15 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 15, 1943. He relays his first experiences as a sailor in the navy including organizing equipment and medical examinations. He comments "What a life, that's about all I can say right now. Can't say whether I like it or not."

GLC09611.077.01

15 September 1943

Navy Department

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff

One letter from R.R.M. Emmet to Susan Prowell Graeff dated September 15, 1943. The letter is a form letter that informs mothers that her son arrived at the Naval training station and that the navy "gladly accepts the responsibility for his welfare and security" and that he will be completing his recruit training for future duties. He will not be permitted visitors until after his fourth week of training known as "Service Week." First to prevent the spread of disease, and secondly so that he can "overcome homesickness." The letter details his visitation hours and those that may visit him.…

GLC09611.078.01

15 September 1943

Navy Department

Document

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff

One note and postcard form dated September 15, 1943. The item is a note with instructions on when to expect communication with a recent enlisted recruit and how to receive a Visitors Pass. Attached is a postcard form that can be filled out to receive a Visitors Pass.

GLC09611.078.02

16 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 16, 1943. Leonard begins by quoting the repeated marching commands of his superiors. He relays that he took a test for service school which he hopes to attend after basic training. He comments on the education of the other recruits. He mentions that when he gets into a routine it will be easier for him. And that he will need to send his mirror and washrag home because "[I] don't need the mirror and they don't use wash rags in the navy." In reference to the food he says that it "tastes good"…

GLC09611.079

14 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 14, 1943. Susan is glad Leonard is doing well and mentions that the neighbors are curious about how he is faring. She refers to the letter and visitor pass from R.R.M. Emmit [GLC.09611.078.01-.02] and is excited about the possibility to visit Leonard. She relays good news concerning Leonard's Ration Book. Raymond took the ration book to the ration board where they can replace it. She says "you surely ought to have gas to travel when you're home." And mentions that things at home are "about…

GLC09611.080

18 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 18, 1943. Leonard's asks his parents to forward him any of his mail in their envelopes. He mentions seeing Bernice Stouffer's boyfriend. Leonard anticipates being home for Christmas on furlough. He relays, "yesterday we were inoculated for what I don't know and vaccinated (on the right arm this time)." He was paid five dollars and given a receipt to exchange for "a bag with blue jackets manual, 2 pack writing paper, fountain pen, 3 diff. kinds of soap, soap box, money belt, shoe laces,…

GLC09611.081

21 September 1943

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

Greeting Card

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One greeting card from Mrs. E.M. Stouffer to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated September 21, 1943. The card features an image of a young male smoking a pipe at the wheel of a ship reading "So you're in the NAVY now!" The inside of the card is an image of two young males in sailor's uniforms walking on a dock, with a poem reading, "May you keep your sea legs, Sailor,/Though the ship may roll and rock/ And your service in the navy/ Mean a lot of joys on Dock!" Signed, "Mrs. Stouffer."

GLC09611.087.01

21 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 21, 1943. Mrs. Stouffer asks Leonard how he is doing. In reference to a conversation she had with his mother, Susan, about Leonard not receiving her mail Mrs. Stouffer relays "Well it is the other way around with me I don't get Wane's mail." She continued, "There isn't anything new around this burg only a Carnival out at 21st St." She concludes her letter reminding Leonard to write. Signed, "Mrs. Stouffer."

GLC09611.087.02

23 September 1943

Reigle, D.J., fl. 1943

Greeting Card

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One greeting card from D.J. Reigle to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated September 23, 1943. The cover features an image of a bald eagle holding an American flag ribbon and reads, "Greetings to you in the service." The inside is an image of the Statue of Liberty with a similar banner. Inside are two patriotic poems: The first, "'You belong to your Country, boy, As you belong to your own mother, Stand by Her, As you would stand by your mother.' Edward Everett Hale." The second, "This majestic soaring eagle, The Symbol of our land, Strikes fear into the hearts Of the treacherous Axis Band! With the…

GLC09611.088

23 September 1943

Reigle, John, fl. 1943

Greeting Card

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One greeting card from John and Ethel Reigle to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated September 23, 1943. The cover features an image of a bald eagle holding an banner reading, "To You in the Service of Our Country." Inside the card is a poem reading, "There isn't any big event to write about to you, There's not a lot to talk about, There isn't much that's new; Everything is just the same With every passing day Except that folks are missing you Since you have gone away." On the reverse side of the card is a brief message reading "Jean sure got a big kick out of your letter that you sent her. Best of…

GLC09611.089

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

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