Edgar Eldredge Biography, August 1944-May 1946
Scope and Contents
The collection consists of roughly 235 letters and postcards written by Edgar Eldredge to his sister Frances Eldredge from August 26th, 1944 to May 25th, 1946. Edgar Eldredge Correspondence August- December 1944 (Original letters) August- December (Transcribed letters) 1944, January-December 1945 (Original letters) January-December (Transcribed letters) 1945, January-May 1946 (Original letters) January-May 1946 (Transcribed letters) May 1946 (Military separation papers).
Dates
- Creation: August 1944-May 1946
Language of Materials
English .
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is currently open to research use.
Biographical / Historical
Edgar Eldredge (March 9th, 1926-December 3rd, 1983) was a teenager from Center Ossipee, New Hampshire, who enlisted in the Navy at 18 years of age in 1944. During his enlistment from August 1944 to May 1946, he corresponded with his sister Frances Eldredge, while she attended Plymouth Teachers College, later to become Plymouth State University. The letters chronicle a young naval recruit as he negotiates the transition from civilian life in New Hampshire to military life aboard a ship during the last two years of World War II. The letters are poignant, funny, descriptive, and revealing as they give a glimpse into the daily life of a sailor during the war.
Full Extent
From the Collection: 1 Linear Feet (2 Archives Boxes) : Personal letters ; 1 Linear feet
Custodial History
The bibliograhy was assembled by Edgar's son Robert Eldredge. The book is a collection of photos during his time aboard ship.
Repository Details
Part of the Michael J. Spinelli, Jr. Center for University Archives and Special Collections Repository