16 December 1943

Graeff, Susan Prowell, 1890-1967

Greeting Card

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One greeting card from Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 16, 1943. The cover of the Christmas card reads, "With Love Son To you in the Navy." The inside of the card reads, "There is a love that's deeper Than any words can say- The kind of love that goes, Son To you on Christmas Day And with it are best wishes For Christmas and the year- And very special pride in you Because you are so dear." The artwork on the card is a white flag with holly berries and leaves. The flag has the word "Son" spelled out in blue stars, and an anchor finial. On…

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15 December 1943

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 December 15, 1943. Raymond writes that Susan has been baking all day. They sent two boxes of Christmas gifts to him that afternoon. He was in town and got his father a hat for Christmas. He also cashed Leonard's Christmas check and paid his garage rent. The time Leonard suggested to call works for them. Raymond also suggests the next time he has leave visiting Chicago alone regardless if he can find accompaniment. Announces that the money Leonard sent for Christmas arrived. Raymond is glad that…

GLC09611.180

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…

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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.…

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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.

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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.

GLC09611.195

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

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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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…

GLC09611.211

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."

GLC09611.212

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…

GLC09611.213

4 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 4, 1943. Susan writes that she is going to the doctor this evening, but plans to clean the windows in two rooms downstairs. She eventually wants to paint the rooms as well. She expected help from Raymond, but he came home from work with a cold and will go to the doctor in the afternoon. She inquires about what the Wisconsin W.A.V.E.S. that Leonard mentioned does. Raymond thinks she drives a truck. She spoke to Dottie who told her about Ray Walverton. She mentions that Dottie’s mother also visited and has the grippe.…

GLC09611.162

6 December 1943

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond John Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated December 6, 1943. Leonard writes he has received three letters, after not receiving any for a week. He jokes that Susan must have told someone about washing the windows, because he has been on window washing detail at the barracks. He mentioned that he is doing okay in school. He expresses disappointment that the work is not more in depth but it is more of a overview of what the job will be like. The only marching they do is to and from school, but they do have "physical hardening" five days a week;…

GLC09611.165

9 December 1943

Graeff, Raymond James, 1889-1963

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Raymond James Graeff and Susan Prowell Graeff to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 9, 1943. Raymond writes that Susan is cleaning the living and dining room today, he is on K.P. (Kitchen Police) duty for a few days. He has a cold, and went to the doctor on Tuesday. Susan is now sick as well, and thinks she got it from him. He took the couch and pillow covers to the cleaners. Sis Atticks's husband Geo was sent into the army on November 26. He is at Camp Custer in Michigan. Raymond believes it is a MP (military police) camp. Raymond says by now Leonard should know that the…

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