Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 140

Aug. 1, 1944
 Tues. night
#140
Rec'd 205

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I wanted to write last night but we had some work to do so I had to put it off until tonight.  Sat. the battalion had a convoy of G.I. trucks going to Santa Monica (about 18 miles from Los Angeles, right on the coast like Long Beach).  So I went along as we didn't need any money for transportation & no money needed to a place to sleep as they provided for it.  They took us to a place called the U.S. Army Recreational Camp.  They had tents there like we had a J.B. and a big restaurant & dance hall right in the heart of Santa Monica.  It was really swell.  They had a dance there and I had a nice time.  Sunday after 12 o'clock mass (we went to Hollywood to go to mass) we went to Earl Carrol's Theater & Night Club.  They had dancing from 2 - 5 in the afternoon on the stage.  They didn't have any show.  It's really a swell place.
We had an inspection yesterday and we were told to get rid of all our excess stuff so I put it in the valise and sent it home yesterday.  I got a field jacket in there which was excess and Ele can wear it.  It just has to be cleaned a little.  I think she will like it.  Let me know.  I have shirts in there also which you just can put away.  I also got a 11 armored book in there which they were selling here.  It's since the div. was started.  I thought you would like to have it.  Also cards I got in L.A. and the last minute I got the banner & cards from Helen so I put this in on top.
I wanted to go to see the mission at Santa Barbara but we had to go back with the convoy so it would have been too much traveling so I ope we can go next week.  That is one of the missions in the string from San Diego to San Francisco that was built by Junipero Serra about 200 years ago.  One of the cards I sent home has them all listed.
I'll enclose a money order in this letter for $30.  Maybe I'll be able to send more later.  Take out what I owe you and anything that you need at any time.
Boy ma you look swell on that picture.  I can see by the picture that you are improving tremendously without a doubt.  And that hairdo is super.  It makes me so happy ma.
Yes, Grandma should go to the doctor.  I hope you do persuade her.  Let me know.  Give Grandma my love & kisses and tell Grams I'll try to write tomorrow.
Aunt Anna writes me that Grandma went with her to a concert & also over to N.Y. to buy a dress.  It sounds very unusual.  Doesn't it ma?
I got a swell letter from Bob and I'll try to answer it as soon as possible.
I got cigarettes for Pop's birthday and will try to get them off as soon as possible also.
I still hear from Helen about every other day.  I'll enclose a picture you can look at and send back or keep it if you like.  O.K.  Helen is on the right her sister Mary on left.  [below]

I'll write real soon again.  Until then take good care of yourself or should I say keep up the good work.  Until then

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony

 

Dear Mom, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 127

Anthony J. Curcio
Co. B - 22 Tank Bn. A.P.O. 261
Camp Cooke, Calif.
 
5/14/44 
Letter No. 127
Rec'd  188, 189, 190

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

 We were pretty busy all week and didn't have much time and I was lucky to get off yesterday and today as most of the company was gigged for not having their patches sewed on.  But I did.  So I came to Santa Monica and brought my stationary with me.  Last night I went to confession as I thought the least I could do was receive Holy Communion on Mothers Day.  So this morning I received Communion at the Saint Mary's Church I told you about.  In the camp newspaper, I cut out a clipping which expresses my thoughts quite well so I am enclosing it.
Last night I went to the show and saw "The Uninvited" with Ray Milland & Ruth Hussey and boy was that good.  Don't miss it.  It was like the "Suspense" stories only more so.
I got to the show one time during the week also & saw "Once Upon a Time."  It was a bit fantastic but pretty good. 
I also am enclosing a clipping about Sgt. Steve Peck.  He's in our co. and a swell guy.  He used to pitch for the New York Yankees.  I believe I heard of him when he did play for the Yankees but I didn't follow them too close like I did the Dodgers.  You know.
You mentioned about Grandma receiving the pillow top I sent you from Hollywood.  That was your Mother's Day present.  Didn't you receive it?
I received a swell letter from Frank and I think he must be in a nice place if he sent Ann a 20 page letter.  I think you are right by assuming that ma. 
I didn't hear from Fio yet/
My bank book is in the top left hand drawer but I am almost positive I haven't any interest coming.  But you can check it.
I hope he can fix my watch.  I guess I waited just a little too long to send it home.  Well as long as it won't get any worse it's OK.  What do you think about the waterproof watch?
I am glad you are feeling well ma and with Grandma's cooking you should be in the pink in no time at all.  Try to spend as much time with Grandma as possible.
Tiny is in the best of health.  Did she write you again?  And did she write to Barb?
I'll write again soon and I hope I get time during the week.  Until them best of health and happiness to all.  

Your Loving Solider Boy,

Tony

P.S. Read the letter & clipping to Grandma.