Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016 to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09611.095 Author/Creator: Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016 Place Written: Great Lakes, Illinois Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 September 1943 Pagination: 4p. : envelope Height: 24.6 cm, Width: 14 cm Order a Copy

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, order arms, presentations and stuff...this afternoon we had a class in aircraft recognition." Signed, "Leonard."

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016
Graeff, Raymond James, 1889-1963
Graeff, Susan Prowell, 1890-1967

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources