Uncle Bob's Legacy

Bob's Journey to Europe

(As told by Robert McGill through his June - August 1938 Diary.)

Aboard Ship

Monday, June 27, 1938

I spent the day awaiting for clothes, Jerry H., etc. I didn't leave the apartment till 6 o'clock; ate dinner with Jerry H. and then came back up to the room.

My expenses to date include $12.00 - travel expenses, $50.00 200 Germany Marks, $1.00 French railway card, $3.00 baggage, and $9.00 for food, room, etc. Total expenses to date include $75.00. My cash on hand is now $359.00.

Tuesday, June 28, 1938

I went to town today and bought gum-soled shoes. The others are too hard on my feet. TGhe shoes cost me $3.29. I bought two mutes. Wow Wow - and Shastock valve oil ($2.85) - dirt cheap.

My room expenses are $4.00 for stay here. Total expenses Tuesday another $10.00 for a total of $85.00 all together. $50.00 of that represents German Money.

I really like New york and would like to spend some time here sight seeing. I travel by subway like a real New Yorker.

Wednesday, June 29, 1938

Today was spent in final preparation. I have spent quite a lot of time on 58th Street of New York. It is known as Columbus Circle and is very interesting.

It is the hungout of all the acters for stage. Had quite a good time with Coila S. She is a very nice girl. It might well be my last in New York.

Thursday, June 30, 1938

Most hectic day I ever spent. Nearly missed the boat. We don't play tonight. For that I am thankful no end.

The dinner tonight was really swell. I don't know when I've enjoyed a meal more. Plenty classy, too. I don't mean perhaps.

Friday, July 1, 1938

We played for a tea dance this afternoon. There weren't many there because the sea was so rough. I felt terrible all day and feel even worse tonight and we played down in 3rd class. Nothing but alot of Germans.

Nearly everybody on the boat is German with the exception of (Our Gang).

There sure are a bunch of swell fellows on the ship. All from Harvard, Dartsmouth, Yale, Princeton, Notre Dame, etc. Pretty stiff competition for the 3 good looking girls. We really stood in good with them. They like us a lot.

Monday, July 4, 1938

Quite a big night. Everybody danced until about 2:30. I was really plenty tired playing. After the dance we all went up on deck and sang until nearly 4 o'clock.

P.B. recited his piece, and that's about all. Had a lot of fun. We played tourist class. A lot of 1st class fellows came down (dancing) as Marion says.