Billy's letters to Mary begin in February 1953.
#1 (February 5th 1953) He introduces himself to Mary as '5'6" tall, blue eyes and brown hair. Was born and raised in Texas. Lived in Houston since '50.' This introduction was very hopeful and ends with a heartfelt 'I consider you a friend even tho we've never met.'
#1 (February 5th 1953) He introduces himself to Mary as '5'6" tall, blue eyes and brown hair. Was born and raised in Texas. Lived in Houston since '50.' This introduction was very hopeful and ends with a heartfelt 'I consider you a friend even tho we've never met.'
| transcription_1__feb_5th_1953_.docx |
Here is a plan and a photograph of Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where Billy is stationed:
Billy's hopefulness was rewarded with a reply from Mary. Still having never met Mary face-to-face, Billy approaches the issue of meeting up and explains a little more about himself and his family ... is he trying to prove what a good catch he is?
#2 (February 7th 1953) He introduces his family members saying 'My mother and Dad have been in Houston since '49. They manage a court of apartments out on Air Line Drive. It pays pretty good but the work is nerve wrecking. I have one brother that has been there since being discharged from the Air Force in '47. My sister has been in Houston since '49. Both have two children each. One boy and one girl apiece.' He then adds, proving his parenting potential to May, 'I tell you I'm crazy about my nephews.'
#2 (February 7th 1953) He introduces his family members saying 'My mother and Dad have been in Houston since '49. They manage a court of apartments out on Air Line Drive. It pays pretty good but the work is nerve wrecking. I have one brother that has been there since being discharged from the Air Force in '47. My sister has been in Houston since '49. Both have two children each. One boy and one girl apiece.' He then adds, proving his parenting potential to May, 'I tell you I'm crazy about my nephews.'
| transcription_2__feb_7th_1953_.docx |
Here are some photographs and a postcard of the League Island Navy Shipyard, where Billy was stationed:
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Mary replied again to Billy's letter and, still having never met face-to-face, they seemed keen to get to know each other a little more ... Is he just being modest or does he not wish to appear too vain about his level of fitness?
#3 (February 15th 1953) He describes down-time in the Navy to Mary, saying 'I have had quite a good time this afternoon. A bunch of us went swimming in the Indoor Pool here in the base and after that we followed a few lines and took in a movie', hastily adding 'I mean to tell you I am really out of shape. Couldn't hardly get around the Pool'. He also outlines his military and employment history in adulthood, saying 'I went in the Navy in '44 and out in '46 the first time. I worked in and around Mount Pleasant for awhile then moved to Houston. There I went to the 20th Century Business School for awhile, worked for Rheem Manufacturing Co, then went to work for Brown & Root on the Rice State-work.'
#3 (February 15th 1953) He describes down-time in the Navy to Mary, saying 'I have had quite a good time this afternoon. A bunch of us went swimming in the Indoor Pool here in the base and after that we followed a few lines and took in a movie', hastily adding 'I mean to tell you I am really out of shape. Couldn't hardly get around the Pool'. He also outlines his military and employment history in adulthood, saying 'I went in the Navy in '44 and out in '46 the first time. I worked in and around Mount Pleasant for awhile then moved to Houston. There I went to the 20th Century Business School for awhile, worked for Rheem Manufacturing Co, then went to work for Brown & Root on the Rice State-work.'
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Mary replied yet again and seems to have been complaining about having to work hard. Not to be outdone, Billy outlined how hard he works in the Navy and how hard he plays too ... then suddenly remembers that if he's going dancing with anyone it really should be Mary!
#4 (February 26th 1953) He describes daily life and how he has 'been working like a beaver all week', adding 'As you know we are here for major overhaul and repairs. So far all we have done is tear things down.' His evening activities on the base are summed up as 'working out at the Gym, swimming, bowling and shooting a little pool.' He further outlines his free weekend adventures as 'a couple of us go dancing at the Y.M.C.A. I'm just beginning to learn how to dance. Say! Do you like to dance? If so, what kind of music do you usually like? For me just about any kind is OK except Ballroom style.' He also explains his year ahead in the Navy, stating 'After we finish our Yard period, in late May or early June, we have a six week Training Course to Cuba. There we go through training situations like we could encounter in Battle. In August, September, we'll be around Norfolk operating through the week, about October 20th we sail for the Far East, Japan, Korea and another trip around the Globe. We should get back in the States in early Spring of '54.'
#4 (February 26th 1953) He describes daily life and how he has 'been working like a beaver all week', adding 'As you know we are here for major overhaul and repairs. So far all we have done is tear things down.' His evening activities on the base are summed up as 'working out at the Gym, swimming, bowling and shooting a little pool.' He further outlines his free weekend adventures as 'a couple of us go dancing at the Y.M.C.A. I'm just beginning to learn how to dance. Say! Do you like to dance? If so, what kind of music do you usually like? For me just about any kind is OK except Ballroom style.' He also explains his year ahead in the Navy, stating 'After we finish our Yard period, in late May or early June, we have a six week Training Course to Cuba. There we go through training situations like we could encounter in Battle. In August, September, we'll be around Norfolk operating through the week, about October 20th we sail for the Far East, Japan, Korea and another trip around the Globe. We should get back in the States in early Spring of '54.'
| transcription_4__feb_26th_1953_.docx |
