August 3, 1942 - L.A. Weekend Excursion Details

Monday Morning

Dear Mom + Dad,

I’m back in camp again after my weekend excursion. I sent you cards from L.A. and Hollywood which you should receive before this letter. All in all it was a good weekend.

I finally got my pass at 12 Saturday and started hitch hiking to town. I had the intention of thumbing my way into L.A. But after I got into Indio and saw the line of soldiers hitching I decided to take a bus. I picked a bad weekend to go as everyone had been paid on Friday and were all taking off to spend it. I finally arrived in L.A. at 6P.M. I then went and got a shave and a haircut and then something to eat. I started looking for a room and tried the “Y” first but they were filled. The man there told me of a few good places and I got a nice room for $1.25.

I ran into a man who treated me all night and I had quite the time seeing the night life. I got to bed about 2 A.M. and slept to 10 Sunday A.M.

I then grabbed a trolley and went over to view Hollywood. I went first of all to the U.S.O. club. They plan their trips for you through studios etc. but as it was Sunday there wasn’t much doing. While I was there I met Larry Gallo, who is in the Navy. I almost keeled over when I saw him. He is stationed in California. We had quite a talk about dear old Peekskill and things in general. It is funny how you run into people in all parts of the country.

I walked all around Hollywood and saw the sights as much as possible. I didn’t get to see but one studio but I saw a great deal of town. It is a swell town. I then went back to L.A. and went to a show. I saw Count Basie’s orchestra on the stage and I enjoyed that very much. I finally caught a bus back at 5 P.M. and came back to Indio. I then caught one of our G.I. trucks and came back to camp and so to bed. All in all a good weekend.

I enjoyed traveling all around and seeing the nicer parts of California. All along through the coast it is really nice and it reminds you of dear old New York State. If nothing else the army sure helped me see my country.

I still don’t know what is going to happen to this outfit. As everyday draws by it looks more + more like there will be no maneuvers for us. There seems to a strong rumor with some foundation that we are going to Boston soon. It has been all around the office and I’m almost beginning to believe it. Of course if we do move there it means that we are getting ready to move out overseas. However it will take some time. I wouldn’t be surprised though, if I begin to see some action very soon now. I would like to go up Boston way as then I could get home before I moved out. I guess though it will have to await developments. So far it is only a rumor and they are really terrible in the army. You can take it for what it is worth. It seems to make a little sense so thats why I’m telling you.

I guess thats all for now. I’ll write again later.

Love
Bob