Elvin Joins the Navy

3/1951 -6/1951: In Searchlight, Nevada Dad was helping to build roads as a dozier operator.

Dad always enjoyed taking Elvin to work with him when ever he could.

Elvin spent time with Dad in Searchlight. This town had a bad reputation for having prostitutes. When Dad go home for the weekend as he always did, he was already tight from drinking while he let his 16 year old son drive the car to get them home.

Dad was telling Mom what had been happening on their time off after work. The town was small and no wholesome places were available for a young boy. Taking his son where he shouldn't be, the 16 years old was leaning up to bar with Dad when some lady of the evening approached Elvin with an invitation. dad got a big laugh form the look on Elvin's face. Elvin was not happy with the insult.

From what I remember of what happened next, Dad kept teasing Elvin. Elvin accused his father of consorting with prostitutes and soon they were locked in a wrestling hold and rolling on the kitchen floor.

Dad wasn't going to let his son be disrespectful. at the same time Elvin wasn't going to take it anymore. he could not stand by and let his mother be insulted either.

Before our horrified eyes we watched Elvin get the better of his Dad. Elvin told me was an unwilling participant. He never struck his father. That was not in his nature to want to hurt his hero. Elvin said the only reason he was able to pine his Father down was because of the alcohol that weakened Dad.

Dad's little boy had grown up and was now physically superior to his father. Defeated, he looked in Dad's eyes was heartbreaking to see.

Elvin had be devastated by what had happened. He very soon thereafter joined the Navy, hardly waiting until he was 17.

I know Dad felt terrible over this turn of events. So did Elvin. His letters home were so full of homesickness and pleading for someone to write.

Mom's hands full with a new baby and felt she could not write an interesting letter if she tried. She asked me to write for her. I finally took pity on the boy. I wrote and told him he was lucky to be grown and gone.

He wrote back and told me off proper. Elvin told me what an ungrateful girl I was and someday I would know jut how bad it is when you leave home and all who have been dear to you. "But please write again. Sent with love, from Elvin.

I was a little miffed to say the least. But I did write again eventually, No more whining in the next letter though!