Beschreibung:

Includes, among other items: Approximately 150 letters from Jack Lewey to Helen Lenz, most handwritten, some typed, most with envelopes - some are V-Mail or Western Union telegrams. Approximately 100 snapshot photographs, either sent by Lewey to Lenz, or retained copies of photos evidently sent by Lenz to Lewey, plus two large professional portrait photos, colorized; one of Jack and one of Helen. Three annotated calendars kept by Lenz, chronicling the relationship between Lenz and Lewey. Various mementos of their romance, including tickets, menus, etc., and a Voice-O-Graph Recording Disc of Helen singing and speaking briefly. A few military items such as Lewey's dog tag, uniform patches, etc. Significant archive of letters from a seaman who served aboard an LST (Landing Ship-Tank) during the Normandy invasion and other actions. The collection was preserved over many decades by Helen Lenz, who had a whirlwind romance with Jack Lewey beginning in October 1943, and ending in November of 1947, when the correspondence ceased - apparently Lewey's efforts to adjust to civilian life posed insurmountable challenges to their future together. Lenz was to marry someone else the following year. Besides a two-page summary and overview of the collection, the archive is also accompanied by a 32-page "interpretive supplement" compiled by the consignor (the daughter of Helen Lenz) with an in-depth description of the archive, and historical context. This is available in digital format. LEWEY/LENZ COLLECTION WORLD WAR II LETTERS, PHOTOGRAPHS, AND RELATED EPHEMERA Personal Correspondence: 150+ letters dated Jan 1944 - Nov 1947 Condition: most good or very good; stored for decades in box in dark, dry closet; not musty or stained; stamps retain color Most letters hand-written in ink, 2-sided; some typed; all readable Original envelopes (some torn or bent), addressed, stamped or marked “Free,” with cancellation mark Some V-Mail and Western Union telegrams Written by US Coast Guard Reserve Seaman (later Radar Man) Cyril Laverne "Jack" Lewey (college graduate, mid-20s) of Louisville, KY, during and after his military service Sent to his girlfriend, Helen Lenz (clerical worker, early 20s) of Richmond Hill, NY Both parties now deceased Long letters focused both on daily life of a sailor and his relationship with Helen, offering insight into the effects of war on a young man’s personality and plans: descriptions of training for service on a landing ship in Norfolk, VA; episode depicting racial divide between white and black sailors; life aboard ship headed to Normandy; attempt to evade censors with coded content; mental toll of life in a war zone; details of life when ship was ported in Southampton, England, including descriptions of experiences on liberty in London and environs; detailed description of VE Day; return to America; experiences when stationed in Rhode Island, including affects of boredom and alcohol on all crew; difficulty transitioning to civilian life in Kentucky, e.g., finding employment and relating to family and acquaintances; two quirks of fate that probably led to the demise of his relationship with Helen. Photographs: 100+ Black and White Snapshots Most depict Jack alone, with Helen, or with his family in Louisville prior to entering service and before departure for European Theater of Operation; some depict Jack with other sailors during training in St. Augustine, FL. Some are duplicates Helen made at the time of photos of herself that she sent Jack in response to his requests. Condition: generally good to very good; not cropped; just a few have fold marks; many with readable notes on back Also included: two professional portrait photos, colorized; one of Jack and one of Helen Three Annotated Calendars: Oct 1943 - Dec 1945 Created by Helen, starting at the beginning of her relationship with Jack (condition good; cramped but mostly readable entries with some fountain pen blotches) Transcription