Tue, Jan 14, 1947: Tokyo

"ATIS is a big office employing about 1,000 folks including GIs, civilians, and Japanese nationals.  The equipment is not as good as Washington's in that we don't have swivel chairs, fluorescent lights, or the fine reference material that made life so comparatively good....

"The physical surroundings in which we live here in Tokyo are really quite wonderful.  I am in the Continental Hotel which is the old Aji no Moto building remodeled into a hotel for occupation forces of the CAF 1-6.  It is eight stories high, has a fine restaurant in the basement, good lounge and bar on the first, and rooms on the other floors with a room garden and little shrine to fertility on top. (From the number of kids seen running around the streets, the latter is unnecessary)....

"There is no end of stateside amusement here; there are at least six theatres, the Nippon Philharmonic Orchestra which presents concerts every Sunday afternoon, sight-seeing tours, the college courses mentioned before, and trips to other parts of Japan.  In fact, there is so large a community here of Americans that they have called off limits everything which is truly Japanese and force you into this American entertainment which can be better had in Wichita."

--Letter from John Howes, Tokyo, to my father, Winfield, Kans., January 14, 1947. John was a Navy language officer in Japan and a former Navy school classmate of my father.  He was encouraging my father to apply for jobs in Japan. ATIS was the Allied Translator and Interpreter Section.

Sun, Jan 12, 1947: hitch-hiked

"We are taking it for granted that you got to your destination the day you hitch-hiked to Winfield.  However we'd feel just a little bit better, if we could have words to that effect from you...

"School is going along about as usual with some of the larger boys thinking up more mischief all the time and poorer preparation of their lessons.  But I guess I shouldn't worry, it's their life that is being damaged not mine.  Then on the other hand some are doing such surprisingly good work."

--Letter from my grandmother, Bloomington, Kans., to my father, Winfield, Kans., Sunday, January 12, 1947.

Thu, Jan 2, 1947: 'for the fun of it'

“3 meals – game with U. of Mexico – drug – sleepy at game – will keep this on ‘for the fun of it’”

--Entry in my mother’s diary, about a day with my father.  “drug” refers to going to the drugstore.

Thu, Jan 2, 1947: "for the fun of it"

“3 meals – game with U. of Mexico – drug – sleepy at game – will keep this on ‘for the fun of it’”

--Entry in my mother’s diary, about a day with my father, Thursday, January 2, 1947, Southwestern College, Winfield, Kansas.  “drug” refers to going to the drugstore.

Tue, Dec 31, 1946: with a bang

“New Year’s Eve – bus was very late but we went to “Undercurrent” and started off with a bang again. (what will ’47 bring?)”

-- Entry in my mother’s diary, December 31, 1946.

Sat, Dec 28, 1946: half-empty candy boxes

"Our house looks a lot like yours must.  Except as a counterpart to those half-empty candy boxes is a feeling of disinterest in edibles on my part which has persisted for two days now.... Be seein' you tomorrow!"

--Letter from my mother, Hutchinson, Kans., to my father, Winfield, Kans., Saturday, December 28, 1946.  This is the first letter I have from my mother to my father.

Thu, Dec 26, 1946: New Year's Eve together

"Christmas is over.  The excitement caused by the Brown clan which assembled here yesterday has subsided.  Life at home is quite peaceful--with only nearly-empty candy boxes, a still-decorated Christmas tree, and a piece of wrapping paper around the living room to remind one of the merry holiday celebration staged by the Browns.  (Actually, Sooters, Kings, and Varners made up the guest list)....

"It would be nice if we could spend New Year's Eve together.  If you're planning to be there--and would appreciate my company--you might drop me a line at Seller's."

--Letter from my father, Bloomington, Kans., to my mother, [Hutchinson, Kans.], Thursday, December 26, 1946.  This is the first letter I have from my father to my mother.

Tue, Dec 17, 1946: better day

“game. walked home -- better day. ‘don’t be so polite’”

--Entry in my mother’s diary, Tuesday, December 17, 1946, about a date with my father.

Sat, Dec 14, 1946: no insubordination

"Ahoy there, matey--

"Orders of the Day: S.D. Brown, Lt (j.g.) is hereby authorized to have a super-enjoyable holiday season to be followed by a 'fine and and mellow' New Year.  All hands take notice.

By order,

Rollie -- O in C

P.S.Let's have no insubordination, Sid."

--Letter from Rollie Paulson, Iowa City, Iowa, to my father, Winfield, Kans., Saturday, December 14, 1946.

Thu, Dec 12, 1946: first kiss

“formal Christmas ball – gardenias & daisy corsage
“first kiss”

--Entry in my mother’s diary about a date with my father, Thursday, December 12, 1946, Southwestern College, Winfield, Kansas.