Trumbull, Conn., December 13, 1942
Pulchritudinous Al
Reticent Dan
Uncommunicative Ced
Dear Foreign Legion:
A real winter’s day here. The snow began last night and has been at it steadily all day – – those big, soft, fluffy flakes that pile high on bush and branch, putting a white cap on all familiar landmarks and a cloak of ermine on the ground itself.
My prospecting this week has unearthed only one nugget – – a letter from Flint, Mich., revealing Lad’s address as c/o Ordnance School, Flint Sec., Armory, 1101 Lewis St. It reveals no war secrets, but leaves one in no doubt as to Lad’s keen appreciation of feminine beauty. He says: “Due to the fact that Flint is such a friendly town and so full of really pretty girls that this is the first time I have had a free moment. I should really be ashamed of myself for not taking time to write earlier but I really have had such a good time and so thoroughly enjoyed every moment that I can’t honestly say that I am. But I’ll try to be better in the future.”
They left Aberdeen Wednesday P.M., arriving at Pittsburgh through a blizzard at 2 A.M. the following morning. They started just before noon and reached Flint late that night. Seeking accommodations at the “Y”, no room there but a girl at the desk (a really beautiful blonde), told them her mother had an empty room. They spent Friday and Saturday nights there (no charge), and were invited to an exclusive formal dance Saturday night where they met Flint, Mich. “And boy, girls galore. And since that time I’ve had more fun that I have ever had in my life and I really mean that. It is wonderful here. I’ve met more beautiful girls here than I ever thought existed, and everyone is very friendly. If we did not have to stay at the Armory, the stay here would not cost us a cent. In fact, we turned down about six invitations for suppers because we can’t make them in four days, and next week and the following is all accounted for. And all kinds of dances – – most of them for the better society. The “Y” girl, Elizabeth (Lee) Duhaune, is of this set. Since then – – wow – – I just can’t imagine anything better.”
It would seem from the above that Lad is not exactly homesick and is manfully doing his best not to be overcome with ennui. Flint may sound hard to you and me but it has certainly resulted in a spark or two for Lad.
Last week I finally succeeded in getting a box off to Ced with knick-knacks of one sort or another for his Christmas stocking but decided to wait for a reply to last October’s inquiry as to what he wanted before I bought him a serious gift. Of course it will reach him late but I’d rather that than send something not particularly desired.
No word from Dan except through Barbara. Apparently he is still at Red Lion (Pennsylvania). I don’t know whether to address letters to him there or at Lancaster (Pennsylvania).
Dave has been home most of the week with a cold but the rest of us are O.K.
DAD
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In order to include all of the final letters of 1942 this week, I am posting this quick Christmas greeting to Ced from the Larry Peabodys here.
Dec. 8, 1942
Dear Ced —
Recently we received a letter from your Dad giving details and whereabouts of each of you boys. So glad to know that you are all well and to hear about your various activities.
You have been an Alaskan for a long time so trust you must be enjoying yourself there. When you return home remember the L.K. Peabodys are now Ohioans and stop off to visit us! We have had a grand year (in spite of the war), in our new-old home. We had a wonderful summer gardening, etc. Alan is in school now and loves it.
We haven’t been back to N.R. (New Rochelle, New York, where most of the Peabody’s used to live)
since we came out here two years ago. Weren’t you surprised to hear that Kemper, Ethel, Grandmother and all are now living in Vt?
Our love and very best wishes to you for a happy Christmas —
Marian, Larry and Alan
For the rest of the week, I will be posting the final letters of 1942. All are from Grandpa to his scattered sons.
Judy Guion
"Greatest Generation" Life Lessons 