Collections : [College of William and Mary]

College of William and Mary

Special Collections Research Center
Earl Gregg Swem Library
College of William and Mary
400 Landrum Drive
PO 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Primary Collecting Areas:
Williamsburg and surrounding area Virginia; Southern United States; African American life and culture; Hip Hop History; Movies and film studies; Travel, exploration, and adventure; Veterans papers; Distinguished alumni papers; College of William & Mary; Dogs
Description:
The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) houses one of the largest and most significant collections of rare and unique materials of any educational institution of comparable size in the United States. Focused on Virginia history but with nationally and internationally important collections, the Manuscripts Collection includes letters, diaries, journals, scrapbooks, business records, organizational minutes, and other items that provide evidence of events great and small and the daily lives of Americans of all backgrounds. The Rare Books Collection, with volumes dating from the 15th century to the present, is strong in dogs, Virginia-related items, early Virginia family libraries, gardening and natural history, religion, book arts, printing history, travel, science, and medicine. The University Archives documents the history of William & Mary from 1693 to the present, including a wide range of materials from administrative records, student organization records, and alumni papers to photographs, audio-visual materials, and artifacts.
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Fax: (757) 221-5440
Start Over Repository College of William and Mary Collection Ellis D. Lovern Letters, 1941/1945
College of William and Mary

Ellis D. Lovern Letters, 1941/1945

0.25 Linear Feet

Letters include one photograph, two ration books, seven V-Mail cards, two War Department postcards, a Roanoke, Virginia newspaper, a greeting card, and several handwritten letters. Letters are primarily written by Ellis David Lovern, Jr to his wife Ruby and daughter Nancy. Lovern served with the U.S. Army during World War II. His letters are sent from "somewhere in" Tennessee, England, Germany, and Belgium. Lovern frequently signs his name as "Elmer." He addresses his wife's concern about his safety and frequently asks for pictures of Ruby and Nancy (which he then quickly returns). Lovern describes lying in in bed looking at family photographs with his flashlight. Lovern asks if his wife prefers V-Mail or air mail, and he sends a German half mark and cartoon clippings with his letters. He also sends a note and frequently signs letters to "Susie," perhaps a pet dog.

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