Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

This collection contains 27 letters and 1 postcard that Private Earl H. Hobson wrote to his wife Maybell while serving at Camp Devens, Massachusetts, and in France during World War I, as well as 1 letter that he wrote to his mother-in-law, Harriet A. Kingsley. In addition to describing his experiences while working behind the front with the 301st Ammunition Train, he reacted to news of his wife's pregnancy and shared his excitement about fatherhood.

This collection contains 27 letters and 1 postcard that Private Earl H. Hobson wrote to his wife Maybell while serving at Camp Devens, Massachusetts, and in France during World War I, as well as 1 letter that he wrote to his mother-in-law, Harriet A. Kingsley. In addition to describing his experiences while working behind the front with the 301st Ammunition Train, he reacted to news of his wife's pregnancy and shared his excitement about fatherhood.

Hobson wrote his first letter on illustrated stationery from Camp Devens, Massachusetts, shortly before embarking for France in July 1918, and sent Maybell a printed form postcard announcing his safe arrival in mid-August. He composed his remaining letters while serving with the 301st Ammunition Train near Montrichard, France, between August and December 1918, and while working for a classification camp in Saint-Aignan-des-Noyers between December 1918 and February 1919. He commented on aspects of military life in France, including his visits to the Y.M.C.A. He also described the scenery, weather, and some of the differences between life in France and in the United States. After the armistice, he shared his disappointment that he had not been sent to the front before the end of the war.

In September 1918, Hobson received news that Maybell was pregnant, and many of his later letters reflect his thoughts about fatherhood. He expressed his joy about the prospect of becoming a father and the ways the news affected him. After receiving a letter from his mother-in-law that Maybell had lost the baby in early 1919, he attempted to provide consolation and support (February 27, 1919). Hobson transferred to a classification camp by 1919, one of the last stops for American soldiers leaving France for the United States. He discussed aspects of the discharge process and expressed hopes that he would be returning home soon.

This collection is made up of letters to Louis J. Licht and his daughter Elizabeth ("Betty") of Geneva, New York. Richard Licht, Louis's son and Betty's brother, often wrote about his experiences in France, where he served with the 307th Machine Gun Battalion during World War I.

This collection is made up of 14 letters to Louis J. Licht and his daughter Elizabeth ("Betty") of Geneva, New York. Richard Licht, Louis's son and Betty's brother, wrote 12 letters to his family between July 7, 1918, and March 27, 1919. He discussed aspects of his service with the 307th Machine Gun Battalion near the front lines in France, such as marches through ruined towns, rat-infested sleeping quarters, the prevalence of thick mud, and his work. Though he often had problems with his truck, including difficult navigation across treacherous roads littered with shell holes, Licht was happy that he avoided an assignment to an aviation unit. He expressed his confidence in an Allied victory.

In a letter dated December 22, 1918 (likely written earlier in the fall), Licht wrote a detailed account of life near the front lines, describing hastily abandoned German trenches, leftover military paraphernalia in the woods, the experience of being shelled, and antiaircraft fire shooting at hostile planes. According to Licht, the Germans constructed a bowling alley within their trench system, and the American troops reacted to close shelling with laughter rather than fear. Licht's final letter concerns his pride after an inspection by General John J. Pershing. The Licht family also received letters from Chauncey Wayne Grove at Camp Hospital #6 (January 29, 1919) and "Pete" Bodine of the 266th Military Police Company (February 27, 1919); Bodine discussed the importance of, and danger to, "runners" who facilitated communication between units along the trenches.

Sergeant Leo Maher wrote 3 letters to Selina Curry of Brooklyn, New York, while stationed in Saumur and St. Nazaire, France, just after World War I. Maher wrote about his expected return to the United States, gifts for the Curry family, and other topics.

While stationed in Saumur and St. Nazaire, France, just after World War I, Sergeant Leo Maher wrote 3 brief letters to Selina Curry of Brooklyn, New York, whom he addressed as "Mother Curry." Two of Maher's letters focus on his expected return to the United States, and he promised to visit the Curry family upon his arrival; he expected to sail in late January or early February 1919. Maher also mentioned a lengthy horseback ride and a Christmas cake he received from a French woman. In one letter, he mentioned his reunion with members of the "old 69th." See the Detailed Box and Folder Listing for more information about each item.

This collection is made up of 6 letters that Private Warner E. Kiningham wrote to his mother and siblings while serving in the United States Army's 106th Engineers, Company B, during World War I.

This collection is made up of 6 letters that Private Warner E. Kiningham wrote to his mother and siblings while serving in the United States Army's 106th Engineers, Company B, during World War I. He first wrote from Camp Wheeler, Georgia, where he commented on the cool weather, a recent photograph, and his correspondence with friends or family members at home (August 22, 1918). His next two letters, written from an unidentified location in France in October 1918, mention his travels in England and Scotland, expectations that the war would soon be over, and a desire for his brother Jesse to join the army, though he believed that Jesse might be ineligible (October 8, 1918, and October 18, 1918). In his final three letters, written from Brest, France, between April 23, 1919, and June 8, 1919, Kiningham discussed his finances and a mistake regarding his mother's allotment. Some of the letters are written on stationery of the Knights of Columbus and the YMCA.

This collection is comprised of 6 letters that Private Charles Miller wrote to his mother while serving with the Special Services Unit 649, an ambulance unit in the Convois Automobiles, in France during World War I. Miller discussed aspects of military life both before and after the Armistice.

This collection is made up of 6 letters that Private Charles Miller wrote to his mother while serving with the Special Services Unit 649, an ambulance unit in the Convois Automobiles, in France during World War I. Miller, who signed his letters "Chas.," discussed aspects of military life both before and after the Armistice, such as his quarters and his desire to join the regular army. He reported his excitement after hearing that Special Services Unit 649 would be receiving a commendation for bravery and occasionally commented on the war. During his time in France, he observed bombing raids and shelling, but believed "one would have to be terribly unlucky to get hit" (March 30, [1918]). After the war, Miller described his attempts to learn languages and anticipated his return to the United States. Miller's letter of April 27, 1918, is incomplete.

This collection is comprised of 3 letters that Private Herbert C. Linton wrote to his mother, Katherine B. Linton, while serving in the United States Army during World War I.

This collection is comprised of 3 letters (11 pages) that Private Herbert C. Linton wrote to his mother, Katherine B. Linton, while serving in the United States Army during World War I. Linton commented primarily on military life, the possibility of returning home, and his movements within France. He also wrote about his brother Keith, who was a member of the United States Armed Forces during the war. See the Detailed Box and Folder Listing for more information.

This collection is made up of 3 letters that Corporal Walter Rothenhoefer sent to a niece, Louisa, and to "Edith" (likely Louisa's mother) while serving with the 8th Field Artillery, Battery C, in France during and just after World War I.

This collection is made up of 3 letters that Corporal Walter Rothenhoefer sent to his niece, Louisa, and to "Edith" (likely Louisa's mother) while serving with the 8th Field Artillery, Battery C, in France during and just after World War I. In his two letters to Louisa (October 17, 1918, and February 5, 1919), he wrote about his arrival and the weather in France, a French girl he had met that reminded him of his niece, and souvenirs; though he was not able to send her a birthday present in October 1918, he did intend to send her a French military cap and French money. His second letter to her includes a brief message in French. Rothenhofer wrote to "Edith" from Pont-à-Mousson, France, on March 19, 1919, commenting on an upcoming visit to Paris and a football game that the King and Queen of Belgium and General John J. Pershing were expected to attend. He also mentioned a souvenir that he had sent to Louisa.

George M. Day of Elyria, Ohio, wrote 15 letters to his wife Silver while serving in a United States Army ordnance detachment during and immediately following World War I. Day wrote about his work in and travels in France.

This collection is made up of letters that George M. Day of Elyria, Ohio, wrote to his wife Silver while serving in a United States Army ordnance detachment in France between June 1918 and March 1919. His first letter, written from an undisclosed location on June 23, 1918, concerns his work duties, including construction and handling freight, and his visit to a nearby town.

In the remaining letters to his wife, dated November 12, 1918-March 5, 1919, Day commented on the Armistice and the unlikelihood of Germany attempting to resume hostilities, his work transporting ammunition, his travels, and the changing of soldiers' assignments. He noted his initial reluctance to volunteer for a place in the occupying force, thinking that it would delay his return to the United States, but later expressed his willingness to serve in Germany. Day's letters also concern his correspondence with his wife and acquaintances, his desire to send souvenirs, and his travels in France, including a few descriptions of scenery.

This collection contains correspondence, documents, and other material related to Sergeant Walter D. Henderson, who served with the United States Army in France during World War I. The bulk of the collection consists of Henderson's letters to his future wife, Jean Jones.

This collection (74 items) contains correspondence, documents, and other material related to Sergeant Walter D. Henderson, who served with the United States Army in France during World War I. The bulk of the collection consists of Henderson's letters to his future wife, Jean Jones.

The Correspondence series (63 items), the bulk of which is dated from November 19, 1917-July 17, 1919, contains around 50 letters that Walter D. Henderson wrote to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alepheus F. Henderson of Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, and to his future wife, Jean Jones of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and New York City. Henderson discussed his experiences while serving with the 419th Depot Detachment of Engineers and the 447th Depot Detachment of Engineers in the United States and France during World War I. He described camp life and his acquaintances, as well as French scenery, civilians, and towns. Around the end of the war, he anticipated the impact of a labor influx on the cotton trade, and wrote about a furlough to southern France after the armistice. Enclosures include a piece of cloth from a downed German airplane (May 1, 1918) and photographic postcards of scenes in Paris and Le Mans, France. Henderson also drew pictures of an "'overseas' hat" (April 12, 1918) and a wagon (February 25, 1919).

Jean Jones received several letters from other soldiers who served in France during the war. Other items in the series include Henderson and Jones's marriage announcement (1921) and 3 letters Bob and Walter Henderson received from a correspondent in Houston, Texas (April 30, 1951, and undated).

The Documents series (5 items) contains 2 items related to Walter D. Henderson's service with the United States Geological Survey and in the United States Army, documents related to Jenkin Jones's involvement with the Masonic Veterans Association and to his will, and a statement about Nathaniel Jones's Civil War service.

The Photographs series (2 items) contains card photographs of Elizabeth E. Jones and Cass A. Newell, a soldier who corresponded with Jean Jones during World War I.

The Genealogy series (1 item) is made up of translated biographical sketches, originally written in Welsh, about members of the Jones and Davies families.

Three Printed Items are a guide to and map of Nice, France, both from the World War I era, and a newspaper clipping about the death of Jenkin N. Jones on December 6, 1923.

This collection contains correspondence related to Brewster E. Littlefield's service with the United States Army's 101st Engineers during World War I. Littlefield wrote around 110 letters to his family in Braintree, Massachusetts, about his experiences in France, which included service in the front lines. The collection also includes letters about Littlefield's death, poetry about the war, and photographs.

This collection (155 items) contains correspondence related to Brewster E. Littlefield's service with the United States Army's 101st Engineers during World War I. Littlefield wrote around 110 letters to his family in Braintree, Massachusetts, about his experiences in France, which included service in the front lines. The collection also contains letters about Littlefield's death, poetry about the war, and photographs.

The Correspondence series (135 items), which comprises the bulk of the collection, contains letters that Brewster E. Littlefield wrote to his parents from September 25, 1917-October 31, 1918. Early letters pertain to his journey to France via Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Southampton, England. After arriving in France in October 1917, Littlefield wrote about his daily experiences with the 101st Engineer Regiment. He discussed his living quarters, his religious life, and his work as a gas mask specialist, which involved frequent travel by motorcycle and on horseback. Littlefield also commented on his training exercises, which included a simulated gas attack, and mentioned his pride in the American "doughboys." He spent time in the trenches and near the front lines, traveled around France, and attended training in Paris; his letters include descriptions of artillery attacks, aerial warfare, and gas attacks. He reflected on the impact that the war had on him, such as his gradual adjustment to shelling. On several occasions, including in his final letter, he remarked on close encounters with German bombs. Littlefield also wrote about his relationship and correspondence with a girl named Almira, an encounter with German prisoners of war, and the impact of the influenza epidemic.

Additional correspondence items largely postdate Littlefield's death. In November 1918, the Littlefield family received a telegram and official letter notifying them of Brewster E. Littlefield's death, and they later received 2 letters from his army acquaintances about the precise circumstances of the incident. Later correspondence relates to Littlefield's personal effects and final paycheck. Two sets of military orders concern other American soldiers.

The Poems, Photographs, and Currency series (20 items) contains additional materials related to Brewster E. Littlefield and the First World War. Two typed poems concern soldiers' experiences during the war. Seventeen snapshots and card photographs (one of which is dated December 1, 1941) show families, a dog in the snow, and World War I-era United States soldiers in uniform, including Brewster E. Littlefield. The final item is a one-franc note.