[The letter was postmarked Feb 11, 1956 but a full date was not put on the letter. It was written on a Tuesday, so Feb 7 is a guess.]
news release
from Allenberry
"On the Yellow Breeches"
at BOILING SPRINGS, PA.
Phone: Carlisle 820Tuesday.
Dear Pat,
Greetings from Allenberry "On the Yellow Breeches."
You can thank Al Hamilton for this letter. It is only because he is late designing the set (as usual!) that I find a few minutes this lovely afternoon to write a lot [of] crap to you that you've probably heard before (or something like that.).
Well, anyway, I'm still working here. As we turned [?] down to an unhappy few we bid fond farewell to another summer stock season. (2 more weeks - Thank God!!!). Bettie did her last show, last week, but is still hanging around doing odd jobs. (the damn fool) We're now working on "Dial M for Murder." I like it. - Marcie is back - and leaves again next week.
I may leave here next week also. (depending)
Our new light man is also going to Erie and depending on which one of us is needed up there the soonest determinds [sic] when I leave here. If he goes the 17th I stay. If I go he stayes [sic] - (someone has to work lights, and they don't trust Mike. [so they say])
Mike and Guy really had it out a few weeks ago. It even came to blows and an extra big eye for Mike.
Jay (our new light man) just came back from calling Erie. He is leaving the 17th, so I stay till the end. (Hell and Damnation).
I would only be to[o] happy to sit in for Mr. Wismer on "My Heart's in the Highlands["] But - - - - - - - (will he stand for it).
Bettie and I have been getting drunk almost every night. (HA-HA-) believe that and I'll tell you another.
Your friend Dick did not show up here as he had planned too [sic], How does he like it by now? - or when is he going back to York?
So be good and all that stuff. Bettie sends her best and says she will write in a few days. Keep punching my name to Mr. Wismer maybe I could land a job with him next season. Mr. Gage ask[ed] me to come back. I have my eye on a good job here and If [sic] I can get it I shall come back. But I will not work in the shop with Al -
So write soon - etc - etc -
Love,
John - J. F. CusterBe good -