Jan 20, 1943
Dear Folks:
I was sort of busy today. I took a mental test, which lasted 7 or 8 hours. Tomorrow I take a test to test my reactions and how fast my hands can work etc. They call it psychomotor I think.
Most of these guys can’t say one sentence without swearing. I don’t like it.
I almost froze to death today. There is a cold wave just now. There is a cold north wind and it cuts right through a person. We had to stand around in it for some time this morning waiting for orders. I lived through it though.
While I think of it I want you to buy me an electric shaver. Dad can do it and be sure it will do a good job. I don’t know when I’ll ever get to town.
I wrote a letter to Murell yesterday. I didn’t mail it till this morning though.
I will probably get my uniforms and other stuff tomorrow. I’ll be sending my stuff home soon. It is all pretty dirty.
Another thing, you better send that order that came from Chicago. I may need it some day.
All the money I have spent so far has been for a bottle of ink. There is a store here that sells about everything there is to sell. I think I will get me some slippers or clogs as they’re called.
I can’t imagine I will hear from you folks until about time you get this letter. Write a lot and let me know how things are going, chickens, pigs, cows etc and also how everybody is.
Yours truly,
Alva
In 1935 Alva’s family moved from the City of Grand Rapids about ten miles north to the rural area of Comstock Park. He went from being a city boy all his life to a country boy at age 14. His father grew up on a farm but moved to the “big city” to work in the early 20s. However as the depression progressed and his age being in the mid 50s, I believe farming was a way to support his family during this difficult time.
Ancestors Across the Ages 