Melvin Meyer, November 2, 1942

Post Marked, November 3, 1942

8:40 P.M.

Nov. 2, 1942

Dear Mother,

            It’s almost time to hit the hay, but I still got time to write this letter and then I’d have to go and wash and shave. We have to be in bed by 11P.M. regular lights go out at 9P.M. except the wash room and hall lights. This army life is all routine. You do the same thing every day. This writing room is full every night and the radio and piano are occupied all the time. So is the pool table and ping pong table.

            Where the sun comes out here it’s nice and warm. But when it’s cloudy and we have to put on a jacket.

I now weight 190 pounds.

I usually got to the P.X. (post exchange) a few times a week. This is the general store of the camp run by civilians. These stores are located all over the camp.

            They have all kinds of ice cream and milk shakes. They sell all the ice cream in pints for 15 cents and give you a spoon and go to it.

(2)

            When you’ve finished that pint you’re pretty full. There’s times a milk shake is very tasty.

We can have a lot of fun here if we get the time. There also are shows all over the camp where the latest pictures are shown. The admission price is 15 cents. We always have to wait in line to get in, too.

I wonder how cold it is back there now. Sunday night waiting to get in the show, I waited for ran hour, I saw the prettiest sunset I’ve ever seen. It lasted the whole hour I stood there. The colors started from Yellow and kept changing until they hit deep purple and dark red and then I got in the show. It was a lot better than the rainbow. It would have made a perfect color shot. I may want my camera sent down here. I don’t know yet. We can all have cameras if we want them. All we have to do is fill out a blank and submit a picture of myself. This all goes on record and the number of the camera.

            I’ve also signed up for bonds

(3)

5 dollars a month I think is sufficient. I get $50 a month and with the deductions; approximately $6.70 for insurance, 1.50 for laundry and $5 for bonds, I’ll have about $36 left I may increase the bond quota later on.

            Haircuts are 25 cents and Fitch shampoos 40 cents. I had both the other night. The shampoo is really worth that, too. He works on your hair about 10 minutes, rubbing it in and really washing it, too. I gave the guy an extra 25 cents for doing such a good job. He sure earned it. It saves me a lot of time and bother having him do it. There is a barber shop in every P.X. I also take my shirts and blouse to the tailor to be pressed. They charge 20 cents per garment. I tried to press my pants, but the crease didn’t stay in very long. So I guess I’ll take them there, too. Well I can’t think of any more to write and its 9 P.M. Don’t forget to write. This life is a lot of fun when you get used to it.

Your son,

Melvin