Sgt. Stanley W Safford 39539976
5th Auxiliary Surgical Group
APO 339
c/o Post Master
New York New York
Marseille Area, France - 19
July 19, 1945
Dearest Mother:
Another eight days have gone by and I
have not touched pen or paper during that time, so decided to finally put my
mind to a few lines this afternoon.
During the past week I visited Marseille once and as usual came home
quite tired as you know how I walk once I get started. I visited the Cathedral there and was really quite impressed by it. It stands atop a hill overlooking the entire
city and the bay. A person can se
everything from the front portice. Inside
is some of the most beautiful mosaic work I have ever seen. Most of it done with gold and silver with the
other colors inlaid. After the cathedral
I went to the theater to see Katherine
Hepburn and Spencer Tracy in “No Love”. I did not think much of it.
The statue of Mary and child which is
many feet high and weighs 5-6 ton atop the church is one of the most beautiful
things I have yet seen. It is all gold
gilded and may be seen for a good many miles in all directions. On a close bright day the statue glitters in
the sunlight.
Receiving a letter from Jay telling
me of a great triumph the dinner was etc, etc, but was very amused to hear your
version of it. I certainly do not envy
you on such parties.
Sorry to hear of you having more trouble
with the Buick after getting it from the shop.
Hope you are able to get it in good shape again.
Yes I can well imagine the neighbors
and the garden which they will have in that run down place. It has never had any real good care and it
will take some time before they get any real results. I am very much afraid that the neighborhood
is going to the dogs.
Has Richard Miner said what he was going to do upon his return to the Air corps? They may keep him right
there n the states somewhere.
Have received your letters 30 and
31. The latter was received yesterday in
very good time.
Was glad to hear that Dad had a nice
birthday. I had wanted to get him
something but I am in no place here for that.
While in town I got some French “Greeting
cards of no great value, but they are something to have for people o their
birthdays etc. Well have to get a couple
off for Marshall and Joseph, or at
least ready to mail, since I very likely will not have the chance when their
birthday comes around.
It must seem very strange for you to
have children around the age of Virdens.
It very likely does you a lot of good tho.
Glad to know what you think of Marshall and wife. I rather suspected by reading between the
lines of his last letter that all was not well.
George always said Marshall
needed someone to cheer him up so maybe he now has his wish. I sincerely hope Marshall will be happy and
will not regret his marriage. He may
have decided that him being alone was no good so he may have decided to get
married in a hurry. He never liked to be
alone.
I can just see you in the kitchen
canning cherries, apricots etc just as you used to do. Why don’t you low down a little?
I mailed a package yesterday
containing some books. One of which is a
book of prints which Olson gave
me. The others are some children’s books
which you can put away for me except for three of them which are inscribed on
the inside of front cover to Jon. I want you to take the prices off them and
sometime while out that way take them in.
I think there is one large and two small ones for him. Then there is
some picture postcards for my collection.
The weather here has been very hot
and as always a lot of dust blowing around.
I wish we would have a real downpour.
Glad to hear of the painting arriving
in goo shape, but have begun to wonder what has happened to parachute silk and
jackets which were sent some time before.
Quite surprised to hear of you all
being invited to Richard Miners
wedding. Really must be quite an
affair. Where are they going to live?
Perhaps it would be a good idea to
again restock the rabbits and start again.
Better results perhaps would be had.
The combs, watch band etc were all in
good shape and the olive spread was very good on some crackers Ryan had one evening.
The fuchsia very likely got too much
water or not enough or some borer got into the stock.
I am looking forward to seeing the
pictures you mention.
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Well all for this time and I hope you
are all in good health and do enjoy yourselves when you can.
All my Love,
Your son,
Stanley
Enclosed one (1) postcard of chateau d’If
