John F. Zeller Papers
Happy 4th! I'm sure this one will be safe and sane for almost all of America! All of the little boys who not so long ago were setting off 4-inchers, are now setting off bigger explosives and aiming them at someone other than themselves. Now if we could put put all the wreckless drivers to work against Hitler and Tojo, the war would be over on the 5th.
At any rate this fourth won't be like those of past years -- out at Groovers Cabinet in pre-penitentiary days, or up at Aunt Nelle's with the Bee in more recent years.
I had a letter from Fred Schaffer today. He's had trouble because of an abcessed tooth and has had to be on a liquid diet. He tells me he's had to stay closer to the office since Helen has gone. But his most troublesome complaint was that he doesn't get to play pinocle anymore. Jean is visiting Helen in Va.
Now to answer your letters: But 1st, thanks for the candy, Dad. It arrived tonight -- in good condition. And thank you very much for the $3, Mother. I shall probably use it for dinner in town on Sunday.
My check came today -- but I haven't been able to get it cashed as yet -- so I won't mail the money order for deposit until sometime tomorrow.
Glad you had a good time at Wmsport, Dad. Too bad your suit didn't come!
Let me know what decision was made at the meeting about the Church. It's nice to have important people in the family. Now I'll be on the inside of church doings!
I haven't seen Mrs. Bucher as yet. But I shall sooner or later, I suppose. I may run into her in town or at the Officer's Club -- or at the Commissary or some place on the post. If I don't, I'll go call after the arrival. More changes are being made. We are now operating on a 48 hr. week. No longer do we have Sat. afternoon off. I don't mind because I know the men in line outfits and on the battle fronts are working 24 hrs a day -- but I do object to the idea of having to “dream" up ideas of more or less foolish things to do to keep the men busy for the extra four hours.
No more of us have been transferred as yet -- but it is almost certain that 3 or 4 men will be sent to the small-arms section. And since I'm the junior officer, I'm probably a sure bet to go. It won't be bad now -- but I hate to think of this winter and those cold north winds!
We had our Gunnery class on Monday evening this week. A Colonel from Gunnery came over and gave us a talk -- and so, for a change, we had a good evening of it.
Last night, I had study hall. I won't get it again now for about a week and a half.
Aunt Stella wrote last week that they hadn't been to the Island. I bet thats a hard pill to take.
Lt. Strattan is waiting for me to go to the PX -- so I'll close until Sunday.
P.S. -- Had a note from Ben Kauffman -- somewhere in England!