George A. Earl wrote to King in June 1936 about how things were going at the Pan American Cafe and mentioned many of the waitresses and Henry Mar, who was filling in at the cash registers taking care of what King normally did. There's the announcement of the opening of the Shanghai Cafe, increasing the number of Chinese restaurants in Wichita. The Shanghai Cafe no longer existed when I was a child in Wichita.
Interesting note about bonuses for soldiers - if King was supposed to get a bonus, did he serve in the U.S. Army. I have no record of him in the military.
Wichita, Kansas, June 17, 1936
Mr.
Mar King,
c/o Mo Do Drug Store,
Baksha, Toysum,
Canton, China,
Dear King:--
I was glad to get a letter from my good friend King, dated April 30th, 1936, thought that you had about forgotten me. And have often thought of you and whether you received my former letter written to you in answer to your letter quite sometime ago. So was very much pleased when the postman brought me your letter a few days ago.
It is hot here again and the air conditioner has to be run at the Pan American every day now. Yes I go to the Pan and get coffee but donot drink so much as I did got too much and did not feel so good. They have good business everyday – today when I was in to lunch I see Ima working you remember her she went over to Muellers and worked. Bernice, Gladys, Sammy, Peggy, Jean, Thelma and 2 other girls I don’t know and I forgot Dolly is still working there. Henry is well and seems to be working all the time. I see Murry on the street sometimes in the afternoon.
Everything seems to be going good at the Pan and guess they are making some money – hope so.
I am sending to you a clipping from this morning Eagle about Wah Mar, going to open the old Lincoln Cafe as the Shanghai Cafe you read the piece and you will know all about it. It is news and will interest you I am sure.
Yes I suppose that it took you sometime to get used to the living there after being here so long and I am glad that you are feeling fine and are looking forward to your return to Wichita, And I will say that all of your friends will be glad to see you back again. Monday the 15th. Of this month the soldiers bonus was paid and suppose that you have a bonus coming to you. The man that delivers bread to you at the Pan told me that one of your friends at the Holly got his check for several hundred dollars Monday.
Well my good friend I have told you all the news that I know and hope that you are enjoying fine health and having a good time and that your Mama and family are well and happy.
Myself and all of my family send your our best wishes for your good health and happy return after your visit, Iam your Friend,
George A. Earl
518 Butts Building
Wichita, Kansas,
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