To Folks, 1940 - 1945
Scope and Contents
These folders within these boxes contain numerous letters from Elmer Jr to his parents, Elmer Sr and Myrt Kern. The letters range from 1940 to 1945, from when he was at Purdue University all the way to Germany. He updates them on his life, where he is located, and makes requests for them to send him items such as fudge, chocolate, and clothes amongst other topics. Letters dating 1940 to 1943 are from when he was at Purdue. He graduated in August 1943, and letters after that are from his time in the military. There are a vast array of different types of stationary and envelopes to signify the numerous places he sent letters from.
Included in these boxes is a letter that features a redacted section. In the letter dated February 14, 1945 (the first envelope with "opened by U.S. army examiner" tape), there are a few words that have been cut out by the examiner. They were cut out because Elmer Jr was told them the reason for why there was a shortage. Also included is a patch that he sent his family while he was at Camp Cooke in the envelope postmarked February 1, 1945.
These boxes include one hundred fifty-nine letters and five v-mail letters.
Dates
- Creation: 1940 - 1945
Creator
- From the Collection: Kern, Elmer F., Jr. (Elmer Ferdinand), 1923-1945 (Person)
Access Information
The collection is open for research.
Extent
From the Series: 0.908 Cubic Feet (2 letter-size full-width manuscript boxes, 1 letter-size half-width manuscript box)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Arrangement
Materials in this folder are arranged chronologically.
Repository Details
Part of the Purdue University Archives and Special Collections Repository
504 Mitch Daniels Boulevard
West Lafayette Indiana 47907 United States
765-494-2839
archives@purdue.edu