The Last Train to Clarksville
We'll have one more night together 'Til the morning brings my train
Every Friday I send out a real love letter that I’ve transcribed from a stack I bought at the flea market (until they run out — and we’re getting close). Missed one? Check the chronological list.
November 15, 1961,
Dearest Kay,
Just a short note to let you know when I’ll be coming down. I’m going to take the 4:30 train from downtown, which is scheduled to arrive at 6:25 in Champaign. Chances are good that it will be late, so bring something to study so your time won’t be wasted if you meet me at the station.
Again with the micromanaging!
In the event that you do, meet me just inside the extreme south door into the station from the platform area—
Listen, this next section will seem insane to modern audiences but arranging a meeting like this with times, dates and places was SUCH A PAIN before smartphones. I can’t even tell you. It would take too long.
There shouldn’t be too many people wandering around there and I’ll, in any case, know where to look and you’ll be in a warm place.
I hope you can make it to the station because there is no point in visiting until I can get to the dorm when I can be with you right away, and the sooner we’re together the better it will be.
Jesus, Russ, calm down. You’re not going to Vietnam.
Speaking of, The Monkees song linked above won’t be released for at last five years. But the tone of this was so urgent it reminded of it. “Last Train to Clarksville” is a sly anti-war song. Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart in the wake of the U.S. government sending its first big wave of troops to Vietnam, the song tells the story of a boy desperate to see his girl one last time because “I don’t know if I’m ever coming home.”
As usual, if you step outside the cutesy notes he keeps writing at a steady clip, it’s a little shocking to think how small and simple most of Russ’s worries are. Probably a mix of his luck, his privileged life and that dreamy mid-century moment in time in America when folks like Russ and Kay couldn’t see what was coming. That said, just a few days after this letter was written President Kennedy sent even more “military advisors” into South Vietnam.
Use your own judgement in regard to your studying, etc., of course. And speaking of studying, I have a psychology exam for which I must do much studying.
So, until Friday, sleep tight, sweet dreams and take real good care of yourself, Darling. Good luck and don’t worry too much about your exams and grades.
Love and Kisses, Ad Infinitum,
Tiger
There’s only a handful of envelopes left, friends and I’m a little sad about it. Thanks for following along on this silly journey with me!
I’ll be taking a break for Thanksgiving next week. Have a great holiday and I’ll be back in two weeks.
If you made it this far, tap that ❤️ button!
Fussy Russ’ trip
There’s a graphic novel here. I’d back that Kickstarter!