“Family Archaeologist” explores a century of family letters, diaries, and artifacts, and how they illuminate history and our shared humanity. To get an overview of the blog, click: “Welcome to Family Archaeologist”
LATEST BLOG POSTS
World War II update from the Chicago home front
My mother writes Ebner a newsy letter updating him on the World War II home front—everything from the progress of his father's knee condition to my parents' leisure time activities.
Memorial Day: Serving World War II America in combat and at home
My dad, Fred, is working on a new oxygen regulator that his younger brother, Frank, may very well use at some time. (Dad had a deferment from military service because of his defense work.) He updates his brother on the improvements being made on this essential piece of equipment for airmen, or order to save more lives. It's an example of how two brothers were closely bound in World War II service, even though only one was actively in the military.
High school teacher keeps her World War II “boys” in touch
Letters were special for World War II servicemen. That’s why Miss Hartley, Frank’s division teacher from Austin High School, made such an effort to write all her “boys.” She starts this letter (her eighth to former students) with a reference to listening to “Charlie McCarthy,” a famous ventriloquist act that was popular, even on the radio, a conundrum to many.
“Raising hell” for a Happy Birthday during World War II
Ebner at six months: Nov., 24, 1924 What a cutie! Today, May 14th, is the 90th anniversary of my Uncle Frank's birth—but back in 1944, he had just turned twenty. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UNCLE EBNER! I'm posting these two letters together. The first is from Frank, telling my parents how he planned to celebrate his 20th in San Antonio [...]
Mother’s Day and birthday coincide: World War II cadet homesick
Ebner’s feeling homesick—missing being near family on his 20th birthday and Mother’s Day, which in 1944 was May 14th. His sweet side sure comes through. Phone service was sketchy and made communicating difficult. No email or texting ease like today! Like all our World War II soldiers, he’s really still a kid doing a man’s job.
Draft deferments and home front updates
In this letter, which she typed, Mom congratulates Frank on the War Department letter, updates Frank on the bad condition of his father's knees, and adds homey tidbits written in a lively voice to talk about Chicago on the home front.
Air cadet’s modest response to glowing praise
Frank is flying more and more—obviously required preparation for his future on a B-17 Bomber. Even though he’ll be navigator, all men need to know how to fly. Frank's mother had received the below letter from the Hondo Navigation School (note: it's dated April 10th, so it took a long time to get to her!).
Winter toil takes toll on Dad’s health
The brutal snow and coal shoveling of the 1944 winter has a taken its toll on my grandfather's knees. After decades of climbing all those stairs to bring down trash and shovel snow, he's torn probably the ligament in his right knee.
Available Now
