15 December 1943

Bayler, Malinda, fl. 1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Melinda Bayler to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 15, 1943. She apologizes for not writing earlier but procrastinated. She thinks of him a lot and writes, "since you left it seems to make the war more of a reality to me." She gets news from Leonard's mother whom she speaks to regularly. Malinda recently had a toothache. She has plans with Emerson to share Christmas dinner. He will provide the main dish while, Malinda will provide the sides. She doesn't know if anyone else will attend. Mr. Gray plans to have an operation for a double hernia. After he recovers he wants to…

GLC09611.181

16 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 16, 1943. Leonard writes that he received a lot of Christmas cards in the past few days. He advises the two of them to rest, as they are getting sick a lot. He has a sore throat himself, and will go to a doctor if it gets worse. He's astounded at the amount of people who have the flu. Some fellow sailors are getting "eat fever," which is similar to a bad cold. Some sailors went AWOL (absent without leave) as they became sick when they were on leave and couldn't get back in time. Robert…

GLC09611.182

18 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 18, 1843. Leonard compliments Raymond on his writing. He's glad to hear Susan is baking cakes, it makes him feel like it is Christmas. He hasn't gotten any gifts yet, and he hopes the gloves they sent are big enough. He liked the card they sent but it was odd, "getting a card like that to a boy in service. It used to be that I saw that kind of card being sent out- Now it looks as if I'm on the receiving end." He has some doubts about storing his car and not selling it but when he thinks of…

GLC09611.183

19 December 1943

Zell, Edward B., fl. 1943-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Eddie Zell to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 19, 1943. Eddie has been busy at work due to the Christmas rush. He mentions that "Penn" beat Catholic High, 68 to 16. He comments that Leonard has bad luck with girlfriends, but one will "break down and marry you." He comments on the weather, writing that one day is freezing, and the next day is warm. He says Bobby and he split after a fight on Sunday. He saw Nancy Greenwald and Janet Hall and they both asked about Leonard. He inquired about school and how hard Leonard has to study. Bob Nye and Charlie Pollack were both home…

GLC09611.184

20 December 1943

Hutton, Edith, fl. 1943-1945

Greeting Card

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One greeting card from Edith Hutton to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 19, 1943. Card features a flag and cross hovering over a winter scene with a church steeple. The card reads "There will always be a Christmas." The inside of the card features a church window behind an open book with white holly and leaves. The inside reads "There Will Always Be A Christmas As long as brave men fight To rid the world of darkness With Freedom's Holy Light... There Will Always Be A Christmas If we all do our part. And each one keeps The Trust Of God Forever In His Heart! A Blessed Christmas And New Year…

GLC09611.185

21 December 1943

Graeff, Susan Prowell, 1890-1967

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Susan Prowell Graeff to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 21, 1943. Susan writes that she just got back from the doctors. She had to take a bus, and the driver didn’t stop until 14th street so she had to walk back to the drugstore on 15th street. She had to take the bus as Raymond was at work. She is receiving "cold injections" and was at the doctor for the second dose. She received two letters from Leonard. She was happy to speak with him on the phone, and wishes they could do so more often. She mentioned that Joyce called to get his address. They also got a Christmas card…

GLC09611.186

21 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 21, 1943. Leonard writes that he received a card from them with a five dollar bill. It arrived late as it was sent to the wrong barrack, the address they used was correct but the post office got it wrong. The boxes arrived after they spoke over the phone. Half of the cookies broke, but they tasted great. The gloves were a perfect fit and exactly what he was hoping for. The jelly and crackers they sent was a wine jelly that he and the other sailors enjoyed. Leonard wrote he broke his back…

GLC09611.187.01

20 December 1943

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graff to Susan Prowell Graeff dated December 20, 1943. He inquires about the address of Avis formerly Kapp, and her husband. He couldn't remember their last name and asked Susan to put it on the included envelope for him. He asks Susan to use the envelope he sent so she doesn't pay for postage. He received the boxes and everything arrived safe; the gloves are a perfect fit, and he will write more later.

GLC09611.187.02

22 December 1943

Winemiller, Roberta A., fl. 1921-1947

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Robert Winemiller to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 22, 1943. Robert mentions mail has a long transit time to reach him. He returned from a six day "problem" to Leonard's last letter. He mentioned that he may not be at his current location much longer but will let Leonard know his new posting. He comments that Leonard has trouble with women, and it sounds like they’ll be bachelors together. He mentions that he hasn’t seen a good orchestra in a while. Robert hopes to get leave on New Year’s. He’s not sure when he will be going to O.C.S. (Officer Candidate School) if ever…

GLC09611.188

23 December 1943

Erickson, Dottie, fl. 1924-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Dottie to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 23, 1943. Dottie mentions she had a busy week. She also asks if Leonard has heard from Ray, she thinks it would be nice if they were able to get together when he was on leave. She mentions Terry got engaged to Ray on Wednesday. The ring is a small but beautiful solitaire diamond. She defends herself in case that something in the letter seems mean, she is in a bad mood as "the boys" at the house tease her. She inquires if many people by Leonard have the flu, her brother is recovering, and she might be coming down with it as well.…

GLC09611.189

27 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 27, 1943. Leonard reports that the train into Chicago was about four hours late and he was almost AWOL (absent without leave) due to the delay. He had good luck last trip. The train was so packed that people were sitting and laying in the aisles. He was able to get a corner of the conductor's seat. He slept there until Pittsburg when seats became available. There was a sailor sleeping on the steel platform outside of the car. There was about six soldiers "in a pile" on the floor sleeping. His…

GLC09611.190.01

27 December 1943

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Postcard

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One postcard from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated December 27, 1943. Blank postcard features images of four locations with servicemen enjoying the venues. In the center of the postcard is a logo of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The top left image, which has been circled in ink, is captioned "Canteen on Pennsylvania Railroad at Crestline, Ohio." The top right image has been captioned "Outdoor refreshments at Pennsylvania Station, Lima, Ohio." The bottom left image is captioned "At Ease in USO Lounge, Pennsylvania Station, Fort Wayne, Ind." The bottom…

GLC09611.190.02

30 December 1943

Erickson, Dottie, fl. 1924-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Dottie Erickson to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 30, 1943 Dottie mentions how glad she was to hear that Leonard got home for Christmas. She reports that she had an old fashioned Christmas at her grandfather's farm. She is moving to Middletown soon and is not looking forward to having an earlier commute. She inquires how much longer Leonard will be in service school, and offers to send him a care package of anything he likes.

GLC09611.191

30 December 1943

Gassert, Thomas William, fl. 1943-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Thomas William Gassert to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 30, 1943. Gassert reports that he is now at Alameda Air Base. He details his recent deployments and training. He has returned to Alameda for gunnery school. The first three weeks was theory, but he is now at the machine range. His group has been shooting .30 and .50 caliber weapons. He is glad that Leonard is settled and asks for details about his service school.

GLC09611.192

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…

GLC09611.193

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…

GLC09611.194

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.

GLC09611.195

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.

GLC09611.196

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…

GLC09611.197

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…

GLC09611.198

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.

GLC09611.199

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.

GLC09611.200

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…

GLC09611.201

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.

GLC09611.202

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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