Port Angeles, Washington
December 28, 1942
Dear Howie,
I think it is about time I am answering your letter. I just can’t seem to get down to writing though. I guess you know we are stationed up here in Port Angeles, right upon the coast. We are only a few miles from the Canadian border here. This is in the dim out area and it is plenty dark as usual here at night. It reminds me of New Diggings at night. You know that place was always dimmed out or should I say blacked out. There are only a few real dim street lights here, and all windows must be covered at night, and cars have to travel with parking lights only.
Well we live in the Masonic Temple right in town here and it is the best building in here. This is a city of about nine thousand. The girls are all wild, just like they are all over this West coast. There are a couple of dance halls about three miles out of here, the Blue Danube and the Hop Spot. I have been out there a few times, but it is hard to get out there. You have to find a girl with a car or one that can get one.
Well did you have a good Christmas? I think I did very well. Of course I would liked to have gone home, but that was impossible. I got a lot of presents, and Christmas cards, etc. We had a swell dinner here. All of us had chances to eat out, but most all of us ate together. We had turkey and all of the trimmings of course.
I was down in Fort Lewis a week before Christmas and I got to see “Spike” and a lot of the other boys I knew. They are all in the 174th Regiment and are in the Fort right now. Spike was made corporal while I was there. Personally I am satisfied with the one stripe. It is the best rating there is in the Army I think. I guess you remember that Billy that worked in Mugglies Restaurant. I got to see him too. He is in the same company as Spike is.
There are a lot of the fellows leaving back there now I guess. Willard and Willie will have to go right after New Years I guess. Many and I will still stay out. I don’t see how though. It is different with you Howie, because after all you are working on a farm and farm labor is scarce and is needed. I guess “Buck” has to register now too. Looks like we will all be soldiers unless he joins IDLE GOSSIP SINKS SHIPS the Navy. There are a lot of sailors and coast guards in this town. I hear Billy Bennett left for the Navy. I hear from Pat Harvey once in a while. It takes so long to get his letters though. Guess he has had some experiences I guess. Everyone says he hasn’t changed much.
How is gas rationing coming back there? I guess things are pretty bad all over now. I hear the Palace has closed until after the War. I hear Many didn’t get so much gas for his truck. It will be hard on him and Pluff I guess.
I hear from Toad Murray quite often. He is plenty lucky to be stationed that close to home alright. The last letter he said he was getting a seven day furlough. I should be getting one about March unless something else comes up.
Steve Pflow was transferred from this company to the 174th. No one seems to know just where they are going.
Well, Howie, I will close for now as news are scarce. I hear from Dorothy once in a while and have her address. I guess you still go to Leadmines, eh? I got your Christmas card. That is very nice alright. We have been having some tough hikes the last while, shaping up for the Japs I guess. Don’t worry, we’ll give’em hell if we ever get at them. I think Flitters is shaping in his boots now. I am feeling fine and tipping that scale at about one eighty two now.
Be sure to write soon Howie. “We’re going to keep those guns booming and Old Glory Waving.”
Your Loving Pal,
Norm
The new definition of time in the Army is “the stuff between paydays.”
Write soon
P.S. Hoping you had a Merry Christmas and May the New Year be a Happy one.
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