Detroit Mich.

Dec. 8, 1940

Dear Pauline –

We have been having some sloppy and snappy weather the past weeks. The temperature is down around the freezing point at present. One of the large auto plants here went on strike, due to the fact that the company tried to increase production in the panel department. It affected our plant to such an extent that they were compelled to shutdown the Plymouth line in our department. – That company supplies us with certain materials and with insufficient stock, so the men were forced to go home. The differences have been

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ironed out, and the men are back on the job. Our plant may have some difficulties, as the contrast between the union and the company has expired and now they are negotiating for a new contract. One that calls for a blanket wage increase, bonus and two weeks vacation with pay, and certain union clauses.

There is another strike in progress here, its one of those chain stores that employs about 600 girls and men clerks. The union demands are reinstatement of girls fired for union activities, a basic pay of $16 week, a 44 hour week and time and a half for overtime.

I’m still working on the pay roll as is and I don’t know what

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my serial number is. When anything turns up I’ll let you know – at present I’ll fit matters, stout as they are.

I don’t see any reason why you two are hesitating in buying a home. It’s an investment you won’t regret. You’re both young and working and with businesses booming it’s bound to last at least 5 years and with the description of the house and location it fits you two to a ‘T’ – so why wait.

I’m sorry to hear of the death of Frank’s bro – there has been some deaths occurred here recently in our department due to heart attacks. One of the trimmers was found dead in his garage, he was on his way to work. Another was in such a hurry to

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punch his time card before the whistle blew, he keeled over, the excitement and the strain of climbing two flights of stairs, was too much for his heart. The other was sitting in an easy chair reading the evening paper – as he reached down to remove his shoe he fell dead – they were all in the late thirties.

I’m going to send you some money - I want you to buy Luke and Hank a Christmas present for $2.59 each and the rest of the money to be spent equally on some suitable gift for me, Pa, Mary, and yourself.-

Now I don’t want any of you to send me any presents or gifts – I don’t need anything.

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If it will make you feel any better you can drop me a Christmas card, so don’t let Ma buy any gifts for me. Well Pauline is closing and wishing you all good health, long life full of happiness, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Your bro,

Pete