Bud’s Father’s Letter May, 1943

July 13, 2025

Somehow, my aunt Corinne got a copy of her dad’s letter to Bud, dated May 14, 1943.  At that time Buddy would have been in the army most of March, all of April, and half of May.  Bud’s father mentions things Bud wrote in some letters from Atlantic City, where he apparently had basic training at “Camp Boardwalk.”  This training facility was used for the burgeoning Army Air Forces, which could explain the stationery Bud’s letters were written upon.  According to Wikipedia, army basic training was 17 weeks in 1943.  Here’s a transcription of the letter, written in Carl T. Bonde’s flowing penmanship.

Kalispell, Mont. May 14 – 43

Dear Bud,

Received your letter to day that you mailed Monday.  This is Friday. I mailed you a letter last Friday afternoon with $5.00 inclosed.  Figured you would get it Monday if I had thought that it took so long I would have wired you the money but hope you get it not later than Tuesday.  I have also mailed a couple letters since inclosing a $1.00 bill in a couple of them let me know if you got them alright.

We are sure glad to hear you are getting along so well.  If you get sent to college what will you take up.  You said it would be a good chance for O.C.S.  What does that mean.  And what does CSCRTC stand for.

Go after the college course whatever it is as that will be a big help to you.  Chet did not go across yet Harry told me today that he had — all his teeth pulled, so he would not go for a while.

Today it has been half snowing and half rain but this evening is beautiful.

I was looking over my trees and there are 9 of my apple trees in blossom.  3 plums and all the cherry trees.  Can not tell about the pear tree yet it is so late on account of it has been in water for two or three weeks.  The water is still over the bridge. and there is quite a few fish have come up.  I do not know what they are but I am going to try and find out.  The are breaking water all day.

My chicks are now a week old and have only lost three out of 202.  I have a dandy home made brooder for them.

Saturday and Sunday I am going to finish planting my garden and then I am going to finish my barn,

Your first 25.00 bond for April arrived today.  Did you get your pay check yet?  and how much was it.  how are you fixed for money will enclose a $1 bill.

Bob Brust had a letter from Kenny and he told his father he had seen the first pay day in the army he said the gambling started right now and it was not long until most of them were broke. he says Dad you don’t need to worry I have seen enough of the gambling I won’t do any.

Got the book of the month catalogue deleting books for many they are (Winters Tales) by Isak Dinesen, (Combined Operations) by Hilary a 8x George Saunders.

Mother says she is going to let their course.

Are sure glad you are sending a bond a month home (“It will be so nice to come home to”)

Am enclosing Kenny’s address for you.  Mr. Whitwell said Feriman had a letter from you to day.

We sent your new address to the girls so you will hear from them soon.

I have a brother in Kansas.   I do not know how far it is from Crowder Camp but I will write to him it would be nice if you could get to see them if got a week end off you could go there (over).

Mother says to tell she is all puffed up to hear that you were chosen with the 18 for the college course and also as assistant section leader (say nothing about dad) we were much pleased to hear you are getting along so good, you have a wonderful chance to you to make good.

I sent you a carton of Camels Wednesday from Columbia Falls.  Did you get them. Let me know how you are financially, so if you need anything let me know.?

Will write again soon and you must write as often as you can Mother goes to the mail box every day to see if there is a letter from Bud:

With Love From