8/25/42

Dear Tom,

Lynn Carr dropped this off on his way home from work [Note: not saved with this letter.], so I'll have Daddy mail it this morning so you are sure to have 3 in time.  I'll have to wait for Mr. Johnson's until Miss Oliver can type it and then she will call me to come and get it.

Lynn said he hadn't heard from you yet and to tell you to write - so now you can kill two birds by writing him and thanking him at the same time.

I guess you have today and tomorrow "yet" on the range.  It's really chilly here this A.M. and I'm wondering if you have to sleep on the ground.  You'll be sharp-shooters after 4 days, won't you?  So many people are surprised that quartermasters carry guns.

I was talking to Miss Baker last night and gave her Bill's [Pettijohn] address.  She said she had such an enjoyable letter from you, and when I said "I believe I have read it in the Retrospect" she laughted and said, "I've never fooled a mother yet."

We had the things necessary moved over from the clinic last night.  Now to make them as invisible as possible.

Time to eat breakfast -

Lovingly,

Mom 

Postmarked: 11:30 AM, 27 Aug 1942, Camp Lee, VA

To: Mrs. Thomas Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

From: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T-758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

==============================================

Wednesday Eve 9 pm

Dear Mom and Pop,

We finished up on the range this evening. 4 days, starting at 4:15 am Sunday morning - what a time! Back each evening to the barracks at about the same time as above and no time to do anything but sleep so as to be able to get up at 4:15 the next am.

What an enormous pile of mail - letters and packages waiting for me! And what a time I'm going to have answering! I'll try to thank you both for everything in this letter. I am breaking in the writing set herewith, and I received all the letters and cards, the cookies from Strawbridge's and the birthday cake. Jane's [Freas] present of $5 arrived, and a box of salt water taffy from Mary [Keiser], and a box of candy from Betts and Frank and Nancy [Waters]. The wash arrived. I think last Wednesday. I'm sorry I haven't been able to write more often this past week or so, but it isn't possible to squeeze in any more into these rushed days. Next week when we start classes in QM Training (the last half of Basic) there will be more spare time (if I ever get caught up). The letters of rec.[ommendation] all arrived, and birth certif. - Henry, Taylor & Carr and I'll have to write and thank them. Bill's hasn't come yet, but I did get a very nice 3-page typewritten letter from him which I have to write an answer. (I'm hurrying for lights are out at 9:30 and I hope you can read it.) Since they took last Sunday from us, we are having Friday off so I'll spend all day writing letters, I guess.

Got a card from Howard.

A.C. Howard Bendy

Squadron G Group 5

A.A.F. Company

Nashville, Tennessee

A temporary address a foot deep in mud. After 3-6 weeks he expects to go to Alabama.

Am trying to get in touch with Gordon [MacWilliam] again (he evidently has a new address here at camp.) If we can get together Friday we'll cut the Birthday cake then.

I qualified as a marksman on the range (143 points (out of 200) - 134 are needed to qualify so I just made it by the skin of the teeth - I was trying for sharpshooter (168 points) so you can see how far I fell off from that. However, the Company asks only that 80% of the men qualify as marksmen, so they're satisfied, even if I'm not.)

Got a card from Mrs. Harvey and Bud's [Harry Harvey] girl Helen, and a card from Geo. and Mary Carroll (wrote them a line or two after your letter mentioning the Blessed Event coming.) Alice [Crompton] sent a "A Sub-Treasury of Am[erican] Humor" and some swell handkerchiefs. Had cards from Grandma [Mary Agnes Sheahan Freas] and Jane [Freas] and Lauree[?] Henderson (please thank her for the present and tell her I'll write Friday and thank her.)

It's 9:30 and time to stop. This is a helluva letter but it's just to let you know I'm doing OK now that I'm 23.

More later

Tom

I finished Just and Unjust somehow - enjoyed it too. Still have W[ar] & P[eace] and the new one mentioned above - quite a library (didn't want The Raft and The Days of Ophelia so you did right in sending back the slip.

Postmarked: 11:30 AM, 28 Aug 1942, Philadelphia, PA

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Thurssday eve August 27

Dear Tom,

What a time you must have had opening mail when you got back from the range!  I hope all your birthday food wasn't too stale.

Miss Wetzel typed your letter from Mr. Johnson and when I called up to see if it were{sic] ready she said she would mail it out to you - so - I didn't see it.  Did he send you a good one?

Grandma [Mary Agnes Sheahan Freas] and Jane [Freas] were both so pleased to have letters from you.  Jane said she and Mother [Grandma] had dinner in the diner on the train last Thursday and a cocktail, too.  I wonder if Grandma needed her cane to get back to her car seat.

Lois [Freas Stahl] invited me over for lunch yesterday.  We ate at Wanamaker's [Phila.] then wandered from floor to floor.  After that we took in the Translux and I got back to Collingswood at 5:45.

Did you see the moon eclipse last Tuesday night?  It was so clear here.

I've been spending all spare time this week in the cellar getting things cleaned and set up.  Today I made a big curtain out of the drapes we used on Benson St., to shut off the doctor's space from the rest of the cellar.  It looks pretty nice.  I didn't bring any of the other furniture up and poor Mrs. Partridge has a headache trying to dispose of it and get it out of there by Sept. 1st.

It's still all right for us to plan to come down Saturday Sept. 5th?  If anything turns up that you can't have us be sure to send us a telegram.  Otherwise we will drive right to the camp as you said.  Is Gordie [MacWilliam] back yet?  Dad suggested calling Floy [Harvey] and Willie to make the trip with us, but I haven't heard from Floy since Aug 7th and then she was expecting Don and his family - so maybe they are staying over Labor Day.  I'd hate to phone her and have her feel bad about it - if she couldn't go.

Grandma expects the Waters [Frank, Betty Freas, and Nancy] for the week end.  It's a good thing Hank [Freas] has a gas station.  The Rowes are having a corn roast up at William's cottage at Chapman [Lake] and the Waters are going up.

Guess I don't know any more news tonight.  Ki's [Tom Keiser, Sr.] gone to bed with the new Digest so I guess I'll go read an article or two in the old one.  I'm behind in my reading as usual.

Our love to you, dear.

Mom

-----------------------------------------------------------

Friday Morning

Just got out of bed [sic] both mother and I went back to sleep after the alarm went off, so must hustle.

The weather is much cooler and it is good sleeping nights.  Hope you are getting plenty of this fine weather.

If everything is O.K. we will soon be down to see you.  Must eat now.  So long.

Lovingly,

Dad 

----------------------------------------------------- 

[Note:  written on the back of the envelope, in what appears to be Tom's hand, was the following name and address:

H.T. Harvey

338 Margate Rd.

Upper Darby [Pennsylvania] 

Postmarked: 11:30 AM, 31 Aug 1942, Philadelphia, PA

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Sunday eve Aug. 30th

Dear Tom,

I do hope you got caught up in your letter writing on Friday so that it won't seem like such a drag on you. That's what it is to have so many friends and relatives who love you. Everybody says it is a shame you have to take so much time writing and yet we are all thrilled when your letters arrive.

Lois [Freas Stahl] came over Friday and had lunch with me and then we decided to be devilish and go to the races. I didn't bet (guess why) but Lois lost six dollars. We got back about 7. Dad had supper ready but Lois had to get back to Phila. to eat with Leo and B.J.

Merritt [Sharp] came in to visit with us at 9:30 Fri. eve. and stayed until 10:30. He said he had been down to Ocean City over last week end and had seen Mary [Keiser] - so I guess they must have fixed things up again. He is going to have Dr. Phillips take out his tonsils tomorrow morning at 11 with a local anesthetic and if he is well enough he is going down Thursday to bring Mary home, and he is really anxious to come along to Camp Lee with us - so I'm just holding my breath till I see how things turn out.

We were down to Pettijohns yesterday afternoon. Mrs. P. is painting her bedrooms, right over the wall paper, in different colors with paint like we used in the cellar. I think that's the way I'll keep your Pop busy this winter, because our walls certainly need something.

We had more rain last night and it got pretty cool. We were reading the paper and kind of shivering at noon today when the 3 Stahls surprised us by arriving in their car and wanting us to go for a ride. Leo wanted to go to Barnegat - so we first drove out to Beach Haven and called on the Steiners. Stahls fell in love with their cottage and may rent it for 2 weeks in September if Leo isn't moved too far from here on Sept. 1st. He still hasn't heard what he is to do. Then we drove to the other end of the island and saw Barnegat Light, bought some fish, corn and tomatoes and crab meat and came home and got supper at 8:30. They left at 10 and here I am writing to you. The Steiners were wondering what had become of you and send their best.

I think your score on the range was pretty swell for a fellow who never was allowed to have a rifle before. Some grind you had from 4:15 A.M. to 9 P.M. You must be getting tough to be able to take it.

Thanks for Howard's [Bendy] address. I'll drop him a line some[sic] of these days - when I get caught up. I suppose A.C. stands for Air Cadet but shouldn't it be AAT Co. instead of AAF. I imagine it is Army Air Training Co.

We expect settlement on the house on Tuesday. It was held up again because they had to prove that Mrs. Morton wasn't married again after she inherited the property and now Daddy and I must make affidavits the we were not married before [becoming married to each other]. They certainly delve into all one's business.

Bets [Betty Freas Waters] says she and Alice [Crompton] are going to have dinner together and do a movie some night this week. I wish Campbells [Soup Co., in Camden] weren't so busy so Alice could come with us.

The tomato line was 7 miles long yesterday. The last truck had stood in line 21 hours so they kept the plant open today to use what they could. They have ads in the paper for any kind of help but they can't seem to get enough to take care of this rush.

If you think of anything you would like us to bring along, you'd better send us a night letter so we are sure to get it in time - though your Wed. night letter came thru in good time. It left Camp Lee Thurs. at 11:30 A.M. and I got it Friday at 11:30.

We plan to leave here at 6 A.M. on Saturday, so if it takes us 11 hours as it did the Pettijohns, we ought to arrive at Camp Lee before 6 P.M. - unless we hear from you that we are not to come.

Our love to you, Tommy -

Mom

----------------------------------------------------

Monday 8 A,M,

Dear Tom,

Hope to see you soon if things plan out O.K. Mother told you all the news, so must get to work now.

Lovingly,

Dad

[Mrs. Keiser made and saved a note that is somewhat relevant at this point in time.]

Telephone - 3 minutes - 65 cents

Tom telephoned Tuesday Sept. 1 - 4:30 P.M.

Will be paid Sat. Sept 5 so entire company is on fire duty 5:15 Sat to 5:15 Sunday and must stay in own area - no exceptions - will be free Sunday 5:15 to 11 P.M.

We telegraphed him Wed - Sept. 2. Night letter.

We are coming anyway. Will get to Camp Sunday afternoon. Won't call Floy [MacWilliam] unless we hear from her. Gordon may have left Lee (23)

35 cents

04 cents tax

39 cents

Postmarked: 10:00 PM, 1 Sep 1942, Camden, NJ

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Tuesday

Dear Tom,

Daddy and I talked over the situation and decided that since the main object of this trip is to see you, that we are going to come anyway.

We just won't start so early Saturday and will stay over night some where on the way down and get to Camp Sunday instead of Saturday night.

Of course, we won't have such a nice long visit with you - but I guess if you can come all the way home just for 6 hours or so - we can come to Camp Lee for that short a visit too.

Daddy asked for the use of the Ford so he could use some B units and since we have the gas now we better use it before they stop pleasure driving altogether - which seems to be coming very soon.

Since you couldn't contact Gordon [MacWilliam], I won't call Floy because if we should bring them down and find he had left, I would feel terrible for her.

Merritt [Sharp] had his tonsils out yesterday morning. He was dressed and around the house and taking liquids and felt pretty good his sister-in-law said about 5:30 today when I phoned. His brother Ed has been reclassified A1 - even with 11 years experience at the ship yard and is due to leave Labor Day. His brother Al leaves the 1st week in Oct. Their baby hasn't arrived yet. I guess Merritt will have to continue working to support his mother instead of going back to school. She feels terrible about it.

Daddy and I went over to the West Jersey Title and Guaranty Co. this afternoon and signed on the dotted lines. It cost us $970.63 of Grandma's [Mary Agnes Sheahan Freas] $1000 to swing the deal and straighten out taxes, insurance, sewer, water, rent, etc. Now we have a $3500 mortgage at Citizens Bank and to reduce that will pay approx. $35.68 monthly, plus whatever else we can give Grandma. My $25 from the clinic will go right to her anyway.

I called up Geo. Hill's office some time ago about your receipts. Since they didn't come I called again this A.M. and the man who answered said he guessed the reason was that Mr. Hill has but recently become a father.

However on[sic] the mail later this A.M. the receipts arrived and the enclosed letter. I will bring the 4 green papers down when we come so that you won't have to bother with them around.

I expect to get the films of Buds back tomorrow and will bring those down to you too.

We expect Mary home Thursday eve. Merritt is going for her if he is strong enough. He is anxious to come along with us, so you may be seeing him.

I know how disappointed so many of the boys must be at the orders to remain in the area, but a week end with a full pay in the pocket would mean an awful lot of headaches and much resulting trouble, so you can't blame the authorities for trying to avoid it.

We'll see you anyway and from 5:30 to 11 Sunday, you'll be free and able to show us many of the things you had in mind. We'll try to get to Camp sometime after 12 and if we are permitted to see you in your area we will, if not, we will know the ropes and be ready to be with you at 5:30.

Our love to you.

Mom

Postmarked: 10:30 AM, 8 Sep 1942, Philadelphia, PA

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Tuesday A.M. Sept. 8

Dear Tom,

It certainly did rain after we left you and we all hoped you had covered your 16 blocks before it started. How grand it was that it held off and let us have such a fine visit with you.

Your address means some thing now when we write it and we can picture you in Co. G at Barracks T758. It helped to see you looking well and fit - and to meet your friends, whom we all liked.

We arrived at 127 at 2 A.M. Just a little matter of trying to make connections with ferries that aren't running any more. I will tell you about it later. Dad must leave at 8 A.M., since this is the first day of school - but I just had to get in a line to you.

Lovingly,

Mom

[Note: an image from the Keiser's trip to Camp Lee is attached.] 

Postmarked: 11:30 AM, 10 Sep 1942, Philadelphia, PA

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

[Note: A note on the front of the envelope was written "1915 Green St.," which I believe was a family address in Phila. On the back of the envelope was written "believe beleive" as if Tom was trying to figure out the correct spelling.]

[Enclosed with the letter was a newspaper article from two pages of the Courier Post of Camden , NJ titled, "Shift in Spain Laid to Internal Crisis." A penciled note on it to Tom from his mother says, "Thot you might use these in your Current Events."  This article is not included.]

==============================================

Wednesday eve Sept. 9

Dear Tom,

Of course I forgot to give you the snaps and have you sign those papers for Penn Mutual. I am enclosing the snaps but there is no rush about the papers so will let that go for the present. Here are the 4 films belonging to Bud [Harvey], too. I had some extra ones finished for Alice [Crompton], and will give them to her when she comes over.

How it did rain after we left you Sunday night! I'll bet your boxes got pretty heavy before you reached T-758. Hope you didn't get wet. It did us all so much good to see you, dear, but it was sure tough to pull back to Dutch Gap without you.

We left Mr. Goyne's cottage at 8:30 Monday morning [Note: a postcard of the cottage was sent to Tom, and is attached as an image. The description reads: Dutch Gap Tourist Court, U.S. No. 1 Highway 12 miles south of Richmond, Va., 10 miles north of Petersburg, Va. Wire or phone for reservations 3-9-2-3 Chester, Mrs. C.A. Joles [Note: name crossed out and "H.T. Goyne, Owner" added], Chester, Va.] - still pouring rain - and drove to Richmond for breakfast. It was hard to get a place to park and we finally at breakfast at the Elmore Restaurant. It was a terrible joint, but we were getting pretty hungry by that time.

From there we drove to Williamsburg. Saw Wm. & Mary's[sic] College and the quaint old town rebuilt by J.D. Rockerfeller[sic]. It was too wet to get out of the car so we just drove around. There were oodles of soldiers in the town - going around in squads of about 25 from building to building with guides.

On to Old Point Comfort to take a 2:20 ferry to Cape Charles - but that ferry doesn't run any more - so we had to take a shorter one to Norfolk - drive 10 miles to Little Creek and from there another ferry to Cape Charles. It was a lovely trip - almost 2 hours across Chesapeake Bay. We couldn't get out much on the open deck because of the rain but the air was good, we saw all kinds of boats and all enjoyed it. At Little Creek there is a huge naval base and Merritt saw some of the barges he helped to make at New York Ship. He knew them by their numbers.

When we came near Ft. Eustis, we passed a batallion of boys trudging along on a hike with all their equipment in the rain. They all looked so tired and some could hardly amble along.

The Delmarva peninsula from Cape Charles up is a forlorn looking place. We finally came to a tourist place called Whispering Pines about 40 miles from Cape Charles - and had supper there. The whole peninsula is under army control and about 90 soldiers live in the cabins at the Pines. We left there at 7:50 and it was 2:00 AM when we pulled in at 127.

There was a truck load of shrimp from Alabama that we met up with at the ferry and how it did smell. We met it again and again and tried to avoid it but sure enough on the Pennsville ferry we were right back of it again. Daddy got out and talked with the driver. He was going to New York and makes that long trip once a week. He has to stop and re-ice every so often. they ought to send them in a vacuum.

Yesterday I spent washing Mary's Ocean City wardrobe. She wore things, put them in the laundry bag or grip and the dampness down there covered them with mildew. I washed till 4 o'clock and then it rained and has drizzled ever since so I still have a basket of wet things.

Couldn't bring them down stairs because today was our first clinic day. Everybody seemed pleased with the place. I made dividing curtains out of our old clinic draperies and hung them so you don't see the furnace or doctor's supplies.

Mary [Keiser] had her first day of school today [Senior year at Collingswood H.S.]. She has Miss Latimer in Solid. Mr. Wehler in Chemistry, Mr. Ferner in English - but Mr. Holston in Principles of American Democracy. He has failed terribly lately - never smiles and is so serious. It is just too bad. He has to earn his living, poor man, but he isn't a proper teacher since his sickness.

Lois [Freas Stahl] called me yesterday. She and Leo and B.J. went to the races Labor Day and it was so crowded they had to park way out on the road and couldn't get a seat. They bet on all the races and came out about even, she said. Leo still hasn't had no[sic] word from the company [about a transfer with National Cash Register].

Mary treated Merritt cool as a cucumber on the trip. I don't think she cares a rap about him and I guess he commences to realize it. Pete called her tonight while she was at the movies with Mary Loper and said he would call again tomorrow night. Isn't it funny how contrary human nature is?

Dad just got back from his usual Wed. night poker game. He gave me his winnings - $1 - to buy War Stamps.

Buz[sic] Regan [a Keiser cousin of Tom's] enlisted in the Marines and leaves this week end for Paris Island, S.C. I think it is. Frank Hagenbaugh [another Keiser cousin] just came home on a furlough to get married. Ethel [Keiser Hagenbaugh] and the whole bunch are coming down to camp in Ann's new home this weekend. Norwood was in Camp Eustis but has been moved to Tennessee. Frank Regan and his wife are still at Bragg [N.J.] Luther Metcalf [another Keiser cousin] is permanently stationed at Great Lakes as an instructor.

I see you have Nathan Hale in your platoon and Winston Churchill in your company. It must be a pain to have a name like that when challenged by a sentry. Doug McArthur of your class gave his name one time and the sentry said, "Oh yeah, I'm Julius Caesar, I guess."

Mrs. Pettijohn called to hear about you. Bill told her he had a nice letter from you. She heard a radio broadcast from Camp Shelby the night before last.

A letter from Floy [MacWilliam] was here when we got back. She had her hand mangled in the car door while Don and his family were there, and it has been very painful. She couldn't wash dishes or clothes. They asked for a six months extension on their lease but their landlord said she wanted to sell and she is taking prospective buyers thru. Bill has no real prospects and Floy feels distracted. They do have the darndest luck. Maybe Gordie feels down about it all and didn't want to talk to us about it, and so went out Sunday night to avoid us.

Hendersons [neighbors] came back from the shore Tuesday. I told her you received her present and would write to her some day. She said to tell you not to while you are so busy.

Tired reading? I'm going to bed now. Goodnight, Tommie.

Lovingly,

Mom

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Son,

As usual Mom said it all. However, I want to say how nice it was to see you, the camp, and your Buddies. You have some very nice fellows there and that is a big help.

Saw Buzz and Aunt Ann [Regan] yesterday. Buzz joined the Marines and will leave soon for camp. Ann now lives at 4407 N. 5th St. Not very for from her last place.

Must get to breakfast now and then [to] Phila. Good luck to you.

Lovingly,

Dad

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Tom,

Guess I'll say hello too - "HELLO"

I started school yesterday. I have Latimer, Holston, Wheler, and Ferner (sp?). It was nice seeing you last week end. Be good Tom.

Love and X's

Mary

Postmarked: 11:0[sic] AM, 15 Sep 1942, Camp Lee, VA

To: Mrs. Thomas Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

From: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T-758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

==============================================

Monday eve, Sept. 14

Dear Mom, Pop, and Mary,

It sure was wonderful having you all and Merritt down here last week-end. I've had a week of reminiscing of that swell time we had, even if we couldn't do much in the time we had. I've also been kept busy answering "Who was that beautiful dame I seen you with." All the boys tumbled for you, Mary. You sure wowed them all. I also received many nice compliments on my nice parents. I'm enclosing two more negatives depicting the Keisers at Camp Lee. Please return them after you get pictures made.

The negatives you did return I gave back to Harry Shoemaker - that's the fellow I introduced to you who was working in the Officers' Mess Hall. He left Camp Lee Saturday to be assigned to a regular unit. As yet, I don't know where; it's too soon to expect a letter.

Friday afternoon I went before the Regimental Board for an interview examination for Officers' Candidate School. I spent a few hectic minutes in the sanctorum and came out after a severe gruelling[sic] believing I had flunked miserably, but now I'm quite sure I passed, although I can't say for sure yet. One bad moment I did have - I had been cautioned to be on my best military behavior, and at one point, I looked down and saw that I was sitting there with one leg crossed over the other, just making myself at home with the boys! Of course, I uncrossed them as quickly and inconspicuously as possible, but the damage was done. And the questions they are liable to ask! The capital of Tibet, Japanese, German, Russian, and U.S. Leaders, how would I camouflage a water tower - anything that popped into their heads, and it seemed as if everything did.

Saturday night I went into Hopewell for the first time, with Charles Kerns, the radio announcer from Pittsburgh. Hwell[sic] is a nice, quiet little town, but Chas. says that more and more soldiers are finding it out, so I guess it won't be long before it's as bad as Petersburg. We had a swell meal at the hotel - roast L.I. [Long island] duck - and then went to their U.S.O. [United Service Organizations] club. A quiet, relaxing evening, and a ride back by cab (25 cents) to climax it. Sunday afternoon was taken up in letter writing, and I made quite a dent in the pile. Played a round of miniature golf, with a score in the 70s, just to keep in trim, then back to the mess-hall for supper and over to the recreation hall for more corresponding. I'm afraid I wasn't very original with Mr. Johnson's, Mr. Taylor's, and Mr. Henry's letters. The time it took me to write one of them, I decided it would be a lot easier to copy the other two from it. It was a lot easier, but the three letters are verbatim, so don't let them compare notes. This is some stinky paper I had left from Fort Meade. I'll get some more tomorrow at the PX.

One of the fellows in my class - Richard Nonnemacher - a May graduate from Bloom.[sburg] - lives in Allentown - wants Mary to autograph the picture of her in front of the Georgian [in Ocean City, NJ]. So, kid, kindly put "To Dick, with love, Mary" on the back and return it in the next letter from home. The above just came out. I've made good friends with Dick, and he was just now telling me about how he wrote to this friend of his in California, Norman Cool. I immediately interrupted with "Who?" and he repeated the name. "My God," I exclaimed. "I have a sixth cousin by that name." So we immediately began comparing notes, and it is the same Norman Cool with whom I traveled to Washington, Gettysburg, Hershey some years back. Dick knows Florence and Norman at 112 N. 50, too.

So now we've lots more to talk about.

Lots of love,

Tom

Postmarked: 12 M[sic], 22 Sep 1942, Philadelphia, PA 3

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

[Included with this letter were 4 War Quiz clippings, attached as images.]
==============================================

Hello, Tom!  Mary

Monday eve.  Sept. 21

Dear Tom,

Mrs. Maussner called up this evening to see if you wanted to join her bridge class next week.  I told her I was afraid you couldn't get accomodations to fly up from Camp Lee each week, much as you would enjoy it.  She was interested in hearing about you and wanted to be remembered to you.  Her son, 29 years old, is a bomb site maintenance man at Camp Harding, Louisiana.  She just got back from visiting him because he expects to embark this week.  She had to sit up 2 days and 2 nights in a train to reach him and she said plenty of people stood all the way.  I guess traveling is getting to be a real problem especially on long trips like that.

Mr. Henry [at Peirce Business College, Phila.] let Daddy bring your letter to him home tonight for me to read but he said he wanted it back tomorrow, so he could answer it!

I have been waiting to get your negatives back but so far they haven't arrived.  Will send them as soon as they do.

We had a P.T.A. [Parent Teachers Association] executive board meeting this afternoon.  I have the same job this year - inside publicity - so I have to start this week to get a membership coaxer out.  Just think after this year, I won't belong to the P.T.A. - if Mary [Keiser] gets thru.

Grandma [Mary Agnes Shehan Freas], Bets [Betty Freas Waters] and Jane [Freas] were all thrilled to receive your picture and I guess will write to tell you about it.  Jane sent Daddy a carton of Chesterfields [cigarettes] - so now he has to write a "Thank You" letter.

We were all so pleased to hear your voice last night. We drew up 3 chairs here by the desk so we could all hear everything.

Were you in Petersburg or in your recreation hall in Camp? There are so many things one plans to ask or talk about, and then in the excitement of really hearing your voice, forgets all about until after you've hung up. I guess I'll have to make a list and keep it handy.

Betty Jane [Stahl] called tonight and said she had spent such a pleasant eve with Alice [Crompton] last week. They ate at Stouffers [in Phila.] and did a movie. I believe they are going to do it again Thursday night. I have been hoping Alice would come over for supper some eve. She called up before we came down to see you but we haven't heard from her since. I guess they've been pretty busy at Campbells. [Soup Company in Camden.]

I forgot to tell you - when Mrs. Partridge saw your "smiling" picture she said, "How much does the tooth paste company pay him for that?" It does show your teeth nicely.

----------------------------------------------------

Tues. A.M.

Dear Son:

Glad to hear from you Sunday evening, sorry you were not here to enjoy Moms cake, however you had Mom's - Mom's cake and that's something.

About your teeth I noticed when we visited you thay they appeared rather dark and dull. Does that mean that you are getting weak on the tooth brush?

Please don't neglect your teeth. [Note: in later life Tom ended up with full dentures.] Go to a dentist an[sic] have them thoroughly cleaned and then get a good tooth paste and brush them thoroughly twice a day preferably three times. An officer with dingy teeth would be horrible.

Read your letter you writ[sic] to Mr. Henry yesterday. He thinks it the berries[sic] and is going to answer it. More writing for you.

Must eat now. So long. Good luck.

Dad

-----------------------------------------------------

Just read Dad's addition - so I'll go uptown and get you a new brush and paste this A.M. and sent it[sic] to you. Maybe you get no time to shop and need a new one. Anything else you need? Let me know if there is.

Weather is pretty snappy here this A.M. I guess we'll have a little frost soon. The old sycamores are starting to shed and the lawn needs a scrapping[sic].

Our love to you,

Mom

Postmarked: 5 PM, 24 Sep 1942, Camden, NJ

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. Agnes F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

[Included with this letter were 2 War Quiz clippings, attached as images.]

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Thursday afternoon - Sept. 24

Dear Tom,

I got the prints last night.  The one of you and Mary [Keiser] is very good.  Here are the films and say "thank you" to whomever they belong to.

I returned your Book of the Month slip yesterday marked "Do Not Send" - since I had received no instruction from you.  The one "They Were Expendable" is reviewed in the September Digest.

Tuesday, I went over to Snellenburgs and had them send you writing paper, tooth brush, tooth powder (I couldn't get paste because I'd forgotten to take an empty tube along) and some razor blades.  If any of these fail to arrive, let me know so I don't pay for them.  Do you use regular shaving cream or the brush-less type and what kind do you like best?

I also got new covers for the davenport and club chair which I think you will like.

Daddy played cards at Overmyers last night.  Mr. Sherry had just gotten a letter from his son from Guadalcanal.

A letter from Grandma [Mary Agnes Sheahan Freas] says she is going to close the house in two weeks and she and Annie [Reilly] are going to Berwick for 2 weeks and then Dan and Agnes Driscoll will drive up to [the] Waters [in Berwick] for Annie.  She didn't say whether she would come down here or not. 

The Stahls are still up in the air.  Lois called me this A.M.  Leo thought he would surely drive her to Syracuse this week end, but Mr. Bean turned up, but pretends not to know what the company [National Cash Register] plans for Leo when the new Phila. man arrives.  Some hectic company to work for! 

Mary [Keiser] is playing hockey at Haddon Hts this afternoon - their first game.  Football starts Saturday with Palmyra.  All Mary's gang except [Mary] Loper dropped out of Drum & Bugle Corps this year.  Betty Henderson is a Drum substitute and Elise Axner wields a baton in the band so it won't be long before all the younger kids will be taking over.

I think you said you had another test last Tuesday.  Hope you made out O.K.  How was the Friday night party the Captain was to give you in Petersburg?

I'm gettng pretty anxious to hear from you again.  Let's see - today is the 24th and your last letter is dated the 15th.  Yes, I know you did telephone the 20th.  Daddy says, "The boy is busy and has other things to do" - so I guess Mothers are too impatient.

We finally got some [heating] oil yesterday - don't know how long we must make it last but they do say we won't get as much as we are used to.

The weather is fine here today - cool but dry and nice.

Our love to you Tommie.

Mom 

Postmarked: 1:30 PM, 29 Sep 1942, Camp Lee, VA

To: Mrs. Thomas Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

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Monday noon [Sep 28]

Dear Mom,

Made it OK at 3:45 in camp.  Met Bud Harvey on the train and left him when I got on the bus.  Slept on the bus.  The weather has taken a sudden turn to cold.  Bitterly so this AM and not so warm even now.  Had a swell time at home and right now could eat another larger slice of that pie.  Will make reservations for Alice [Crompton] and Mary [Keiser] at Hotel Petersburg tonight.  Can't tell yet about when I'll meet them on Saturday.  More later.

Tom

[On the back of the card Mrs. Keiser wrote "phone call - 7:50 P.M. Mon. eve."]

[On the front of the card Mrs. Keiser wrote "Phone call reversed, Sat Oct 3, 1942 (change to tents and Co. H)"] 

Postmarked: 10:30 AM, 1 Oct 1942, Philadelphia, PA 35

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

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Thursday [Oct 1] 7:30 A.M.

Dear Tom,

Pop had his poker gang here last night and we finished washing the dishes at 2 A.M.  There is a strong stench of dead horses (cigar butts) all thru the house so if this letter isn't quite logical you'll know why.

Mrs. Bryson wanted me to go to see "Mrs. Miniver" with her last night and when we got there (Colls.) no "Mrs. M" - she had read the wrong notice.  However we went in and saw "In Old California."  We wondered how we sat thru it.  Worse than the Oldtyme ones.  But we did see Walt Haus in the "Battle of Midway."  I guess they knew the town would come to see him so they ran a punk with it.

I will mail your picture to Aunt Betty [Freas Capwell] today so she will get it for her birthday Sunday.

Mary [Keiser] called Alice [Crompton] last night.  She wasn't there and her mother said it was still indefinite, but that Alice would call Mary tonight.  Mary said you should tell Dick [Nonnemacher] that is the reason she hasn't written him yet.

Doris Mac Donald - Mrs. Chas. Schaevitz was here yesterday.  Her husband graduated as a first Lieutenant July 3rd and is in Co. B - 9th Q.M.C.  They live on Carolina Ave. in West Hopewell and she said she'd be glad to have you visit them.  Her husband was a Camden boy.

Your postal arrived here yesterday, Wednesday, noon.  You wrote it Monday noon but it didn't leave Camp till Tuesday at 1:30 P.M. - so you see how'd[sic] I'd be fuming to know how you had arriven[sic] - if I hadn't had your phone call.  The mail delay evidently isn't in transit but in the getting it out of Camp.  I dare say they do have quite a few pieces to sort.

Everybody in the neighborhood is telling me how swell you looked and how glad they were to see you.  Of course I don't go for that stuff and your father's chest doesn't expand.

Lois [Stahl] called me Monday and said she and Leo had been puzzled over a caller they had missed by the name of Thomas Keenan.  The operator evidently was hard of hearing when you spelled Keiser.  B.J. [Stahl] had been with them till 10 P.M. and had gone home after that so I'm wondering if she got her message straight.  She heard from Irv at last.  He took his physical but couldn't make Officer Training so he is very discouraged.

Sorry you are having such cold weather.  Ours is dry and crisp just now but you are so much farther south.  I thought you'd be warm.  The Stahls are freezing in their summer outfits and Lois hopes to go home this week end and have the winter togs sent down.  No news yet from N.C.R. [National Cash Register]

Dad has just come down for breakfast and turned on the 8 o'clock news - so you know I can't write in competition to that - so Goodbye for now - it was grand to have you with us.

Lovingly,

Mom

-------------------------------------------------------

Dear Son;

Just ready to eat breakfast.  Not very hungry after last night or rather this morning.  I won a little over a dollar so will buy some war stamps.

Glad you had a nice visit.  Come again.

Lovingly,

Dad 

Postmarked: 10:30 AM, 6 Oct 1942, Philadelphia, PA 35

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. H, Barracks T 764, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: [No return address]

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Monday eve [Oct 5]

Dear Tom,

It has rained here continuously since last night and I'm hoping your tent doesn't leak and that you don't take cold. Your clothes must feel pretty clammy [with] weather like this.

We called the station last night and they said the train out of Richmond around 4 got in 30th St. [Station] at 9:38 so Daddy and I drove over. It was posted as late and due at 10:31 so we decided to wait. At 9:45 a black out sounded and it was on till 10:15. In the meantime a train came in but we were all herded in the ticket office and couldn't see anybody in the dark. The next train in from Richmond was due at 11:18 so we waited for that but no girls. Ki [Dad] walked the length of the train and then in the rain we drove around the city bus stops thinking we might see them standing. It was after 12 when we got home and Daddy went to bed. At 1:30 A.M. Mary [Keiser] called from N. Phila. Station so I told her to take a taxi home since it was raining so. It took her across the bridge for $1.65 and then she had to take a Camden taxi for 80 cents to Collingswood. So with our bridge tolls, it cost us all something to ride around in the rain.

Mary got in around 2:30 A.M. and was just too tired to say anything except that she had has a swell time - so we had to wait until breakfast this morning to get the details. We are glad you all had such a nice time together.

Betty Jane [Stahl] called up tonight and said she hoped she could get down to see you some time. She is going to get tickets for Gertrude Lawrence in "Lady in the Dark" for Thursday night for Alice [Crompton], Mary and herself. Aunt Lois and Uncle Leo went to Syracuse Friday and Lois expects to stay until Uncle Leo hears some definite news [about a job transfer].

I was over town with her [B.J.] Thursday and we ate at the "Hearthstone" in Elfreths Alley. It was shoddy and punk. Once was enough. We did some window shopping and she sent you some Turkish paste and I sent you some apple sticks from Strawbridges to your old address. Did you get them? Since you have only one more week of your schooling, you will have a new address if you enter O.C.S. [Officers Candidate School]. I suppose - so I won't write everybody about your changed address until I hear from you or unless you think it will remain the same for awhile.

Did Mary tell you we had a surprise blackout at 10 o'clock Friday night just as we were about to leave for the station? Lights didn't come on till 10:30 and at 35 miles per hour - I never thought we'd make N. Phila. at 10:59 but we "dood" it. Such complications.

Daddy and I went to the football game after we talked with you Saturday - Woodrow Wilson played - Colls beat them 41-0. Terrible. Colls have quite a lot of good material this year and some new tricky plays. Bob Smith can't play this year. He is a year too old - but he trains the JVs.

Mat. [Maternal] Health Ex. Board meeting here tomorrow morning.

A letter from Floy [MacWilliam] Saturday said, "We've had only a couple brief (about 1/2 page) letters since he started classes - only to say he was well and just terribly busy." - so I guess Floy missed her usual long letters from Gordie.

Mrs. Blake called by phone today and asked for you. She is having trouble finding some one to put up storm windows and take down awnings for her apartments. We're kinda going to miss our helper too this year.

Mrs. Darlington called me before my dishes were done this A.M. She talked steady until 10 o'clock and told me her husband had left her and all the details. Terribly sordid. It is amazing how some people live. She is starting to work for Western Union today.

Daddy is snoozing here in his chair and Mary is working problems in "Solid."

Your name is on the Victory Board uptown. They have a big blue "V" in the middle and your name is right in the most conspicuous part [drawing inserted with name in the middle of the V] the next ones will be partly in the blue. Bill's name and Vernon's are not on yet. I'll have to tell their mothers to turn them in - as the draft board won't release their files - even for that purpose.

You'd better take your Vitamins while living so exposed and if you get sneezy - remember your Argyrol.

Our love to you dear

Mom

----------------------------------------------------------------

Glad you had a nice week end. Must get to work now.

Dad

Postmarked: 1:30 PM, 8 Oct 1942, Camp Lee, VA

To: Mrs. Thomas Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

From: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. H, Barracks T-764, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

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October 7, 1942 [Wednesday] 

Dear Mom, Pop, and Mary,

You and Dad must have had a pretty gruelling time trying to meet them at the station.  I thought that by now you knew better than to try to meet anyone at a railroad station; it seems that we always have bad luck.  It really wasn't Mary's [Keiser] or Alice's [Crompton] fault that they were so late, for the darned train was over an hour late leaving Richmond, and I guess it lost time all the way into Washington.  That's the way with any train here in the South.  So don't be angry with the girls, since they were subject to conditions beyond their control.

I received the Apple Sticks and Gum Drops from Strawbridges, yesterday - they are almost gone by now.  And, they are very good - I learn from the other fellows in the tent.  What a ravenous horde!  Yes, I did have one or two.  Maybe it's a good thing that I never got to the Hearthstone since you and Loch[sic - Lois Stahl] thought so little of it.

Collingswood really got skunked in the Woodrow Wilson game didn't they?  I'll bet it never would have happened with Smitty [Bob Smith] in there.

How many times a day do you walk past the Victory Board?  By all means get some more names on there, or I'll feel conspicuous, even way down here.  This writing ain't so hot, but it isn't so hot writing in the tent.

I did catch a little sniffle out here, but it is all gone now.  Fortunately, I remembered the Argyrol.  I didn't see Dick today in classes - he had K.P. over in Company D.  I won't see him tomorrow - I have K.P. here in Company H.  They certainly didn't waste much time in getting my name on their Duty Roster.

A package arrived for me from Berwick on Saturday evening and I didn't open it until I got back from Richmond.  It contained some swell Toll House Cookies which didn't last 24 hours, even leaving out 8 hours for sleeping.  They went over big.

In your letter of Sept. 24, enclosing the Peircetonian [newsletter from Peirce Business College, Phila.], I thought for a minute that H. B. H. had published my letter.  Thank Heaven he didn't!

I'm enclosing a card to the Adjutant General, N.J.  Please change G. to H. [Company] and fill in the municipality info. and send it in.  I don't know how long I'll be in Co. H before I go to O.C.S.  Thru underground grapevines I learn that my name is now on the list to take a physical exam for entrance.  When I pass that I'm in.  Charlie Kerns is in Co. H with me.  We both bitch about the tent job, but as the boys are leaving every day, soon I guess, there'll be room for us in the barracks.  The Mess Hall, at any rate, is much nicer and cleaner than Co. G.  Haven't seen a roach there yet.  Dick just came in from K.P. 8:35 P.M. with a Sweet Potato - what a racket!

Love,

Tom 

Postmarked: 5 PM, 9 Oct 1942, Camp Lee, VA

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. H, Barracks T-764, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A. F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

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Friday - Oct 9th

Dear Tom,

Have just filled out your card to the Adjutant General - you vote in Collingswood Borough District # 6.  They must be going to send ballots to the soldiers for the coming election.

Enjoyed the "Brief Tour" thru Hopewell.  With so many important industries it ought to be a sizeable place.  The Southerners are certainly "History minded," aren't they?

Nice of you to stick up for the girls.  Daddy grumped a bit at me for wanting to meet them, but we weren't provoked at them.  I sort of enjoyed seeing all the crowds of people rushing hither and yon endlessly and everytime I saw a Camp Lee bonnet or insignia I wanted to rush up and say, "Do you know my son?"  Then, too, the blackout in the station was a new experience.  It was all better than sitting at home wondering why they didn't come.

One consolation about being in a tent.  There are only 8 compared with the larger number in the barracks - so when boxes from home are passed around - each fellow gets a more sizeable portion.

Am glad you remembered the Argyrol and got rid of your sniffle.  The weather here is swell just now so I keep hoping it lasts for your sake.  I'll bet its pretty cold at night.  Do you have enough blankets?  Could send you some if you dared have them.  You must keep in the pink for that physical.

What do you mean Collingswood was skunked by W. Wilson?  We have the finest team with the largest number of good players and reserves I've ever seen here.  The score was 41-0 in Colls favor.  Skeets has a new assistant this year and they have some new tricks and have learned how to throw and receive forward passes.  Daddy and I walk to and from the games this year, and enjoy it, too!

The Victory Board is getting jammed with names but I can still see yours even when I go by on the bus.  Enclosed is an article about its presentation, and a few other articles you may like to read.  [Two news clippings were saved with this letter, and are attached.] 

Saw Vernon Ware yesterday.  He is home from Georgia for 10 days.  It certainly has improved his looks and he has gained 18 pounds.  He is in Ordinance.

Mrs. Cook called me this A.M.  She said Warren had gone over to Phila. to see what he could get in ordinance because his 2 B deferment comes up for reconsideration about Oct. 20.  She said Roland had 3 small charges where he had been preaching all summer and up to now.  He got word from the N.Y. Dist. Atty. that he was to report to the D.A. in N.C. where he had been in Objectors Camp and if he didn't they would come and get him.  So, he is now hitching his way there and doesn't know what they will do.  Warren and his wife are living with Cooks.  She works in the Shipping Office at Campbells [Soup Co, Camden]

With all your K.P. experience and Mary's waitressing I'll be able to just sit back and let you two take over the kitchen when you come home, won't I?

It was nice of Bets [Betty Freas Waters] to make you Toll House Cookies.  Maybe I can get Mary in the mood sometime.  With her hockey and club and chem. reports she is kept in a whirl.

Mrs. Sharp called and asked me if you said anything about socks.  She sent you some Tuesday, Sept. 29th and wondered if you had received them.  If you have, please drop her a line or two of thank you.

Glad your little insect friends have disappeared.  Maybe they hibernate.

Daddy has just come in for lunch and he wants to "Adeline," so "Goodby, my love, goodbye."

Lovingly,

Mom

How did Dick [Nonnemacher] make out with his physical Monday?  Hope he passed.

Am sending your B of M [Book of the Month] Club News.  Let me know your pleasure.

------------------------------------------------

Dear Tom;

Mother said she would leave me a little space on her letter, however when I looked it over there was no more space.  "Well that's mother."  [Tom thus started writing at the top of a new page 3.]

Mr. Pettyjohn told me that Bill would soon receive his 2nd com. [commission] and be raised to a first Lieut.  He expects to soon be moved to Texas so he says.  He is all packed to go but he says in the army you can't tell what they will do next.

Glad you are getting along O.K. and hope you go thru with the physical with flying colors.  Remember me to Mr. Kern, and best of luck to you.

Lovingly,

Dad 

Postmarked: 10:30 AM, 14 Oct 1942, Philadelphia, PA 35

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. H, Barracks T-764, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

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Tuesday, Oct 13, 10:45 P.M.

Dear Tom,

Daddy and I just got back from the first General P.T.A. [Parent Teacher Association] Meeting.  The speaker was Lieut. Col. C.P. Newton, who is now post chaplain at [Ft.] Dix.  He had a Ft.[sic] Lee Cadre insignia on his sleeve and the Pettijohns who were with us said he was the speaker when Bill graduated from O.C.S. [Officer Candidate School] at Lee.

It is Bob Hope night on the radio and Daddy said if he had remembered that, he wouldn't have gone to the meeting.  Bob has been doing Army Camps in the east and we were wondering if you might see his soon at lee.  Have you had any of the roving Stars there yet?

Well, your Mom is about to become a working woman again.  Thursday I'm starting in Strawbridge & Clothier Book Dept.  Mrs. Pettijohn is going to work in Toys.  Mr. P. had to take a cut and Daddy is supposed to get another job as soon as he can.  There is just nothing for him to do at Peirce [Business College, Phila.] - and now that the 18-19 year olds are to be drafted they will be worse off - so the handwriting seems to be on the wall for us again.

Daddy is trying everywhere but over 50 is against him and office work doesn't pay a living wage.  Just now it looks as though he may get a job in the Research Dept. of the Socony Vacuum Plant at Paulsboro at approx. $2,500.  He likes the set up and may be called in for a physical exam.  He could possibly get a little more with DuPont at Wilmington, but he would have to stay there with transportation as is, and of course that would mean additional expenses.  Here's hoping something turns up.

Mary [Keiser] was all set for 2 years at Peirce so she is wondering what this will mean to her future.  If Daddy can get a job with regular hours I think it will be much better for him, and he will be glad to leave Peirce.  Everytime we've been down, some way out has always appeared - so we are still optimistic.

The enclosed letter and the accompanying answer (copy) I sent are self-explanatory.  I hope they accept my vague reply.  If not the only thing I know to do is ask them to file an optional return for you for 1941 which amounted to $12.41 more than the form you filed.  Remember, at the time, I had my misgivings?

I sent you a little box from H. & H. [Horn & Hardarts?] on Monday.  Thought it might taste good for a change.  Mrs. Pettijohn and I went over that day to apply for our jobs.  Ever so many Collingswood women are at S. & C.  Mrs. Parker is selling china, Mrs. Clevenger, linen, Mrs. Overmyer, girls coats - Mrs. Barris and Mrs. Earl are there, too, so we will see lots of familiar faces.

The Coll. Vineland game Saturday was splendid - a 28-0 victory for Colls.  They really play this year, and I'm going to miss seeing the rest of the games.  If Daddy goes to Paulsboro he will have to work Saturdays, too - so we'll both be out of luck.

Daddy is in bed - calling down to ask if I'm asleep down here, so I guess I'll go get some shut eye.

My love to you, Sunshine.

Mom

Mary spent the eve at Parkers.  She and Barbara are Chem. Lab. partners so they were doing their experiment in Parkers Lab in their basement.

--------------------------------------------

Dear Tom;

The boys are waiting so I must hurry.  How are things going by you?  Hope you are getting used to living in a tent.

Not much news for me to write, I leave that to my secretary (Mom).

Let us hear from you when you can spare a little time.

Lovingly,

Dad

----------------------------------------------

Hello !

I'm off to school!

Good-bye

Mary

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TREASURY DEPARTMENT
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY

October 12, 1942

In replying refer to IT:MG:FR  805967        

Thomas Keiser, Jr.
127 Haddon Avenue
Collingswood, New Jersey

In re: 1941 Income Tax return

Sir:

The Commissioner of Internal revenue has referred to this office for verification, your income tax return filed for the year 1941.

In order that a prompt report may be submitted, it is requested that you appear at this office bringing with you such records and other data as will assist in explaining the items appearing on your return, particularly the following:

Please advise to whom you paid interest in the amount of $43.09

Send full details of car accident, including date, location, cause and name of police to whom reported.

If it will be inconvenient to appear in person, the information requested above may be submitted by mail, and upon receipt of same, it will be given careful consideration, and you will be notified of the results.

In any event, whether you call in person at this office or you submit the data requested by mail, please address your reply for the attention of the AUDIT SECTION.

Respectfully,

Harry L. Maloney, Collector

============================================

127 Haddon Ave.
Collingswood, N.J.

October 13, 1942

Audit Section
Internal revenue Service
Camden, N.J.

Gentlemen:

In re: Income Tax Return of Thomas Keiser, Jr. of above address - IT:MG:FR  805967

Mr. Keiser is now in the Army and before leaving cleared out papers that he thought he had no more need for.  However, I think I can give you fairly close information. 

The interest item was paid to a company from which he had borrowed the money to pay for his automobile.

The car accident occurred either the latter part of May or the first week in June in Philadelphia and was reported to Harrisburg.

His mother

Mrs. Thomas H. Keiser 

Postmarked: 12:30 PM, 17 Nov 1942, Philadelphia, PA, William Penn An. [Anniversary]

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. H, Barracks 764, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia
[Note: This address was crossed out and was replaced by QM School, 2nd Regt., Camp Lee, Va]

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

[Note: enclosed with this letter was the Collingswood High School Senior Class program of the play, 'You Can't Take It With You,' which features Mary Keiser as Production Staff for furniture and Merritt Sharp as cast member 'DePinna' [images attached].
==============================================
Monday eve., Nov. 16, 1942

Dear Tom,

Betty Jane [Stahl] was a happy girl today.  She answered a newspaper ad. last week and this noon she had an interview and accepted the job.  She will go to Lawrenceburg, Ind. - 20 miles from Cincinnati - Dec. 14 - as Asst. Production Manager for Joseph Seagrams Distilling Co. at $34 per week to start.  She could hardly wait for 7 o'clock to call up her parents.  She will finish out this week at S. & C. [Strawbridge & Clotier, in Phila.] and leave a week from Wed. for Syracuse.

Alice [Crompton] was in to see me Sat.  She couldn't see the Penn State - Penn game because she had to have a new set of photos taken for her application.  We had a nice visit.  She told me you had arrived safely, which news tided me over until I got home Saturday night and was delighted to find your letter waiting for me.

I sent you the H. & H. [Horn & Hardart's?] assortment Friday morning before work.  Hope you got it for Sunday.  Send me Chas. Kerns address and some time I will send him a package of buns.

If it has been as cold at Lee as it was here you've needed your two sweaters both at once.  It warmed up again today though.

The play Sat. night was fine.  Mary did herself proud as Furniture and Decoration Chairman.  The stage really was class.  Merritt [Sharp] took his part exceptionally well.  His makeup was something.

Mrs. Cook was in to see me last week.  She wanted your address to send you the Reader's Digest but I told her you already took it.  She had been to the hospital to see Ed Scherneck and his wife.  He was returning to camp at Cape May and went to sleep driving the car.  He wasn't hurt so badly but his wife was.  One of her eyes was torn out but they hope to save the sight of the other.  Roland is preaching in 3 small charges in N.Y. State and selling brushes on the side to make a living.  Warren has been reclassified in A1 - so they don't know when he will be called.

Here's a clipping about the dedication and also Bill Pettijohn's letter to America Service Aid. [image attached]

Dad got the last of the storm windows in yesterday and is he glad?  I did the usual cleaning and washing.  Tonight I ironed till eleven and then knocked off to write to you.

We're all waiting till "the next time."  Mrs. P. [Pettyjohn] was disappointed this A.M.  She expected Bill and Jean for Christmas, but they get only 3 days leave and couldn't make it from Georgia and back.  Now she's looking forward to January or February.

Our love to you

Mom

[Added to the letter was Colls. 59 - Haddonfield 0, still undefeated.]

------------------------------------------------

Dear Tom;

Patience is a virtue, so don't mind waiting a few more weeks.  Must get my breakfast and then to work as it is now 8:40.  Good luck.

Lovingly,

Dad

Postmarked: 2:30 PM, 30 Nov 1942, Philadelphia, PA 35

To: Cadet Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. D, 2nd Q.M.S. Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Monday, 11/30/42, 8:00 A.M.

Dear Tom,

It made the sun shine in a rainy day to hear your voice yesterday, and how it did rain all day and night long!  It has stopped this A.M. but is still nice and damp and clammy out.

Anyway, I don't have to leave till 11 - so that's a help.  The dark dates on that calendar I sent you are the days we work noon to 9 P.M.  The other days 10 to 6.  The stores can't get enough help to stay open days and evenings, too, so thought up this plan.  They daren't open any morning till 10 because the hours must be staggered for the buses to carry the workers earlier.

Your friend, [William] De Frates, came to see you Saturday.  I wasn't home but Mary [Keiser] was here and he came in and visited with her awhile.  He had lip stick on his face and when Mary finally kidded him about it he said yes that he had a girl waiting for him out in the car.  He wrote his address for you [enclosed with this letter - Pfc William F. DeFrates, Main Batallion, Co. C, 10th Armored Div., Ft. Benning, GA] and got yours from Mary.

Harlan's wife dropped me a postal and asked for your address as she said Harlan wanted to write to you.  She signed it Anna Radford, 248 Park Ave., Collingswood - so they must have moved.

Mother [Mary Agnes Sheahan Freas] says Leo [Stahl] has been sent to Glen Falls, NY to help the agent there for awhile.  I'll bet it is a big disappointment to him not to get a definite assignment.  I haven't heard from them since they left Phila.

Mary had a date with John Wednesday night - with Bob Young Friday night and with Merritt [Sharp] last night.  They seem to be all running neck to neck with no favorites.  She turned down John and Bob last week when they asked her to go to two different straw rides and wouldn't go to a formal at the Country Club with Merritt Thanksgiving night - though she just stayed home all evening with Daddy and me, after we came back from Deighans.

The boys are all getting their questionnaires and if things don't change soon Mary won't be having any dates.  She hasn't heard from frank for a long while.  I dare say he is seeing Africa by this time.

Am enclosing a clipping about Jane [Freas - attached as an image] that you'll be interested in.  She is a busy girl - not much of a picture of her.

Haven't seen Alice [Crompton] since the Sat. she had her pictures taken.  Hope the letter you spoke of from the Navy Dept. contained good news.  Her grandmother told me over the phone - the night I called to tell her you had gone to O.C.S. [Officer candidate School] that she never mentions Howard's name because they feel so terrible about his condition - so I never ask about him unless they mention him.  What is he dying of?  It seems so strange that nothing can be done for so young a man.

I sold $88 worth of religion on Saturday.  Some day I'll reach 100 or bust.  Adelle Loft and her husband Franklin Ernst bought an $8 bible of[sic] me Sat.  He finishes as an M.D. in February.

Mary's gone to school.  Daddy is still snoring.  He likes this 4:30 to 12:30 shift.  He gets every 8th day off - and then changes his shift.  Next Tuesday off and then day shift 8:30 to 4:30.  We haven't worked out our schedule when he goes 12:30 to 8:30 A.M. because 3 days a week I'll be leaving the house before he gets back in the A.M. and the other 3 I'll be getting home at 10 and Ki at 1:15.  Mary will have to do some cooking for herself I'm thinking.

Mary got new glasses last week - same frames however.  Just needs them to study as the Dr. said her eyes had improved a lot.

Friday she and Shirley came over to S[trawbridge] & C[lothier] and had supper with me in the employees' cafeteria.  I let her pick out a new winter coat - brown and light blue herringbone tweed.  She bought it of Mrs. Overmyer.  She got a new brown purse with money Grandma sent her, when she sent the money for your Pall Malls [cigarettes].  By the way, do you need some more or do future officers set a good example and not smoke?!!

Bye now - I must do a little housework before I leave.

Lovingly,

Mom
 
--------------------------------------------------

Dear Tom;

Just got up.  Must get breakfast and wash the dishes.  We are having a great time arranging things while working on staggered shifts.  I get most of the shopping and some house work, but it is fun anyway.

Lovingly,

Dad

Postmarked: 5:50 PM, 30 Dec 1942, Camden, NJ

To: Cadet Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. D, 2nd Q.M.S. Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

[Note: Enclosed with this letter was a holiday greeting card signed by Charles Canning, a notice of the annual meeting of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company of Phila., signed by George Hill, and a news clipping about the annual dinner dance of the Medford Lakes [NJ] Junior Colony Club.]

=============================================

Wednesday 12/30/42

Dear Tom,

I hope you are not having outdoor manoeuvers[sic] [in] this weather or really, that you're not having "this" weather.  It's a heck of a vacation week for school kids - just one continuous down pour.  No use for skates this year.  I haven't been out of the house since a week ago tonight when I came from work.  Dad's gotten used to doing the shopping on his way from work - so I just let him since we have to take what we can get where we can get it nowadays.  Can you imagine us buying butter by the 1/4 lb.?  We eat butter with our toast these days - not toast with our butter.  I perk coffee and then boil over the grounds.  We're doing lots of funny things but it isn't hurting us any.  Daddy and I still weigh far too much.  I want Mary [Keiser] to give up cigarettes.  She has no appetite and I think they are the reason, because she really used to eat.  [Note: Mary did not give up smoking until much later in life, when she was forced to do so during a hospital stay as a result of a mild stroke.  Many of her medical problems later in life were exacerbated by her smoking.]  I've been working on the clinic yearly reports this week.  The annual meeting in N.Y. is Jan. 28 & 29th.  Mrs. Partridge called me the other day and asked if we should go and have another old fashioned [mixed drink] in the Waldorf Grille.  I told her we'd have to look up a Major or a General this year because all the Steel Men would be busy at home.  I don't know yet whether or not we'll go.  Hazel wrote and wants me to come stay with her.  Her son, Carl, is a Capt. and teaches in the Navigation School at Hondo, Texas.

Mrs. Cook called and says Warren is called up again for New Years day, but the doctor has found he has Bright's Disease, so they are hoping he won't have to go.

Did I tell you Mr. Campbell, Renee's Dad, is renting half of our garage for $4 per month?

Mary just finished "Look to the Mountain."  I haven't gotten to it yet.  I gave Grandma [Mary Agnes Sheahan Freas] "How Green Was My Valley" for Xmas.  I know she'll get a kick out of the old Welsh people - knowing so many in Jermyn.  How much light reading do you get time for?!!

Dad started back on Day Shift this morning, 8:30 to 4:30 for 7 days, so he will be working all day New Years.  Will it be just another day for you or a holiday?  Any special eats?  Hope you don't have K.P. [Kitchen Patrol] for that day, too.

Our love to you, Tommy, and bestest[sic] wishes for a Happy New Year.

Lovingly,

Mom

Postmarked: 11:00 AM, 3 Jan 1943, Camp Lee, VA

To: Mrs. Thomas Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

From: Cadet Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. D, 2nd Quartermaster School Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

[Note:  Letter was written on gold embossed Quartermaster School, Camp Lee, Virginia stationery with insignia - see image.]

==============================================

New Years Day

Dear Mom, Pop, and Mary,

Happy New Year!

The pendulum has swung my way again - I have duty today. But this time it is a much better job - Officer of the Day for Guard Mount - the Supreme Big Shot.

Dick [Nonnemacher] invited me to attend a dinner party last night with some of the fellows from his company - at the hotel Pbg. {Petersburg] It was a rather quiet celebration and I got back at 2:30.

Alice [Crompton] is located in the Northampton Hotel and I sent out the pen and pencil to her Wed. night. It was a very pretty set, and thanks for getting it.

Had a letter from Howard [Bondy] yesterday - he is now at Kirtland Field, Albuquerque, studying with the bombsight, and aiming at pennies from a simulated altitude of 4,000 feet.

This is not a very newsy letter, for I'm rushing to get the Guard assembled for a practice run at 3 pm before we go on at 5.

I should like to have you get "Lee's Lieutenants" from B of the M [Book of the Month Club], and if you get time, there is another one you might see if you can get:

Military Basic Course by Frank X[?] Cruikshank, Captain, Infantry Reserve
Publisher: A.C. McClurg & Co., Chicago, Ill. (1940)

Thanks, and Love,

Tom

Postmarked: 2:00 PM, 6 Jan 1943, Camden, NJ

To: Cadet Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. D, 2nd Q.M.S. Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Wednesday 1/6/43

Dear Tom,

Your own school paper, no less!  It is very pretty.  [Refers to gold embossed Quartermaster School, Camp Lee, Virginia letterhead and insignia on Tom's stationery used for his last letter.]  Your New Year Greetings arrived yesterday afternoon, and were we glad to hear from you!  Of course, we are still concerned about not receiving your usual Sunday call, and we are hoping it's a good reason and not a bad one.  You might be out on bivouac, or out of funds - but then you could reverse the charge - or the lines might be out with the flood, or busy so you couldn't reach us.  Just so you're well and happy.

At least Howard [Bondy] is coming a little nearer East.  I daresay he finds the bomb sight interesting.  Next time you write us, give us Howard's rank, etc. and we will drop him a line.  

Received the [$]30 - I will take out the Schaeffer cost [pen & pencil set] and hold the balance for you after I pay for the books.  I sent a letter out last night to B of M C [Book of the Month Club] asking them to send the two books to you and the bill to me.  If they forget and mail the bill to you - you just forward it to me.

S & C [Strawbridge & Clothier] had to wait quite a while for books ordered from publishers and many older books were out of print so I thought maybe B of M might be able to locate M B [Military Basic] Course for you since it is a 1940 publication.

Glad you had a New years eve party.  New Years Night, Daddy, Mary and I ate at Deighans and got home at nine.  Daddy was tired and went to bed.  Mary and I went up to call on the Axners.  Les Kish had just gotten home and was pretty blue.  He liked his work in Ordinance and being close enough to get home almost every week end.  He is now moved to Camp Benning, Georgia - and is entering O.C.S. [Officer Candidate School] in the Infantry and feels he has gotten a tough break.

He says since Dec. 1st no one is taken in Ordinance but limited service men and most of those in are being transferred to other groups.  I am glad you got in O.C.S. before that date.

Mrs. Pettijohn lost her job at S & C the Monday after Xmas.  Their business is punk and when Mrs. Bryson tried to go back they told her there was no chance in January anyway.  I went over to the Federal Reserve Bank yesterday.  Mrs. Hott works there and told me to apply.  They say 700 had answered their add[sic] and they didn't like to take anyone over 50 [Agnes was then age 52]  It commences to look like I'm almost on the shelf.

Mrs. P. and I are going down to Radio Condenser tomorrow and see if we can land anything.  She is feeling pretty blue.  Xmas day they received word from Bill that his things have been moved out and they are in readiness to leave at a moments notice.  He thinks to India.  Just rumors of course and it is well not to repeat but Mrs. P. is just on edge.  It will be well for her to get a job if she can to help relieve her mind.

Am glad you liked the pen.  Hope Alice [Crompton] does and that she is enjoying her work.  A letter from Floy [MacWilliam] said she would like to have sent Alice, Xmas and N.Y. [New Year's] Greetings but didn't know how to reach her and I should wish her well for them.  So you tell her when you write.

Floy had heard - a few lines - from Gordy [MacWilliam].  It said it was pretty rugged but O.K.  He didn't say he had been assigned at that time.

Did [Milt] Kerns ever say whether he had gotten his H & H [Horn & Hardart's] box.  I hope yours has reached you.  Mrs. Sharp said she had heard from you and you had thanked her for her enclosure.

Warren Cook was turned down by the draft board because he has Bright's Disease.  They seem happy about it, but he certainly will never enjoy life much if he really has Bright's.

Its awfully cold here today, dry and clear though.  Clinic day, too.  Daddy has it off and is waiting to mail this so goodbye now and

Love from Mom

--------------------------------------------------

Dear Tom;

Have a couple of days off and then start the graveyard shift.  12:30 AM to 8:30 AM.  I don't mind it as I am getting used to the change.

Am taking the car in to be serviced today, and tomorrow will try to paint the ceiling and walls of the kitchen.

Must get moving now as it is 11:30 and much to be done.

Lovingly,

Dad

Postmarked: 5:30 PM, 8 Feb 1943, Camden, NJ

To: Cadet Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. D, 2nd Q.M.S. Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Monday, 2/8/43

Dear Tom,

It did us all good to hear your voice yesterday.  Shortly afterward Doris [Schaevitz] called and said she is staying up until Thursday and will come down with us.  Isn't that nice of her?  We will leave 30th St. [Station in Phila.] around 12 noon and should reach Petersburg around 6:22 - However the time won't matter so much now since she will be with us and we won't get lost.

She also said she would drive us over to the exercises Friday morning in her car.  She told us how fine you looked the day you called on them and that you were in good spirits.

Three months ago today you came home for your 3 day leave.  What ages it has seemed and how glad we will all be to have you here with us again.

Nothing new since yesterday to tell you about except "I did the wash this morning."

We'll be seeing you - and soon

Lovingly,

Mom

Postmarked: 2 PM, 2 Mar 1943, Camden, NJ

To: Lt. Thomas Keiser, Jr., B.O.Q. 172-2, Normoyle Ordinance Depot, San Antonio, Texas

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

[Note: There is a 3 week gap between this letter and the prior one. During this time period Tom graduated from O.C.S., which was attended by his mother and sister. See the attached image, which shows Doris Schaevitz, Tom, with Agnes doing the pinning. Then, he came home to Collingswood on furlough, returned to Camp Lee briefly, and was promptly transferred to Texas, where this letter was addressed.]

==============================================

Mon. eve. Mar 1-42[sic]

Dear Tom;

Glad to hear you arrived safely in San Antonio, but was sorry I was not home to say hello, to you. However, I will do so in this letter. Hello!

Enclosed you will find the two bucks I borrowed, and by all appearances I guess you can us[e] it. Take my advice and try to save up some cash, for it comes in mighty handy. Don't buy out the town of San Antonio, for it is quite a big city and will take all your cash. A good idea would be to budget yourself to spend a certain amount each day, and try to save the rest, for it will come in handy later.

You ought to like the place[,] for people who have been there seem to think it is some nice city and many people from the North go down there to spend the winter months. Your "mom" has some relatives living there, so I guess she will tell you about them. Hope you can locate them, and you might probably be able to get a few meals out now and then.

It is now my bed time and I know mother will give you all the news, (the day it happened) for she was out calling on the neighbors tonight, working (collecting) for the Community Nurse Drive.

Best of luck to you. Keep on trying for the next rise in rank and I'm sure you will be able to advance, and it is worth trying for. Drop us a letter once in awhile.

Lovingly,

Dad

Did you ever locate the gas coupon book? Probably it was stolen from the glove compartment in the car, as I noticed after you left, it was unlocked. Don't be careless, for the damn things are hard to get. Nite, Nite.

-----------------------------------------------

Monday eve

Dear Tom,

I'm sending you all the prints. One of Lois [Freas Stahl], you and I[sic] not printed because Mary [Keiser] focused our heads off. Keep out what ones you want to keep and put the rest in an envelope and send them back for the book [probably the family photo album] and I will have others made to fill in. I think they are good as a whole.

This Q.M. [Quartermaster] Card came the day after you left. Here's a clipping [see image], too, about your "Flying Mule"[,] which we saw at [Camp] Lee.

I went over to Phila. today but your cards were not yet in, so I asked them to mail them directly to you and to send the plate to me to keep for you - was that OK?

I called Western Union right after your call Sunday, but they wouldn't send the money by telephone. Nearest office at 120 Broadway, Camden didn't open till 4 - so I had to wait till Daddy came from work. He sent it about 6:30. What time did it reach you? They said in a couple hours but of course your time is different - Are you Central or Mountain Time? I've given all our old Geographies away so I have no time map.

We got out the one I have left and the old Atlases and they say that San Antonio is a health resort for people from the North so that sounds good. We learned all about Virginia before and now we'll have to get acquainted with Texas. Who ever thought we would have to be tracing our Sunshine on a map!

You said you went thru St. Louis. That sounds like going North to get South. Did you come up to Baltimore or Washington before going west? The Penna. [railroad] goes thru Harrisburg and Pittsburg[h] - where did you change over? Did you have sleeping accommodations? I'll bet you were glad to get out and stretch your legs.

I finished soliciting for the Annual Community Nursing Service Drive tonight - Got $17.75 for them on this side of the street from Browning to Crescent. Not so bad. Mrs. Henderson is Captain of this district.

The Army Air Force have taken over the Haddon Press on Federal St. With about 4 acres surrounding they are establishing a Storage Depot. I went over today and applied for a job. They think they can use me and I am to take a Civil Service Test Wednesday A.M. at 10:30. Mrs. Sharp and Mrs. Pettijohn are applying too.

I think you have some cousins in San Antonio by the name of Childs. Harry Freas from Scranton and Pauline from Berwick have a sister Laura who did live there. She had a son and a daughter a little older than you and they were East when you were a baby and it was Laura who told me to buy Dr. Dentons for you - to keep you warm when you kicked the covers off. She was East again and saw Mother not so long ago and Bets [Betty Freas Waters] could get their address from Pauline in Berwick if you want a place in the city to go to. Be sure you tell Laura you are Frank [Dudley Freas] and Mary's [Sheahan Freas] grandson if you do find them. I think her husband has been dead some years.

I worked on the Ration Board all last week. We got our #2 Books and it is going to take longer to figure out what we can buy than it will to eat it.

Mary has her 17th birthday on Thursday [Mar. 4] - no party but she will have club [Sub-Debs] here that night.

We certainly were pleased to hear from you Sunday and know that you arrived safely. Will be anxious to hear about your new location and work.

Lovingly,

Mom

Look thru your pockets and if you can locate that gas ration book send it up - as Daddy may have some trouble when it is time to get a new one.

Was Bob Ulmer allowed to come home again or did he have to go on to Texas with you?

Postmarked: 1 PM, 11 Mar 1943, San Antonio, Texas

To: Mrs. Thomas H. Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

From: Lt Thomas Keiser, Jr., Ordinance Automotive School, Normoyle Ordinance Depot, San Antonio, Texas

[Note: Tom used Quartermaster School, Camp Lee, Virginia stationery for this letter.]

==============================================
Thursday Mar 11

Dear Folks,

Just a note to use up some of the old paper.  I'm inclosing the application for the license, the two pictures I don't care so much about, now that I have the others, and a check for $37.00 to take care of the twenty you sent me, the fourteen for the plates, and three for the license.

When will the other three pictures arrive?

Had a letter from Alice [Crompton] today.  She is assigned in Washington [D.C.] and is to report Sunday, the 14th.  She says hers will be the third tent from the Washington monument.  It was written last Sunday, before the graduation, so I've yet to hear about that.  Howard [Crompton] died the day I left for Texas.  [Agnes noted the date here as 2/24/43.]

Not much other news - just saw J.[Jack] Benny's picture this eve.

Love,

Tom

Postmarked: 1 PM, 18 Mar 1943, San Antonio, Texas

To: Mrs. Thomas H. Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

From: Lt. Thomas Keiser, Jr., Ordinance Automotive School, Normoyle Ordinance Depot, San Antonio, Texas

==============================================

Normoyle Ordinance Depot

San Antonio, Texas

March 17, 1943 [Wednesday]

Dear Mom, Pop, and Mary,

I found a typewriter to use for my correspondence, which is a rather fortunate circumstance, as you will soon see. On the third, I fell again (as I seem to be getting into a habit of doing), and on my wrist. I have been going on with it thinking it was strained, sprained, or something, but it didn't clear up as I thought it would, so last Saturday, I went over to the dispensary to have them take an X-ray of it. It showed up a definite fracture in
the lavicular bone of the wrist, so they sent me over to Brooke Hospital at Fort Sam Houston Saturday night, and I was just released this noon. I expected to get back to classes Monday, but when one gets into the clutches of the Medics, it takes quite a while to become extricated. So I can't write (so that it can be understood) with my right wrist in a cast, but fortunately enough my fingers are still free, and I can use this machine.

So don't pay particular attention to the bad typing. Once in awhile I do miss a key that I'm aiming at, since the momentum of the cast sometimes carries my hand on beyond the key. [Note: There were only 10 typos in this typewritten letter - probably a result of Tom's education at Peirce Business College.]

I'm sort of glad that Laura [Freas] Childs is located in Kansas City. Not that I wouldn't want to see her, but that she is finally located. When I got your letter, I looked in the phone directory and found eight Childses and when I called, not one of them knew any "Laura." So, it's sort of a relief to get her tracked down finally. As for the folks over in Hano, I may get a chance to see them, but New Orleans is out. N.O. is about 500 miles away, and quite out of the picture. Doesn't Betty Carpenter live in Corpus Christie?[sic] Or who is it? I might get to see that party sometime.

Go ahead and use the $14 for the car licenses. I will be using the car some soon. After I finish my course here, I go back to Brooke, I guess, at any rate, I will be casted up for three months, and then after the wrist is all fixed up, I will get thirty days of sick leave. All the boys think I'm pretty fortunate, and I'm afraid there will soon be an epidemic of broken wrists around here.

Do you remember that Bill Baker I had to see in order to borrow a key to open my foot locker when I was home? He arrived here last Friday in order to attend classes Monday. So that saves me from writing a letter and returning the key. I'll just give it to him. He and I are going over to see Dick Culbert tomorrow night. Dick's brother [Bob] just came back from Santa Ana and is stationed at Randolph Field here, so Dick is pretty happy about that; I guess he will be getting some training [flight instruction] on the side from his brother.

I only have one more choice news item for you, and then I'll sign off for tonight. When I arrived here in S.A., I sent a wire to Howard [Bondy], since there wasn't time to write. I thought if he were coming through S.A., he could look me up. You remember Dottie was to go down to see his graduation exercises? Well, I just had a letter from Howard today. It seems that Dot likes the climate here very much, and while Howard is continuing on at
Kirtland Field, she is staying as Mrs. Bondy. I was somewhat surprised when I heard it, since when I went out to Medford Lakes, Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock said that they were only allowing Dot to go if Howard would not do it. Evidently they expected it though, for Howard says they sent their congratulations, however, he hasn't heard from his folks and doesn't expect to.

I washed today, but the weather was too damp (Grandma gossip, this letter, isn't it?)

Love,

Tom [signed]