No envelope. Placed into timeline based on order in box, context, writing, and paper used.
Saturday 1:30 P.M. [probably November 30, 1940]
Dear Folks, kids & Pups
Hi all, everyone feeling OK, I hope, how is the cold weather, or is it all over now. Got Dicks letter yesterday, one from Mom this morning maybe one from Dad tomorrow, how about it pop. I would sure like to see those pups try and send me a a picture of them will you. No I wouldnt know of anything you could send for christmas so lets forget it and just send me your good wishes. Say Dick I am sorry to hear the head is cracked on the car. But I think you can beat Bills price of $10 by going somewhere else and buying a used one, however dont pay any more than $5 for it you might even get it cheaper, let dad help you, they might try and stick you being just a small guy, or are you anymore. Ill tell you I think that head was cracked before I left anyway it leaked and I thought it was a frost plug. I am sending you two bucks as a christmas present if you wish use it for a head. Its a little early for christmas presents so I will send Moms, Dads, Hellenes, and Mrs. Whitlocks latter. I thought I would get some christmas cards and send to all of our friends. I sent you a new calendar yesterday that I thought you would like to have you can keep it as a souvenir after 1941. Dick if you put that head on yourself take it to the grage and have the tappets set after-ward for 50¢. Well folks, Ive got a lot of washing to do so think I will close.
Lots of Love to all of you
Kenney
While Im at it here is $2 more get something for Helene and Mrs. Whitlock I can’t think of anything to get them and Mom & dad can you think of anything in particular you would like I am sending you something as yet I dont know what but it will closer to Christmas as I didnt draw all of my money this payday and have run shorter than I expected have enough money to last until payday the 20th and will get the rest of my gifts then. You see we were paid day before yesterday I had 16 Company drew only 6 of it. Will have a pretty good check next time.
Let me hear from all of you soon, Love
Kenney
Envelope post dated December 9.
Kenney Rhoades
U.S.S. Colorado Box 14
Long Beach, Calif.
Mr. & Mrs. K.W. Rhoades & Family
4011 North 30 Street
Omaha, Nebraska
Saturday – 12:30 [December 7, 1940]
Dear Folks, kids, & Pups
Well how is everybody, from your letters I guess everyone is fine. I got a letter from all of you (including Helene) except Dad and the pups this last week and I know the pups can’t write yet so that leaves just dad. Whats wrong dad pretty busy, how is that deal coming. I hope it was a success and as all over now and several others under way, how about it, write and tell me. So dick is going to start driving for Fred’s. good for you boy only be careful dont try to do like most delivery boys, fast and reckless. After you get this letter start sending my mail back to Long Beach there has been some new dope out, I guess we are going to stay at Long Beach1 until January 20 and might get to either the East coast or Panama instead of the islands2 from what everyone says I would rather go anywhere except the islands. Does Helene still remember what I am or has she forgotten? I haven’t been ashore for two weeks now and am not going until we get to Long Beach I rate 3 days (72 hr) over christmass but dont think I will take it. Here is the way I figure I have seen both L.A. and Long Beach and if I go ashore it will just coast me money so why not stay here where it won’t coast anything and hang on to my money, if Im lucky I might get 10 days leave when we come up here next July for over hall. If I got that I could make it home for about six days. One kid here was back there last week and had six days at home but it coast a little over $50 so I am hanging on to my money just in case I get that leave. Well I can’t think of anymore news so guess I will close.
With loads of love to all
Kenney
Let me hear from all of you soon.
Envelope post dated December 15.
Kenney Rhoades
U.S.S. Colorado Box 14
Long Beach, Calif.
Mr. & Mrs. K.W. Rhoades & Family
4011 North 30 Street
Omaha, Nebraska Long Beach
Saturday [December 14, 1940]
Dear Folks
Well here I am back in Long Beach sitting in the sun and actually sweating. Boy it sure is hot. We left Bremerton3 last Tuesday and went to Frisico4, I saw the famous Golden Gate Bridge but dont think it compares with the Oakland5 we were ancored just a little ways from alcatraz6. We left there the next morn. (Friday) and just got here (1P.M.) We had a swell trip down here it was very calm and didnt bother me a bit, altho I was in sick bay since yesterday morning with a cold and sore throat I feel swell now. Thursday night I fell down a ladder (stairs) and skined my back all up. Say about moms and dads christmas presents, they may be a little late as I have to wait until payday (next Friday) but you know you will get them as I will send something just as soon as I get paid. We ought to be getting our mail in another hour or so and Im expecting a letter from all of you. Am I going to dissappointed? Boy this sure is to hot Im going to move over on the starboard side where there is some shade. Boy this is much better. In Bremerton it was two cold and now it is to hot. We are only going to stay at ancor over the weekend you see each day next week we are going out for gunnery practice and comeback each night and over the weekends I doubt it if we go back to the islands but think we will go to the east coast or to Panama we are staying here until January 20 I guess. We had to stand four hours on and four off on machinery watch all the way down here. Well can’t think of anymore so guess I will close. let me here from all of you soon.
With lots of love
Kenney
- From 1935 until September 1940, the Navy used Terminus Island (known as the Naval Air Base, San Pedro or Reeves Field) to support the floatplanes used by Battleships. In September 1940 the Navy bought the island from Long Beach for $1. Construction of the Naval Dry Docks commenced earlier that year in June.
- Most likely referring to the Hawaiian Islands.
- Bremerton, Washington. Home of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
- San Francisco, California
- Known as the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge. Built in the 1930’s (open for traffic in 1936). This is actually two bridges (or spans) with Yerba Buena Island in the middle.
- Alcatraz Island was originally a Military base. By the Civil War, the military began housing prisoners there until it became a Federal prison, and finally a tourist attraction.
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