Tag: correspondence

Military Postcards, Postcards, United States

Sgt. Marress [1943 – Topeka, Kansas]

Kate

Marress - Aug 1943 Topeka Image lg

Lloyd Marress WWII Postcard Series (#3 of 5)

August 1943

This time we find Buddy, a Sergeant now, writing to his wife in Tennessee. He most likely was serving with the 21st Bombardment Wing which was located in Topeka, Kansas as of May 1943 (Wikipedia). The primary function of Buddy’s unit was “processing heavy bombardment crews and aircraft for overseas movement, and then processing men returning from overseas, from 1942–1946.” He seems to be staying stateside for the war, so perhaps he was an aircraft mechanic or other tradesman prepping bombers for overseas deployment.

I wonder if this postcard was provided for free by the United Service Organization (USO). I’m not sure what else “U.S.O.” could possibly stand for in this context.

Link: History of the Topeka Airport (aka Topeka Army Airfield in 1943).

Marress - Aug 1943 Topeka message lg

Saturday Evening

Darling,

I’m staying on the base tonite, as I said I will. I didn’t work this aft. got caught up on my work, at last.

I hope you’re feeling alright, s–[?] the old medicine made you sick.

I’ll go now, but[?] will be back tomorrow.

Forever yours, Buddy

To:

  • Mrs. L. H. Marress
  • Lobelville, Tennessee

From:

  • Sgt. L.H. Marress
  • 21st Sq. (S)
  • Topeka, Kansas

Postmark: Aug 29, 1943 – Topeka, Kansas

Image: “From Topeka Kansas U.S.O” John Morrell & Co. Meat packing Promo Postcard featuring Kansas Jayhawk

Other postcards from Buddy Marress

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Europe, Postcards

Too much English in Paris [1950 – Paris, France]

Kate

1950 Paris Notre Dame Image lg

It’s so much fun to imagine Rilla’s trip across the pond and stay in Paris (minus being surrounded by seasick passengers). I’m not sure whether I admire her desire to integrate herself into French culture, or if she’s instead a little self-impressed with her own mastery of the local language.

Here’s a bit of historical context: The French Line in the 1950s.

1950 Paris Notre Dame message lg

Sept 30, 1950

Dear Margaret,

The ocean trip was wonderful. I love the French line. The food was out of this world. 6 courses for each meal. I was fortunate enough not to be seasick in spite of a storm the first three days which got most everybody.

I love Paris, but haven’t seen many of the sights yet. I’ve been room-hunting for a place in a private home. There’s too much English spoken at the Maison Américaine, a dormitory where I am now. It’s very cold here. Write.

Love, Rilla

To:

  • Miss Margaret Paschall
  • Route 2
  • Clarksville, Tenn.
  • U.S.A

Postmark: Paris XIV Av du General Leclerc – Sept 30, 1950

Stamps: 5 franc & 10 franc

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Postcards, United States

Rabbits [Indiana, 1909]

Kate

Indiana 1909Indiana 1909 back

This postcard from Horace has pretty good penmanship and I find the spelling errors charming. I am curious what was going on with those rabbits, though.

-23 -09

Dear Karl – I am going to school and Rabbits are very [sharp?]. Mr. Jackson is common down for for Xmas. I hope you all hapy Xmas. And a hapy new yr.

Respectfully yours. Horace F. Budd.

To:

  • Mr Karl Reiman
  • 2635 Northwestern Ave
  • Indianapolis, Indiana

Postmark: December 24, 1909 – Morristown, Ind.

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Postcards

Where’s my letter please? [1911, Pa.]

Kate

Pennsylvania 1911 front

Is this correspondence the equivalent of a girl not answering your calls, even though she gave you her number at that bar last night? Is the sender hostile or being facetious? Perhaps both?

Pennsylvania 1911 backPostcard Front

“2516 Boyles Ave, looking East, New Castle, Pa.”

Postmark: Oct 2, 1911 – New Castle, Pennsylvania

To

  • Miss Katheryn Fleming
  • Lorain, Ohio

Where’s my letter please?

Don’t think you ever intended writing to me. Now hurry, or I will be real mad.

Lovingly, –?-

Postcards

Dear Myrtle, 1915

Kate

8452679844_db599e9483_b

Dear Myrtle,

We certainly miss you down here. I think the boss does too only he won’t acknowledge it. Ha! Ha! Well I must tell you the good news. I am auntie again but this time it’s a little niece & I am so glad. Papa was up to Cleveland Sunday & he said it was as sweet as it can be & they are both doing nicely. I can hardly wait until I can go up there.

With love,

Elsie

Sample postcard.

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sentfromthepast/8452679844/sizes/l