File:1944 - 03 24 Ralph Baur letter to his mom.jpg

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source: Clara Hinderer collection

The US is involved in WWII. Things are going on as normal in the US. The 16th Academy Awards ceremony is held, Casablanca (directed by Michael Curtiz), wins the Best Picture award, kids are at college writing their mothers.

Watertown, Wisc.

March 24, 1944

Dear Mom,

Just got done eating breakfast so I will try to buzz off a letter before classes. So you think I’m sending a letter a day later every week; that sounds as if my last one didn’t come on a Sunday.

My laundry came the other.Those sticks really tasted good. I am going thru the reading material this weekend. Since I am working I go to bed between 10 and 10:30 on working days. My cloths also came yesterday. You talked as if I shouldn’t wear the pants for filing.I’ve got about 5 or 6 dress pants in my locker without them. When it starts getting a little warmer I can start wearing my washpants.

My work isn’t very hard. I’m in the finishing room. I either chip off the excess metal due to the leaky molds or grind. Nothing like working out on main floor where all the heat and muscular labor is.

If I’d be working there I doubt whether I’d work very long. The guys down there are really a fine bunch of people. The foreman doesn’t care how slow or fast we work.

The whole foundry gang had a meeting with Erik the other nite. Finally a maximum of 4 hours per day was arrived at. I’m glad I don’t don’t work everyday. I like it just the way I got it.

I hope your superintendent business is rapidly reaching a decision. I imagine that really keeps one on edge.

The weather is really getting to be perfect now. It snowed very hard last Wednesday while I was at the dentist. Yes, it seems one of my molars broke down causing a small hole. It didn’t hurt, but I wanted it taken care of so I called dentist. April 22 would be first chance for appointment. I told him I couldn't wait that long, so I got in a few days ago.

This particular dentist is really busy. He really drilled a large hole. I’ll pay him as soon as I get some dough from the foundry.

I see where this letter is really coherent. I’m still sort of tired this morning.

Will this be sufficient until the middle of the week? This will at least show signs of life.

Love,

Ralph

P.S. There is so much more to tell which I’d rather not put on paper!