“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
Back to basics in hot and beautiful Miami Beach
Frank Gartz is transferred in early August to Miami Beach, Florida, where he'll begin his official training as an Air Force Cadet. Like so many young men at the time, he's seeing parts of the country he never could have afforded to visit on his own. Unlike the men in infantry, Army Air Corps Cadets have a long period of training before being sent overseas. His first stop is warm and beautiful Miami.
World War II Mom grateful for gift and son’s girlfriend
Ebner and Cookie at Austin H.S. Prom, 1942 Frank Ebner's mom has received the birthday gift he sent her and tries to express her gratitude as best she can in English. Ebner's girlfriend, Cookie comes to visit with my grandmother. Does this high school girl really like my grandmother enough to hang out with a 54-year-old woman—or is [...]
World War II: Accepted as Aviation Cadet!
After weeks of stress, worried he wouldn't pass his physical and other tests required to become an aviation cadet, after encouraging words from home, Frank's perseverance has paid off. He's been accepted and will leave shortly for Miami to start over with basic training to prepare for war from the skies.
World War II aviation: flying missions and four-hour exams
Letter U.S. ARMY AIR FORCES 11 July [1943] Dear Mom, Here I am again. I have a little time now before I have to go to class so I thought I’d drop you a line. The flight went down to the line today to fly mission #5. There was one ship too [few] and therefore 3 men were left on [...]
World War II: Surrogate son writes from Seymour Johns Field, North Carolina
Once again we hear from Frank Gartz's best friend, Frank Von Arx, this time posted in North Carolina. Eighteen-year olds from small towns, farmland and forest, and insulated city neighborhoods, were seeing the country as they moved through their training - and ultimately into war. Here Von Arx is keeping my grandmother, up-to-date on his whereabouts and including a cool photo of the B-17 bomber.
World War II son’s birthday wishes: “I’ll take you away from Dad for a night”
At Truax Field, Frank joined the "Service Club." It seemed they were in "service" of having fun, like this singing group. In Frank's last letter, he wrote about the fun he had playing with a little kid. Here's another example of this 18-year-old's sweet, loving side. His mom's birthday is coming up (on July 31st, when she'll turn [...]
World War II training break: fun with a little kid
Frank at Cave of the Mounds, WI Frank loved kids. He was the baby of the family—ten years younger than my dad, the second oldest of the three Gartz boys. Even at age eighteen, when so many guys aren't all that interested in little kids, Frank has fun with them, as this letter shows. It's an endearing quality [...]
World War II cadet: New girl, vision blurred and blackjack winnings
Letter #1 USO 6-9-43 Dear Mom: I can’t tell how this writing looks because I had my eyes dilated today and all I can see is a blurred line. The Dr. Said that I was a little farsighted and I have to see him again Friday. I’m at the USO, as you can see, so I thought that I should [...]
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