Name/Title
LetterEntry/Object ID
2015.026.0041Scope and Content
Letter dated August 5, 1944 to Mr. Hall McAllister (Redlands) from Mr. Emerson Stoner with letter head:
Benicia Arsenal Memorandum
.
"Dear Mr. McAllister,
Your letter of July 24 somehow just reached me today. No harm whatever was done to the clock in the tower of Bldg. 29. The total damage amounted to about $100,000.00 mostly windows and supports to buildings. It was an exciting though disatrous time. My own home suffered no damage
[the reference is likely to the Port Chicago Explosion}
The clock, as you know, is what is called an 8-day clock runs 8 days without winding. It is now being electricalized in so far as winding is concerned. The drop weight is being pulled up by motors controlled by two electric switches.
Maybe this will be over sooner than we expect and I can get time to do some bird work again.
Incidentally, I received this bill a few days ago. Should it be paid from Wild Life Academy funds? [no bill is with the letter}
Glad to have heard from you again.
Sincerely,
E.A. Stoner (signed)"
hand written in ink on two 8" x 10-1/2" blue sheets of paper
On the back of the second page written in pencil:
"Dear Mr. Stoner,
Thanks for yours 5th recd 7th Aug.
There are no grown white men in this part of the State that were born in California as severl time I have been asked where is Benicia? Some Missenian (sic) in the Post Office probably held my letter of 24 July and had to look up the location.
Glad to know about the memorial clock. I have written the Academy to send you receipt for your dues 1943-44 as your name is on List of Special Observers -Due paid Wild Life Fund.
Cordially Yours,
[H. McAllister - not signed]
Hope War over by 1945"Collection
Benicia Historical Museum Collection
