foreign service, etc. and then asked me what squadron I preferred here. I had been tipped off before hand that II was the best. Well I was put in No. II. This morning we reported at the flying hangers at 10:30. 4 of us were assigned to sec. B. squad II.
My name was at once put up on the blackboard and at 12:15 I was given a helmet and a pair of goggles. It was my first flight with an instructor. Just as soon as the plane left the water I was given the controls. Gee! Whiz! but it is a wonderful sensation. It is a wonderful feeling when the nose of the plane is pointed directly down and you drop for quite a distance. We stayed up for 1 hour and 5 minutes. The first flight is called a "pay hop". My pay has now increased 50% but it will take a couple of months before I receive it. The training station here is a regular city in itself. I will tell you more about it next letter. We were all invited down town to this hotel to a dancing party. Am too tired to dance. Now when I say that, I am very tired. Tomorrow is Sunday. There will be no liberty. Flying all day long. I expect to get another hour or two in tomorrow.
Just one year ago tomorrow I left N.Y. for France. Hope you all are well and happy.
Love, Byrl.
Letter
Thursday May 23, 1918
Dear Folks,
Just received Mother’s letter. It went over in another department here. After this, use the old address – U.S. Naval Air Station. Have 21 ˝ hours to my credit now. Passed one of my tests this morning. Went up to 6,100 feet. The test called for 6,000. I added on 100 for good luck. It is the highest up I have ever been. Took me 55 minutes to get up there. I spiraled down and landed near a _____ out in the bay just off Pensacola. Made four and a half spirals coming down which took about three minutes time. We are supposed to get in about three hours each day now. Saw a list of the men who are slated to leave here July 22, or finish their elementary flying at that time, and my name was on the list. Of course it is too early yet to know where we will go or anything about it. (Just keep this under your hat). Am allowed to take a passenger up with me now. But guess my wings have not sufficiently sprouted to do that. It’s a good idea, you know, to knock on wood in this game. Glad to hear Ma’s pigs are fat. I’ll bet their hair is brushed every morning. Received a fine letter from Meta. Been going to try to finish up my tests this week. Busy all the time.
Love, Byrl.
May 24, 1918- Two window displays that particularly attracted the people visiting the city Saturday were that of the Junior Red Cross, displays in the windows of F. J. Cornwell and the one in the Plainview Drug Co. displaying the war relics secured by Byrl Sylvester while in the service in France. Both have proven very attractive features and caused everyone to stop and look them over.
May 31, 1918- Mrs. G. F. Sylvester who has served in various offices for the past 15 years, has been elected First District Federation treasurer and would not succeed herself as V.P. another year.
June 7, 1918- Graduation May 31, Friday.
"As the class entered the hall, Miss Marion Sylvester presided at the piano as they marched down the aisle and took their places on the stage…" (NOTE: Graduation exercises were held in the Opera House)
Mrs. R. J. Holmes and little daughter of Ames, Iowa arrived Friday on a surprise visit to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Sylvester, and to attend the graduation exercises of the Plainview High School.
Civic League make annual report: Sec. – Mrs. E. L. Sylvester.

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