USS Arizona after her modernization during the 1930s

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Arizona_(BB-39)

The Arizona didn’t see action in World War I when commissioned Oct. 17, 1916, because it was so state of the art:

Rather than coal, it burned oil, which was scarce across the Atlantic with the British navy fully engaged.

Luke Bate, a curator at the Arizona Capitol Museum in Phoenix, also described the Arizona as a “floating embassy” whose highlights included playing host to foreign dignitaries and ferrying President Herbert Hoover on a trip to the Caribbean. It was even featured in a movie, “Here Comes the Navy,” a 1934 romance starring James Cagney.

The ship made a number of international cruises, visiting France, Turkey, Panama, and Peru. It operated primarily out of Southern California, participating in maneuvers in the Pacific before anchoring in Pearl Harbor before the war. Its last training action was a night fire exercise with the battleships Nevada and Oklahoma the evening of Dec. 4, 1941.

Key facts about the USS Arizona as of Dec. 7, 1941

• Overall length: 608 feet
• Weight: 31,400 tons
• Complement: 1,731, consisting of 92 officers and 1,639 enlisted men
• Top speed: 21 knots
• Armament: 12 14-inch guns on four triple turrets; 10 5-inch guns; 8 .50-caliber anti-aircraft machine guns.
• Laid down: March 16, 1914
• Launched: June 19, 1915
• Commissioned: Oct. 17, 1916
• Constructed: Brooklyn Navy Yard

https://www.eastvalleytribune.com/news/in-life-uss-arizona-had-movie-role-scandal/article_7103995d-2ab8-56cf-8a86-baebf843552f.html

April 21, 1936                                     USS Arizona, 6^th division, San Pedro, California

Dear Dad and Kids:

I’m sorry haven’t written sooner, but I’ve been pretty busy since I left the Lakes.  Boy that was sure some trip out here.  We went through all of the deserts, boy was it dusty all the way.  I’m at San Pedro in the harbor right now. Next Monday, we’re going to Panama, I think.  Man, this old ship rolls around like a barrel.  I haven’t gotten seasick yet, but I probably will when we get out to sea.  Boy, they sure keep you moving on board ship.  We get up at 20 minutes till 6:00, grab a cup of coffee and then go out and scrub the decks down.  After everything is shipshape, we have chow.  I guess they make us work before breakfast so that we will work up an appetite. 

I sure like it out here.  We get paid Friday and I rate liberty then too.  We got two dollars when we left the station, but that didn’t last long because we had to tip the porters half a buck a day and that nearly broke me.  I guess I’ll have a pretty good paycheck.  I’ll send some home in my next letter, including Betty’s and Barb’s dollar apiece.  Tell them all I said hello.  Tell Betty to tell some of the gang to write.  I’d like to get some word from them.  Give Kenny Koons my address too.  I guess it will be a long time before I’ll get to come home.  Doggone, the ship feels like it’s moving all the time, but is just waves.  I went ashore this morning and helped draw stores for the ship.  We went in the motor launch, that’s about all they use now.  The only time they use oars is on racing shells.  There’s a sailboat out there and it looks like it’s about to keel over, it shipped some water and all.  You have to pass up the writing, there isn’t any place to go on board.  How is Mom now?  Is she home?  If she is, tell her to write & you write too.  Well, I guess that’s about all.  Don’t get worried if I don’t write for a long time. 

Your son, Harry

April 21, 1936  (same envelope)

Dear Mom:

I found a little extra paper in my box, so I decided to write a letter on it.  I just finished with chow and we’ve got to pipe down hammocks in about an hour.  We have a show free every night on board ship.  I like it okay, but I would just as soon be home working.  I guess after my enlistments up, I get out.  We get paid Friday, I ought to have a pretty good check.  I haven’t had a full pay since I got back.  Has June been to see you?  Gee Mom, I don’t know of any other girl I like better than her.  I’m going to save my dough and if she’s still there when I come home I’m going to marry her, if I still feel that way about her.  Don’t worry if I don’t write much.  I don’t like to very well, but I’ll answer all your letters.  Boy, that was some trip to the coast.  I hope you move out here this summer.  The fleet will be along the coast a lot for the next three years and I could get a leave of absence once in a while to come home.

We’ve got a radio or several of them in our casement’s and boy they sure sounds good.  How are you getting along?  Okay?  Did you ever hear from Mrs. Smock?  I told her to write to you.  I answered her last letter, but haven’t received any more letters yet.  She asked me to keep in touch with her.  Will you try to find out Junior Smock’s address?  I’d like to write to him.  When I go ashore, I’m going to have some pictures taken.  We haven’t started wearing whites yet, it’s too cold.  Say, how about a picture of you.  I haven’t even got a picture of my dear mother, even if she is getting gray hairs, she’s still got that sparkle of youth in her eyes.  Well, don’t forget to write.  You know my new address now. 

Your loving son, Harry Lynn

 

April 23, 1936                      en route to Canal zone

Dear Mother:

Received your welcome letter today with one from June.  They are my first letters on board ship.  They had to be forwarded from the Lakes.  I went on my first liberty yesterday and last night.  I drew $3.00, that’s all they gave us anyway.  I was up all night last night and I guess I got pretty tight.  I didn’t drink anything but beer, but I guess I have plenty of that.  My buddy and I, Logan, from the USS New Mexico were together.  By the time this letter reaches you, your package will be there.  I won that set knocking down milk bottles in Long Beach.  (Ed Note: He sent a set of Miss America Pink depression glass dishes) I sure had a good time, but it’s the last one. I’m going to have to save money from now on, and I’ll send some home to.  Tell Betty I will get a big payday the 20th May, or a small one on the 5th of May.  I’ll buy all the kids’ shoes if I can.

I like it on board pretty well, although I didn’t at first.  I guess it was because I didn’t know much about it.  When we shove off for Panama, Monday, we have to stand gun watch.  I’m gun pointer on number three turret for watches.  It’s a small 5-inch gun.  For general quarters, I’m the trigger man.  All I have to do is stand about 5 yards from the gun and pull the string that sets off the booster charge that sets off the main charge that sends the projectile sailing for its target.  On the way to Panama, we’re going to have more maneuvers and defense formation for the Canal Zone.  When we get to Honolulu, we’ll have target practice.  I haven’t been on any firing except small three-inch salute guns.

Gee mom, June sure is one swell little girl.  I think a lot of her.  I’m glad you think well of my pick.  I’m going to send her a Kimono for her birthday.  I saw some swell ones in Long Beach.  Say, Mom, when are they going to pay off the bonus?  I wish the time would hurry up and come so you could move out here.  Boy, the barbers really rake it in out here.  I went to one while I was here, and there was a steady stream of customers.  Most of them are sailors and there sure are plenty of them.  There’s over 3,000 on the Arizona and there are about 25 or 30 ships as big or bigger than the Arizona in dock right now.  Out here it gets pretty warm during the day, but at night it gets nice and cool.  Nice weather if you ask me, convenient anyway.  Well here’s hoping you get to come.

Your loving son, Harry Lynn, Seaman 2/C.

PS put Canal zone instead of San Pedro

ED Note:  Reference WWI Veteran bonus, George Allen Bridges, Harry’s stepfather was a WW1 veteran.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonus_Army

May 10, 1936                                      Canal zone

Dear Mother:

I guess you think I’ve done gone forgotten you, but I haven’t.  Did you get your package?  I meant it for Mother’s Day.  I just recently graduated to Seaman 2nd lately.  I haven’t received any more than $10 all at once yet.  I’m letting my next pay ride until the next payday then maybe I’ll have enough to send you some.

I just had a liberty yesterday in Panama, my first one since I got here.  It sure has some pretty places, it has some pretty dirty ones too.  I had two shines while I was sitting in one beer garden.  Boy, this beer sure takes effect.  I drank one little quart and began to feel woozy.  I didn’t have any hard stuff, but this beer is almost as strong as whiskey in the States.  When I first went in the beer joint, a woman came up and asked me if I wanted a woman while I was there.  I told her to sit down and I bought her some drinks.  After a while we danced a little, I told her I was going.  When I said that, you should have seen the look on her face.  I know what she was all right, so I didn’t take my hand off my wallet while I was there.  We didn’t get overnight liberty here because these people will slit your throat for a half a dollar.  I had to poke some colored guy for trying to shine my shoes. He wouldn’t go away, so I let him have it.  He pulled a knife as big as a sword.  Boy, I thought my number was up for the sick Bay, but some friends of mine were there and they collared him.  I left there in one big hurry.

When are you going to send me that picture?  Are the kids all okay?  Tell that little squirt I said hello and to help with the dishes.  Have you got up out of bed yet?  I don’t know what Bush’s and Snyder’s think for my not writing, but I don’t like to write.  I write to you and June and that’s about all, I haven’t even written to Charlie Clark.  Well, they are isn’t much more to say except that I’ll be glad when my three years are up.  Did I tell you were going to cross the equator?  Well, we are, and we’re going to have an initiation.  Boy, that will be some workout.  Politics and rank don’t mean a thing unless you been over before.

Your loving son, Harry Lynn

 

May 16, 1936                                      San Pedro, California

Dearest Mother:

Received your letter today and boy it was sure good to hear from you.  I forgot all about the baby’s bank, I’ll send it right away we come back from across the equator.  We’re going to sail at midnight tonight, so you probably won’t get it for quite a while.  I’m answering now, but I think the post office on board is closed and I can’t get ashore now.  I’m glad you like that set.  It didn’t even cost much, but there it is.  I haven’t heard from Eva yet, but I guess she’ll answer when she gets a chance.

Say listen, you shouldn’t be up writing.  You might do something to yourself.  I didn’t know Dad had a bad foot, but I’m glad I got some shoes.  I’ll send my whole pay next time, except for what I have to pay for bills.  Tell Margaret D.  I’ll write her when I get back to Pedro.  Mom, you don’t know how I feel when I read your letter.  I almost bawled.  I write more to June than I do anyone else.  That’s about three times a week.  Time passes so fast I don’t seem to get a chance to write much.  After we knock off work I’m so tired I can hardly move.  Boy, you should see the tan I’ve got.  I’m as black as one of those Pan Americans.  I shouldn’t have borrowed from Uncle Loy, but I was broke and I had a date with June and didn’t know where to get some money, you know how it is. Tell the kids I’ll send the stuff we get back to Pedro.  I’ve got them in my seabag.  I would’ve sent them from here, but it cost too much for postage, besides I haven’t got any money anyway.

This is going to be some trip across.  Boy, all the shellbacks are getting all ready now.  The shellbacks are guys that have already been across, and they do the initiation.  The pollywogs are ones that haven’t been across.  There is talk of mutiny among the pollywog’s, even the officers that haven’t been across get it.  The shellbacks take complete control of the ship.  There’s going to be some real fun.

I think there’s going to be an amateur hour tonight.  I think I’ll go see who wins the cake.  I was on a working detail yesterday and the day before and we had to work at the soda fountain.  When we got through, the guy gave us a treat for nothing.  All we had to do was take about 10 kegs of Coca-Cola from the for’castle to the third deck.  I think I’ll transfer to signalman.  That’s a good job and it isn’t so dirty.  We stoned the weather deck today.  Boy, that was one tough job.  We worked from six this morning until noon, with timeout for chow.

Will you tell Harold and Junior S. to write will you?  I’d like to hear from some of my old buddies.  Tell them to write at least.  I got a letter from Charlie C. today, I mean yesterday.  He’s one swell guy.  He’s the only one of my buddies that have written me since I’ve been in.  At least a letter by itself, even Bill hasn’t written.  I can’t think of anything to say so I’ll close for the present

Saturday: well, we’re on our way.  Were still inside of land that won’t be for long.  It feels good to get away from the port.  We were supposed to have an inspection today, but it was called off after everyone had everything all ready.  Dressed up in clean whites and they called it all off.  Oh well, we’ve got the rest of the morning to ourselves.  Mom, I think I’ll sign up for duty in China.  There’s a draft going in June and I think I can get in it.  If I do, I’ll get leave to come home until the ship leaves Pedro.  Have to stay for two years, but I think it would be worth it.  If I get to go I can make Seaman 1st a month after I get there.  That will be something.  I’m putting in my request today so here’s hoping.  I guess I’ll write a few lines to Margaret D now.

Your loving son Harry

 

May 16, 1936

Well, this is Sunday and there’s nothing to do it presently.  I wrote Marguerite that letter, but haven’t mailed it.  I wish I could find something to do.  I found out today that I won’t get out until a day before I’m 21.  I’m in what they call a minority cruise.  That makes me have three years and four months to do.  Boy, that’s going to be a long time.  Gees, the sitting around isn’t so hot.  I think I’d rather be shining bright works.

 

May 20, 1936

Dear Betty,

At last, I am a shellback.  We crossed the equator starting at 8 o’clock with ceremonies.  Boy, what they didn’t do to us.  They made us fall in at quarters in clean whites and issued subpoenas.  I was charged with eating and drinking during working hours.

First, we had to line up and give our SP’s to King Neptune, then we went to the dentist.  He took rubber cold chisels and pounded on our teeth with it and then squirted saltwater in our mouths.  From there, we went to the operating table.  They made us get on a table and took a knife and laid it on our bare skin somewhere and gave us the shock of our lives.  While someone was doing that, someone else squirted liquid soap in our face. From there we went to the barber.  He put us in a teeter-totter chair and socked a couple of rotten eggs in our hair with a handful of some cottage cheese.  When they got through with that, he dumped us in a big tank of salt water and there we met with about 20 guys that proceeded to give us a good dunking.  If you tried to get out to quickly, they put you in a sling and suspended it overhead and gave us a beating with a sock and wet rags.  After getting out of the tank we went through a canvas passage with two men at each end and they gave us a beating coming and going.

After that, we are full-fledged shellbacks.  Boy, you should’ve seen our whites when we got through.  The guys in the tank had some black stuff all over him and when they got out they were cleaner than we were by a long shot.  They tried to clean our clothes off.  You should’ve seen some of those officers.  Most of them had beer bellies and they got kind of tired coming through.  Well, there isn’t much more to say, I’ll send my subpoena home when I get it back.

Your shellback, Harry

April 9, 1936

Dear Betty:

Here’s a letter for you all by yourself.  You probably won’t get anymore, so take a good look at it before you throw it away.  Have you been out to see Mom?  You’d better.  I don’t get paid until the 20^th or the day I leave for the coast, so you have to wait for the money, but since you have to wait I’ll double it.  Maybe you can get yourself some new summer shoes.  Barbara could almost get a whole new outfit with two bucks, couldn’t she? Tell Bob I remember him too, maybe something for Joyce and Pauline.  Tell them I said hello and to write to me. Tell them I said to help around the house as much as they can.  Bob can too.  While there isn’t anything to say except I’ll probably leave about Wednesday.  Your brother Harry

PS I’m getting tired of writing so tell Kenny and the rest of them all I’ll write later.

May 23, 1936

Dear Mom:

Received your letter today when I came back aboard from liberty.  I brought Bob a big jackknife & June a Kimono.  Boy, you should see it.  It only costs a $1.50.  I bought it in Panama.  It’s green with pink and white flowers.  I’m sending Uncle Loy’s three dollars now.  Later I’ll send some more money for the kid’s shoes.  Boy, oh boy, it sure is hot today.  I’m a side cleaner and it is one of the dirtiest jobs on board.  About everybody has gone on liberty & I’ve been working like a dog all day.  Its noon now, May 24.  I was really glad to hear from you and it seems like it’s been a month since you wrote.

Bob: listen you, if I hear you say anything about the Navy again I’ll croak you.  I can tell you right now you won’t like it because I don’t very well.  It makes me independent though.  I’m putting in for duty in China.  I don’t know whether I’ll get it or not, but I hope so.

We refueled destroyers yesterday & and today and got oil all over the sides of the ship.  We didn’t get through refueling until 10 o’clock this morning.  I sure missed the duty section.  They only got four or five hours of sleep.  Well, I’ve got to go to work.  They’re pulling the chow tray down & sounding “turn to’.

Your brother, Harry

Tell Pauline and Joyce I said hello and I’ll remember them some time.  Can you read or write yet, Pauline?  If you can, I’ll write you a letter all by yourself.

June 15, 1936

Dear Mother:

Received your welcome letter this morning, just as I opened the locker door.  I come back aboard from a swell 48-hour liberty.  One of my friends had to put it there for me.  He said they come right after I had gone ashore. Boy, I didn’t know there was so much to Los Angeles.  Is just one big town or playground.  I met some sailor that had a car with a bed and everything in it.  We slept on Point Fermin, not far from part of our defense.  You see LA was founded on the side of a hill about 130 years ago.  Other towns sprung up around it and now they have all merged into one.  At present, LA is 56 miles from one city limit to the other one.  Pretty big, don’t you think?  From the hill, you can look down and get the whole picture.  The bay is just a little to the right & it looks like you can reach down and pick up the whole fleet in one hand.  At night you can see the breakwater stretching 12 miles across the bay & with the ships lit up it looks like a meadow with sheep in it.  Then the city.  See, this guy knew quite a bit about it & he pointed out the prospective towns, Long Beach, El Dorado, Balboa, Melville, and 4 or 5 others.  It was sure a sight for sore eyes.  We went to El Dorado and boy it was a typical Western town.  The bartenders wore cowboy outfits & big handlebar mustaches.  The men on the street wore guns, chaps & beards of all descriptions.  At the gambling tables, the housemen wore eyeshades and those black elbow sleeves.  They even had covered wagons parked along dirt streets & they rode horses with fancy saddles.  I saw so many movie players I don’t remember many of them I did see.  Well, I guess that’s that for LA for right now.  Say – listen – you better follow that Docs orders.  You ought to know you should by now & and listen, you don’t realize how bad trench mouth is.  That was one of the worst problems at battle for us during the world war.  Dad certainly is right about it being serious.

It sure sounds good to hear about the kids.  I can see Bob just begging to go and Betty primping in her best to go see Grandma.  When did Edna (Cousin) come back? I didn’t know she was back, let alone know about her staying at Decatur.  Say, I just about forgotten about Laurence.  He must be about as big as I am.  Did you tell him hello for me?

Boy, listen if Earl is da__ fool enough to join I’ll have to pin his ears back.  He’ll be sorry months after he’s in, and then it’s too late by about four years.  I said I had put in for China, but I found out it wasn’t much use.  You can’t transfer off until you’ve had a year abroad.  So that’s that for China at present.

Say, that swells news about the bonus, even if it is only for a drop in the bucket.  Drops are what fill the bucket.  I guess it’s a pretty good idea to stay there, but I’m telling you the barber business is good out here.  If he got a good location he wouldn’t have a dead hour on his hands to loaf.  The cheapest price I ran into has been $.40 for a haircut and $.54 shampoo.  See, the fleet is what booms these seashore towers. And a sailor won’t buy anything that isn’t good.  They figure it isn’t any good unless it’s expensive.  Did I tell you I bought a civilian outfit?  It’s an Oxford gray suit, white shoes, black shirt, a yellow tie, and Jantzen swimming trunks for $35.  I had saved it to send home, then when I went ashore to send the money order I hauled off and bought it.  Boy, it is swell, I’ll send you a picture of it when I get one.  I’m sorry I spent it but it is too late now.  You know how I am about nice-looking clothes.

Listen you, tell Uncle Loy I said to come on out.  I’ve got a tough hide and I think I can speak all he can use except from my nose and shins.

Say I bet Aunt Iva couldn’t drive that far.  She so tired all the time.  But I wouldn’t mind if she would come to Bremerton as the Arizona is going in dry dock about that time and I could leave and come back with her.  That would be all right I think.  Tell her to come on out.  Say, I’ve forgotten Grandma’s address.  I wrote some time ago but the letter came back with the wrong address stamped on it.  Now listen, you let me take care of June and her parents.  Her mother is okay, but I haven’t met her father.  I haven’t sent the kimono yet, but I will.  It isn’t anything to wear, is just pretty like June and to be handled with care.  You know silk runs if you scratch it, I wonder if she would.

Say Kenny H was lucky getting that job.  I guess he was lucky in the crap game too.  But he’ll learn his lesson sometime.  I have already.  I haven’t touched a gambling game since I left home from boot leave.  And that isn’t the half of it either.  I’m not going to.  I went skating on my last liberty and I guess I had a little too much to drink because I got tossed out, but I got my money back.  I raised a big row over it.  I had more fun than I had had for a long time.  He thought I was too tight to think straight.  All I did was yell, “Hey Rube”, and about 20 sailors came tearing across the floor & that’s all it took.  The guy was shaking like a leaf when he handed me my money.  I didn’t have to lift a finger.  After that, I went out and ran around the block until I was sober, and then, why I went back in.  The bouncer didn’t even look at me.  After that everything was okey-dokey.  I had lots of fun skating with the girls.  Say, listen, if that Betty doesn’t stop telling everything she knows I’ll wring her neck.  She told everyone at school that June and I were going to be married as soon as I came back.  That might be so, but she didn’t have to spread it like Walter Winchell.  June said she felt like two cents waiting for change.  Well, I guess I’ll close now.  I’ve written over three pages.  That ought to make up for all the short ones I sent.  Your loving son, Harry Lynn

PS Thanks for the address.  I’ll write as soon as I can & I’m glad you liked the trip, it should of done you some good.  HM

PSS or PPS Don’t mind the pencil I ran out of ink and it is up above about four decks.  Love and kisses

 

June 27, 1936

Dear Mom:

It’s been several days since I’ve written to anyone so I guess I’ll start in now.  I haven’t heard from you for several days, what’s the matter, sick again?  I’ve got some pictures I’m going to send home.  They were taken at Panama, onboard and in Long Beach.  Here’s a couple of them now.  I’ll send the rest when I get them out of the photography shop.  Did I tell you I bought some new civvies?  I guess I shouldn’t have, but I get so tired of this uniform I could tear it up.  It feels good to have a white shirt on and pointed shoes.  Well, I’ve gone and done what I swore up and down I wouldn’t.  Don’t let Betty get a hold of this.  I got me a girl here.  I haven’t heard from June for quite a while, so I guess she did too.  I think she’s mad because I didn’t send her that stuff.  Well, the new girl’s name is Betty Goodheim.  She looks a little like our Betty.  Got dark curly hair and blue eyes and pretty as a picture.  Listen, if Betty sees this, everyone in school will know and I haven’t exactly split up with June anyway.  June’s a swell kid.

I’ve got a 48-hour liberty over Saturday and Sunday.  I’m going out to see her.  Probably stay for dinner Sunday.  Her sister is married to a sailor on the West Virginia, and she lives in Seattle Washington.  We’re going to get together and have a little party of our own, you know, beer and cards and little dancing.

How are all the kids?  Tell them I said hello, and that runt Bob can stick his head in a bucket of paint.  Maybe he’ll look clean if the buckets got white paint in it.  I fell overboard the other day.  I was over the side on a boatswain’s chair and just started to get up on deck and I fell in.  The boys threw me a line and I came up all wet.  Does Barb still ask for me?  Can she talk yet?  Boy, I’d like to see her.  Has Dad got his bonus yet?  Maybe that’s why there’s no mail from home.  They’ve paid off out here.  I saw some of the movie actors going into action with their bonus money.  I hope dad is getting along now.

I’ve got mess duty for the next three months.  Not because I did anything, because everyone has to have that much mess duty.  I’ve been transferred from the antiaircraft battery to the big turret guns.  I’m way down in the bottom of the ship.  I operate a conveyor for powder & projectiles.  Well, I guess I’ll quit, only 15 minutes till chow time & I have to wash up.

Your son, Harry L M

 

July 4, 1936                                San Francisco

Dear Mother:

Haven’t received any mail from home, I’ve just about forgotten what my name sounds like.  Why don’t you write?  I don’t think I’ve had an answer to my last letter.  I get a letter from June about once every two weeks.  I guess she’s about forgotten.  Oh well, I guess there are other girls in the world.  I’ve written to Eva twice & once to Earl Malson (cousins) but I haven’t received any answer yet and it’s been close to three weeks.

We’re in San Francisco now & it’s the 4th.  We had a big parade but I wasn’t in it because I’m mess cooking now.  How are Barbara & the kids getting along now? I’d like to see how that kid brother of mine is.  Tell him to write me a line or two.  Boy, you ought to see the ship now.  She’s got all colors flying with string from the stern to main mast.  Boy, it’s a pretty sight.  Frisco looks a lot like Indianapolis, but there’s something lacking.  Maybe it’s because I’m not acquainted there.  I’ve only been on one liberty since we’ve been here.  We’re going to Pearl Harbor from here I guess.  While there isn’t much more to say except I love you all, okay.

Love, your son

PS  Here’s the menu we had for chow today.  And this is one of the envelopes they sell at our post office.  Harry

July 5, 1936

Dear Mother:

Received your welcome letter with Dad’s today.  Boy I wish Dad would write a little more.  He could write some good ones.  I guess he doesn’t have to worry about me getting married because I have to.  I might get that way and marry some girl, but not because of that.  How is Ralph, (cousin) anyway?  Too bad he has to stick around.  He’d make a real sailor.  Today is Sunday and we had a mess of visitors, all kinds of good-looking girls and landlubbers gazing around.  You’re right about having to wait a while before I come home.  And listen, if you haul off and faint when I come in, I’ll give you plenty of warning so you can be prepared.  I’m glad you got the shop paid for.  That’s one step to old times.  And getting along better is another one to those $20 Sat.  Why Mom, if you decide to move be sure and get a better place.  Don’t forget that’s an ideal place for the baby to play in.  I’ll bet she some sight, all banged up.  There go hammocks.  I’ll finish tomorrow.  I’ve got a little time before the movie call.  The picture tonight is “I Married a Doctor”.

Boy, I have got a drag at the bakery.  I ran into the Baker ashore last liberty & gave him about half a quart of port wine that I had.  That makes him my lasting friend.  Every time we have pie now, I can get all of it I want.  And anytime I feel hungry, I can get in there and get a cup of Joe & a roll or something.  He’s a 6’4” redhead.  He’s a pretty good guy all right.  I got a drag in the galley & fruit too.  I ought to have some pretty good tips next payday.  They’re not supposed to tip the mess cook, but if they don’t tip this one, they don’t eat.

I found out it won’t pay to transfer now. I’m going to wait until I make Seaman 1^stCl. I’ll have a better chance then to make the grade.  I found out something else, too.  If you’re married on your first cruise you can’t ship over so I think I’ll get married.  Got some pictures of the invitation but I can’t send them home yet, because I promised my girl I show them to her before I sent them anyway.

Wimpy, a master-at-arms in my section has got a book I’d like for dad to read.  Wouldn’t do though for mom though.  She would skin me alive for sending such trash home.  So I guess I won’t.  Well Dad, by the time I get home I’ll have to shave pretty regular.  I guess I’ll get some on the cuff when I do.  I’ve just got enough hair on my face that it looks bad not to shave.

I got a letter from Earl at the same time I got yours.  He said he had signed up all right.  I gave him some dope, but he’s still going to come.  I told him to tell them he was my brother & he’ll get on the ship.  He said he would do that.  So that makes two in the family that’s in the Navy.  By the way, have we got some relation out here on the coast somewhere?  I thought I heard grandma say something about a sister or brother of hers out here someplace.  Well, I guess I’ll close with love.

Your son, Harry Lynn

PS don’t mind that last letter.  I was down in the dumps because I hadn’t heard from the girlfriend in Long Beach.  She’s one keen gal.  Pretty brown eyes and lots of freckles.  Harry

Tell Kenny to write or I’ll tear up a rampage.

 

USS Arizona, San Pedro, California, 6th division

July 21, 1936

Dear Mother:

Received your letter the 17^th, with one from Charlie’s cousin, one from Long Beach, and one from a girl in Portsmouth, Iowa.  That’s more letters and I’ve gotten for a long time, they were all welcome.  I was going to send Uncle Loy’s three dollars this payday but for some reason or other, I didn’t have any money on the books.  I guess it was because of my allotment.  Even at that, I should of had some coming.  I drew five dollars last payday and five dollars in small stores.  With my $15 out for allotment that makes $25 for this month and I’m supposed to have $41 coming in a month now.  I guess I’ll have to check up on my account.  I’ll send some home as soon as I get it.

Were supposed to go out to sea this Thursday and have firing practice for main gunnery school.  I am in a turret handling room for that.  When we have short-range firing, I’ll be on an antiaircraft gun as pointer and sight setter.

Boy, this place is really hot down here.  It doesn’t cool off at night like it does in California.  I haven’t had the money to go ashore on liberty, but while we were in dry-dock I went ashore on the station grounds.  It sure is a big place.  Pretty too.  The grass on the lawn is perfect with palm trees and snapdragons on vines all around.  It looks like a park.  I almost wish we lived here.  The fellows that went ashore said that the cheapest work down here was six dollars a day.  It cost to live down here though because everything has to be imported.

How is everyone?  I wish I could see the kids and the gang.  It’s a wonder Bill M hasn’t written.  I’ve written to three or four times but haven’t received any answers.  Is Dad’s shop still picking up a business?  I hope so.

There is a boy here by the name of Zinn from West Virginia.  We kind of buddy around a little but he’s trying to get a special order.  He told me he went down and talk to the chaplain and he told Zinn to have a letter sent from home stating that they need him at home and to have an unconcerned sign it as witnesses to the fact in front of a notary.  I hope he makes it, because he’ll go over the hill.

I wish I could get out some way, but I guess I can’t.  The cost is too much to get out.  Amnesty at arms said is around $300.  It would take a long time to save up that much.  I’ve been trying to leave a little on the box, but it seems I never have more than $5 or $10 coming.  The other day I lost aprons in the laundry and before that, I lost two suits of civvies & a whole white uniform.  About a month ago someone picked up a pair of my new shoes.  I’ve only got one good pair so all have to have another.

To tell the truth that show isn’t so hot all the time.  Whenever we have steak it is tough, leather.  They usually burn the beans & the cornbread has always got a half-inch crust on the bottom.  Boy, everything we’ve had in our memories is really good.  I send an Our Navy magazine home.  You’ve probably got it by now.  That’s a magazine we get once a month.  It cost us two bits I can get subscriptions for five a year and have it sent home if you want it.  At the end of the year, you can get a folder with all 12 issues in it.  I don’t drink much, just 17 a while when now with the fellows.  I haven’t had any since we left Pedro this last time.  I had four pictures taken and that was the first one.  I don’t know what made me look that way.  It was the only one with a cigarette in my mouth.  I wasn’t drunk.  The other three turned out pretty good.  I sent two to June and one to a girl in Long Beach & I don’t know what became of the other one.  Gee, it doesn’t seem like Edna is 20.  It seems like only a week ago they lived in that big gray house on Churchman Avenue, and Ed was playing with dolls, and I went over my gray suit and played with Uncle Jim and the boys.

Too bad Joyce fell and hurt herself.  Doggone, Barbara will be a toothless old woman before she can talk if she doesn’t watch out.  Does she still know my picture?  Well, I’ve got to go to mess cooks inspection so I’ll close with love.   Harry

PS tell dad to write again I like to hear from him.

 

July 27th (in an envelope commemorating crossing the equator)

Dear Mother:

Received your letter today with Bob and Pauline’s.  Tell Pauline I haven’t had a chance to go over to see Honolulu yet.  I didn’t know until today that Bob had a bike.  Why don’t you let them ride it to the show.  It wouldn’t hurt anything and he could put it in that parking space behind the show.  I didn’t know George was on the Penn. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Pennsylvania_(BB-38)  It is in 600 yards from here.  In fact I can see it from where I’m writing here in the casemate.  Here he’s been in sight all this time and I didn’t know it.

I got a letter from Charlie, with yours & he said he had his own truck now, and making nine dollars a day.  He’s only got two more payments on his car now.  He said too that he wished I was there, and so do I.  Wonder if I could get out.  What does George’s wife look like?  I’ll bet she is from Dago, Pedro or Long Beach.  I thought I told you I was in Honolulu.  I guess I wrote it so many times I just forgot to send the word home.

I’m in the spud locker this week.  Today is the first day, it isn’t bad at all.  I can eat all the fruit and vegetables I want.  They made some lemonade today and boy did it taste good.  We just about had a battle royale with some big guy called Arkie.  He’s the biggest coffer on the ship I think.  He hogged the pitcher till the spud king took it away from him & we had to make some more so the rest of us would have some.  I could go for Seaman 1C next quarter if I wasn’t mess cooking now.  I’ve already got my manual but I don’t have enough time to study it.  I wrote to Uncle Harve about a month ago but haven’t received any answer yet.  I don’t know why.  I got a bunch of letters in my locker now the but I can’t mail them till payday as I’m out of stamps right now. Don’t send any though, because by the time this gets there we will be paid.

Were going out to fire again tomorrow and they’re using full charges.  The powder bags weigh 99.32 pounds now instead of 66.25.  Well got to close now.

Your son, Harry Lynn Malson 

August, 1936                           Pearl Harbor

Dear Mother:

You said in your letter that you were glad I was still in the States.  Well, I am in Honolulu, but we’re starting for the states today.  I think we will get there about the 21^st.  I hope I get there before Uncle Charlie leaves, I’d like to take him around LA.  The time passes accordingly.  If you’re busy and everything is running smooth it passes pretty quickly.  Tell Dad I said to write often, I like to hear from him.

I wish you would find out what that address is.  I’ll have to have it to get leave.  I wish you were coming, boy, you could see the $40,000,000 home I live in.

I was interrupted by the head mess cook to carry stores, you know those hundred pounds sacks of flour from the lower deck’s.  Then went the AA call so I’ve got to beat it again.  My mistake was getting underway before call.  Sounded like antiaircraft, but it wasn’t.  This is the last time I’ll see Honolulu till February.  Then I will come back for five months.  I won’t be able to send you any money now till I get back to Long Beach again.  You know, no correspondence at sea.  Boy, I’ll be glad to get back to the States again.  I’m going to put in for five days’ leave if Uncle Charlie is still there.  I’ll take him out and show him a real-time.  I hope in an hour or so Honolulu will be out of sight and I haven’t made a liberty there.  Wish I could have thought, at least once, to see what it was like. We have been having some pretty nice weather here too.  During our gas attack yesterday, we were sure sweating with those gas masks on.  I was supposed to have an arm wound, the gun, sight setter, and fuse setter were killed.  The gun was damaged and all communication was cut off.  All this was done to see what we would do in such an emergency.  Our gun was commended for it, accuracy and alertness in finding subs, the other day.

Straight from the fleet, new guy, J G Wilmer, or something like that.  I looked out the porthole a minute ago and saw the islands.  Now I looked out and can’t see anything but sky and water.  Last night at the show the picture was “Speed” and showed part of the racetrack right there at home. (ED: Indianapolis 500, 1936 Movie starring Jimmy Stewart ) Boy, did it look good.  Well, there isn’t any news so I guess I’ll close with love.

Your son,  Harry L Malson

PS 1st Class Mess Cook   ha ha Ha

PPS there’s some more pictures, keep them for me.

 

August 9, 1936

Dear Mother:

Received your letter yesterday and just found time to answer it today.  Been pretty busy lately with gas attack drills & long-range practice.  They have been using tear gas on us & boy you ought to see these guys put on their mask when the word is passed to prepare for a gas attack.  I’m talker on gun seven on the second set up & boy those orders really burn up wires when something is coming off.  I still haven’t been ashore in Honolulu yet.  Can’t seem to get around to it.  There is always something coming up.  I paid my ship service bill payday, so I’m off restriction now.  I only drew five and left $15 on the books.  Next payday I only have $15 coming because of my allotment.  I’m going to keep on letting money ride & maybe I can put in for leave in about three months or maybe a little more.  The Arizona – on the air right now on 9BQ.  Boy, are these boys going to town.  Our band is playing some, hot time now.  I’ll tell you about it as it comes.  We’ve got a whole hour and our announcer is full of puns and jokes.  Bob Errington, a colored man’s attendant, is singing.  He’s another Cab Calloway and Al Jolson mixed.  All my love is the title of the song.  Blue Melody.  Next is Bing Burkett, another crooner singing the same song interlude while the band plays and I break out my pipe and tobacco.  No more scribbling.  My beard is getting so I have to shave it at least three times a week now, the salty air brings it out like weed or boils.  That’s a real band we have got, mostly Filipinos.

Next song by the band isIs it true what they say about Dixie accompanied by a trio and boys in the band singing, hot stuff I say.  There will be a big blowout for the boys tonight I bet.  You wait and see.  We got a tough old skipper but there’s some soft spots.  We didn’t have an inspection.  It’s going too good, though.  He’ll pop up with something one of these days.  It‘s a sin to tell a lie by a Yeoman played on the harmonica.  This guy has a technique all his own.  You can pull the wool over my eyes by the same performer.  Loud applause by the audience.  Another Errington song If I could lose you.  Very romantic.  Well, I guess that’s about all.  The band & Bing Burkett & Errington, maybe more, I don’t know.  I’ve run out of ink had to go bum a refill.  I answered your last letter and nothing much is happening.  A couple of guys are getting a summary court-martial for gambling.  Looks like they’ll get the old boot.

Here’s to the kids in gang.  Tell Grandma I said hello.  Your son, Harry

September 1936 image showing Arizona (BB-39) in her final configuration. Note the walkway around her pilothouse, which distinguished her from Pennsylvania (BB-38). Antiaircraft range finders are visible on her range finder platform with 5-inch directors at the emergency cabin level (that is, the level below the navigating bridge) one of them is visible against the after leg of the tripod foremast in a Puget Sound refit completed in March 1939, the funnel searchlight were relocated to the mainmast machine gun platform, their own platform being taken over by a pair of 0.50-caliber machine guns.

USN photo.
Text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.

http://www.navsource.org/archives/01/39a.htm

October 8, 1936

Dear Mother:

I’m sorry I haven’t written for so long.  It was just plain neglect on my part.  I got a letter from Grandma giving me the devil for not writing.  I wrote a letter to you the day before they left for home.  You hadn’t answered it in so long, I guess it was lost in the mail.  I didn’t put any return address on it.  We just got in port tonight from a week out to sea for more war games and maneuvering.  I haven’t had a wink of sleep for over 40 hours.  There’s been so much doing lately, in the way of a novel.  Oh yes, about a week ago I met a girl and her mother at the Navy landing.  She was pretty nice, but I found out later she was taking lessons as a snake dancer.

I’m going out for Seaman first class next quarter.  I don’t know whether I will make it or not.  I don’t think there is any opening now, but I’ll have it in my record anyway.  I was up to see the folks a couple of times.  There are still well and happy.  Uncle Aus is working all the time, at least every time I go out there.  Well, there isn’t anything else to say, except I wish I was on my way home.

Your son, Harry Lynn

October 15, 1936

Dear Mom:

Haven’t received any mail for quite a while and since I neglected to write, I guess I better make up for it.

For the last 10 days we’ve been tied up to the Medusa, a repair ship.  Boy, let me tell you they really turned us too.  They’re giving us a complete overhauling from stem to stern.  I’m on side cleaning duty again, but I think I’m going to get transferred to the C division as a ship’s cook.  The boys say it’s a fast rate so I may get promoted in six or nine months.

Mom, I’m really enjoying life now.  I’m in debt a little but that doesn’t get me down.  I have a new Elgin watch now, 15 jewels & three tailored uniforms.  I’m saving two of them to wear when I come home.  I’ll probably have a surprise for you when I get there.  Not much, but something to remember me by.  I’ve met a swell girl in LA and boy is she nice.  She lives with a rich uncle in Willowbrook Park.  It isn’t a park, just a name for one of the suburbs in LA.

Has dad got out of the hospital yet?  You didn’t give me his address when you wrote, so I could write him.  I know I’ve been pretty low not writing, just that there so many things to do all the time now, I just don’t write much.  I’ve written about 45 letters in the last six weeks.

Boy, Mom, you should hear our orchestra.  We’ve got a new chief bandmaster.  He’s really made the boys get down to #’s and flats.  They play about three times a day just after meals for an hour.  Well I’ve got to work, so I’ll close with love.

Your son, Harry Lynn

Tell all the kids I said hello and not to forget me.  Do you know I am 17 years and 25 days old today?

Love and kisses XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO   one for each year

November 5, 1936

Dear Mother,

I’m sorry I haven’t written, but I been out to sea most of this week firing Baker, night spotting and night battle. Boy, when those babies roar you can hear it for weeks later.  My ears are still ringing.  We’re back to our old anchorage again though now.

Where was dad when they blew up the shop?  I hope he wasn’t around.  I know what explosives can do.  I saw one guy get blown to kingdom come when he dropped a star shell and didn’t run.  They don’t go off for about five seconds after you drop one on its nose, and he picked it back up.  I’m not anywhere near anything like that, though.  We had a swell firing and were commended on it by the Admiral.  When the Maryland fired, I was ship’s firing spotting recorder, for her.  My post was on an altimeter in secondary forward.  Boy, I could see everything perfectly without being close to the guns.

I’m sorry Mom, but I won’t get to come home Christmas like I wanted to.  I’ve gotten into a hole like you warned me not to, and I’ve got to pay for it.  I owe about $50 on things I bought, and I have to pay my locker bill every month.  I need shoes and a uniform.  So I guess there won’t be any leave for me before next summer.  Too bad Bob is selling his bike.  Wish I could do something about it.  Here is six bucks, it might help a little to buy coal. I’m going to have to stay aboard for a while till I get paid up.  I haven’t heard from Earl anymore.  I wrote him but didn’t get any answer.  Charlie C. wrote about a week ago, but I haven’t written back yet.  Gee, he’s a pretty swell guy.  Well, I’ve got to turn to now, I’ll finish later.  Just knocked off work, it is about 4:30.

Tell Joyce that I like the ocean swell, but I wish I was on an ocean liner or a tramp steamer.  The strike hasn’t hit the Navy yet.  In fact, I haven’t been ashore to see what it was all about.  The Pedro docks are tied up, but the Navy has its own docks, so it doesn’t bother us any.  They sent all the cruisers up to Seattle, I don’t know whether they will have any trouble or not.

Boy, Dad ought to be out here so he could fish.  Some guy in the bakery pulled up a 45 pound sea bass about a week ago.  They been catching small ones, about 25 and 30 pounds, regular.

Dear Joyce and Pauline:  I’m feeling fine right now, but I wish I was home for a while.  I wish I could make it before Christmas, but I’m afraid I won’t get too.  I haven’t been out to Uncle Aus’s for quite a while, but I’m going out tomorrow when I read liberty.  Maybe they’ll take some pictures.  I’m going to wear my civvies.  They said for me to wear them the next time I came out.  They always ask if I’ve heard from home.  I’ve got some things to send home, but it cost too much to send it so I’m going to wait till I come home.  When I get out to Aus’s I’m going to see if I can move my stuff out there.  I don’t like these locker clubs, they’re a bunch of chiselers.  Boy, that guy Wimpy Hallsworth gets me.  He’s a petty officer and boy has he got a big head.  I told him to walk over the side and he got all hard about it and was going to put me on report, but he didn’t.  Well, I gotta sign off.  Pipe down is going pretty soon.

Your son, Harry L Malson

November 19, 1936                            San Pedro, California

Dear Mother:

We just got in port about a half an hour ago and I got your letter about five minutes ago, how’s that for service? Boy, it sure good to get a letter from home.  I don’t get any from anyone else anymore.  That was a pretty good paper of Joyce’s.  I’m glad the babies up, but what’s the matter with Betty?  I hope it isn’t serious.  Tell Bob to hang on to his bike for a while.  Maybe I can send some money to fix it up, he’ll need it, I know from experience.  Five bells just went, that’s 6:30.

I just cleaned my locker out.  Boy it had enough junk and letters in it for two or three guys.  I threw a mess of them away.  I won’t draw any pay this payday because it goes to pay on my suit.  We’re having bag inspection by the Admiral Saturday, I’m going to get out of it if I can, I haven’t got a full bag.

While we were in Frisco, they opened the Golden Gate Bridge.  Boy, let me tell you that’s a real feat of engineering.  Is 5 ½ miles long and over 4 ¼ miles of water.  It’s got eight traffic lanes and two decks.  Jean Harlow was the third one to cross it.  They got another one started at the mouth of the bay.  It is being built by the same company, the American Construction Inc.

Do you remember Jean Nickerson, the girl that lived out by Aunt Naomi’s?  I’ve been getting a letter about once a month from her.  She’s a pretty swell kid.  Gee, I wish Bill would write.  I had one letter from him since I left, and I wrote him about five times.  Kenny won’t write either, Charlie writes though.  Well, I’ve got to go now, hammocks just went.  I had to stop a few minutes ago, it’s nine bells now and almost time for the movie.  I’ll write again.

Your loving son, Harry

November 28, 1936

Dear Mother:

I received your letter today.  Sorry to hear about Betty, she’s a good kid but I could spank her sometimes.  Don’t tell her, but there’s a watch down in the canteen I’m going to get for her.  Boy, it’s a keen one.  I hope she likes it.  I won’t be able to send much home, so if I miss someone it won’t be my fault.  What I do get, they’ll be able to keep and use.  We’re here in Port for about five weeks now and there hasn’t been much doing.  Next week, we’ve got a bunch of firing drills to do.  Lugging those dummy shells around is some fun, I’m telling you.  I’ve got some menus and some pamphlets to send home, but haven’t got anything to send them in yet.

We really had a big feed Thanksgiving, everything from Turkey to fruit cocktail.  I’m glad you got some work, I know will help out.  How is dad coming in the shop?  He ought to be getting along all right.

They are asking for men to go to submarine school but only Seaman 1stC can go, and I won’t be able to make that for six months or more now, because I got put on report.  That makes me ineligible for that time.

Has Bob still got his bike?  Let them hang on to it for a while, maybe I can fix it up sometime.  Did I tell you I was going to get a motorcycle?  Well I am.  Sometime after Christmas, I’ll probably make the trip home on it.  Of course it would take longer, but it will cost less.  I want to stop in Oklahoma on the way.

Well there isn’t anything going on so I’ll close with love, your son, HLM

December 11, 1936                             San Pedro, California

Dear Mom:

Boy was I glad to read that letter.  Dad was sure lucky to get his old corner, I feel like a million bucks now.  I was kind of worried for a while.  I got a card from Earl the same time I got your letter.  He says Juanita got married.  Her address is 1626 Broadway, Paducah, Kentucky.  He was burnt up because I hadn’t written for a month.  He said if I don’t write soon he was coming out here and look me up.  I’ve got duty this week and I relieved a guy on mess duty so he could go ashore.  I haven’t been ashore for quite a while, so I haven’t had a chance to go out to Uncle Aus’s, but they don’t miss me much, I don’t think.  How is Grandma and all the rest of the family?  I wrote to Bill and K.H.  but  haven’t had any answer yet.

I’ve put in for 10 days leave after Christmas I think I’ll go down to old Mexico with a shipmate of mine.  We’re going to hitchhike.  We only have about $10 a piece, but will get along, I guess.  I’ll tell you and dad about the little señorita’s I see down there.  I’m on the Bos’n Mates list and got a month anchor watches for corking off a while back.  Boy, he hates my guts.  We had three whale boat races yesterday.  It was the first second and third division of the Arizona, Nevada, Mississippi, New Mexico and the California.  We pulled second in two of them and a first in one.  Not a bad average.  We might win the Ironman trophy yet.  Today is Sunday and I’ve got a lot of time, but I can’t think of anything to write about, so I guess I’ll knock off and drop Earl a line.  He signed his card your brother Earl Malson.

Your son, Harry Malson