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William R. Smith World War I Letter

 Collection
Identifier: RH-A-70

Scope and Contents

William R. Smith was born in 1892 making him 22 when he wrote this letter. It primarily talks about how he spent Christmas stationed in Germany. He mentions he will be sending his roster and menu from the day which he says, “I don’t think we could of gotten a better souvenir than this so please keep it.” It appears he was located in Ringsdorg, Germany. He sends his love but does not mention how much longer he would be in Germany. William Smith comes back to Grand Rapids. In the 1930 census he is married with two young boys and working in an auto body shop.

Dates

  • Creation: 1918-12-26

Creator

Extent

.05 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Physical Description

The collection amounts to .05 cubic feet and is composed of one letter, dated December 26, 1918 written by William R. Smith. The letter measures 6 ½” x 10”, written on both sides. In addition there is a single page 6 ½”x5” which is the last page of the letter. There also is an envelope 3 ½” x 5 ½” addressed to Mrs. William R. Smith, 112 Antione St., Grand Rapids, Michigan with a January 2, 1919 postmark. The letter is in good condition although there is some wear along the creases. The writing is legible. The envelope shows some dirt and some wear along the right side which was torn when the letter was removed.

General

According to a note in the donor file, it was given to the Archives and Regional History Collections by Pamela Butchbaker who had received it from one of her 8th grade students.

Title
William R. Smith World War I Letter Finding Aid
Author
Lynn Houghton
Date
2010-12-02
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Western Michigan University Archives & Regional History Collections Repository

Contact:
Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center
1650 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5307 US
(269) 387-8490