Freestone County, Texas
Letters


[Background:
    Letter is from Bobby Ray Bonner (1930-2016) to Tom "Tuck" Bonner (1935-2009)
    from when Bobby Ray was in the US Navy where he served from 1951-1954. The
    U.S.S. Klondike was a destroyer tender from 1945 to 1955 as flagship of the
    San Diego group, Pacific Reserve Fleet to its eventual sale in 1975. 
    
    "L. Reid" is Lesile Reid Bonner.
    U[ncle] Tom + A[unt] Laura is Tom Robinson Bonner and his wife Annie Laura 
(Willard) Bonner.
    Mrs. Willard and Hester are unknown.  
    ]

[Envelope:  
   from: Bob R. Bonner          to: Mr. Tom Bonner, Jr.
        Records Clerical           Fairfield, Texas
        U.S.S. Klondike
        U.S. Naval Station
        San Diego 36, Calif.
   via: Airmail          postmarked: San Diego, Calif. on Jul 22, 1954 at 1 PM
   stamps:  two purple 3 cent Thomas Jefferson stamps       
]

[Page 1]   
                                    Wednesday
Dear Tuck,   
  It has been much too long for me to write! I've had nothing to do to keep me
that busy, really but occupy my time by doing something and after Mrs. Willard
left us, I couldn't really express how I felt. The bad thing to me was thinking 
how different it will be when I come home again. But those are things we have to 
accept in life. Had addressed an envelope to her the day she went to the hospital 
(not knowing it at the time) but never did "get around" to putting a letter in it.
Just threw it away a few minutes ago.
  L. Reid says you are busy this summer as usual. Hope things get caught up + in 
good shape by the time school starts. Have you decided where you'll go. It is 
something too wonderful to miss. Am glad you'll go. A good time is usually had 
by all - but the study - periods don't hinder too much.
  This is an invitation for you to come out here (the family also but figure) 
you'd come near making it). The time doesn't matter but I'm expecting you. 
Would be nice to have U[ncle] Tom + A[unt] Laura though. It was a shock, + 
disappointment, not to get an invitation from you. IGuess this is the only way 
you'll be able to get back into my good graces. I'll not have enough $ to show 
you the state as it should be seen but we'll have a good time. The water is 
wonderful this year. It is usually too cold but not now. You'd love it.

[Page 2]
  Hester is really in good shape now. Hope she stays that way while I'm in 
college. Get out in 4 months. Will certainly be glad. School starts Jan. 4. That
will give me about a month to work so that means I won't be home for at least 
another year. Money is the main reason. Guess I should have taken lessons from
your Dad - but it gets so stale in the bank. Had rather keep mine in circulation.
   Have done nothing to speak of since the folks left. Guess I'll have to marry,
have my own family + worry over them to get completely settled. Little hinderences
keep coming up -- there are no girls my type. How is your love life.
   Let me hear from you soon. Will expect to have your arrival date in the letter.
                  Love, Bob