50) "I want to be my own boss" --Oct. 16, 1944

APO 920 = Base H, Biak, Dutch New Guinea- Schouten Islands
Mokmer Airstrip

Monday nite 10:30
Oct. 16th ’44

Dearest,

Suddenly found time to write again. Things have been very busy for me the last few weeks. I haven’t stopped ever since I got back from Australia. I sure hope things calm down soon so I can write you more often. I received your letter with the little notes from Ann & Bob & Bill. I really enjoyed the notes from the gang. Tell Ann that now that I have proof that she can write I better hear from her once in a while.

I don’t get to listen to that good music anymore in the evening. I really wish that this war would get over with so I can come back and live my life like I want to. Believe me after this is over I am never going to work for anybody. I want to be my own boss. I hope things are so that this will come true. Sometimes it seems like it will be so long till I see you again. Then at other times it seems like it will come soon, very soon. I guess it is all in what mood I am in. I haven’t read any books lately. I have “Botany Bay” and several others to read as soon as I find time.

I suppose you will have started school by the time this gets to you. Be sure to write me all about the school and the teachers & the people in you class. I bet you will be very busy for a week or so at the beginning. I hope you like it. School is lots easier to put up with when you like the school and the people. Will any of the kids you went to High School with be going out there this year?

How are my folks getting along? Have you seen them lately? They sure do write swell things about you and Ann.

I hope by this time you have gotten my letter with the money order in it. Be sure to pick a nice present for my Grandmother.

Just curiosity, but I happened to be looking at that last picture you sent me. Tell me honey just what is that you are holding in your hands, and speaking of pictures when is the next one going to get here?

Have you been to any good football games yet? Sure would like to see one. Don’t think I could play any football after being in this climate so long.

Darling the time is getting very late and I have to write to Mom & Pop before I go to sleep so I’ll close at the end of this page.

Remember that I still love you and that my one ambition is to come back and see how happy we can be with each other. I feel sure that I will be home before my next birthday.

Remember me to your Mom & Ann & the Gang,

Always thinking of you,
Jack

NOTES:

1. "I am never going to work for anybody"---After the war Jack did become his own boss.  When Jack returned he took over business operations that had been started by his grandfather Clarence Merriman, and run by his mother and aunt after Clarence's death at the beginning of the war.  At first this was primarily the Louisville Loan Company and managing commercial and residential properties purchased by Clarence.  Later Jack, in partnership with his mother and aunt, started the Jefferson Development company, building houses during the post-war boom.  The Jefferson Company evolved into a general remodeling contracting company.  In the early 1970s Jack, wanting to be even more his own boss, so he broke out on his own (separate from his mother and aunt) to form Jefferson Kitchens Inc., a remodeling firm that focused on kitchen and bath remodels.  
2. Football---Jack had played on the Anchorage High Football team.  However, I never remember him following any sports when I was growing up.  My mother was quite a sports fan and loved to watch baseball (she was a Red's fan) and college basketball (U of L-- of course), but Dad never talked about or showed any interest in sports.
3. Next Birthday---Jack didn't make it home before his next birthday.  When June 21, 1945  (his 21st birthday) rolled around he was still with the 9th Squadron in the South Pacific.
4. Next Post---I'll focus on what has been happening with the War in the Pacific and specifically with 9th squadron during this time.  October 1944 was a busy and dangerous time for the 9th squadron, as they moved from Biak Island to Leyte in the Philippines.  Remember Jack was not allowed to write about where he was or what was going on with his squadron.  The next post will provide some insight as to what was going around him during this time. 

49) Jack sends Betty money to buy Christmas presents.-- Oct. 11, 1944

APO 920 = Base H, Biak, Dutch New Guinea- Schouten Islands
Mokmer Airstrip


Oct. 11th, 44, 11:45 PM, “Pretty dark out”
Darling,

This will have to be a short letter but I know you will understand the reason. I am really very busy here lately. I missed lunch today. You know that I’m busy when I miss a meal. I hope that in a week or so things will settle down and I can really write some long letters. Dearest you know that it is really hard for me to go many days with out mail from you. I got one letter (on that funny stationery) today. It was mailed Oct. 2nd. I really am held together by those letters you write. I wouldn’t last long if I didn’t get them. You seem to understand so many things. Have you been thinking about just what you want to do after I get back for good? Do you think we will be able to be happy together? I really do hope we can. I have really some wonderful plans and ideas I would like to tell you about but most of them will have to wait. Never could put it over on paper.

Sure am glad you get around to see the family so often. Guess you will really rate with them by the time I get back there. As if you don’t right now. Boy they think your tops and “I ain’t just kidding.” Remember though that I am the guy that really loves you. Don’t ya think so maybe?

Darling you have probably been thinking & wondering about the enclosed Money Order. Here’s what I want you to do. See that every body (that is Mom, Pop, DeeDee & My Grandmother) all get some Xmas present with my name on it. Let it be a surprise. Also get that cute little devil of a sister of yours something from me. If you have any cash left have a big bunch of flowers sent to mom on Xmas day. I know I can depend on you to pick out nice things. You might have to shop around some to find out just what each one can use. Get something nice for Pop, maybe a tie from A.l.Warner.

Well that is about all for this time. Don’t worry about my letters. I will write as often as I can get time. And if things get any worse I’ll take time off from sleeping to write. Rather write to you than sleep or eat.

Please excuse or forgive the short letter.

I remain yours till the very end of time.

Good night sweet,
Jack

Notes - Jack's Christmas List:

1. "Mom"---Avery Merriman Riley, Jack's mother was 43 years old at this time.  She helped run the Louisville Loan Company, which had been started by her father, Clarence Merriman. She also helped manage various properties that had been owned by Clarence Merriman.  When Clarence died, just after Jack began his WWII service, these businesses were left in the hands of Avery, her sister Lillian and their mother Maude Sargent Merriman.
2. "Pop"---Jack W. Riley, Sr., Jack's father was 49 years old at this time.  He and Avery lived at 127 Bonner Avenue during the war years.  I am unsure what his occupation was at this time.  Most of his life he was a salesman (furniture, bourbon, cars, etc.).
3. "DeeDee"---Lillian Merriman was Jack's beloved aunt, the younger and only siblings of Avery.  At this time Lillian was divorced from her husband Robert G. Pitz, owner of the Pitz Foundry in New York (Link to info about Pitz Foundry).  Lillian and Robert Pitz had one son, "Bob" who was a few years younger then Jack.  I don't know where she was living at this time but perhaps in Louisville.
4. "My Grandmother"---Maude Sargent Merriman, Jack's maternal grandmother was a 70 year old widow at this time.  She was born in Beallsville, PA and raised by her aunt and uncle in Pittsburgh until her marriage to Clarence Merriman in 1900, at which time they moved to Louisville, KY.  In 1944 she was still helping to run The Louisville Loan Company, with her daughters, Avery and Lillian.