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Collection

Clifford H. Scroggs collection, 1917-1919

0.5 linear feet

The Clifford H. Scroggs collection contains letters and postcards that Scroggs wrote to his mother and sister in Ohio while serving with the American Expeditionary Forces in the United States and France during World War I. He commented on camp life and training in the United States, his experiences at and behind the front lines in France, and his travels around Europe after the war.

The Clifford H. Scroggs collection contains 79 letters and postcards that Scroggs wrote to his family in Ohio while serving with the American Expeditionary Forces in the United States and France during World War I. Most items are manuscript or typed letters to Clifford's mother, Sarah A. Scroggs, and sister, Kate Boyd. One of Scroggs's letters to his sister includes letters to his niece and nephew, Kathryn and Paul (August 12, 1918). The collection also includes one letter from Clifford Scroggs to one of his brothers (December 7, 1917).

Clifford H. Scroggs wrote 78 letters and postcards between May 12, 1917, and May 12, 1919, describing aspects of military life. While at Camp Benjamin Harrison, Indiana; Camp Sherman, Ohio; and Camp Sheridan, Alabama, he discussed his daily training routine, which included classes, drills, and shooting practice. He commented on news from home and sent his regards to family members and friends. In January 1918, he wrote from New York while awaiting overseas deployment, and in February 1918 he began writing from Europe. He wrote one additional letter shortly before his discharge at Columbus, Ohio, on August 15, 1919.

While in France during the final months of the war, Scroggs wrote about his trip across the Atlantic Ocean, courses at the Saumur Artillery School, and service with the 12th Field Artillery Battalion. He often complained about poor sleeping conditions and reflected on his newfound ability to sleep during shelling or other suboptimal conditions. He sometimes commented on the progress of the war, mentioning Marines' capture of German prisoners, bombing raids, others' encounters with German troops or dugouts. Scroggs remained in Germany for around 6 months after the armistice. His postwar correspondence includes mentions of travel in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Italy. His letter of December 14, 1918, recounts his locations during combat. Some of the envelopes containing Scroggs's later letters are sealed with stickers containing the 2nd Division's "Indianhead" insignia.

Collection

Edward Van Winkle collection, 1917-1919

0.75 linear feet

Online
This collection contains over 500 letters that Captain Edward Van Winkle wrote to his wife Sama while serving in the United States Army during World War I. Van Winkle, a member of the 24th Engineer Regiment, discussed his experiences at Washington, D.C. and Camp Dix, New Jersey, and in France and Germany from 1917-1919.

This collection (0.75 linear feet) contains over 500 letters that Captain Edward Van Winkle wrote to his wife Sama while serving in the United States Army during World War I.

The Correspondence series contains 533 letters and telegrams that Van Winkle (who signed his letters "Papa" or "Ted") sent to his wife while serving in the United States Army from September 1, 1917-June 2, 1919. Van Winkle trained at American University in Washington, D.C., and worked at the General Engineer Depot from September 1917-November 1917, when he joined the 24th Engineer Regiment. By November 1917, he had joined the 24th Engineer Regiment at Camp Dix, New Jersey, and he wrote about the regiment's preparations to head overseas in February 1918.

From February 1918-May 1919, Van Winkle was stationed in France, where he served behind the front lines. He described his quarters and his daily activities and discussed topics such as an American cemetery, German air raids, French and German soldiers, and his trips to the front to observe the fighting. After the armistice, Van Winkle traveled to Germany; he noted the disintegration of the German army, and anticipated his return home while he was stationed in France throughout early 1919. Van Winkle sometimes included sketches in his letters; one letter is written on the back of a military map of Bitburg, Germany (December 4, 1918).

The Documents, Map, Printed Items, and Poem series (12 items) contains additional material related to Edward Van Winkle's army service, including a brochure about insurance policies, a directory for the United States Army's Office of the Chief of Engineers, and a memorandum regarding Van Winkle's transfer to the 24th Engineers. The series also contains a copy of a European edition of the New York Herald from September 14, 1918, and additional newspaper clippings pertaining to the war. A program for a production by the 25th Engineers, Company F, is illustrated with a drawing of soldiers in costume, posing as the bottom halves of the letters in the word "camouflage." The final items are a manuscript song about engineers' war experiences and a manuscript map of the Leonval Camp, located in the Forêt de la Reine in eastern France.

The Photograph shows a United States soldier in uniform.

The Realia series includes a black case and canteen that belonged to Edward Van Winkle. The case holds 6 medals, 5 buttons and cufflinks, and a compass.

Collection

Edwin F. Conroy scrapbook, 1918-1921 (majority within 1918-1919)

0.25 linear feet

This collection consists of the contents of a scrapbook kept by Effie M. Conroy of the Bronx, New York, who documented the army service of her son, Edwin F. Conroy, a member of the 114th Infantry Regiment during World War I. The scrapbook contains correspondence, newspaper clippings, and ephemera related to Conroy, to the 114th Infantry Regiment, and to the 29th "Blue and Gray" Division.

This collection consists of a 54-page scrapbook and 24 related items kept by Effie M. Conroy of the Bronx, New York, who documented the army service of her son Edwin, a member of the 114th Infantry Regiment during World War I. The first pages of the scrapbook mainly hold newspaper clippings, including a collection of humorous anecdotes from Conroy's time working as an attaché at the West Farms Court and later articles documenting the 114th Infantry Regiment and the 29th Division. These clippings, though undated, concern the infantry's service throughout and just after the war, and one item from the Bronx Home News relates Effie's thoughts upon hearing that Edwin had been wounded (p. 13). Several other clippings contain poetry, including a sheet of contributions by soldiers (p. 16), and one is a comic strip about service at the front lines (p. 19).

Correspondence includes a printed letter from Corporal Jos. H. Shea describing his journey to France onboard the SS Princess Matoika (p. 3), a printed letter from General John J. Pershing thanking soldiers for their service (p. 5), and many letters that Conroy wrote to his mother while in training at Camp McClellan, Alabama. Between May and June 1918, Conroy described his railroad journeys to the base, his life at the camp, and his journey to his unit's embarkation point at Newport News, Virginia. While in training, he discussed his daily activities and his anticipated voyage overseas. He wrote one letter on YMCA stationery with a letterhead composed of photographs (p. 29), and two of his postcards depict scenes from Camp McClellan. Though most of his letters date to his time in training, Conroy wrote later letters to Anna Gernand, with whom he shared his impressions of destruction near the front (p. 53), and to his aunt and mother.

Most ephemera items are printed programs, though the collection also holds a pamphlet of songs sung by the American Expeditionary Forces (p. 53) and a medal citation for service in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive (loose ephemera). One program relates to event honoring General Ferdinand Foch in 1921 (loose ephemera).

Collection

Esther A. Bates collection, 1917-1919

0.25 linear feet

This collection is made up of 65 letters that Esther A. Bates of Omro, Wisconsin, received during World War I. Fred W. Moldenhauer, her future husband, wrote the vast majority of the letters while serving with the 331st Field Artillery Regiment at army camps from September 1917-September 1918, and after his return to the United States in February 1919.

This collection is made up of 65 letters that Esther A. Bates of Omro, Wisconsin, received during World War I. Fred W. Moldenhauer, her future husband, wrote the majority of the letters while serving with the 331st Field Artillery Regiment at army camps from September 1917-September 1918, and after his return to the United States in February 1919.

Private Fred W. Moldenhauer wrote over 50 letters to Esther A. Bates between September 1917 and September 1918. He was primarily stationed at Camp Grant, Illinois, and Camp Robinson, Wisconsin, where he reported on many aspects of camp life and on mutual acquaintances, including those who were transferred to other camps. Moldenhauer often expressed his love for Bates, and he occasionally wrote loving messages in Morse code in his later letters. In one letter, he recounted his visit to a group of African Americans who lived near Camp Grant (November 13, 1917). Moldenhauer wrote 4 letters from Camp Merritt, New Jersey, and 2 letters from Camp Grant, Illinois, in February 1919, following his return from France. Among other subjects, he discussed his return voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Many of Moldenhauer's letters are directed to Bates, care of West Hall at Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin.

Three other soldiers wrote letters to Esther A. Bates during the war. Ervin W. Steinert, a member of the 341st Infantry Regiment, Company K, and the 311th Field Signal Battalion, wrote about life at Camp Grant, Illinois. Among his correspondence is a printed Christmas card with the logo of the 311th Field Signal Battalion ([December 22, 1917]). Other writers were L. W. Lurd of the 128th Machine Gun Company, who described the country around Camp MacArthur, Texas, and a man named "Ernest," who anticipated his transfer from Camp Grant, Illinois.

Collection

Eulalia R. Nutter collection, 1917-1920 (majority within 1917-1919)

0.75 linear feet

This collection is made up of letters that Eulalia R. Nutter of Minneapolis, Minnesota, received from United States Navy sailors during and just after World War I. The writers discussed aspects of navy life in United States ports and in Brest, France.

This collection is made up of around 150 letters that Eulalia R. Nutter of Minneapolis, Minnesota, received from United States Navy sailors during and just after World War I.

Andrew C. Dickinson ("Dick"), Nutter's most frequent correspondent, wrote about his military experiences between October 1917 and September 1920. Dickinson, a native of Texas, was unacquainted with Nutter before beginning their correspondence; he attended radio training at Great Lakes, Illinois, and at Harvard University, where he occasionally shared his opinions of Boston and the East Coast. In March 1918, Dickinson joined the crew of the USS Bridgeport; he spent most of the war along the Atlantic Coast and in Brest, France. After the war, Dickinson commented on relationships between American sailors and French women in Brest and sometimes discussed political events, such as Bolshevik activity in France. In other letters, Dickinson defended his and other sailors' use of slang (March 24, 1919) and described strained relations between American and British sailors in Brest (April 23, 1919).

Nutter's other correspondents included Mel McLaughlin, who was stationed at the Charleston Navy Yard; Ed W. Fleming, who was stationed in Brooklyn, New York, and Norfolk, Virginia; Neiland K. Barrett, who was stationed at Langley Field, Virginia; and Ray D. Lilley, who was stationed on the Texan, Shoshone, and Great Northern in 1919. The men discussed aspects of naval life and commented on the cities in which they were stationed. Lilley's letters often concern his transatlantic voyages on the Great Northern, a troop transport ship that ferried soldiers home from France. The collection also contains 2 small notebooks in which Nutter recorded soldiers' and sailors' addresses and incomplete lists of letters she wrote and received.

Collection

Frank and Glenn Pollock letters, 1917-1919 (majority within 1917-1918)

15 items

This collection consists of letters that brothers Frank and Glenn Pollock wrote to their parents in Detroit and Atlantic Mine, Michigan, while serving in the United States Army during World War I. Both discussed their training at Camp Custer, Michigan. Glenn described some of his experiences in France as part of the 20th Engineer Regiment.

This collection consists of letters that brothers Frank Pollock (3 items, September 25, 1917-November 6, 1917) and Glenn Pollock (12 items, September 14, 1917-January 16, 1919) wrote to their parents in Detroit and Atlantic Mine, Michigan, while serving in the United States Army during World War I. Most of the letters are 2-6 pages long.

Frank and Glenn Pollock wrote about their experiences while training at Camp Custer, Michigan, in the fall of 1917. Each mentioned their failed attempts to be placed in the same company; Frank joined the 339th Infantry Regiment and Glenn joined the 329th Field Artillery. Frank complained about camp meals and entertainment, and reported that his late arrival after a visit home might have cost him the rank of corporal. Glenn noted his displeasure with kitchen duty and remarked on arrivals of new recruits and visitors. On October 20, 1917, Glenn wrote from American University in Washington, D.C., about his expected departure for France.

Glenn Pollock wrote 9 letters to his family while serving in France from February 4, 1918-January 16, 1919. He commented on his travels and the age of the buildings, noting that French infrastructure was outdated. He complained to his brother that the days and weeks seemed to drag on (February 4, 1918). Glenn's company included members from each of the 48 states, and proudly described their camaraderie and brotherly feelings. He mentioned his correspondence with his brother's future wife (Claudine), a "girl friend," and others.

Collection

Frank D. Jonas letters, 1918-1919

0.25 linear feet

This collection contains around 80 letters that Sergeant Frank D. Jonas wrote to his parents and siblings in Brooklyn, New York, while serving with Company B of the 326th Tank Corps during World War I. Jonas described his training at Camp Upton, New York, and at Camp Colt and Camp Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, between February and September 1918, and discussed his experiences in England and in Bourg and St. Laurent, France, between October 1918 and April 1919. The collection also includes letters that Jonas received from other soldiers, as well as letters Jonas's brothers Robert and Richard wrote about their experiences in the military.

This collection contains around 80 letters that Sergeant Frank D. Jonas wrote to his parents and siblings in Brooklyn, New York, while serving with the Company B of the 326th Tank Corps at Camp Upton, New York; at Camp Colt and Camp Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania; and in Bourg and St. Laurent, France, during World War I. The collection also includes letters that Jonas received from other soldiers and letters by Jonas's brothers Robert and Richard.

The bulk of the Correspondence series is comprised of letters from Frank D. Jonas to his parents and siblings, usually addressed to his mother. While in training at Fort Slocum and Camp Upton, New York, in early 1918, he described his clothing, equipment, daily routine, and other soldiers. In late March 1918, Jonas transferred to the newly established Camp Colt near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he became a member of Company B of the 326th Tank Corps and, later, a signal sergeant. In his letters to his family, Jonas mentioned training exercises such as hikes, drilling, and signaling classes; he also encouraged his brother Richard ("Dick") to enlist. After arriving in Europe around October 1918, Jonas wrote a letter about his transatlantic journey; he later commented on his surroundings and on soldiers' accommodations in France.

After the war, Jonas served in Bourg and St. Laurent, France, where he discussed the possibility of returning home. Two of his letters contain enclosures: a newspaper clipping with photographs of French tanks and wounded Canadian soldiers (September 19, 1918) and photographic negatives of a soldier in uniform (May 23, 1918). Several of Jonas's letters are written on YMCA or Tank Corps stationery, and he also sent his family a Christmas card, and received a postcard depicting a group of soldiers.

Jonas received 2 letters from Sergeant Edward A. Fargo, Jr., who served in Germany in 1919; 1 letter from a marine serving at Paris Island, South Carolina; and 1 letter from Sergeant Harry E. Wildner. His brothers Richard ("Dick") and Robert ("Bob") also wrote several letters about their own experiences in the military.

The Tank Drill Regulations series contains one 3-page document outlining the procedures and signals during tank units' drill exercises.

Collection

Frank S. Buchanan collection, 1918-1919

17 items

This collection contains 9 letters that Frank S. Buchanan wrote to his fiancée, Josephine Aurandt, during his stateside service in the United States Marine Corps during the First World War. He discussed camp life near Boston, Massachusetts, and his efforts to receive a discharge. Also present are 8 photographs.

This collection contains 9 letters that Frank S. Buchanan wrote to his fiancée, Josephine Aurandt, during his stateside service in the United States Marine Corps during the First World War. Also present are 8 photographs.

Buchanan discussed camp life, including frequent drills and barracks inspections, and his experiences in Boston, Massachusetts, and Parris Island, South Carolina. Boston's proximity to the ocean pleased him, though he often got lost in the city's "quaint" and "narrow" streets (June 9, 1918). Though he remained in the United States throughout the war, Buchanan knew others who served in Europe. He wrote Josephine about a button supposedly taken off of a dead German soldier (July 13, 1918) and told her that he could easily have been among the many friends killed or wounded in France (October 30, 1918).

The collection also contains 8 photographs: 5 show a United States soldier in uniform, 2 are group photographs of military personnel, and 1 depicts a bulldog referred to as "Our Mascot."

Collection

Geiger family papers, 1890-1939 (majority within 1890-1918)

1.5 linear feet

The Geiger family papers are primarily made up of correspondence written or received by Henry and Mildred Palmer Geiger, who lived in Galena, Illinois, and Sheldon, Iowa, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The collection includes letters that the couple wrote to each other during their courtship and letters that Henry received from his wife, siblings, parents, and children while he served with the Illinois National Guard during the Spanish-American War and with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I.

The Geiger family papers are primarily made up of correspondence written or received by Henry and Mildred Palmer Geiger, who lived in Galena, Illinois, and Sheldon, Iowa, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The collection includes letters that the couple wrote to each other during their courtship and letters that Henry received from his wife, siblings, parents, and children while he served with the Illinois National Guard during the Spanish-American War and with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I.

The Correspondence series comprises the bulk of the collection. Henry Geiger wrote over 100 letters to Mildred Palmer between 1890 and 1894, during their courtship. Though he lived in Galena, Illinois, he frequently spent time in Chicago and Scales Mound, Illinois, while serving with the 6th Illinois National Guard. His letters, often lighthearted, provide details about their relationship and social lives and, to a lesser extent, describe his military service, which included duty in Chicago during the 1894 Pullman Strike. During the summer of 1893, he discussed his experiences at the World's Columbian Exhibition in Chicago. He visited national pavilions, rode the Ferris wheel, and went on other excursions. The collection holds only a few of Mildred's responses before their marriage.

Henry Geiger received around 30 letters while serving in Company M of the 6th Illinois National Guard Regiment during the Spanish-American War. His siblings, parents, and other family members provided news from Galena, Illinois, and occasionally commented on the progress of the conflict. Henry served at Camp Alger and in Puerto Rico in the summer of 1898, and he wrote 1 letter during his service (August 21, 1898). His sister "Eda" enclosed a small woven United States flag in her letter of August 13, 1898. Henry also received around 35 letters from his wife and children when he was serving in various units during World War I; they discussed family news, the war, education, and their separation. Henry's brothers occasionally wrote about their careers.

In addition to Henry and Mildred's family letters, the collection contains 6 letters addressed to Effie Fowler, a schoolteacher who lived in Slater, Missouri, from 1905-1906 , including one letter of recommendation and other personal correspondence.

The Travel Manuscripts series is comprised of two sets of travel notes made while the unidentified authors visited Ceylon, Sumatra, Java, and Japan (6 index cards) and Israel (2 copies, 2 pages each).

The Financial records are receipts, accounts, and a check related to the financial affairs of the Geiger family and to Mrs. Lucy C. Wing of Marshall, Missouri. A small account book holding 2 pages of Wing's partially printed accounts is also included.

The Printed Items series consists of 4 newspaper clippings and an advertisement. Among the clippings are a recipe and an obituary for Mary Katherine Weinsheimer, Henry Geiger's mother. The advertisement in German announces Anna Heise's performance in Die Verfolgte Unschuld on May 3, 1930, in Philadelphia.

Collection

George Van Buskirk letters, 1917-1919

0.25 linear feet

This collection contains 52 letters that George Van Buskirk received while working as county clerk for Bergen County, New Jersey, between 1917 and 1919. Multiple soldiers from Hackensack, New Jersey, wrote to him about military life at Camp Dix and other bases in the United States, and service in Europe during and after World War I.

This collection contains 52 letters that George Van Buskirk received while serving as county clerk for Bergen County, New Jersey, between 1917 and 1919. Multiple soldiers from Hackensack, New Jersey, wrote to him about military life at bases in the United States, and service in Europe as part of the American Expeditionary Forces during and after World War I. They occasionally requested assistance with administrative military matters.

George Van Buskirk's correspondents commented on their experiences at American military bases, including Fort Dix, New Jersey; Camp McClellan, Alabama; Camp Crane, Pennsylvania; Camp Greene, North Carolina; and Camp Humphreys, Virginia. The writers served in different infantry, artillery, and medical regiments. At least one writer served with a British regiment, though he referred to Hackensack as his home. Many of the soldiers traveled to France, though few participated in combat. The men often referred to other soldiers from Hackensack, including Van Buskirk's other correspondents. After the war, the writers provided details about their overseas experiences; one recalled his travel and combat experiences (November 28, 1918). Others expressed regret or gratitude that they had not seen action. One letter respects life in postwar Coblenz, Germany.

The correspondence often includes requests for Van Buskirk's assistance with transfers, discharges, or other administrative issues. One woman wrote, protesting that a man had falsely claimed her as a dependent in order to obtain a quicker discharge (February 4, 1919). Other items of interest are letters from William Ruland about steam boilers; a postcard depicting a well in Beaune, France; and a letter chastising Van Buskirk and an unidentified committee for failing to recognize the Knights of Columbus volunteers when honoring war veterans. Drafts of Van Buskirk's typed responses are attached to a few of the letters.