Uncle Bob's Legacy

Bob's Journey to Europe

(As told by Robert McGill through his June - August 1938 Diary.)

June 27, 1938

Mrs. W. J. McGill
817 Maple St.
Alva, Oklahoma

Dear Mom,

We finally arrived in the big city. I have done nothing but sleep for the last two days. We arrived about 10 o'clock monday morning. We are staying in a good apartment about a block from Columbia University. We were really lucky to get the place.

Last night we took the subway to 42nd street and walked around Times Square for about three hours, and then came home. It really seems funny to see big orchestras playing in every hotel.

We saw Jack Dempsey's Restaurant. I think we will go in next time we are there.

I sent all my clothes on the railway express which by the way it cost me $3.00 and I don't have anything but the clothes on my back and there plenty dirty. I think I shall stay in my room for a few days to have them cleaned.

I suppose harvest is going strong, and you are doing right well and nearly through by now. I am also worrying how Merle is getting along but know he should be doing right well!

Getting around in New York is tough, we have been lost twice and ended up in Harlem both times.

I have called Hollmon twice but he hasn't been there either time. I expect I shall find him soon.

We may have a little trouble finding our baggage but I don't think we shall lose more than a lot of time in the process. We know where the Dock is and all we need do now is wait until sailing time. We plan a trip to Coney Island tomorrow if possible. Gibbens just called the Pier and our baggage is on the way out now. so my worries are all over.

It's raining here so you must know that I'm quite homesick and all that. I will say though that I've never been in such a big city. You know the people here are much smaller. They all look like Jews. As I walk down the street I feel very big and it really is a funny feeling. Last night nearly all the people we passed were smaller than ourselves. I sure would like to spend about a month seeing this city. It would really be an education in itself.

In St. Louis I bought or rather we all bought 50 dollars worth of German Marks. Which is about 200 Marks. We are saving 20 cents on the Mark, by buying them here. This way they cost us 23 cents. Over there they would cost 41 cents. We also bought a ticket for French Railways that saves us 40% on the price. These were all bought at the advice of the German Lloyd Steamship Office where we stopped for out tickets.

I think the orchestra will sound fine and I can see no reason why we shouln't be very popular. After finding out how popular a sailing this is, I'm a little worried. The office in St. Louis told us that only the student or student type were given passage on this boat and to really put out for his benefit.

Our apartment is a 4 room and bath. We are doing our own cooking to save money. We got it for $20 for 4 days divided among 5. I couldn't ask for anything better and I guess we looked at quite a few.

I just finished talking to Jerry. He is on his way over now. I expect we shall maybe go some where with him soon. So I shall write you tomorrow or sometime before I leave.

Tell Merle to write me at one of those stops of the American Express and tell me how he's doing in everything. My mind is in such a jumble this morning that I can hardly write anythin. so if you will except those slim excuses, I will close.

Love,
Bob

I would loved to hear from you. Contact me by Email at paristimes@earthlink.net.