Charles Valek letters, 1919

Summary

Creator:

Goodman, Violet

Abstract:

This collection is made up of letters that Charles Valek wrote to Violet Goodman of Cleveland, Ohio, while serving in the United States Merchant Marine in 1919. He wrote about his leisure activities while stationed on the USS Meade in Boston Harbor and about his later assignment in Newport News, Virginia.

Extent:

5 items

Language:

English

Authors:

Collection processed and finding aid created by Meg Hixon, January 2014

Background

Scope and Content:

This collection is made up of 5 letters that Charles Valek wrote to Violet Goodman of Cleveland, Ohio, while serving in the United States Marine Corps between June and September 1919. His first 3 letters pertain to his service on the USS Meade in Boston Harbor in June and July. He explained his decision to join the merchant marines after finding it difficult to find work in Cleveland, discussed the difficulty of making friends despite meeting many different people, and commented on his leisure activities, such as attending "nudie picture shows" and a circus. Valek also stated his desire to travel to different countries. In August and September 1919, he wrote from Newport News, Virginia, eagerly anticipating his departure for a trip to Germany, though his ship remained in dry dock in early September.

Biographical / Historical:

Charles Valek, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, joined the United States Merchant Marine in 1919. He was stationed on the USS Meade in Boston, Massachusetts, during the summer of 1919, and on a seagoing vessel in Newport News, Virginia, in August 1919.

Acquisition Information:

2001. M-4163.6 .

Processing information:

Cataloging funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). This collection has been processed according to minimal processing procedures and may be revised, expanded, or updated in the future.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Subjects

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Subjects:

Merchant marine--United States.
Sailors--United States.

Formats:

Letters (correspondence)

Names:

Valek, Charles.

Places:

East Boston (Boston, Mass.)
Newport News (Va.)