March, Sunday 14, 1943

Well, today of rest and I didn't do anything all day except write letters and play a game of chess. Last night I went into town with one of the boys. First we had to go to the orderly room and get our pass. Then we went too a bus stop, they're all around camp, and waited in a line for an hour. finally we were packed into a bus and taken to the gate. There every one in the isle had to get out and a guard looked at everyone's pass. Then we got back on and went to town. The fare was 10 cents and it's about five miles. When we got there we walked around the town and looked at the stores. There is a Herbxxxxx and Sears Roebuck here. There are more soldiers in town than civilians and that's no breaks. The girls down here are nothing to brag about and there aren't many of them. We went into a couple of picture shops but they all took three or four days for service so I couldn't get my picture taken. then we went into a joint and had supper. After that we started for the U.S.O. but we went by a pool hall that had an empty table so we went in and played three games. It was about 10 PM when we started home. When we got to the gate the bus stopped and everyone had to get out. As we stepped down on the step to get out a guard felt our pockets and ran his hands down the outside of our pants' legs. then we got back in and went on to our bus stop. We had to go back to the orderly room and turn in our passes. The town was small and it reminded me of Elgin.

I got two letters from you today. One was telling me about Robin. I sure was glad to hear that. I'll bet he was happy. I got a box of cookies from Mrs. Kockler today and were they good. They were chocolate chip and some made from some cold cereal. They sure hit the spot. I got a letter from Ronie today too. He's in Chemical Warfare down in Alabama. Say, send me Mrs. King's address. I sent Ray a letter but it was to his old address. Have Auntie look it up in the telephone book, the name is Mr. Raymond M. King. I got the money order from Bill but I don't know where I can get it cashed. When I get my shipping orders I'll try to call you up. Usually the lines are so busy it takes four hours to call Chicago so if I can't get a line I'll send a telegram. I'm telling you ahead of time so you won't get nervous. Well, I guess I'll take a shower now so I'll say good night. Say, but the way, the only time I have to write is in the evening so I can't mail my letters any earlier.

Much Love,
Rae

P.S Send me Robin's address as soon as you get it. Don't forget Mrs. King's especially.