The Pennington family corresponded with relatives and friends for many years. Eva and Mary Pennington were devotees to the “I AM” movement, and much of the correspondence is from their many “I AM” friends from across the country. Of particular interest are the letters sent by friends and family serving in World War I and World War II. Another notable inclusion is the “phonograms”(oral correspondence in the form of lightweight phonograph recordings). They were sent by Richard Pennington (son of Ray Pennington) to the John Pennington family between c1944 and 1950. The series is divided into three sub-series: Letters, Holiday Cards, and Postcards.
On September 19, 1917, Ray Pennington began his WWI service at Camp Custer, Michigan. He served as a Corporal in Co. C of the 338th Infantry. In October of 1917, he transferred to Co. C of the 310th Engineers and two months later, relocated to the Columbus Barracks (Ohio). While in Ohio, he worked for the Government Weather Bureau, Meteorological Division, U.S. Signal Corps.
On February 27, 1918, Ray was transferred to Fort Wood N.Y. and sailed overseas March 29, 1918. He landed at Brest, France April 17, 1918. From May 10 through August of 1918, he traveled to Langree, France. Ray helped install and maintain a Meteorological or Weather Bureau Station in an Aerial Gunnery School at St Jean de Monte, Vendee, France. He was promoted to Sergeant November 1, 1918. Ray Pennington was honorably discharged April 29, 1919.
Roy’s letters provide a rich understanding of daily life as soldier. He frequently discusses everyday life at Camp Custer, Michigan (concerts, food, work) and on the front (barracks, trench warfare). He also describes studying meteorology at the Columbus National Weather Bureau and in France. Of particular interest are his letters describing his feelings regarding the war (Apr 24, 1918) the attitude of French soldiers and civilians (Jul 10, 1918), opinions on the German government and civilians (Jul 10, 1918), and the anti-German sentiment in the United States (Sep 10, 1918).
Floyd Shumway (brother of Eva (Shumway) Pennington) also served in WWI. He enlisted at Camp Custer May 29, 1918 and was sent to France July 22, 1918. While in France, he fought in the St. Mihiel Offensive and at Wocrue, Meuso, and Mosello. Floyd enrolled at the University of Montpellier after the war and remained there until the summer of 1919 when he sailed for America. He was honorably discharged August 1, 1919. Topics covered in his letters include the scenery, his family, the flu epidemic, everyday life as a solider (pay, fishing excursions, and trenches), and life as a student at the University of Montpellier.
Forest Elliot (b. 1909, d. 1998) served in WWII from 1943-1945. He was stationed at Camp Stuart in Georgia from 1943-1944. He was Mary Pennington’s boyfriend and most of the letters convey his feelings for her. Both he and Mary were followers of the “I Am” Activity, and much of the correspondence reflects this as well. A large part of his correspondence relates to his spirituality, but he also describes life at the camp in regards to food, shows, films, and hikes.
Other correspondence of WWII soldiers includes Genevieve Fox, Maurice Corrin, Don Smith, and Richard (Dick) Pennington. Genevieve served as a “recreation girl,” performing shows for soldiers with the Red Cross. She was stationed in the Pacific Theater and describes the conditions, indigenous populations, and daily activities, such as dating. She also addresses the rules for women in the army (October 5, 1943). The others describe daily life as a soldier. Richard Pennington also describes the sea trip over to the Philippines.
