January 18, 1945 (From Jenille Wicklund)

4136 – 10th Avenue South

Minneapolis Minnesota

January 18, 1945.

Dear Dip:

How are you feeling? I hope you are as fit as a fiddle. Our family is fine and healthy.

In school we are writing to our friends and relatives in uniform. I’m writing this letter in my history class and I hope you will answer it. Billy also wrote a letter to Cousin Arlo who has shipped out.

These letters are supposed to be cheerful so here goes.

Did you ever hear of the Frenchman who said he would rather work twelve hours for the Nazies than two hours for the Allies. A pleased German officer rushed him to the German Labor Recruiting Office, who was desperate for help. The officer in charge asked what kind of work he did: The volunteer replied “I’m a grave digger.”

Friday, January 19, our band is giving a concert and the glee club will sing. I play the marimba and tomorrow another girl and I play a solo. I am sure scared.

Today everyone took their report cards around for marks in citizenship. Next week we take them around for marks which tell what grades we get. I can imagine what mine will be.

Here’s another joke! “Why do people say smart as a steel trap asked the talkative boarder? The bored landlady replied “Because they know exactly the right time to shut up.”

As your birthday is rolling around and I most likely won’t be writing you again for some time I shall take this time to wish you Happy Birthday.

Your cousin,

Jenille Wicklund

P.S. Please write me.