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John Frederick Monroe journals

 Collection
Identifier: RH-A-4242

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of two journals written by Ensign John Frederick Monroe (1921-1986) of Muskegon MI. The journals detail daily life of John F. Monroe during his service in the US Navy from 1943-1944 while stationed in Panama during World War Two.

Dates

  • Creation: 1943-1944

Creator

Biographical / Historical

Born in Muskegon, Michigan, on March 2, 1921, John graduated from the University of Michigan and in 1943 enlisted to Midshipman’s school in Northwestern University in Chicago. After Midshipman’s school, John joined the Navy and reached the rank of ensign before being deployed to Panama. John was released from the Navy on April 24, 1945. In 1947, John married Maryrita Teifer. Eventually the couple moved to Spring Lake, MI until John’s death in 1986 at the age of 65.

Extent

.10 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was purchased with funds via the Starring Foundation.

Physical Description

This collection amounts to 0.10 cubic feet. The size of both journals are 5”x8”. Both journals are in great condition and show little signs of damage. The journals are hardbound and the covers of each journal bears the name J F Monroe. Both journals are not filled up; the first journal spans from November 1942, May 1943 to January 1944. The second journal is barely written in and spans from July 1944 to August 1944.

The entries in each journal are written in ink and are easily legible. With both journals closed, the pages give off a greenish color but it is not reflected on individual pages. Some entries have newspaper clippings or other bits of memorabilia tucked between the pages and those are also in good condition and easily legible.

Title
John Frederick Monroe Journals Finding Aid
Status
Completed
Author
Stephanie Chapman
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

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