Letters to Uncle Gay

Pat meets Bob for the first time! He just got discharged from the marines and he is one beautiful man! Pat and Bob got married in 1955, but it seems like their romance was long in the making.

The Cocoanut Grove was a nightclub inside the Ambassador Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. A prominent blonde singer performing at the Cocoanut Grove was Martha Tilton known as the "Liltin' Miss Martha Tilton".

In this episode Pat reports about Wally's bad injury where he tore the tendons on his right arm on a broken bottle. Yuck! We also hear about dewy weather in Southern California.

Pat loved to bowl and she joined women's bowling leagues in the 50's and 60's. In fact Pat's youngest son, Thomas, not yet born as part of this series, became a competitive bowler and he even appeared on television throwing the ball.

Wouldn’t it be swell to sprout angel wings? An image of "the Luscious One" is on the Letters to Uncle Gay FB page post on January 17, 2026

What is Christmas without our dear Uncle Ugly.

During the 1940's the Coconut Grove at the Ambassador Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard was the premier, glamorous Los Angeles hot spot. Known for its tropical decor- featuring real palm trees from a Valentino film - it hosted big band music, Hollywood elite, and wartime service men, including hosting the Academy Awards until 1943.

On November 17, 1945 UCLA defeated Saint Mary's with a score of 13-7. The game was held in Los Angeles, where the Bruins handed the 7th ranked Gaels one of their only regular session losses.

What is OCS? Officer Candidate School Fred MacMurray and Claudette Colbert starred in "Practically Yours", a romantic comedy released in 1944.

We found the French Restaurant in Reno. It was called "The Whitehouse". It offered frog legs, sweatbreads, and chicken a la king. The Chicken A La King was a family tradition that Jerry made for her children. Not sure the kids were as impressed with that dish as she was. Jerry talked about going to the Wallace Beery movie, "Barbary Coast Gent". The character he played was Hones...

Again - the Palladium - must have been quite the place! the Hollywood Palladium opened on October 31, 1940,on Sunset Boulevard instantly becoming a premier Art Deco ballroom for big bands swing. Hosting 3000 plus dancers. Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra featuring a young Frank Sinatra headlined the opening night.

What are "false fronts"? Also known as "bullet bras" required to provide that extra oomph needed for the fashionable sweaters of the time. Danny Kaye was a legendary comedic actor known for his rapid-fire songs, physical comedy, and musical talents. His most iconic role was in White Christmas 1954

Recently uncovered letters from Jerry to Uncle Gaylord.

PFC equals poor flustered civilian

Jimmy Dorsey played at the famous Casino Gardens Ballroom near Santa Monica. There are live recordings from when he played there in 1945. "The More I See You" was recorded by Dick Haymes in 1945. Phrase: Glad Rags - these are clothes for a special occasion

Winnie's funeral episode. Also included are curious words about moist kisses and keeping one's lips lubricated. Jerry is "peeved" at Pat because Pat going on dates with Jerry's boyfriend

Some music recommendations: "I'm in the Mood for Love" "Molly and Me" One should avoid being Gravel Gerty for as long as possible. New phrase, "when we were groovie".

The Ambassador Hotel on Wilshire blvd, now-demolished, was known for Hollywood glamour and the home of the Coconut Grove nightclub. Camp Roberts, along both sides of the Salinas River in Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties and is now the primary training site of the California Army National Council. All those sailors!

This letter was included with a birthday card that I will post on the Letters to Uncle Gay Facebook Page. Some interesting new terms: Hot Legs Stems - referring to legs Pitching Coin "Pitching" was a new one for me. According to Google, "It's a swell night to be pitching" means it's a wonderful time for someone to make a romantic advance". Sounds right. The "coin" usage was also unique to me. Coin...

Germany surrendered unconditionally on May 7, 1945 with a signing in Reims, France leading to V-E Day celebrations as the fighting ended in Europe, though the war continued in the Pacific. What is a Monkey Suit - it is a tuxedo or evening wear for men What is a Skoonk? I have no idea

There are solid record recommendations: The More I Love You The Rest of My Life But That's the Way it is

Sounds like the Frisco trip was a great success, even if lobster wasn't up to her liking. We learned that Jimmie was "Stinko" and Mildred was very nice. We also learned about a new marriage proposal.

Music recommendations The Mills Brothers, The Andrew Sisters, and listening to the DJ, Al Jarvis. For "the Frisco Trip" they plan to stay at the Whitcomb Hotel San Francisco. Listen for the idioms: Pitch a Little Woo TNT Love Letters - sound pretty fun All that glitters is not gold My legs are unpadded Gals in the future will be stacked

In this episode we learn about the cost of Christmas trees and that it is not possible to buy Christmas lights due to war challenges. Pat talked about throwing the ribbons onto the tree after the presents were opened. We have a couple of fun sayings "sent us into stitches" and "breaking loose and putting in all of the glamor".

Listen for idioms such as: “cooking with gas” and “a dress that fits like a paper on the wall”. This letter was written to Uncle Gaylord with the armed services Little Creek Virginia. Haven’t been able to locate the dance location “Cosa Moma Nonna” but it sounds swell.