To the American and its readers: After some delay I will try to tell you where we are. Since the second of the month we have been making our home at Long Beach and will probably be here about a month or so. We have quite a job of work here.

On December 30th, C.E. Boss and I attended the banquet by the Federated Brotherhoods at the First Presbyterian church. Don Packer who won the championship of the United States in oratory, was one of the speakers, and Judge Scott and Rev. Robert Schuler* also spoke. The object of this and other banquets being to rouse interest in the betterment of conditions for the young man and to get them interested in religious matters. They had plates set for 526 and then went out and sold tickets for 522. Quite close work guessing how many would be needed. The evening was well spent and information gained as to the ways and means of the salvation of the young if we would make the effort.

On New Years day we drove to Pasadena, the crown city, to see the 36th annual tournament of roses* and it was wonderful to see how many floats there were. Some of these floats cost over $5,000 and if you could see the structure moving through the streets you would not doubt as to the cost. Many cities in southern California were represented either in a religious or financial way. Many people left their homes at three in the morning to get there so they could park their cars and not have to walk so far and by this means they would get a location near enough to see the parade. We did not go so early and so had to park a half a mile away from the streets where the parade was. To give you some idea of the length of the parade we stood there one hour and 15 minutes just while the train was passing. I never saw so many people. There were elevated seats prepared for those who wanted to buy them, but as they were sold for $1.00 to $1.50 for a single seat we stood up. I would like to describe some of the floats but it would make my letter too lengthy. Glendale got first prize in finance and Mrs. Anna McPherson, of the Angeles Temple, first prize in religious float.

On Jan. 2nd, we came here to Long Beach and are making our home with my wife’s sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Barager. Do not know how long we will remain here, probably a month or more. On Sunday we attended church here and met William Lett from Rock Creek in Coos County. They are spending the winter in the south.

On the 5th of January I will give you some of our experiences. We left home early and went out on the long pier at Long Beach, bought our tickets for a day of deep sea fishing. We boarded the gasoline launch Enterprise at 8:30, a boat 59 feet in length and 14 feet beam. We went out about 22 miles to where it was about 450 to 600 feet deep. Our lines are a little larger than a chalk line and when wound up are a ball about as large as a good-sized football. We had a three-pound cast sinker, liked very much like a window weight, and from four to eight hooks to a line tied about 18 inches apart. The boat furnished the fishing tackle and our bait and some coffee for noon. We took our own lunch and talk about fishing, say boy, that is the real thing. To say nothing about trying to see who could catch the most. I got all I could carry and was ready to lay back and rest before starting. It was some job to haul in 600 foot of rope, a three pound weight, and two large fish, at the one time. When we would haul in our line it would pile up as high as our knees. One would think he would never get to the end, but just keep up your courage and haul away and finally the end would come and also the fish. There was a seat running clear around the boat and the rim of the boat is about eight inches high. Then there is a pipe about 1 ½ inches in diameter boxed and set in on that rim and it is so fastened that the pipe on the top of those that stand up makes a banister that comes about midway of your back while sitting on the seat. They gave you your bait, mackerel, cut about one inch by two inches, and your line and hook and a box to put your fish in. Then they tell us how to perform and we go for it. We throw the line and sinker over the edge. It goes down easy but the tug comes to get it back. Drop the line until the sinker touches the bottom, which you will feel very plainly and then let out about four feet more and hold the rope in your hand. Soon you will feel the big fellow bite. Let it go until two or three have bitten and then begin to haul in your line. Some of them bring in four at a time, weighing from seven to ten pounds apiece. I caught all I could carry, rock cod, red snapper, sole fish, rabbit shark, and red pointers. There were other kinds caught but I did not get any other kind. There were nine in our party and such a pile of fish as we brought back to the dock at 4:30. Two of our company were seasick (not I) which hindered their pleasure. We are going on a shark-fishing trip and also want to take in a mackerel-fishing trip. Come on and enjoy the sport. Will close.

Uncle Tommy