[Letter from Grover Barron Bishop to Jane Bishop, June 3, 1941]

One of 17 items in the series: Grover Barron Bishop Collection available on this site.

Description

Letter from Grover Barron Bishop to his eldest sister, Jane Bishop, discussing life aboard the USS Arizona (BB-39) stationed in Pearl Harbor. He discusses the uncertainty of his and other sailors' fates, his thoughts on his sister getting married, ways to help his mother, and going into aviation.

Physical Description

[3] p. ; 11 x 8.5 in. + 1 envelope (3.875 x 7.5 in.)

Creation Information

Bishop, Grover Barron June 3, 1941.

Context

This letter is part of the collection entitled: National Museum of the Pacific War Digital Archive and was provided by the National Museum of the Pacific War/Admiral Nimitz Foundation to The Portal to Texas History, a digital repository hosted by the UNT Libraries. More information about this letter can be viewed below.

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National Museum of the Pacific War/Admiral Nimitz Foundation

Established in 1967, the Museum honors the 8 million Americans who served in WWII in the Pacific Theater by sharing their stories with the world. Located in Fredericksburg in the restored Nimitz "Steamboat" Hotel, the Museum partners with the Texas Historical Commission to preserve the historical resources of the era.

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Description

Letter from Grover Barron Bishop to his eldest sister, Jane Bishop, discussing life aboard the USS Arizona (BB-39) stationed in Pearl Harbor. He discusses the uncertainty of his and other sailors' fates, his thoughts on his sister getting married, ways to help his mother, and going into aviation.

Physical Description

[3] p. ; 11 x 8.5 in. + 1 envelope (3.875 x 7.5 in.)

Notes

The Pearl Harbor Collection contains personal narratives, photographs, diaries, correspondence, and governmental papers that relate to men, women, children and ships present at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Transcription of Item: "June 3, 1941
Pearl Harbor, T. H.

Dearest Sister,
Your letter was appreciated so much that I'm going to answer it by return mail. Maybe then I'll get another back pronto.
At the present I'm in a whirl myself. I hardly know which end is up + just how to decide. As you know we know absolutely nothing about out[sic] future + couldn't write it if we did. This uncertainty is worse than really knowing our fate. As it is we know nothing to look forward to.
Sis, you ask what I thought about you getting married. Well, you know what I did. I was sure I'd never find anyone I'd love as much as I did Johnnie so I married her. Jane, when you really find that person it won't make much difference to you where you live. The point is to be seen. So often the nature of things has so much to do with making us believe [illegible]. If you are sure + he has shown real signs of true love then I wouldn't hesitate. Of course I wouldn't marry a man that was [not] fairly well fixed. I don't mean rich or anything but just a good sturdy job with enough salary to support you both. I know I didn't have that when I married + it did work out fine but sis it was a long hard pull. In fact I'm still digging to keep the wolf away. In a way it was fun + Johnnie

[pg 2]was a great sport but I should have had more to start on. As you see money really is [not] absolutely necessary but it sure makes things go easier. So, if your[sic] are sure he is the right boy + your[sic] are the right girl then I'd say don't hesitate. After all married life is the happiest if it works out right. Let me know what you decide to do.
Sis, I wonder if you + I couldn't figure out something more definite for mother. Do you think it would be possible for her to come to California in the near future, for a visit. She seems set on going back to Ladonia + that just doesn't appeal to me. You + I both know she wouldn't be happy. She seems determined to work or do something so if we can't change her mind maybe we can find a good job. At the present there seems to be plenty of employment in Calif. + maybe with Anita's + Clara's help we could settle her there. Sis, why don't you, Lou + Mother come out for a little vacation. If I'm not there it would still be a nice trip + it isn't impossible for me to show up there this summer.
At the present I'm thinking about going into aviation. I've already began the procedure but as yet haven't started. I'll have to pass a very rigid physical examination in July + if I pass that I'll be almost in. So keep your fingers crossed + maybe some day your brother will be an aviator instead of just a grease monkey.

[pg 3]Well, sis, censorship keeps us from writting[sic] anything about the navy + you know that is all the news I have. So if I can't write that there just isn't anything to write. I am hoping I'll get the [illegible] to write you when out[sic] start[sic] home. Maybe if I can you'll meet me in California.
Just remember that I love my big sis a lot more then I'd be able to put into words. So please let brother know how you get along + what you decide to do.
Lots + lots of love to my big sister
From
Brother"

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National Museum of the Pacific War Digital Archive

The Digital Archive presents digitized collections from the Center for Pacific War Studies collections at the National Museum of the Pacific War. Collections and material are continuously being added and represent only a small portion of the archives' physical holdings.

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Creation Date

  • June 3, 1941

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Added to The Portal to Texas History

  • May 30, 2024, 6:40 a.m.

Description Last Updated

  • June 20, 2024, 10:56 a.m.

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Bishop, Grover Barron. [Letter from Grover Barron Bishop to Jane Bishop, June 3, 1941], letter, June 3, 1941; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1688950/: accessed June 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting National Museum of the Pacific War/Admiral Nimitz Foundation.

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