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Collection

Eunice Landers letters, 1960-1962

5 items

This collection is made up of letters that Eunice Landers sent to Helen and Charles Boswell of Union County, Oregon, while living in Frankfurt, Germany, in the early 1960s. She wrote about her travels in Germany and other European countries, the United States military, and family news.

This collection is made up of 5 letters that Eunice Landers sent to her acquaintances Helen and Charles Boswell of Union County, Oregon, while living in Frankfurt, Germany, in the early 1960s. Landers described aspects of her life in Frankfurt and her travels around Germany and to countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. She often provided news of David G. Andrews, a United States serviceman, and of "Ginny" and Mary, possibly her daughters. Though primarily personal in nature, her letters contain references to the Soviet Union (August 18, 1961), the Berlin Wall, and John F. Kennedy. She also wrote about military subjects such as promotions and an officer's farewell party.

Collection

William D. Workman collection, 1957

42 items

This collection contains correspondence, newspaper clippings, a typescript, and a photograph related to William D. Workman's appearance on a television program about the integration of schools in the South, originally aired on September 29, 1957. Workman received 23 responses over the following days. Writers most frequently expressed their support of segregated schools, and many also commented on race relations and other political issues concerning the South.

This collection contains correspondence, newspaper clippings, a typescript, and a photograph related to William D. Workman's appearance on a television program about the integration of schools in the South, originally aired on September 29, 1957. Workman received 23 responses over the following days. Writers most frequently expressed their support of segregated schools, and many also commented on race relations and other political issues concerning the South.

Most items in the Correspondence and Newspaper Clippings series are letters of thanks Workman received shortly after his television appearance. Viewers and listeners sent 23 acknowledgments in letters, postcards, and telegrams, most written on September 30, 1957. Though the overwhelming majority of correspondents provided positive feedback, one provided a strongly negative response. Most letters originated from viewers in southern states, who lauded Workman for his comments on the effects of integration policies on the South, and often expressed their own opinions and thoughts on racial issues and on relations between the North and South. Writers overwhelmingly supported segregation. Many referred to the right to self-governance, and a man named Ed. C. Dennis, Jr., jokingly referred to the possibility of South Carolina seceding from the Union. One woman also noted her father's service in the Confederate Army, and many writers commented on recent desegregation attempts in Little Rock, Arkansas. A few correspondents also shared their feelings, usually negative, about Jews and Catholics. Workman received newspaper clippings and pamphlets on similar topics, particularly on religious and political issues; one took exception to the upcoming film Island in the Sun, which featured interracial romances. The series also holds a bundled group of letters between Workman and producers at CBS, who thanked him for his participation in the program.

The Typescript and Photograph series contains a typescript of the "Report on Integration," which aired on CBS television on September 29, 1957, and on CBS radio on September 30, 1957, as well as a black-and-white photograph of the panel participants.

Collection

Charles Wochna letters, [1953]-1954

27 items

This collection is made up of 27 letters that Lieutenant Charles Wochna wrote to his parents while serving with the United States Marine Corps in Korea and Japan during the Korean War.

This collection contains 27 letters that Lieutenant Charles Wochna wrote to his parents while serving with the United States Marine Corps in Korea and Japan during the Korean War. Though only one letter is fully dated (January 1, 1954), the letters cover much of his time abroad.

While stationed abroad, Wochna attended artillery training, participated in several amphibious landing exercises, and constructed bunkers. In their spare time, the American soldiers often played volleyball or other sports. A few letters, written late in the war, discuss Wochna's anticipation of returning home via Japan; in the March 14 letter is a list of items he wished to be shipped to him, and some sketches of emblems that were on his desired clothing. In addition to news of life in Korea, he also mentioned taking periods of rest and relaxation in Japan, and reported purchasing souvenirs in both countries.

Wochna occasionally commented directly on military operations, detailing his experiences upon landing on an unidentified beach (May 15), mentioning the proximity of a peace delegation (August 7), and relaying news of recent operations. In a letter dated June 11, he summarized two schools of thought regarding the presence of American military operations in the country. Other letters refer to the general progress of the war. Wochna's correspondence also reflects his ongoing concern for family members and friends who remained in the United States. He often responded to news of his family, including sadness upon hearing of his grandfather's death (June 14). Wochna frequently offered advice to his brother Jerry, then a student, and requested news about the current football seasons of the Cleveland Browns, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Ohio State Buckeyes. He attempted to follow the teams while stationed abroad.

Charles Wochna sent several letters on stationery bearing colored images, which include:
  • the USS Talladega
  • the insignia of the 1st Marine Corps
  • combat ribbons signifying participation in the Philippines, China, and Japan during the Second World War
  • combat ribbon signifying participation in the Korean War
Collection

Frank Costello letters, 1952-1953

0.25 linear feet

The bulk of this collection consists of undelivered letters and greeting cards sent to New York crime boss Frank Costello during his incarceration in federal correctional institutions from 1952-1953. Costello's correspondents shared their support for him, encouraged him to embrace Christianity, and requested financial assistance.

This collection (94 items) is primarily made up of undelivered incoming letters and greeting cards sent to Frank Costello, a New York crime boss, during his incarceration in federal correctional institutions from 1952-1953. Costello's correspondents shared their support for him, encouraged him to embrace Christianity, and requested financial assistance.

Frank Costello's incoming Correspondence (71 items), all by unauthorized correspondents, was directed to federal correctional institutions in Milan, Michigan; Lewisburg, Pennsylvania; and Atlanta, Georgia, from February 1952-October 1953. Costello received letters from around the United States and from foreign countries such as Italy, Switzerland, and Israel. Many writers offered personal or religious encouragement, some expressed their frustration with Costello's treatment, and one offered vague legal assistance. Correspondents frequently requested Costello's financial assistance and other favors, despite being strangers. For example, Eddie Bartholomay, an aspiring songwriter, sent Costello a song he intended for Frank Sinatra, with whom he believed Costello had a relationship (August 25, 1952); he sent a follow-up letter on September 9, 1952. Others asked Costello to be a pen pal, to endorse an affidavit, and to use proper grammar. Enclosures include newspaper clippings, photographs, religious tracts, and a pamphlet endorsing a universal world currency. Two letters are in Italian. The collection also contains a letter written by a warden of a prison to a warden of another prison regarding Costello's unauthorized incoming correspondence (October 15, 1952).

The Greeting Cards series (16 items) is comprised of Christmas and Easter cards that supporters sent to Costello during his incarceration.

Ephemera (7 items) includes a political poster, 2 loose newspaper clippings, a prayer card, and 3 religious pendants.

Collection

Warren Callahan letters, 1951

6 items

This collection contains 5 letters and 1 printed item related to Warren Callahan's Korean War service with the 32nd United States Infantry Regiment. Callahan wrote to his parents about his time at the front lines and around the 38th parallel, daily life in the military, and, to a lesser extent, military actions on the peninsula.

This collection contains 5 letters and 1 printed item related to Warren Callahan's Korean War service with the 32nd United States Infantry Regiment. Callahan wrote these letters to his parents in Vinton, Virginia, between April 11 and July 25, 1951. He discussed his time at the front lines and around the 38th parallel, daily life in the military, and, to a lesser extent, military actions on the peninsula.

Callahan wrote his earliest letters from the front lines, mentioning enemy prisoners and nearby artillery fire, and providing updates on the state of the war. On June 7, 1951, he told his parents of an area where Chinese soldiers suffered heavy casualties, reportedly at the hands of the United States Air Force. He later noted the army's construction of "a defense line at the 38° in case they desire to bring this war to a close" (June 24, 1951). He described the recent theft of a camera, and the explosion that killed one of his buddies. Callahan's letter of June 7, 1951, is written on two identical pages, with a portion of a printed 1946 map of Japan on the back.

The collection also contains a "safe conduct pass" with a printed note and signature from Douglas MacArthur to members of the UN forces, promising "good treatment to any enemy soldier desiring to cease fighting." The reverse side of the pass bears printed images of good treatment given to prisoners of war, including medical care, food, and recreation (basketball).

Collection

Raymond F. Farrell letters, 1949-1951

4 items

This collection is made up of letters that Corporal Raymond F. Farrell wrote to his father while serving with a United States Marine Corps divisional band between 1949 and 1951. He discussed his experiences at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; his attempt to audition for an assignment in Washington, D. C.; and enlistment practices.

This collection is made up of 4 letters that Corporal Raymond F. Farrell wrote to his father while serving with a United States Marine Corps divisional band between 1949 and 1951. His first letter concerns his initial impressions of Camp Lejune, North Carolina, shortly after his arrival there in April 1949 and his unsuccessful attempt to audition for a school in Washington, D.C. He also complained about unwanted communications from a woman named Marion Lucy and military policies regarding personnel, including reenlistment of men in the reserves and the use of the draft.

Collection

Eric C. Marker letters, 1945-1946

98 items

This collection contains 98 letters that Eric C. Marker wrote to his wife Ruth while serving in the United States Navy during World War II. Marker commented on life onboard the USS Fergus in the Pacific Theater from July 1945-February 1946, and described his experiences in the Philippines and Japan after the end of the war.

This collection contains 98 letters that Eric C. Marker wrote to his wife Ruth while serving in the United States Navy during World War II. Marker commented on life onboard the USS Fergus in the Pacific Theater from July 1945-February 1946, and described his experiences in the Philippines and Japan after the end of the war.

Marker began his correspondence, at the United States Naval Training Center at Great Lakes, Illinois, around May 1945, where he reported on his daily schedule. He wrote the bulk of his letters on the Fergus, commenting on his work with the ship's boilers, life in port, and his relationship with his wife. After September 1945, he shared additional details about his wartime travels to places such as Eniwetok Atoll and Okinawa Island, and described an encounter with a Japanese submarine. In the fall of 1945, the Fergus was stationed in the Philippines and Japan, where Marker noted the large size of the American fleet and the effects of the war on Manila. He also shared his opinion of sailors and expressed his disapproval of some of their activities while on liberty.

In late 1945 and early 1946, Marker wrote from California, Hawaii, and Guam while traveling on the Fergus. On December 15, 1945, he shared news of a murdered African-American sailor who had been discovered in the water. Marker's correspondence is comprised of V-mail letters, airmail letters, and telegrams; at least 2 of his letters contain sketches of sailors, and his letter of September 29, 1945-October 3, 1945 includes 2 manuscript maps of the Fergus's travels in the Pacific. Marker's correspondence also includes a "Plan of the Day" for the Fergus (January 6, 1946), 2 undated photographic postcards depicting the HMS Hood and HMS Courageous, and a photograph of the USS Fergus.

Collection

U.S. Serviceman’s Letters, Stams (Austria), 1945

5 items

This collection contains 5 letters from a man named George, who wrote to his mother while he served with the United States Armed Forces in Stams, Austria, during May and June 1945. He told his mother of his daily life, recounted a day trip to nearby Innsbruck, and shared news of acquaintances from the United States.

"George," a member of the United States Armed Forces, wrote 5 letters (9.5 pages) to his mother while stationed in Stams, Austria, in May and June 1945.

He often reported receiving and sending correspondence and packages, including a shipment of fudge that had spoiled (May 12, 1945), and responded to news of people he knew in the United States. Occasionally, he mentioned the draft and the possibility of acquaintances serving in the military, and in one letter commented on the death of a friend named Bert Vollmer, who had also served in Europe (May 29, 1945). George wrote about various aspects of military life, such as inspections, and remarked about the weather and daily life in Austria. He mentioned the work of local citizens, who spent most of their time farming, and in his letter of June 10, 1945, he described the haying process. On May 31, 1945, he wrote of a recent trip to nearby Innsbruck, where he went skiing and attended an opera, and reported that the military had resumed censorship of soldiers' letters.

Collection

Janie Grant letters, 1945

19 items

This collection consists of 19 letters that Janie Grant wrote to her husband, Major J. A. C. Grant of the Gordon Highlanders, while living in Perth, Scotland, in August 1945. She discussed her efforts to meet him at London and Edinburgh following his upcoming discharge, anticipated their future life together, and complained of conflicts with family members.

This collection consists of 19 letters Janie Grant wrote to her husband, Major J. A. C. Grant of the Gordon Highlanders, while living in Perth, Scotland. She wrote letters almost daily between August 13 and August 31, usually 3 or 4 pages long, and discussed aspects of the couple's anticipated reunion and postwar domestic life.

Janie wrote 4 letters while traveling between Perth and Edinburgh by train, one from Edinburgh (August), one while on vacation at Lochearnhead (August 19), and the remainder from Perth. Though she most frequently focused on domestic and family affairs, on August 15 she commented on the end of the war, expressing her uncertainty about the future. Many letters concern Janie's attempts to meet her husband in either London or Edinburgh following his anticipated discharge in late September, including her difficulty securing hotel reservations. Other letters regard plans for their future, such as their attempts to find a temporary home, her desire to secure a servant for a cottage they planned to rent (August 23), and her future role as a housewife. She also mentioned the possibility of traveling to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and reported her frustrations and conflicts with family members.

Janie frequently wrote about her social life, shopping trips, dental and other health issues, female friends, and her efforts to dispose of letters from former lovers and male friends. By late August, she was anticipating a visit with her husband in Edinburgh around September 21.

Collection

U.S. Serviceman's letters, Manila (Philippines), 1945

8 items

This collection is made up of letters that a United States serviceman sent to his wife while traveling to and serving in the Philippines between July and September 1945. The letters pertain to religion, leisure activities, a Japanese surrender delegation, and other subjects.

This collection is made up of 8 letters that a United States serviceman sent to his wife while traveling to and serving in the Philippines in August and September 1945. In his first two letters, "Jake" wrote about aspects of his journey across the Pacific Ocean, including weather conditions and a religious service held onboard his ship (July 2, 1945, and undated). After arriving in Manila, he described the destruction in and around the Intramuros district and discussed his life in an unfinished camp, where soldiers used their helmets to hold shaving water. He mentioned repeated thefts from soldiers' footlockers, and the prevalence of scorpions, lizards, and other animals. In his letter of August 21, 1945, Jake lightly criticized Catholic chaplains. This letter also contains an account of a 16-man Japanese surrender delegation, which Jake spotted while retrieving his mail; he noted the differences between the ornately decorated Japanese uniforms and the Americans' plain khakis.