arch 12,19)5

Dear Phog and Mrs Allen.
lt has been some time since I wrote you a letter. I have been
hearing about you in the papers. I am heartily in accord with
the editorial that Doe should be the BHAR CZAR of Basketball.
I am very proud of the fact that I have been so well acquainted

with you both, If this war continues much longer I shall be an

old bald-headed decrepit piece of humanity. It wont be long before

my third year overseas witillhave slipped by.

f am inclosing a post-card of the costume of the Gille
This the the name for the personages composing the main feature
of a yearly festival in Belgium, It originated centuries ago
through the efforts of Queen Mary of Hungry. She conceived the
constume from the Inca Indians and introduced it into the
festival. Ihe Madi Gras of New Orleans is taken from this
festivity which begins the day before Ash Wednesday each yeare
The Plums are ostrich and around the waist are regular bells
which make an awful racket during the dance which is a rhythmic
cloge As you see the subject is only a child. The adult costumes
have tremendious plums. The figures are the royal Lion of Belgium
and are in vivid colors on a bright yellow back grounds

It is surprizing the number of wooden shoes that we see on the
civilians. I know why they take their shoes off when they enter the
housee They wear something like a house slipper, (felt) insid e the
wodden shoes. i tried to wear a pair once with just stockings and
I about broke my foot on the first stepe I have seen some old ladies
who have had their wooden shoes as long as 20 years.

Ve are taking a well earned rest now biter the Belgium buldge