1942-11-28_letter_0.xml

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				<title>Zeller letter 1942-10-06</title>
				<author>John Zeller</author>
				<respStmt>
					<persName>Susan Falciani Maldonado</persName>
					<resp>University Archivist and Director of Special Collections</resp>
				</respStmt>
				<respStmt>
					<persName>Diane Jakacki</persName>
					<resp>Digital Scholarship Coordinator</resp>
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				<distributor>Special Collections/University Archives, Bertrand Library</distributor>
				<authority>Bucknell University</authority>
				<address>
					<addrLine>Lewisburg</addrLine>
					<addrLine>Pennsylvania</addrLine>
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				John F. Zeller Papers
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					<dateline>D - 8 - 3 FARC <lb/>Satuday, Nov 28</dateline>
					<salute>Dear Mother + Dad --</salute>
				</opener>
				 I'm catching up on letters tonight -- so that tomorrow, I can enjoy church, a
					movie and then concentrate on my assignments for Monday. So I shall begin this
					tonight, and finish it tomorrow after church. Thanksgiving here was just like an
					ordinary Sunday. I got up at the usual hour -- and after policing up -- went to
					9:00 church with a group of the fellows. They had quite a good crowd. And while
					the sermon didn't compare with Rev. Ostergren's, there was plenty to think about
					and oh-so-much to thank God for. 
				 Our dinner was quite a feast. There was a half a turkey on each table. Sheets
					had been spread out as table clothes. We had printed menus -- which you will see
					among the next box of letters I send home. The meal was complete from fruit to
					nuts. We actually outdid you in desserts for we had ice cream, pie, and 4 kinds
					of cake. I sent a complete list of the menu in my letter to Alice -- so you can
					read it there. 
				 In the afternoon. I went to a movie, and in the evening I studied. Just about
					the usual week-end day. Well the second week in Center School is over and I'm
					still going strong. We had semi-finals this week -- they are not all back yet,
					but I'm confident I did allright. Once you get on to the system, it's not so
					bad. Of course it takes study -- but then I'm used to that -- I've never done
					much else. 
				 We were supposed to have this morning free -- but I had to go take my O.C.S.
					physical instead. I got through it all OK as far as I know. 
				 However they did note my hayfever. But I don't think it will make any
					difference. When they weighed me I had a pleasant surprise. Guess what I weigh
					stripped! 192. That's less than I've weighed in over 2 1/2 years. I feel like
					I've really accomplished something. Now if I can lose about 7 more pounds, I'll
					be really happy. 
				 Yesterday we spent the whole day in the motor shop learning how to do a complete
					service job on a truck. Things I never knew til now! But when I get to Sill,
					I'll learn a lot more -- for the 1st two weeks there are completely on motors.
					If the boys at J + F could have seen me they'd have appreciated it. For I had
					oil all over me. And I didn't even change tires or put on chains in Civilian
					life. 
				 Thank you, Dad, for the time tables. I still don't know whether I'll be able to
					use them or not. Right now they are giving nothing but Fayettsville passes --
					but I think that was because of Thanksgiving travel. We shall just have to wait
					and see what the rule is two weeks hence. I had a letter from George Purcell. He
					tells me Billy Ruhl is here at Bragg. Find out his address for me, will you, I'd
					like to look him up if I get the chance. I imagine he is over at the Main Post. 
				 I thank you for the Xmas seals. I shall use them. They represent such a good
					work that we should all use as many as we can afford. We can't let such
					necessary things be lost in the shuffle of a world at war. 
				 I hope you had a good day at Aunt Stella's. I know you had a good meal. It was
					awfully nice, of Mrs. Bond to invite you folks out for the day. So until
					tomorrow -- 
				 Sunday morning -- I got up at 9:00 this morning and showered and shaved before
					trotting over to church. We had communion and used an order of worship in the
					prayer book -- hence I have no program to send you. However, I'm inclosing the
					Thanksgiving order of worship. 
				 Every week boys are leaving this barracks for Sill. There are about 6 boys from
					here going this week. The place is getting empty. Next week about 15 will leave
					-- and by the time I'm ready to leave, there will be only a handful left. It's
					been quite chilly here the last few days. Wools are a little to warm for
					classrooms -- and my summer underwear is a little too cool. I shall be grateful
					for the cotton longs when they arrive. I had known that George Nauber was in
					O.T.S., but I didn't know that he was in artillery at Fort Sill. Do you know
					where he is to be stationed? I had a very fine letter from Rev. Ostergren this
					week. Also a note from Dave. He seems to be taking it pretty well, and says he
					is to have a shot at O.T.S. sooner or later. 
				 I also had a note from Emmie &amp; Hal, who report that they are quite busy. My
					law school friend from Nanticoke -- Leon Rokosz -- wrote also. He is serving his
					law clerkship now -- would like to get into the service but can't because of his
					deformed right hand -- and so has decided to take a defense job in Berwick at
					night + continue with law in the daytime. How's the nursing course coming,
					Mother? And how is the merchandise holding out in the Xmas rush, Dad?
				<closer><salute>Yours,</salute>
					<signed>John</signed></closer>
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