Letters to Home

Wed. Mar. 2

Dear Gen:
    Your letter with enclosed clippings came last evening. The snow storm must have been the real McCoy. Since the weather is so delightful here it is difficult to imagine the contrast. So much for the elements.
     I shall not attempt to outline the activity here. Most of the track men are in and am busier than ever. So much detail, because of military, in getting them quartered etc. etc. We are now having two practice sessions daily. My schedule while flexible is as follows--7:00 breakfast, office 8:00 to 9:00, practice 9:30 to 11:30, lunch 12:00, office 1:00 to 2:30, practice 3:00 to 5:00, dinner 6:00. The easiest part of the day is going to bed about-9:00 P.M. Really I am taking it fine--not very tired anymore.
     So many outside things to do. Yesterday at noon press conference at Oxnard--last nite on radio in Oxnard from 7:30 to 8:00. Program will be much easier am sure after all adjustments are made.
     Last Sat. went to L.A. for another meet--stayed with Roland Logan till Sunday eve. Guess what? Logan gave me lesson in oil painting Sat. night and another Sun. morning. In afternoon he gave me the whole kit. Placed a finder in window and told me to start smearing the paint. I didn't quite get the scene finished. It really doesn't look too bad if you get far enough away. He raved about it and said "You should have seen my first effort." I'll finish it next trip and, for fun, may send it to you. Roland is getting me complete kit so guess I will try it again.
     Gen, do whatever is necessary to keep the house presentable. I am sure there is an outfit in Topeka that makes a specialty in cleaning and restoring drapes.
     Should you feel equal to occasion, wish you would go to your national convention. Professionally, the contacts and acquaintances made are essential to your work.
     Am glad you are receiving the "Lodge Gals." Have a good time.
     Shirley am glad you are thinking of the Miss America reunion. I want you to go.
     The boys I have been training were once excellent in ability. Most have been out of competition for year or longer, So it will be a slow and careful procedure in again getting into competitive condition. Shall let you know about them later. Am sending good distance runner Max Truex to invitational indoor two-mile run in Milwaukee Sat. March 12. He will compete Fri, nice March 18 in Cleveland. Am not going with him--too much to do here.
     Enjoyed the letters from both you and Clarke. Glad children are all well. Bet they enjoyed the snow.
     I have some work to do yet tonite so shall sign off.

Love you all
Dad

Sun. June 5th

Dear Ones All:
     I shall make this epistle a brief report for all. We arrived here Thurs. after several delays. On account of storms stopped overnight at El Paso--rough ride--several boys ill of motion sickness.
     Have been on rush almost round the clock. Banquet Thurs. nite. Friday busy with numerous military detail getting ready for meets on Friday and Sat. evenings.
     Terribly hot here. This is the most beautiful base I have seen. Buildings ultra modern--brick construction--air conditioned--meals and everything perfect. .
     Boys all did well. The ones I have been coaching won most of events--sent home those who didn't qualify. They left this morning at 8:00 o'clock. Have team of 21 to take to Quantico for World Armed Forces Meet this weekend. We shall leave here Tuesday morning at 8:00 o'clock in large plane--non stop to Virginia--about 6 hr. flight.
     Had team picture taken this morning. Shall send copy before we leave here.
     Gen am mailing nice leather case presented here. This is to relieve carrying it east and return since I do not have use for it on this trip. Am not sure when we shall depart from Quantico for cross-continent trip back to California.
     Haven't had much sleep but feeling fine and not tired despite all the go-go. The whole program here has been perfect to the last detail. The officers club beautiful place, with evening orchestra and other entertainment--Texas beauties for dancing--I just looked on. It seems
a must that I hang on to the finish, and the closing hours have been late.
     Am having easy workout for team at 5:00 o'clock--it is so hot here we must work late in the evenings. Work hard tomorrow at Abilene Christian College Field. Shall go to the P.O. tomorrow--there may be a letter for me.
     Col. Allard is here and he will be with us until Olympic Finals July 1 & 2 at Palo Alto. He and I have to go into Abilene to purchase additional team equipment.

Love to all
Dad

Quantico, Va
Thurs. June 9

Dear Gen:
     Just a few days ago looked at Pacific Ocean. Here we are on shore of Atlantic. Had long tiresome ride here from Abilene, Texas. Had to stop at Nashville, Tenn. because of stormy weather. Then on way here the pilots of plane were forced to fly high above storm clouds. Since plane wasn't pressurized was terribly cold--few of boys took cold but hope not too bad.
     In workout Monday at Dyess Bob Carney pulled leg muscle and am afraid he isn't able to compete. He is one of better boys and had excellent chance to make Olympic team in 800-meter run.
     This is a beautiful spot, and the officials here are doing everything possible for our convenience. Arrived late Tuesday evening and workout yesterday--boys very tired.
     Am staying with Col. Allard at VIP quarters and have car and driver assigned to us on standby for our use. We eat at special officers dining room among generals, admirals, and other high brass.
     Just now received the nice telegram from you and thanks so much.
     The army has 46 men entered in the meet here, which begins tomorrow and continues thru Sat. It appears that the army has the top talent in track and field. I have 21 entered for USAF.
     The driver is waiting for me as I have meeting at special services headquarters at eleven o'clock.
     Am not sure when we shall leave for Oxnard but hope to leave early Monday morn.
     Feeling fine but late to bed each nite--not getting enough sleep.

Love to all
Dad