Sandy Carter

Oregon Voices

Letters from Bob

A GI Re-entering Portland Life in 1945

Bob Hickson, Jr., was a bright, gregarious youngster doted on byhis parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, and older sisters. He walked to Fernwood Elementary in Portland, Oregon, then Grant High School (class of 1939), swam at the YMCA on Sandy Boulevard, went to summer camp at Spirit Lake at the base of Mt. St. Helens, played piano, served as an altar boy, and sang a clear, sweet tenor in the choir at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal church in the Hollywood district. After high school, he took a few courses at Multnomah College and then, at the age of nineteen, enlisted in the Oregon National Guard.

In late summer of 1940, Bob reported to Camp Murray, south of Tacoma, Washington. His love of driving soon found him at the wheel of camp trucks and jeeps, and his love of music found him searching out the chaplain so he could assist at services and play piano or organ. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941, Bob became part of the regular army and was transferred to nearby Fort Lewis. Many of the men he trained with at Fort Lewis, including his brother-in-law, George Donnell, fought in the Pacific theatre, but Bob applied for Officer Candidate School in Red Bank, New Jersey. He trained from March through May 1942, but failed to earn a commission. For the next three and a half years, he was stationed with the 41^st Signal Corps in England and France, where his extreme nearsightedness, engineering aptitude, and skill at cryptography and teletype kept him behind the lines.

Bob and Micky pose while on leave in England, in about 1944.

Unless otherwise noted, all photographs courtesy of the author

Bob met twenty-year-old Millicent Feakes, known as Micky, at a dance only two weeks after arriving in Liverpool in July 1942. He was immediately smitten. Micky was a British Signal Corps soldier and was stationed in London at Queen Anne's Gate during the Blitz. Bob wrote home, asking his mother to buy a wedding ring set. The two young soldiers were finally married in February 1944, in Micky's family's flat in Liverpool.

At war's end, both Bob and Micky filed for discharges, waited for their demobilization orders, and worried about how soon Micky would be able to go to America. The wait could be considerable. About 60,000 of the 100,000 British brides of GIs were still waiting for "Bride Boat" passage at the end of the war. The women were a low national priority in both countries, often reviled in England for choosing American GIs as husbands when British men would soon to be home again, needing wives. And when the women arrived in the States, many faced additional hostility from American women, who had been waiting for their men to return. It was a lose/lose proposition that many did not anticipate when they fell in love with American soldiers stationed in England.^*

In September 1945, Bob boarded the Queen Mary and left England for home. Two months later, Micky learned that she was pregnant, which meant that she could have to delay booking passage until after the baby was born. Bob's father, Robert E. Hickson, Sr., petitioned his military friends and political acquaintances, including Oregon Senator Wayne Morse, to intercede and facilitate Micky's passage to the United States so the baby could be born in America.

As he waited for Micky's arrival, Bob Jr. wrote letters to her in Liverpool, where she was living with her family. He described his life in Portland and his new work as a driver for the Portland Traction Company. Portlanders still suffered from shortages, but they were optimistic after years of wartime rationing. Movies were an affordable source of entertainment, and public transportation was enjoying a heyday — a boon that would soon decline as manufacturers reoriented their production lines to meet growing civilian needs for cars, clothing, and furniture. Returning GIs and their young families filled the acres of post-war housing at Vanport City, a city that had been quietly built in the early years of the war along the embankments of the Columbia River. And many had to live, at least temporarily, with relatives.^†

The letters that Bob Hickson wrote to Micky in Liverpool between September 24, 1945, and January 5, 1946, are part of a much larger collection of World War II-era family correspondence from Bob, Micky, and her family. Those reproduced here tell us about his training as a student motorman for the Portland Traction Company, which he began on October 22, and his speedy mastery of the details of driving streetcars, all interwoven with descriptions of Portland life that autumn after the war. Numbering in the hundreds, the family's war-era letters were saved by Bob's mother, Jessie Mae (Barzee) Hickson, and now belong to me. The letters here have been extensively edited for length, with the original spelling and punctuation preserved.

Letters from Bob

My Dearest

at Home, Saturday, 6 Oct.,

Well, I've completed my journey, now, and a long one it has been too – each day putting us many miles apart. I got home last night about 9:30 PST – (Pacific Standard Time) and Mom answered the door, and was it good to see her! We hung on to each other for nearly five minutes I guess. And Eileen [Bob's older sister] was home, and came downstairs, and we all had a time of it, everyone talking at once. Finally, I got a word in edgewise, that I hadn't had anything to eat since noon, so guess what I had? Yes – Banana and cream!!! I'll bet your mouth is watering, but I swear I was thinking of you every bite I took, darling. Eileen had been out to the Commissary at the Army Air Base, where she can get groceries at a reduced rate. And she had just gotten a big bunch of them.

As you can see from the envelope, I am still dressed in khaki, and will be until Monday noon, when I will have my honorable discharge in one hand, and my little lapel button in the other. I'm home on a 48 [forty-eight-hour leave from Fort Lewis] as they couldn't get to us until Sunday afternoon. Honey, I'm not going to make this a long letter as I have to get the car gassed up for the trip [back to Fort Lewis], and also go see the British Consul here in Portland if I can, to see what is what – and if I can get any assistance from him on getting you home by Christmas.

Mom is a shade grayer than I remember her, but who wouldn't be after 3 years at her age? (With a son like me – a saint's hair would turn!) Eileen is fine, but lonely, as George did go to the Pacific for Leyte. I think, about two months ago. I saw Gerry & Rolla [Bob's sister and her husband] at the Airport in Spokane as we passed through Thursday night, and Rolla has 5 stripes [Sergeant First Class] – he's very happy about it and they're both looking swell.

I thought I was happy before, but when you tell me you love me it dwarfs all my former feeling – and I'm floating around on air – Mom says part of me is home, at least!

Now that I'm practically settled, I can & will write every day, but air mail is going to be very expensive for you especially, and for me if we use it every day.

Mom says she has found a nice wine-colored outfit for you, but wonders, now that the next generation is on the way, the advisability of getting it? Do you think she should go ahead? Also there are 9 or 10 pair of stockings in the mail now, but I'm not sure any of the assorted sizes mom sent will fit you.

Give my love to all the family. I got a whole Cedar Chest (Bottom drawer, to you!) of stuff for us here, and will tell you all what's in it in my letter Monday or Tuesday – as a civilian! I love you terribly much, and I hope that God wills that you will be here with me by Christmas.

Ever your own loving Bob

Dearest Mick,

Sunday, 6 Oct. 45

Well honey – it's almost finished – me & the army. It is 1900 hrs. now and by 1700 to-morrow night, I should be out of the army, according to the schedule that we just received at our orientation lecture. We start off in the morning with a complete physical exam, including X-rays, then record check, group and individual counseling, Final Pay, that white piece of paper, and then they will kiss Mr. Hickson good-bye. During the period of individual counseling to-morrow I will ask about speeding your passage home, as the lecturer to-night said that the counselors could & would do all they could for us on all sorts of miscellaneous matters. I hope & pray that it will help....

This morning I arose about 0645 taking breakfast about 0715 consisting of bananas & bran flakes with cream, and egg on toast. I left home about 0745 in the car for the drive back to Fort Lewis, with two other fellows, and we arrived (150 miles), in 3 hrs. 10 minutes travel time. The car makes it so much easier to get around, so that when I get that piece of paper at 1700 to-morrow, I will be home again by 2030 – by bus it would be almost midnight. Snores around me tell me it is time to finish this up, and as I have brought you practically up to date on the news, I'll go to bed myself – for the last time, IN THE ARMY.

Your letters are wonderful darling – I read them over & over again, saying to myself, "It's true! She loves me!" & I love you very much honey – my honey – wishing you were in my arms right now. As always, your loving (Mister)

Bob ××××××××××××

My darling Mick –

At Home, 2300 – 8 Oct 45

Remember the date given above, as it is a red-letter day – At 1745 to-night I dropped Sgt. from in front of my name and replace it with Mister! Oh happy day! There can only be one happier day now, and that is when you arrive home and we are together for always, darling.

I got my discharge certificate photostated, so I can send a copy of it along with a letter which I will write to the Commanding General U.K. Base, in which I will state your overcrowded conditions ... and that I want my boy (girl?) born in the United States. I will try to find out to-morrow morning what law that is, and include that as authority for the request.

The Red Cross showed me a letter to-day in which it was stated that the Theater or Base Section Commanders could overlook priorities in returning dependants of American Citizens to the U.S. if there were extenuating circumstances in line of health or finances. Having a baby has a terrible lot to do with your health, and also of the baby's, and if conditions could be improved, (and they can), by change of address to the U.S., that is the best thing to do – but definitely!...

Dearest Mick –

Wednesday, 10 Oct 45

Another bright day with lots of sunshine, and no chains to bind me! Well, darling, I still haven't had the chance to tell you all I did yesterday, so here goes, my honey – I awoke early – (army training – damn it!) And was in town at Dad's office by 9 o'clock, where he insisted on showing me off to the whole office over 3 floors of the big building. [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offices, 628 Pittock Block]. I was shaking hands and saying "It's good to see you again", whether I had ever seen the person before or not. When we finally finished that Dad wanted to come with me while I completed my business, so he tagged around while I went to the bank, and opened our checking account. Next we went to the local draft board office, and it was so crowded I said I could come back later, as I have 10 days after discharge in which to register under the Selective Service Act of 1941 [1940]. When we walked out of there, I had my certificate of discharge photostated, so I would have a copy to carry, and could keep the original in a safe place. This we followed by lunch in one of the downtown's busiest businessman's cafeterias –

Bob stands in front of Tuebrook flat, the Feakes family home, in March 1945.

After lunch I went in to have my eyes tested for new glasses, and picking the rimless frames was a joy. When we had finished with the optometrists, we went up to our dentist to make an appointment for fixing gums & teeth up. Luckily – he had a 1.30 appointment cancelled, so I sat right down in the chair – (that is after a chat – as he was our next door neighbor a few years ago – and has a son in the army dental corps (capt.), in the Pacific). I go in to see him again Friday, and at the same time I can pick up my new glasses. The cost $24.00, or around £6....

I went to the Federal Building to see if I could find exactly what law it was Dela [Micky's older sister] spoke of in her letter to you. I talked with a Deputy United States District Attorney, and he poured over five or six different volumes of laws – some pertaining to alien dependants of American Citizens, and some pertaining to dependants of men in the Armed forces, some to veterans. He couldn't find exactly what we were looking for, so he suggested I write to the Judge Advocate General – U.S. Army, and to the Secretary of War. – Also to the Senator from Oregon – Senator Wayne L. Morse.

It so happens that Dad knows Senator Morse, so he is writing to him, trying to pull a string or two, using official War Department stationery with his name and position [Principal Engineer] printed on it. I think we stand a pretty good chance honey – keep your fingers crossed.

While I stayed in uniform all day yesterday, I decided I'd have to change to civvies – and might as well make it now – So when I got up this morning, I put on a blue & white striped shirt, with starched collar, and my grey checked suit, waist-coat (vest in America) and coat, with a striped wine-colored tie. My shirts still fit all right, and it's a good thing, too, because mom says they can't be bought now. I have four or five colored shirts, mainly in the blue shade, and I think 4 or five good white shirts. Both my grey everyday suit, and my dress blue suit still fit me very well, so I think I will wait a while before buying another suit, until there is better quality and better selection for sale. Maybe you can help me pick it out, darling. My green hat & overcoat are okay, but the hat has been knocked about quite a bit – so I may get another hat – although lots of the younger men go around without any head-covering at all.

Let's see now – I was doing small things around the house from about 10 to 11.30, then finished with a paragraph on my last letter, and hopping into the car, took mother to a club meeting, then the car to a service station to have the carburator adjusted back to the better, peacetime quality gasoline. I left the car there and took a trolley bus [an electric streetcar without tracks] over town to the Multnomah County Court House where I left my Honorable Discharge Certificate at the county clerk's office to have it recorded. I'll go back next Wednesday for it.

From the court house I went to the Meade Building to see my Draft Board – and register for selective service. It doesn't mean anything to me because the classification they give veterans is – 1C – Discharge – Completed Service, but it is a law that everyone must be registered – so I went.

Then I came back out to the Hollywood shopping district, and just roamed around for a while, then went over to the church [St. Michael and All Angels], met the new Rector, saw the Children's Sunday School Superintendant's wife – and said hello to the Junior Choir Organist, who came in as I was playing the organ for a few minutes....

Keep your chin up my darling – and your colors flying – were doing everything possible. So goodnight for now – my dearest honey – I love you very very much – and want my arms around you – now and always, Your loving husband – Bob

On October 10, 1945, Robert Hickson, Sr., wrote the following letter to Oregon Senator Wayne L. Morse, hoping that his professional connections would help secure Micky's passage to the United States.

My dear Senator Morse,

I am writing you on a personal matter in the hope that you will be able to contact the right people to remedy this difficult situation.

My son, S/Sgt Robert E. Hickson Jr, ASN 20939867, has just been honorably discharged from the army after 5 years and 3 weeks service, of which 39 months were in the European Theater. He is very desireous of having transportation arranged for his wife, an English girl whom he married in Liverpool in February 1944, so that she can join him in this country. She also served over 5 1/2 years in the Signal Service of the British Army. Her maiden name was Millicent Feakes.

Robert is especially anxious that transportation be soon arranged for her as she is expecting an arrival in May, next year, and he wants her in this country where she can have better care and foods during this critical period. She is at present living with her family in a small, badly crowded house, and none other is available. The house has been bombed, is cold in winter, and suitable foods, as you know, are scarce in England.

It is also desired that the child be born on American soil. I am sure you will appreciate our feelings in this regard. And we understand that if passage is not secured within the first 4 months, it may be denied until 3 to 6 months after the birth of the child. This would mean a delay of over a year.

Is there not a recent law or regulation which provides that early passage shall be provided for wives of service men if necessary in order that their children may be born in the United States?

His wife's name is Mrs. Millicent Hickson. Address: 6 Airlie Grove, Tue Brook, Liverpool 13, England. Telephone: Stanley 1506. She has secured from the American Embassy in London the preliminary approval on her visa (Embassy form 4) and with this in hand has informed the Transportation Section, United Kingdom Base, of her desire for U.S. Government transportation from Liverpool to Portland, Oregon, U.S.A., and has had her name placed on the waiting list under current priorities. She has also secured her British passport. It will be noted however, that her name is far down on the list due to the fact that she could not apply for transportation as long as she was a member of the British Army ats from which she was demobilized only on the 18^th of June, 1945.

You will probably recall that I am a Government Engineer engaged on River and Harbor improvements here in the Portland Engineer District since graduation from the University of Oregon in 1909. I know Major General T. M. Robbins, Asst. Chief of Engineers, very well; also Lt. General John C. H. Lee and several others connected with the US Army Engineers in Washington and elsewhere.

We will greatly appreciate any assistance you may be able to give us in solving this problem. With best personal regards, I am

Yours very truly,
R. E. Hickson Sr.

Robert Sr. was not the only Oregon petitioner writing to Senator Morse in 1945 in an effort to expedite homeward passage for a British bride. It is impossible to determine whether senatorial influence played a part in securing Micky's eventual sea passage in February 1946.

Dearest Mick –

Sunday Morning, 14 October 1945

Yesterday was another fairly busy day honey, so I'll try to tell about it before leaving for church in half an hour or so. We all slept late – Dad not having to go to work, so I was about the first one up, finally, and I made breakfast of hot-cakes so the others could all have breakfast as they arose. Shortly after, Dad & I went for a round of golf at one of the many courses in & about Portland – Wonder of wonders, I beat him, my first time ever, and after not playing for so long a time – I think it's wonderful! The only thing wrong with my "victory", is that I was playing the same game as I always did. The difference was that his game was so much worse!

When we got home we had a snack and then we took down the window awnings to store in the garage for the winter. All this while I was in my shirt sleeves it was so nice out.

Then mom & I went down town to do some shopping for you. We got to Meyer [sic] & Frank Co. And there found two woolen panties & two vests small size for you, in one department, and a few minutes later a suspender belt, size 25, which was the smallest size they had. Mom is going to send them off with pins in to show you where to make them smaller, if necessary.

There are two dresses already on the way to you – and mom has a maternity dress that Geraldine had, which has elastic around the waist, and will fit no matter how "fat" you decide to get. She hasn't sent this, however, as we want to see if you can be here for that time, and that would be just more stuff you'd have to carry back. There is some soap, and some soda crackers which she will be sending off with your pants though and we should get those in the mail to-morrow.

One of the men who works in Dads office had been out hunting, and had shot a deer and brought us some steaks – so we had venison steaks last night....

15 October, 1945

... We stopped at the post office to mail two packages, one for you, and one for your dad. Yours has one (not one pair) shoe in it for you to try on for size, so mom can tell exactly what to buy here. You are to try it on, and then report if it is too large, too small, too wide, too narrow, in other words everything pertaining to the fit, and then she will take the other shoe which she has here, and take it with her to a shoe shop, and from your corrections, will be able to get you a pair of shoes that fit nicely. It is sort of a funny way of doing it, but it's all her idea, and will probably work out all right. Along with the shoe, were the ~~two~~ one [handwritten correction] dresses which I thought mom said she sent off already, but hadn't, and all your underclothes, two sets, and a suspender belt, which is pinned up to show you how to make smaller if it is too large. And she tore the front suspender off one side so that it will not be new. Then there is a box of soda crackers, to keep you from having sick spells. I still haven't figured out how we can send you any cigarettes, unless you can make a contact with some american there, to whom I can send the cigarettes for you....

The housing situation is still critical in Portland, with even rents being sky high, and the cost of buying almost prohibitive. Cars are the same way, for instance, our Buick, which cost around $1200.00 back in 1940, is now worth nearly $1500.00, whereas in normal times, it would only be worth about $600.00, and new cars, for a while will be the same way. It doesn't pay to buy household furnishings, as they are of cheap construction, and also higher than normal good products would be....

My Darling Mick –

Friday Morning, 19 October 1945

This morning brought your first letter to Mr. me – you know – your civilian husband. And the mailman also brought my selective service classification 1C Disc., which is fairly safe, I'd say, to keep me out of the army. (I HOPE!)

Micky sits on a wall in England's countryside, in about 1944.

And I think, also, that I have decided what to do in the line of a job. Reading of the daily papers informs me that housing is unavailable at the state University & State College, so I won't be going back there, at least until you come 'home'. So I am going to take a temporary job so that I can keep socking money in the bank until you arrive – and then we can decide whether we should both go to school, or me alone – or what.

Yesterday I went down to Mom's Red Cross Sewing group to thank them (for us) for the lovely blanket which they all bought for our Cedar Chest. I was more than slightly embarrased, being one man (?) Among so many ladies. Of course they have all discussed the news of their sons & daughters in the service as all women will discuss such things, so they knew all about my being overseas & getting married – and they were all 'So happy & glad that I am back, safely!'

I then stopped by the United States Employment Bureau but there was such a wait there I didn't stay, but came on over to the east side of town, stopping at the main office of the Portland Traction Co. to see what kind of wages & hours their drivers have.

I got an application blank and a sheet of information about the work – and find that they pay 5s. ($1.00) per hour – so for a 40 hr week I would be earning approximately, 10 (pounds) or 40 dollars. And overtime pays more per hour and from what I hear, there is plenty of overtime. The Portland Traction Company is the same as the Liverpool Passenger Transit. I would be driving trams, trolley busses – & busses. This isn't a permanent job, but just to give us a little more financial backing when we do decide what to do....

The Choir director (at St. Michaels) has asked me to sing the Solo Baritone part of the anthem for Armistice Day Service – three weeks hence. To-morrow after the mail comes, we are all going up to the cabin for the week-end – staying Saturday night, and then some of Mom's Red Cross friends will come up for the day Sunday. It should be a relaxing time for all.

Gosh it is wonderful to drive anyplace you want to again, in a comfortable car – at time I catch myself thinking you are beside me, and I'm showing you the town & the sights. That'll be the day honey! The day we both are waiting for!...

My Darling,

October 22, 1945

Home after a hard day's work (?). At least my legs ache from standing up all day. Yes I started to work as a student motorman for the Portland Traction Co. (PTCo hereafter!). For over six hours three of us students were out in a special street-car (tram) with an inspector instructing us in the operation of the car. One of the other students had already been training for three days & he couldn't relax at the controls, but stayed tense and rough on the brake. The other fellow had been on trolley-busses before, but was new to the street-cars. They are both going out with the Inspector as instructor again to-morrow. When I first started this morning, after making one start & one stop the Inspector asked me where I had operated street-cars before. I just "had the knack" of running them – so I don't go out with them in an empty car tomorrow, but go on a regular passenger run with a regular operator. The new cap I got to-day – won't fit me, if I'm not careful.

J. Mae and Robert E. Hickson Sr., celebrate their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary on August 1, 1937.

It is quarter to nine and I have to get up at 5.15 in the morning to ride George's bicycle to the Car House to start my run at 6.21. I want to make a good showing of it the first day of actual running – so I've got to go to bed honey – Boy – my legs are really tired! I love you my dearest, Bob ×××

P.S. Split shift to-morrow–will try to write between runs if I can manage time. Pardon such short letter honey. No letter from you since Friday. Come on mailman – ! Do your stuff!!...

Dearest Micky,

October 23, 1945

Wow! Was to-day a day! My legs aren't aching like yesterday, however. This time it's my back. And I've got another early run to-morrow morning.

Before I tell you much more about it, I'd better explain that here all streetcars – Trolley Coaches & Motor Coaches are operated by one man only. He drives, collects fares, gives transfers, gives information, calls stops and helps the crippled & blind. It's the kind of job one can use four or five hands, two sets of eyes, and two brains – none of these peculiarities which I possess! To-day I was on the Montavilla line, which extends from the west side of the river at the end of the Morrison Bridge, to the city limits on the east, where it stops at a district by the same name – Montavilla. It runs a fast schedule with powerful 4-motored cars, and then you're rushing to keep to time. I had control of the car about half the time, and the regular operator about half, although he collected all the fares, enabling me to become more familiar with the controls. I know the line pretty well, from having lived on the east side all my life.

To-morrow I go on the Willamette Heights line to learn it. Meantime I'd better take a hot bath to help this ache in my back, and then to bed – because it is an early run – as I said. So I'll write more to-morrow honey – awfully tired – on my feet all day – s'all for now honey, I love you darling. ×××

Dearest Mick,

October 25, 1945

Home again after putting in 11 hours to-day – 3 hrs. overtime. So now I have only a few minutes until I go to choir practice – as yet, not knowing if I will be working or not –Sunday – It looks as if I'll practically have to give up the choir – as I won't have many Sundays off for a long time....

26^th October –

My darling, I never seem to have enough hours in any one day to do everything I want to. Here it is night again, 8.30, and I have to get up at 0400 to-morrow to get across town to pick up a car (tram) at 0600. I have to catch one of the all-night trolleys at 0505 – which will get me in town by 0520. I will meet my train (company expression for the number of the car) & ride around with him for about 0530 – I thought I got up early in the army – and while with you in Marlborough – but I was mistaken – It must be wonderful to be able to sleep until 0600!

Here I am way behind on what I have to tell you and I've got to write to your mother & the others too, but how am I to do it, when I don't even have time to write you all I want to.

To-morrow I finish work at 2.34 PM, and directly I finish I will go to the picture studio and pick up my portraits. Gosh I hope they did a good job! Because I want you to like how I look as a civilian. Do you suppose it could have been the uniform? Heaven forbid! Anyway honey, even if I don't get much said in these letters, – even though they are short – I hope they convey to you my everlasting love – my dearest – As ever your

Faithful Loving
Bob ××××××

My Dearest Mick–

October 29, 1945

My, but things are happening fast around here. Since I started as a student with the P.T. Co., I have been training in the Ankeny Division. This was more or less happenstance, because I live about half-way between the Ankeny Car House and the Piedmont Car House.

The last two days of my training were on the Mt. Tabor street-car line, the regular driver I was with Saturday, being more or less of an inspector to recommend that I be passed as an operator, or do more student work. Very early Saturday morning I went to work, catching a car that had been on the road all night, and after about one round trip he decided I was Okay, and he called the dispatcher, (without my knowledge!), and asked the division Superintendent to come for a ride on my car to give his final Okay. Well he was busy, and didn't get out until 11.30 and he got on the car and went back and sat down, then he called the regular driver back and asked him if I was Okay – he said yes, and the Superintendent then came to the front of the car and asked for my papers, chatted with me for a couple of minutes until we got across the Morrison Street Bridge and then he got off at First Avenue. During the chat, he had asked me how I liked it, and I said "Fine, except I don't have enough time to write letters, what with split-shifts, and eating and sleeping." He asked me who is was that was so important as to make me worry about writing letters, and I told him "my wife". With that he asked, where you were, and I told him – so he told the other driver to let me off the rest of the day – but still getting paid – so when we finished that trip, I settled up the money with the driver, and rode out to the Car House for some mechanical instruction, how to replace burned fuses, how to run with one motor dead – etc. Then I went in and my first instructor – Inspector Brinkly gave me an oral examination and said – "You're on your own" – And I reported at 9.00 yesterday – (Sunday) – got my 10 dollars in changes, my badge – and my punch – and waited until all the runs had been signed for by about 11.30 – and I was about ready to sign off – with 2 1/2 hours – report-time pay due. However the last man to sign in – didn't want to take his run, so I took it –

It was a Mt. Tabor car running from 11.45 until 8.34, for which run I would get 9 hours time. I started out, doing okay, to go to the East end of the line – 88^th and Yamhill streets. I'm sending you a transfer of the type I issued innumerable times yesterday – and I'd better explain how our system works. There is only one man on each car, who operates the car, and collects fares & transfers. Each line has different transfers, with the name of the line, and in most cases a sort of map of the line. I've put some additional writing on to explain it a bit. Also you see some punch marks – Those are mine, and I put them in each transfer before I issue it. To start at the top – The transfers each have an individual number – this one is 765186. Then the line & symbol. Right below the line is the date indicator 2 – Each day the indicator is different – and it is easier to look for a symbol such as that – as for a date – and then the company can have them made up way ahead of time – without having to date them – but specifying each day which symbol will be effective. In the block at the right end – the first line reads – E – School – AM – N.D. – Car House – W. These mean – Eastbound car (E) – a transfer for a special school ticket (School) – If it is in the morning (AM) – or if it is an all-night car – (an Owl Car) the N.D. is punched – signifying Next Day. – Car House if for use when you've finished your regular runs, and are going to the car house. – W – is a west-bound car.

The next line has the minutes – and the last line the hour until which the transfer is good. The red line is a picture of the route followed – in which I have indicated the transfer points with a small ×– and also I have shown where the line gets its name – and where it crosses the river.

Well – yesterday the car I went out of the car house with was a poor car – and after blown a fuse twice (and replacing it) I called for a new car to meet me at 4.30 at Grand and Morrison, where they come on to the line from the barn. When I got there at 4.30, there was a "Barn Man" with another car for me – and I shifted all my passengers from the bad to the good car and went on. And I had no trouble with that one – after.

The way the fares are collected – there are four types – the first is a 10� fare (6d) –which is dropped into the fare box. The second are tickets or tokens which are purchased from the driver at 3 for 25� (8 1/3� each) and these also are dropped in the box. Then there are children's tickets – cheaper – but I don't sell those – they have to have a book of them – purchased through the schools. On all three of these fares – I can issue a transfer, if requested. Then there are "Weekly passes" – which are purchased on Sunday for the following week – which a person just shows as he gets on – and can ride anyplace – for any number of rides – To make any money on a pass – a person has to make 15 rides – as the cost is $1.25 – When one of those is shown the operator just flicks a lever on the fare box which rings a bell & counts the number of passes.

Yesterday was Sunday – so besides all the regular procedures – I had to sell these passes. When I finished the day I had sold 58 passes – amounting to $72.50 and $20 worth of tokens – so I had $92.50 of the company's money when I turned in last night. It's a good thing no-one decided to rob me at the end of the line last night.

Mom said for me to tell you that the pictures that I am sending show me at my best – and that I should send you a snap of what I look like after 11 hours of work – that would be the worst.

Dearest Mick–

October 31, 1945, All Hallow's E'en

Here is Wednesday afternoon – and I didn't get up until noon – as I worked 'til after 2 o'clock this morning, and got in bed about 3 A.M.. At 4.41 I go on again until midnight – and on the one evening of the year when the kids raise hell – they have even been known to grease the tracks of the streetcar lines before this time. Hope they are watched pretty closely to-night – because I wouldn't want to skid all the way down off Mt. Tabor – on which I am running to-night.

Yesterday I had a split shift – a short shift on Willamette Heights, and a 9 hr. run on the 23^rd Street Line. I like the 23^rd about the best of any, I think, that I have done so far. I was the last car on the run last night, and business was slow up until the last load – around 1 o'clock – as there were no more cars after that on the 23^rd line. I had a good car, and what with good motors and excellent brakes, I could make my schedules easily.

This Portland Traction Company transfer, with Bob's explanatory markings, was enclosed in his October 26, 1945, letter to Micky.

The thing's mom is and has been sending you will probably cost you a good deal for customs... Before she sends anything, however, Mom takes off the price tags & declares the value way below what it actually is – trying to make it that much less customs at your end. The good blue maternity dress she will send is worth $20 – but I think she only will declare about $7.50. Also, she changes the kind of cloth on her declaration, as duty is different on rayon – wool – cotton – silk – etc. We can't send anything with a value of more than $25.

We have two mail deliveries daily now – as before the war – one at about 9.30 AM – and the other from 2 to 4 PM. – The second one just came in, and no mail from you to-day – I've got to quit pretty soon, to get ready to go to work – and I'll get home about 1.30 to-morrow morning – these long nights are at least keeping my mind occupied – however I did receive a proposition – while I was driving the street car – mind you – night before last – the sailors in for navy week had just all pulled out – and the girls were at loose ends – I guess – anyway – they didn't get far with me – I wait eagerly for your letters darling – and even more for the day that I can have you in my arms again. I love you honey – and remain,

Always yours–Bob ××××

My Darling–

November 5, 1945

... When I went to work Friday evening, the weather was doubtful, and we did have a few light sprinkles of rain. Enough in one case to cause me to just barely skid my street car into the back of a lady's stopped auto, which was on the tracks, denting the rear end slightly, and breaking one tail-light – Later on a pair of drunk sailors got aboard the car, and started to make trouble, for me – the driver – and for other passengers. I got the dispatcher and he called the police. Next morning – Saturday – I had to go to court as a witness for the prosecution against the two sailors – a man they had struck filed the charges against them – drunk & disorderly conduct. When it was over they received a sentence – $30.00 fine & 30 days – each. At 11.39 I had a special run for the football game. I had a stadium car, which just made a circle down town every half hour (there were 6 of us doing it), and through all the crowd going to the stadium, both pedestrians and autos. That was supposed to have been 3 hours' work but it turned into 4 hours, ending at 3.30 – Then I had a regular run of 8 hours from 5.45 to 1.45 Sunday morning – which got me home (walking) about 3.00 in bed....

I was playing the piano for dad yesterday, and singing for about 10 minutes – and your picture, which you sent the folks – is on top of the piano. Well – the vibrations of the piano caused your picture to fall down behind the piano – and I laughed and said you couldn't stand my singing, so went & hid behind the piano – it was awfully funny at the time – the piece I was singing was Eileen & my theme song – entitled "When You Come Home."...

My Darling Mick–

November 8, 1945

If I remember correctly – your "Duck apple night" is the same as our "Halloween", only yours is less destructive. It is always the 31^st of October – and here the very young go out with pumpkins, which have holes cut in them to resemble eyes, nose & mouth – and a candle inside to shine through the holes. – That is the very young – (and their parents in most cases). The elementary school age kids go from door to door with the cry "Trick or Treat!" All of which means – "You give me some sweets or candy and I won't soap your windows or turnover your garbage cans (dust bins) or let the air out of the tires on your car!" Nice thought, that! And the most destructive are the high school & older group – who go around without giving the choice "Trick or Treat" – but just cutting wire clotheslines, throwing rotten eggs & tomatoes – (I have done, myself!), and even to endangering lives by greasing the rails on the street car lines – cutting the trolley ropes, etc. The worst I had happen to me this year was a couple rotten eggs thrown against the window of my car. Of late years, the churches – along with civic groups have enlisted the aid of the public to promote indoor dances and parties to keep potential wrongdoers off the streets. The churches all aid by having a combination dance-party – it being the eve of all Hallow's Day in the church calendar. That will help to acquaint you with another old American custom....

Dearest Mick,

November 10, 1945

... To-day was my first payday – and I received $77.69 minus deductions for Old Age Benefits, & Income tax. Net income for 6 days as a student & 4 days as a regular operator was $69.88. In sterling this is around £17–7 shillings – not bad!

Congress is working on a bill to increase the benefits of the G.I. Bill of Rights, so that when I go to school again, instead of getting $75.00 per month living expenses – I'll get $90.00 – outside of the tuition, which they pay also. And the state of Oregon has passed a bill in the legislature giving returned veterans $25.00 a month while attending school. So this would total $155.00 a month for us to live on, with all school expenses paid. (About £28 – 15s a month). This isn't as golden as it seems, however – as living expenses have gone up to a very high level during the war, and I expect they will go a little higher, before they get any lower.

Bob Hickson lived midway between the Piedmont and the Ankeny Car Houses and would nap in an off-duty car if an odd shift assignment did not allow time to go home and sleep between runs. This is the interior of car #267, probably much like the ones he drove.

OHS neg., PGE 129–103

Another outlook on the situation, Mom says Pop intends to give us the expenses for another two years at college – as he put the twins through 4 years and thinks I'm intitled [sic] to the same. This would just be money in the bank as far as we are concerned.

I don't have any uniform, as yet, except my cap and badge – as material of which they are made is at present unobtainable. So I have been wearing my gray checked suit pants with blue shirts & ties and my blue sweater. Doing this however, will wear out the trousers, and leave me with a coat & vest and no pants to match. So I think I will buy a pair of trousers, and wear them, and my pair of khaki pants, alternately.

Shoes are off the ration now and I got myself a pair the other day to work in. Also had my brown pair re-soled at about 1/3 the value of the shoes themselves. Half-soles are just double the price that I remembered. The new shoes were very reasonable, however – only $6.95 –£1–15s.

Pop got another promotion – for the last & highest he can get. – He was a Principle Engineer – now he is Head Engineer (Chief of Construction, North Pacific Division) – I think there are only 12 or 15 in the U.S....

I go to work at 4.30 this afternoon until midnight – and I got 1 hr. 5 minutes for reporting this morning. Another hour & 10 minutes overtime to-day. I reported at 6.00 this morning, and after all the runs were taken & two of us didn't get one – the clerk gave us each evening runs. This is good, because I can be sure of getting to church to-morrow morning, when the choir director, Mrs. Stone [wife of Reverend Stone, the priest at St. Michaels], is having me sing a solo in the anthem. It is a beautiful solo, but she picked the anthem, specifically, when I got home, so I could sing the solo. Then when I got this job at the Traction Company, I told her it was very doubtful as to whether I would be able to sing it, as I would probably be working Sunday....

Bob ××××

My Dearest Mick–

November 20, 1945

I'm at it again – by it, I mean working from 8am to midnight. The last three days have been thus – Last Friday, (my regular day off!) I reported for student instruction on trolley busses – after which I played Volleyball with the men at the Northeast Y.M.C.A. – and rolled into bed for an early run Saturday – it was a split so I worked late Saturday also. Sunday morning I had to report at 5.15 A.M. – after which Eileen & I went to church – then I ate and reported again in the afternoon, getting a run until nearly midnight. Yesterday, Monday, I didn't have to report until 2.00. At 3.00 I got a run until 11 last night – and this morning I slept in.

After church Sunday Mrs. Stone – the choir director asked me if I'd sing a solo for a wedding on December 8 – at 8.00 pm. In our church there are only about two numbers that can be sung at a wedding – "Oh Perfect Love" – & "Hear my Prayer, oh Lord." I would get $5.00 for singing – Mrs. Stone gets $5.00 for playing the organ. The girl getting married particularly wanted a tenor soloist. However, I told Mrs. Stone that I didn't know if I'd be able to or not, as I might be working – what I didn't tell her was that I hoped you might be on your way here by then, & I would be in New York to meet you. No, honey, I haven't any more than hopes – as yet. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed, waiting for an answer from Pop's General in Washington....

My honey, I'm terribly sorry I talked so much in my letters about my work – but until you get here, and everything I do revolves around you –until then I'm trying to keep from being lonely by working, just as hard & as long each day as I can.... Everything I do is either connected with work, choir, or Y.M.C.A. – with eating & sleeping thrown in. I'll try to do better – I hope that a letter such as this is okay – as I don't know how else I can write. I always have been a terrible letter-writer....

Well dear – it's less than one & a half hours before I have to report – & I have to shave, eat, change clothes & get there – so I'd better sign off now.

× Jr. (Boy or Girl?)

All my love always, darling – Bob ××

Micky's letters – of which none to Bob survived – apparently complained regularly about the prosaic quality of his letters. Here is one of her letters to Jessie Mae Hickson, to illustrate her voice in early 1946.

My Dearest Mom.

January 16, 1946

... Thank you very much for your letter. Along with it came your Birthday Card, Eileen's, & last but not least Bob's – whom I haven't had a letter from for a whole week now. It makes time drag without mail. Still I guess there is something wrong with the mail maybe. I will be writing to him again to-night any way. Also I received two food parcels which where very welcome & I thank you for – that was yesterday. The day before I received Val's Doll & she loved it directly & thanks you alot. Also Glen feels the same about his "Umbriago" & thanks you too.

I appreciate Bob's very worthy motive & thoughtfulness in wanting to work so hard & earn a lot for us – or should I say 'we three'. But I do think he shouldnt work quite so hard, apparently that is almost all he does. It can't be good for him – we have an old saying here – maybe you have also, namely "work will be here when you are dead." He is used to 'Shift work' as I am so I can understand him putting up with the odd hours. Tho' it is never quite the same working at night instead of being where every normal person wants to be – in Bed!

I dont know how you knew Mom that I was feeling 'browned of' [off] & in quite a large measure – unless Bob maybe told you. I feel ashamed of myself & fight it just as hard as I can but it is this constant loneliness & 'nothing to do & all day to do it in' which gets to me. I have so much time to think. I try to keep it to myself but sometimes just dont seem able to....

I have my name down with 'Pan American' Airways now – they have a long list but do not leave me entirely devoid of hope for which I am thankful. Also the Cunard & all other passenger ships have or are supposed to have the Ministry of War Transport Ban lifted in March & there is a slight chance there for me. Oh I do hope I can get over before Jnr. arrives – maybe the 'Queen' will make it for me thro' Army Transportation anyway I fervently hope so!

I have been to town & the pictures a few times recently & physically feel heaps better. This morning I went for the first time to the Anti-Natal Clinic. The Doctor says I seem to be ok & my Date should be the 23^rd of May. So I am five months now – but if it helps getting a passage via the Army I will be a month less for my own benefit....

You can tell Rolla – sorry Pistol packin Rolla to get a couple of Rifles – or a Bren Gun & if he cares we will have a competition when I arrive. Mind you it's a long time since I shot but if we where careful on the various Cats & Dogs in the neighborhood maybe no one would object – or would they!!

Very little more news now except that Mother is writing to you.
Hoping to hear & see you even sooner.

Love. Micky ×××
P.S. Love to Pop & all & I will give mine to Bob myself when I write – here is one kiss for him ×

My Own Mick,

Saturday, Dec. 1, 1945 (10 pm)

Another dank, damp day, and I'm home in the middle of a split shift. Yesterday was my "day off" but I got eight hours overtime from it! I guess they've had a few old operators retire, and a few of the new ones quit, so they are short of men again now. And I had thought I'd get the day off, too, as I had a very late run Wednesday, until 1:03 AM Thursday and I had to go to work again at 5:45 AM Thursday. So I just slept in a trolley bus at the car house. When I found out I didn't get Friday off for recuperation, I squacked – (spelling?), but it didn't do any good – so I had a good sleep yesterday morning, and went to work in the afternoon for a straight eight hours. Then this morning a run at 7:15 – so not so bad. Oh, I went to choir practice Thursday evening, too....

I'm also enclosing a clipping which will emphasize to you (and Freda) that we won't be able to get a house right away, unless in a government housing project, and they aren't too good. Eileen is expecting George home by the fifteenth of January, (optimism?), and she doesn't know where to look for a place to live.

So you've got me on top the wireless? Be careful & don't let me fall – and don't crush me when you take me to bed, because I'm fragile – or didn't you know? No, I haven't gotten your picture yet, but I'm still waiting, and it shouldn't be too long....

Bob stands with his sister, Eileen (Hickson) Donnell, and his mother, Mae Hickson. "In 'civvies' again, Oct. 14, 1945," is written on the back of the photo.

I just "consumed" my lunch – a hamburger with cheese, on grilled bread – cream of tomato soup, and 3 cinnamon rolls. No wonder I'm gaining weight, or did I tell you? Eileen says that all you will have to learn to cook will be grilled cheeseburgers, and I'll never be hungry? Tea doesn't taste so good here, either. I'll have to wait until you can make it for me again, then we'll have lots & lots of it – when you get your taste for it back again....

100

Oh – another package off to you to-day, but it is addressed to Mum – to get around the customs – and it is "from" Eileen! Hot water bottles – bacon, pram, candy – maybe soap –I'm not sure....

Dearest Mick,

Tuesday, December 4, 1945

101

... I've got to eat & shave & get to the bank, to get a draft for you and deposit the rest of my check – gosh! It's almost payday again! Last payday I got just over £40 for half a month ($122.85) from which they deducted $16.30 for income tax – (which I will get back with interest!) & $1.23 for old age benefits. The reason I'll get my income tax back is that service pay is exempt – up to Major – & I won't have made enough off the traction company to pay any taxes....

Dearest Mick,

"Registered Mail", December 5, 1945 – Wednesday

102

While I was away at work this afternoon the mail man delivered a very precious parcel. What was in it is looking across the table at me right now – and I only wish it were the real you, instead of your picture, honey. And it is swell to have until the real thing comes along, and I've been looking at this letter Pop got from General Robins – it was dated Nov. 20 – and stated that he had already sent the letter on to General Moore. That was over two weeks ago now, & even if it was sent straight mail – Gen. Moore should have it. Maybe you've already had some word about it – I hope so – I even hope you don't get this letter 'cause you're on your way "home".

103

Yesterday morning the Oregonian warned of a Southeast storm which would hit Portland in the afternoon. Well, it hit all right, and no one was expecting any more than another rain squall such as we have been having a lot of lately. But did we all get fooled! It was a dilly! Plate glass windows were blown in, trees & telephone & electric poles knocked down, hundreds of hats blown off – and awnings torn, by a gale that reached 60 M.P.H. at times. Street-car & trolley bus service was either delayed or completely interrupted. It was fun down town watching to see which the ladies would grab for – their hats or their skirts! Our furnace is an electrically controled oil burner so we had no heat – my alarm clock is electric, so I didn't get up for my work report this morning. We were lucky tho', 'cause Gerry's house [on N.E. 39^th Ave.] is supplied by the Northwestern Electric Co. – (ours is Portland Electric Power Co.) – and her service was only out for a couple hours. So we more or less moved in on Gerry to-day....

104

My eyes are getting heavy – so will finish this in the morning after the mail – don't work until 6 PM – Gee – the picture's wonderful honey – I love it so much – almost as much as you – not quite – tho' – I don't think anything could match that – my heart is with you always darling. 'Night for now – sleep tight – (take care the bugs don't bite.)...

My Honey,

December 13, 1945

105

Yesterday evening, after I finished my run for the day, and when I was going to write to you, I was asked to take another run until 2:00 A.M. – I said I would, but specified I'd have to have my Friday off.... I worked a total of 14 hours.

106

Dad got a favorable reply to his letter about your transportation from Gen. Moore, in Paris, who stated that he had sent a request to the C.G. US Forces in England that you be granted the highest priority, under the present circumstances. Maybe you've heard something about it by now, at least I hope so honey! I think when you get the C.G. working on it, something is bound to happen–....

Dearest Mick–

December 27, 1945

107

Gosh – Do I feel funny! Tuesday off, & then to-day, too! I spent the day doing odd jobs about the house, & shopping, & now writing to you – We may go to a show to-night – Everyone seems to be getting on everyone else's nerves. Oh, well, it'll pass – and it does happen in the best of families. It's been raining again, almost steadily, since Xmas Day....

108

Also, I've finally gotten around to sorting out my desk – gosh! was it a mess! & I found practically enough loose photographs to fill the new album Eileen & George gave us. Snaps at college – at work in the survey boat summers, Spirit Lake YMCA Camp, Army Rookie, at Officer's Training school – pictures around home – old home & new – our former pet dog – almost everything imaginable.

109

Daddy got a short note in reply to a letter he wrote to a friend of his – (a retired Colonel in N.Y.) & he said he was going down to Washington in a few days & he would personally look into getting you on a boat – with Gen. Moore working on it in Europe & a Colonel Roberts pushing it in Washington – it looks pretty good.

110

I went down to the car house this afternoon & got my schedule for tomorrow – also paid my union Dues for January. I have a split shift to-morrow – starting early & finishing about 7 P.M. I guess it has been decided that we will go see Deanna Durbin in "Lady on a Train", plus "Beautiful Cheat" – don't know what it's about, but may not stay to see her cheat – 'cause I have to get up at 5 A.M....

My Dearest Mick,

December 31, 1945

111

'Tis the last day of the year, and old 1945 is going out with a bang in the western part of Oregon. I'm sending a clipping from yesterday's Oregonian which shows one of the small towns in the Willamette River Valley. It was what was called a "Flash Flood", coming & going in a day or two. Caused by warm, continuous rain, melting the snow ... the mountain tributaries all converge on the Willamette about the same time, so that the water raised as much, in some places, as 3 feet an hour; then after reaching it's peak, it subsides at a foot or two an hour. Trains to the south were mostly cancelled, some rerouted, because tracks were under water and bridges, themselves half submerged, were weakened. As the crest of the flood nears Portland, it will be under control, because the government appropriated money for "Flood Control" dams, two of which have been built, and towns at these points are high & dry. Pop is very interested in all this, because it comes under his office, & the Army Engineers have had charge of Evacuation, Rescue, etc. Also, he says if it had to come, it couldn't have come at a more opportune time, as the Senate was withholding appropriations legislature, preventing the building of more dams. One of the senators was marooned in a flooded town – he had been against the legislation, & now he's had a taste of it, maybe he'll change his mind....

My Dearest,

Tuesday, January 1, 1946

112

... Sunday was a beautiful day – like spring – and believe it or not I had a lot of people on my street-car ask the way to the zoo in Washington Park. At first I didn't know what bus to tell them to take, 'cause they've been altered since last I was up there – but after asking once, I had the right answer for all the folk – including some sailors. And that makes me think of 4 sailors, who, on Xmas eve couldn't get transportation to their homes in various parts of the country – so they got on my street-car and rode it to the end of the line with me and then back to town. They picked a good one, 'cause I was on Mt. Tabor, the longest line in the city, and from Tabor they could see a lot of the lights of the city.

113

Last night – New Year's eve – Broadway – the downtown theater district & center of the shopping district & cafes, etc., at midnight, it took 15 minutes to get the streetcar across the street.... Policemen trying to get the traffic through were helpless – in one instance two big sailors just picked up a policeman bodily and set him down on the sidewalk when he tried to open a lane for traffic to get through. I'm glad I wasn't working!... I completed the month of December without an accident of any kind, thereby earning a bonus of 5 cents per hour worked. It'll probably amount to £2–10s approximately....

Dearest Micky,

Saturday, January 5, 1946

114

This morning's paper says that the G.I. brides will be riding the Queen Mary – so probably you will be riding the waves on the same ship I did. And it will be so smooth you won't even feel the motion of the waves – much less feel sick – That is good news, indeed!...Eileen & George are starting to look around for a house now and have in mind – temporarily, at least, – one of the War Housing Projects – at Guild's Lake....

115

I think I told you I didn't get to sing at the Xmas eve service – either the carols or at the service, as I worked until nearly 2 a.m. The last two days have been long ones, and yesterday I took more instruction on trolley-coaches so I am getting more versatile all the time. This morning when I woke up the sun was in my face (10 am) and then it was raining an hour later. Now it is bright again – hope it stays bright, as I go to work in just over an hour. I've got to eat now & get on my way – All my love is yours darling –

Aways yours, Bob ×××

116

According to her mother's anguished letters, Micky lost a male fetusin late November 1945. By January, she discovered that she wasstill carrying the second twin. Six-months pregnant, still ill, and in danger of miscarrying again, Micky nevertheless sailed from England on February 24, 1946, bound for New York. She and Bob reunited in Portland, where they first lived with his parents. I was born at Emmanuel Hospital in Portland on May 26, 1946.

117

By August 1947, Micky had decided to return to England, unaware that she was pregnant again. Her mother's letters, however, had concealed the sad state of the economy in post-war Liverpool where — according to later family stories — newspapers sometimes substituted for toilet paper. The Hicksons' return to England turned into a disaster, with morning sickness, onerous rationing, no jobs for ex-GIs, family bickering, and constant illness in an overcrowded, coal-heated flat and no other housing available. Bob considered re-enlistment and had the papers sent to him. But by Christmas 1947, Bob and Micky had begged and received return fare to the United States from Bob's parents and were back in Portland.

118

Bob and Micky Hickson moved with their family from Portland to Medford, to Hoquiam, Washington, and then to Junction City while Bob worked at various jobs, including managing a Western Auto hardware franchise owned by his father. He worked hard but was never able to return to college. By 1956, the family had moved back to Portland, and in 1958 their third daughter, Lisa, was born. Throughout Bob and Micky's life together, Micky's mental illness — which made her unstable and sometimes violent — caused them to move frequently, even briefly trying England again in the mid-1960s.

119

Bob, a lifelong smoker, died of cancer on June 13, 1995. Micky's mental illness worsened after his death, and she died on June 7, 2001, of heart disease, diabetes, and the complications of a fall. While their life did not play out as Bob imagined in 1945, his letters innocently represent the hopes, dreams, and experiences of other discharged servicemen working to find their niche in peacetime Oregon.

120

Notes

^* See Elfrieda Berthiaume Shukert and Barbara Smith Scibetta, War Brides of World War II (Novato, Cal.: Presidio Press, 1988).

^† See E. Kimbark MacColl, The Growth of a City: Power and Politics in Portland, Oregon 1915 to 1950 (Portland, Ore.: The Georgian Press, 1979), 555, 656–58.

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