432 2/26/1942 Jim Erwin to Helen Carlson

Jim Erwin 1709 A Street, Pullman, Washington Thursday, February 26, 1942

Helen Carlson Box 582 Newburyport, Massachusetts

Dear Helen & Elmer, My classes don’t start until 10 o’clock tomorrow so am answering some letters tonight. This semester I am not working or going to play football so will have lots more time to study. Spring football practice starts Monday. I am sure glad that I can pass it up. Did Mother say anything about me moving out and batching. Maybe I told you, anyway tomorrow I’ll know for certain. It was all set but two of the kids decided against it. Tonight we asked another kid and he said he knew two more kids that would like to do it too. We don’t know if the landlady will let 5 of us move in but are going to find out tomorrow. Maybe batching won’t work out so hot but we are going to try it (I hope). It’s a nice basement apartment. Living room, 2 study rooms, kitchen, and bathroom. There is an electric stove and new refrigerator. The lady will furnish all the pots, pans, and dishes. Fuel for heater and the water. We pay the electric bill which is $3.00 a month. The rent would be $10.00 a piece. We can live on (food) from 8-10 dollars a piece a month. It will be fun to try it anyway. Glad you like your place by the ocean. Bet the breakers really get big and rough. How long will Elmer’s work last there? Maybe he’ll get done before summer and you will have to move. If mines are laid out around, you can’t blame the boats for staying away. It will be nice if Cully and Gladys can see you this summer. Bet you enjoyed seeing the game and Cully. I think both Robert and James are nice names but you won’t need either one of them. You’ll have to call her Roberta. Thanks anyway. Maybe you’ll have twin boys, then you can call them both. So many people are getting their tires fixed and vulcanized that you will have to wait quite a while for your tire to get finished. Good you can get tires for the station wagon, though. Yes, many kids have quit school and I am sure glad about being able to stay. Have to answer Mother’s letter and it’s 11:30 so will close now. Hope you can read this mess. I’ll take more time next letter. With love, Jim.