30 December 1943

Bayler, Malinda, fl. 1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Malinda Bayler to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 30, 1943. Malinda writes to tell Leonard about his mother, Susan, who is sick again and does not have the energy to write. Malinda asks Leonard to write a lot of letters to Susan because he is on her mind. She asks that the letters be filled with good and pleasant news, and if he has unpleasant news to let Malinda know as she will tell Raymond as to not worry Susan. Susan wanted Leonard to know that while she is sick she needs rest and will be better. She warns him not to listen to any of the neighbors who might write him…

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31 December 1943

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated December 31, 1943. Leonard writes that half the men in his barracks are on leave so it is really quiet. He took advantage of it to do laundry but needs to darn some socks. He asks that the next time they send him a box to put in a thimble. He got a few Christmas cards that were lost in the mail due to incorrect addresses. He reports that Robert Winemiller will be stationed in Arizona for another month. He went to another W.A.V.E.S. dance and met up with the red-haired girl he mentioned when he was…

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1 January 1944

Hutton, Edith, fl. 1943-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Edith Hutton and Bertha Hutton to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 1, 1944. Edith recaps the Christmas gifts that her and her two siblings received this year. Bertha writes that she was sorry he didn't have time to visit this Christmas, but as Edith said there wasn't a lot of gifts this year. She mentions that toys were hard to come by but everyone had a good time anyway. She had a letter from Jessie and one from Viola. Both of their families are doing well. Floyd, Viola's son, is home from school sick with a cold but seems to be doing better.

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2 January 1944

Bayler, Malinda, fl. 1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Malinda Bayler to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 2, 1944. Malinda updates Leonard on his mother's condition. The doctor has stopped by to see Susan and is doing all he can. Susan believes the medicine will start to work in the next few days. She is downstairs on the couch by the fire and seems content. Raymond will be home soon. Malinda thinks that Susan is annoyed by Raymond when she is sick but is not sure. Malinda hopes Leonard is over his cold and that he had a good New Year's celebration.

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3 January 1944

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated January 3, 1944. Leonard writes that he received a letter from Malinda Bayler that Susan is sick. He inquires what she has, and how she is feeling. He asks where Raymond is as Malinda wrote he was out of town. He encourages Susan to take it easy and rest so that she gets better. He mentions that New Years was a loud celebration at camp. He mentions that his last weekend wasn't as quiet as he thought it would be. He had to stand guard twice, and went to a movie on Saturday and a variety show on Sunday…

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3 January 1944

Lulu, fl. 1944

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Lulu to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 3, 1944. Lulu writes that the new year will be lucky. She inquires how Leonard celebrated. She has been confined to her room with a cold and nose infection but is feeling better. She asked how his trip back to Great Lakes went. She has not talked with his mother and father since Christmas. She visited with the Good family and mentioned Johnnie is growing fast, he can creep and stand up. Her dinner was fried potatoes, cheese, peanut butter, baloney, nut bread, fruit cake, and coffee. She inquired if Leonard has received any more wine…

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4 January 1944

Winemiller, Roberta A., fl. 1921-1947

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Robert Winemiller to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 4, 1944. Robert is glad to hear from Leonard, his letters take about a week to get to Robert. He was glad to hear that Leonard went home for Christmas and sympathizes with him about crowded trains. He hopes that his next base will be near Chicago so he can visit and meet some of the W.A.V.E.S. that Leonard mentions. He also mentions going to bed early on New Year's Eve.

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4 January 1944

Bayler, Malinda, fl. 1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Malinda Bayler to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 4, 1944. Malinda updates Leonard on his mother, Susan's condition. The doctor visited and declared a small improvement. He also gave her another shot. Malinda writes that Raymond was home for a few days and did a lot of house work. She mentions that she wrote to Jessie Hollis. She also spoke to Maurice who is about to butcher some animals and wanted to get Malinda's order for sausage.

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4 January 1944

Roberts, Natalie, fl. 1943-1944

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Natalie Roberts to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 4, 1944. Natilie apologizes for not writing sooner she has been working nights at the bank since Christmas. She inquires what Leonard did on New Year's, and mentions that she heard he was home for Christmas Day. She wonders if he will have another leave after his training is done. She mentions that Bernice got married over Christmas and that it is still weird to hear people call her Mrs. Theil. She updates Leonard on a few friends; Wayne Stouffer has been writing to Mrs. Stouffer a lot; Kennith H. Moyer is aboard a ship…

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5 January 1944

Kaye, Dorothy, fl. 1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Dorothy Kaye to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 5, 1944. Dorothy hopes Leonard was able to be home for Christmas. She also explains her relationship with Robert Winemiller. She always told Robert that she only sees him as a friend and is not in love with him. She went away for New Year's and was in a car filled with men from Carlisle Barracks, where she enjoyed herself. She plans to attend a U.S.O. dance and hopes it is better than the last she attended.

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8 January 1944

Bayler, Malinda, fl. 1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Malinda Bayler to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 8, 1944. Malinda writes to update Leonard on his mother's condition. She writes that Susan wasn't doing well when she called in the morning but Raymond wouldn't give her any details. Malinda believes Susan was in the room and didn't want him to say. She encourages Leonard to write to his mother more.

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6 January 1944

Stouffer, E.M., Mrs., fl. 1943-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Mrs. Stouffer to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 6, 1944. Mrs. Stouffer was glad to hear from Leonard. She was afraid he had left without getting his new address. She received a Christmas card from Wayne with a leather pin. She reports that Bernice is going to travel to Chicago to see her husband Bruce Theil before he leaves. She mentions that Olga McEnany got married. She has not heard from Moyer in a while and hopes that he is okay. She sent Wayne five pounds of candy that he can't get in Ireland and hopes it gets there okay.

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6 January 1944

Bayler, Malinda, fl. 1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Malinda Bayler to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 6, 1944. Malinda updates Leonard on his mother, Susan's condition. The doctor visited in the morning and has noticed an improvement. She still has some congestion and a low temperature. The doctor stated that when she is well enough he can give a treatment for the congestion at his office. Raymond called Malinda to update her. Malinda apologizes as Leonard will likely get two letters from her on the same day as she was unable to mail the last one she wrote earlier.(GLC09611.205) She has been staying at home as she is…

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6 January 1944

Bayler, Malinda, fl. 1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Malinda Bayler to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 6, 1944. Malinda was glad to hear from Leonard and asks him to write more to Susan his mother, as it lifts her spirits. She informs Leonard that Susan had two attacks of the grippe and the second case left her weak. Malinda spoke to Susan on the phone and Susan feels no improvement. Raymond is back to work, and sent a letter to Leonard. Susan asked Malinda to tell Leonard that his income tax forms arrived at the house and Raymond will look into it. Susan expects the doctor to visit the next day to refill her prescription.…

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6 January 1944

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated January 6, 1944. Leonard encourages Susan to rest and recover from her illness. He apologizes for sending a short letter. He mentions training to swim in his uniform, and how to use the life preservers and rafts in the pool. He also lets them know he heard from Johnny Gassert. He is in Alameda, California training to be an aerial gunner.

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6 January 1944

Erickson, Dottie, fl. 1924-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Dottie Erickson to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 6, 1944. Dottie inquires about Leonard's new rank and wonders how promotions work in the Navy. She updates him on a few friends; Ray surprised everyone and is home on leave; Lee Hoover entered the Navy and is stationed at Camp Peary, Virginia is a SeaBee. She also mentions going bowling and writes that she isn't very good at it.

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7 January 1944

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated January 7, 1944. Leonard writes to inquire how Susan is feeling. He notes that the last letter he received from them made it sound as if she was doing better. He instructs Raymond to check his car battery and see if it can charge. If the battery is not holding a charge he will replace it the next time he is on leave. He is surprised that Mary Jacobs contacted him. Mentions her getting in trouble for being dropped off late by him after their date. He mentions his uniform allowance and the possibility…

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January 10, 1944

Graeff, Raymond James, 1889-1963

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 10, 1944. They received Leonard's letter which lifted Susan's spirits. Raymond has been doing a lot of the house work. Susan helped by making the starch and starching the shirts. Raymond reports that the car battery seems to be taking a charge. He visited with a mechanic who replaced one of the corroded battery cables and posts. The weather is cold and snowing in Reading, Pennsylvania. Raymond is also very busy at work as labor is scarce.

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January 10 1944

Winemiller, Dorothy K., fl. 1943-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Dorothy K. Winemiller to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 10, 1944. Dorothy mentions that they had a nice Christmas. Larry was very excited and wanted to trim the tree early. Russell Winemiller has been classified 1A and as a result is having trouble finding full time work. Kathleen works at Swifts in the office. Robert is still in Arizona. She mentions that she is planning to call Leonard's mother Susan soon. Dick Fackler was drafted into the Navy. Dorothy has started to collect antiques, hoping to own a shop in the future. She hopes Leonard received the peanuts she sent…

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January 10 1944

Walter, June, fl. 1943-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from June Walter to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 10, 1944. June apologizes for not answering sooner. She was disappointed not to see Leonard when he was home for Christmas. She writes that he has to stop by the next time he gets home. She mentions that her New Year's Eve was dull. A bunch of girls went to a spaghetti dinner then to a movie. She hopes his celebration was more fun. Signs the letter as "Fluffy Walter."

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January 10 1944

Roberts, Natalie, fl. 1943-1944

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Natalie Roberts to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 10, 1944. Natalie reports that she was sick on Christmas day. She is glad to hear that Leonard's training course is for sixteen weeks and not the usual twelve. She inquires if he will be doing any other schooling after the course. She mentions that Bernice went to Chicago to see Bruce before he was shipped out. Bernice told her it snowed when she was in Chicago. Natalie loves the snow but hates the cold. She also mentions that "Eggie" fell off a plane he was working on and broke his wrist. She also mentions some new…

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January 10 1944

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated January 10, 1944. Leonard reports on his recent weekend leave in Chicago. He went with another sailor from Pennsylvania. They stayed at the sailor's cousin's house and had home-cooked meals. They went dancing one night at the Aragon ballroom which was packed. They went to the zoo the next day. Leonard inquires how Susan is feeling, he received a letter from Malinda recently where she writes Susan wasn't doing great. He warns that he is thinking about selling his car. As much as he likes having it, the…

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January 11, 1944

Bayler, Malinda, fl. 1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Malinda Bayler to Leonard Eugene Graeff to dated January 11, 1944. Malinda is writing late at night as she can't sleep. She updates Leonard on his mother's condition. She seems to be doing better, and was thrilled with the letters he sent. Susan is still very weak and all she wants is quiet. Malinda encourages Leonard to write as much as he can to alleviate Susan's mood. She mentions having enclosed an article from the evening news about a girl he knows. Susan asked Malinda to include it so he should mention getting it to Susan. Malinda has to go to the doctors for an x-ray…

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January 12, 1944

Zell, Edward B., fl. 1943-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Eddie Zell to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 12, 1944. Eddie writes that he may be in the service soon as he has heard that men classified as 4F are being re-examined. If they are physically fit they are being sent to the Army and Navy. He asks how Leonard and Joyce are, and mentions that he has broken up with Bobbie. He is now dating Helen Peters. He asks Leonard to write back if the letter was sent to the right address.

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January 13, 1944

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated January 13, 1944. He complains about the weather and doesn't understand why they have to be in the pool when it's so cold. He is glad he already knew how to swim as it is hard for those who still have to learn. During swim training they had to dive in the pool from a 16 foot high platform and a swing. Leonard is glad to hear Susan feels better. He warns Susan to take it easy. Leonard inquires about his car and its battery issue. He also mentions sending money home to cover any repairs. He has extra…

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