Letter from James C. Fanning to his family, October 1, 1949

Title

Letter from James C. Fanning to his family, October 1, 1949

Description

James C. Fanning, Class of 1953, wrote these letters to his family during his four years as a cadet at The Citadel.

Source

A2013.1

Publisher

The Citadel Archives & Museum

Date

Rights

Materials in The Citadel Archives & Museum Digital Collections are intended for educational and research use. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright. For more information contact The Citadel Archives & Museum, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, 29409.

Relation

James C. Fanning Cadet Letter Collection

Format

application/pdf

Language

English

Type

Text

Identifier

https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/528

Coverage

Charleston (S.C.)

Date Valid

Text

[Page 1]
Dear Daddy, Mother, and Sandy,

It is precisely 11:07 Saturday morning and Bob and I have just gone through SMI (Saturday morning inspection) which is quite rough. The Army officer assigned to inspect our barracks is Col. Williams the Asst. Commandant. He and Sgt Frieda, the band director, went over our rooms with a “fine tooth comb.”

Never worry if I don’t write for a certain period of time it is just that I am very busy. They certainly take good care of us with the bars and all. They know where you are every minute of the day.

The days are getting to be just about the same with the exception of the schedule

[Page 2]
differences. They, the teachers, are really working us hard, but it is interesting. I hope it stays that way.

At night and during our free periods we just study and shine.

Got your package this week today. I surely did need that blanket for it is getting cold and the weather here gets under your skin. Could you possibly send another box next week with my wool bathrobe, Fundamentals of Trigonometry, and Fund. of Chemistry. Both books have jackets on them, also my conf. Flag that doesn’t have the white border on it. Enclosed is a folder on the plays I told you about. They cost $4 for the series - cheaper than a movie, and mighty educational. You can deduct .50 from my allowance until it is paid for, if you will let me go. Another boy is planning to go with me. He is Charles Caroon from Arizona.

Last night Bob and I went

[Page 3]
to the show. We saw “House of Strangers.” It was very unusual and very good. I sound like Daddy don’t I.

Many of they boys went to Florence last night to see the freshmen team play Newberry (Bullpups - 19 & Newberry -12) It cost $3.10 to go on the special train so I decided not to go. I am glad I didn’t since they got back last night at 3:00 A.M. and had to get up at 6:15 and stand a formal inspection. On that list of things to send add a slipover sweater I sure could use one. I am freezing to death.

Everybody in the barracks it seems has a cold. I believe it is this crazy weather. Hot one day and cold the next.

I wrote Hilton yesterday

[Page 4]
and told him if he had time to drop by and see those paper clippings. If he comes by tell him everything about it.

We are going to have a big dance here on November 11 with Freddie Martin’s orch.

Things sure are cheap in this town - shows, .48 at night and Sunday, cabfare - anywhere in town .25 and bus fare .05.

I am using fifteen cents a week to take the News & Courier. It costs me .30 a week Bob pays half. We can keep up with the world. I sure would like to have the radio we can play it anytime between revillie and call to quarters. Call to quarters is study period and is at 7:30. So it wouldn’t interfere with my studies. They have some in town for $12.75, but I haven’t

[Page 5]
looked very much. I may go this afternoon and see what I want cheaper.

Bob is a very nice boy. He comes from Paintsville, Ky. which is about 80 miles from Lexington. He has a friend here in the junior class who plays football and is a first sgt. He keeps us informed as to what to do at different times. Bob played football in high school, but not here. He plays bugle in the large drum and bugle corp.

Anything you were wondering about just write and ask. If you can think of anything I need just drop into the box and send it on.

I still like it alot here. They still treat us rough. Demerits start next week so that’s

[Page 6]
when it gets worse when we have to walk punishment tours.

That’s all I guess.
Lots of love,
Jimmy

Citation

Fanning, James C., “Letter from James C. Fanning to his family, October 1, 1949,” The Citadel Archives Digital Collections, accessed March 28, 2024, https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/528.