23 September 1943

Graeff, Susan Prowell, 1890-1967

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated September 23, 1943. Susan is glad that Leonard has started to receive her mail. After telling Leonard that his father insisted on returning the rations book, she says she is surprised that they have to do their own laundry and cleaning in the barracks, she suggests, "you will learn to keep house while you are in the navy." Susan assures Leonard that his father is running the car per his instructions. Referring to their churches annual report she mentions, "On the back page the[y] have honor roll of…

GLC09611.090

23 September 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 September 23, 1943. Leonard relays that he was interviewed for service school after boot camp and received his test results. Leonard is optimistic because his scores were above average, "the lowest one being one point over...among the highest in the company so you know what a bunch of morons they must be." He, "asked for Aircraft Metal smith (can learn more about welding that didn't know) or Aircraft Machinists Mate (Engine work on aircraft)." Leonard expects to make it into either school with his…

GLC09611.091

24 September 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 September 24, 1943. Leonard begins his letter with "Right now I'd hate to say what I think of the navy - It would be a disgrace to the nation - " He explains his frustration by relaying that his job on Fridays when they clean is to clean windows even in the rain and that he has to stand outside in line for dinner. After which he supposes "this will all get a laugh after its all over. But right now it is rather disgusting." He relays that he has started to receive mail on Sunday. He had another typhoid…

GLC09611.092

27 September 1943

Graeff, Susan Prowell, 1890-1967

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated September 27, 1943. Susan begins her letter telling Leonard she just paid her gas, electric, and telephone bill. At which point she recounts her and Raymond's trip to "the farm" and updates Leonard on the family. She is proud of Leonard for the good scores he talks about in an earlier letter, GLC09611.091. And encourages him by saying, "I've always said you could do more than you sometime thought It's determination that's what it takes. Put your shoulder to the wheel and have determination to go…

GLC09611.093

27 September 1943

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Mrs. E.M. Stouffer to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated September 273, 1943. Mrs. Stouffer starts her letter by relaying her excitement to receive Leonard's letters. She mentions getting tickets to see a "Soldier Show at the Forum next week." She tells Leonard, "Do not worry to much about your mother...she seemed really O.K. to me." She writes, "Gee I miss all you boys so much I wouldn't care if you tore the house down if you were all here again my you are all scattered over this old earth who would ever of thought it three years ago." In her postscript she asks "How do you like…

GLC09611.094.01

27 September 1943

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

Photograph

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One photograph of Kennith H. Moyer sent to Leonard Eugene Graeff by Mrs. E.M. Stouffer dates September 27, 1943. Features Kennith H. Moyer in his sailors uniform.

GLC09611.094.02

27 September 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 September 27, 1943. Leonard writes, "Can't say I will forget that first mail I was one big smile from ear to ear." He asks about his car and if it is running well. He relays that he plans to go to service school to learn to weld after he completes his training at the Great Lakes. He mentions not having any trouble with vaccinations or shots other than his arm getting stiff. He recounts drilling with rifles learning the "manual of arms 16 count drill, 9 count drill, rifle exercises, physical exercises…

GLC09611.095

29 September 1943

Walter, June, fl. 1943-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from June Walter to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated September 29, 1943. June states, "things have been buzzin' so around here that I don't know 'which ends up.'" She would like to see his drills is excited to hear about his good marks on his tests. She mentions there being no dances lately but she did see a mutual acquaintance Pete Schlome on her way home from night school where she's taking Spanish and Math classes in effort to attend Penn State. She recounts seeing the film Cat People, and being on edge from it. Signed, "Junnie."

GLC09611.096

29 September 1943

Graeff, Susan Prowell, 1890-1967

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated September 29, 1943. Susan begins by telling Leonard she decided to write the letter before ironing laundry. She mentions having several big days ahead of her; Thursday is payday and she wants to go in town for a new hat. When she was in town Monday she had to carry her packages because "they wont deliver any packages less than five pounds." She tells Leonard that Mrs. Riegle brought his letter for her to read. Susan has given Leonard's address to other so that they may write him and asks about why he…

GLC09611.097

29 September 1943

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated September 29, 1943. Leonard begins his letter recounting his most recent training "We had to swim 50 yd[s] on backs then swim about forty yd[s] "loggie" and ten yd[s] underwater." He mentions a rooster that lives around the base and crows every morning. Leonard had his picture taken coming back from the cantina and plans to send it home when it gets developed and sent to him. In his postscript he references "a list of clothes & stuff I got when I came here." The list in GLC09611.098.02. Signed, "…

GLC09611.098.01

29 September 1943

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Printed document

Title: Statement of Clothing

One document listing items of clothing along with their prices dated September 29, 1943. This Statement of Clothing is the "list of clothes" Leonard mentioned in letter GLC09611.098.01. It is torn so that the cost of the first four items are unknown. The document is a list of 43 articles of clothing he received with a total price of $96.31.

GLC09611.098.02

29 September 1943

Fencil, Roselina, fl. 1943-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Roselina Fencil to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated September 29, 1943. Mrs. Fencil begins by letting Leonard know she is suffering from a spine infection and that despite being in the John[s] Hopkins hospital twice this summer she isn't doing well. She assures Leonard that "wherever you go and whatever you do we'll think of you." She updates him on the family hunting dog which had a litter of 5 puppies. Signed, "Roselina"

GLC09611.099

29 September 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 September 29, 1943. Robert writes "at least you don't have any trouble cleaning wooden rifle." Robert asks if Leonard is located close to his brother's company and closes telling Leonard he has being going to dances a lot and that "Kansas City is okay!!" Signed, "Fuzz."

GLC09611.100

1 October 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 October 1, 1943. Leonard confirms that is receiving the Harrisburg newspaper he subscribes to. He mentions going to sick bay to have his heel checked out as it was sore from marching. Leonard relayed that he went to movie on base. And is seeing a lot of training films.

GLC09611.101

3 October 1943

Graeff, Susan Prowell, 1890-1967

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated October 3, 1943. Susan assures Leonard that she and Raymond have been busy on the weekends, but to expect a letter from Raymond soon. Viola the next door neighbor made fudge to send to Leonard, Susan plans to send some candy she bought with the fudge. She asks, "Please do not destroy the box. Send it back, I can use it to send you some again." Susan apologizes for Leonard's company number being addressed wrong in the church catalogue saying she provided it over the phone and then provided the right…

GLC09611.102

5 October 1943

Reigle, Ethel, fl. 1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Ethel Reigle to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated October 5, 1943. Ethel Reigle recounts going to Susan's, Leonard's mother, house and reading his letters with her. She catches him up on things happening in the family. Her daughter didn't make the cheerleader squad and her husband, John, writes jokingly "it might not be long till [I] will be the service. The way things are looking." Signed, "John & Ethel Reigle."

GLC09611.103

5 October 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 October 5, 1943. Robert writes, "you don't have to long to go yet before 'boot' training is over." He mentions that rumors are beginning to spread about when his company will be leaving, which might be before Christmas. He mentions two women he has been writing, "I got a letter from Eleanor, it seems she & Erma compared notes & so I'm behind the eight ball. She comes out & says I use the same technique on all girls, what girls I say!" He tells Leonard that it is his last day as Supply Sergeant and will be back to…

GLC09611.104

6 October 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 October 6, 1943. Leonard agrees to send the box mentioned in letter GLC09611.102 back to Susan. He mentions having to keep everything in his sea bag which is full. He asks Susan to send him a box of peanuts which can be found at the Planters peanut store on "third street near the market." He mentions the changes in weather and his experience learning to man a life boat and the associated commands which he enjoyed. Leonard expects to graduate November 6th and expects to return home on a nine day leave…

GLC09611.105

6 October 1943

Graeff, Edna, fl. 1943-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Edna Graeff to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated October 6, 1943. His aunt Edna apologizes for not writing. She suggests that he is lucky he in not married and recounts gossip about a relatives wife that "goes out" while he is gone and how he expects to leave her when he comes back. Edna then transcribed the various duties and missions of that relative as a sailor. Signed "Aunt Edna."

GLC09611.106

4 October 1943

Graeff, Susan Prowell, 1890-1967

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated October 4, 1943. Susan informs Leonard that she went to town and shopped for three hours. She had her boxes of candy, cookies, and a bracelet Leonard asked for insured for the mail. She confirms receiving a box of articles that could not fit in his sea bag. About the list of articles he sent home in [GLC09611.098.02] she asks if he had to pay for it all or if the government covers the expenses. Signed "Mother and Daddy."

GLC09611.107

8 October 1943

Hogentogle, Betty June, fl. 1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Betty June Hogentogle to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated October 8, 1943. Betty inquires how life is in the navy for Leonard. She writes, "We miss you but boy you can be glad you got the navy, for the wave sweeties are nice." The writer asks many questions about Leonard's experiences and encourages Leonard to enjoy himself.

GLC09611.108

8 October 1943

Walter, June, fl. 1943-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from June Walter to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated October 8, 1943. June begins the letter by writing, "Buenas noches Senor. Just a bit of Spanish that I learned at night school this evening." She mentions wanting to go to Penn State but writes, "I'll wait for you so we can go together." She relays that several of her friends say hello and "They all ask me about you & were anxious to see how our handsome blonde sheik looks in Navy blues."

GLC09611.109.01

8 October 1943

Caniff, Milton, 1907-1988

Newspaper clipping

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One newspaper clipping sent by June Walter to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated October 8, 1943. The comic strip is entitled "Male Call" by Milton Caniff, Creator of "Terry and the Pirates." The comic is an image of 4 soldiers driving a vehicle that are so distracted by a female walking by that they go over very large rocks. The men bounce out of the vehicle and in the last panel the car is chasing the woman.

GLC09611.109.02

8 October 1943

Walter, June, fl. 1943-1945

Newspaper clipping

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One newspaper clipping sent by June Walter to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated October 8, 1943. The strip is not titled. It features a image of a drill instructor yelling at a serviceman that appears to have a dogs face. The serviceman is seated holding a rifle with targets in the distance. The comic reads, "Squeeze-squeeze-squeeze! Don't you know to squeeeeze?"

GLC09611.109.03

7 October 1943

Dottie, fl. 1943-1944

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Dottie to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated October 7, 1943. She inquires how Leonard is doing and decided that since he is "just dying for news" she would respond to his letter right after reading. She reveals, "There isn't much news to tell 'cause no body's around here to make news anymore." After which she lists members of the community that are enlisted or being drafted. She updates him on the local football team their recent success. Dottie hopes that Leonard will get to be an Aviation Metalsmith. She closes with a joke, "Did you hear about the moron who put the "for rent" sign…

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