File:1944 - 07 05 Ralph Baur to his Mom.jpg

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source: Clara Hinderer collection.

1944 is the year the US Forest introduced Wikipedia:Smokey Bear as the forest fire prevention mascot. The US is at war! Why Smoky?

Ralph Baur writes his Mom, telling of his weekend's activities in Chicago, IL. One month previous to this letter D-Day had taken place and was still raging. I am surprised by the lack of references to the War.

Thiensville, WIS

August 10, 1944

Dear Mom,

Just a note to let you know that the usual Sunday Special will not be as long as usual, but will be embellished from my weekend’s destination, Chicago.

Ed Schulz and I are going down this afternoon to take in the music festival sponsored by the Chicago Tribune. It’s supposed to be very good. Part of the “Oklahoma” cast is the famous musical stage production being given out cast. Tonight we plan on hearing the Chicago Symphony under the stars. Tomorrow should be a good day to take in the Field Museum. I’m really looking forward to a good time. We’re planning on staying at the Y.M.C.A. if we can get in. No doubt we will return Sunday afternoon.

Included you will find a copy of the letter I sent to Ardie; this, of course, isn’t for publication.

I’m glad to hear that you were able to be of such valuable service to the Herman family.

More from Chicago Land

Ralph