Correspondence, 1940-1959

File — Box: 1, Folder: 1-7

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: The Lucille Knotts family correspondence (1940-1959) consists primarily of correspondence from her brother, Ross Gayle Carlson, and another relative, Robert E. Knotts, during World War II. The letters begin in 1943 as both men are training in military schools. Knotts writes from the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Memphis, Tennessee, while Carlson writes from Army Air Forces Technical School at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas and Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana. Both write about training, camp life, and social activities. The letters continue to be written from various military installations in California, Florida, Illinois, and Wisconsin through 1945. In flight school, Carlson writes about the thrill of conducting spins in an aircraft and the "sweet" civilian life while being furloughed. In 1944, Knotts writes about graduating from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, but is too large for a fighter plane. Carlson and Knotts often reference one another in the letters. The correspondence also includes later letters to Mary McIntyre, Daryl E. Lamb, and Tom Gustin from 1947 through 1959. Also included are general materials and Carlton's report of separation from the United States Army in 1946.

Dates

1940-1959

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.