Abstract The Beineman/McSorley papers are comprised mostly of letters written between husband and wife, John & Alta (Beineman) McSorley, during the United States' involvement in World War II. John enlisted in the United States Army in March 1943 and was discharged in October 1945. He went abroad during the later part of the war, spending at least some time in Paris and the French countryside. The couple wrote letters nearly every day. Most of Alta's letters relate to life at home in Grand Rapids,...

Abstract Glenn Albert Barrett (1923-2000) lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan and served in the Army during World War II (1943-1946). Through his service in the military, Barrett traveled extensively and wrote about his experiences in letters home to his mother, Myrtle M. Barrett (nee Burtles); grandmother; and to various friends. Some letters contained in the collection are written to Barrett as well. Additionally, the collection contains some photographs of Barrett and others. A researcher interested...

Abstract This is a devised collection which brings together several accessions of materials related to World War II. Included are documents, letters, images and memories of those from the Grand Rapids and Kent County area who served during World War II. Other war memorabilia, such as ration books or newspaper clippings on the War at home, are also included. The collection also includes cards, collected by the Kent County Historical Commission, with information on individuals from Kent County who...

Abstract Halden Adrion, a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, served as a bomber pilot during World War II. This collection consists primarily of letters written by Halden Adrion before and during his service as a bomber pilot in World War II (1940-1945) to his girlfriend and eventual fiancée, Elsie Evans. Also included are some letters from Evans to Adrion, along with a few other miscellaneous items of correspondence. The letters describe army life for Adrion, particularly the life of an Army Air...