McKay, Chester (First World War correspondence)

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McKay, Chester (First World War correspondence)

2017.150.w.r

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Table of contents

box WWI 5, folder 1-2 of 6

Series 1, Correspondence from Hilda McKay to Chester McKay 1918 October 26 - 1919 May 31

Creator: McKay, Hilda, 1891-1920

Physical Description: .075 Linear Feet(2 folders)

Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains 14 letters written to Army Private Chester McKay from his wife, Hilda, who lived in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. The correspondence was written at the end of World War I while Chester was serving overseas. He was sent over at the very end of the war.

The correspondence describes activities on the homefront to mark the end of the war and Hilda frequently relays news reports of soldiers returning home.

A November 23, 1918 letter mentions a parade in Wilkinsburg.

A December 23, 1918 letter mentions a celebration in honor of President Wilson in Brest, France.

In a January 11, 1919 letter, she writes about the 80th Division coming home and the process of delousing before the soldiers came home.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Correspondence -- World War, 1914-1918

World War (1914-1918)

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924

World War (1914-1918) -- Homefront

box WWI 5, folder 3 of 6

Series 2, Correspondence from family members to Chester McKay 1918 October 22 - 1919 February 17

Physical Description: .07 Linear Feet(1 folder)

Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains 11 letters written by various family members to Chester McKay, while he was serving overseas at the end of World War I. Many of the letters were written by McKay's sister, Nettie. There are also letters from his brother-in-law, Harry, who was also serving in World War I, and a man named George, who may have been McKay's brother-in-law.

In a Nov 18, 1918 letter, Nettie writes about how soldiers are allowed to wear uniforms for three months "after they are mustered out." It also mentions censorship rules being raised.

One letter from George dated February 17, 1919 indicates that Chester McKay is in the hospital although the reason is unclear.

A November 23rd letter from George also mentions a parade for servicemembers and discusses casualty lists and how Wilkinsburg, PA has been "somewhat prominent" in them.

Other letters discuss activities on the homefront and sports events.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Correspondence -- World War, 1914-1918

World War (1914-1918)

World War (1914-1918) -- Homefront

box WWI 5, folder 4 of 6

Series 3, Other correspondence 1918 December 14 - 1918 December 30

Physical Description: .025 Linear Feet(1 folder)

Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains two letters. One was written by a woman name Louise to Chester McKay. The letter also mentions Hilda although her connection to the McKays is unclear.

The other letter is from George to Harry, who was serving in World War I. The letters suggest that George and Harry are Chester McKay's brothers-in-law. The letter discusses soldiers returning home and the events of the holidays. It also makes mention of censorship restrictions being lifted.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

World War (1914-1918)

Correspondence -- World War, 1914-1918

World War (1914-1918) -- Homefront

box WWI 5, folder 5 of 6

Series 4, Graphic materials

Physical Description: .035 Linear Feet(1 folder)

Physical Description: Two of the pictures arrived torn in half and were placed in plastic sleeves.

Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains nine photographs and several postcards with no writing. The photographs do not have captions and the subjects are not identified.

In one photograph, a soldier is standing next to a product sign written in French. There are also pictures of what appears to be a family and other pictures show an unidentified woman posing for pictures. Additionally, there are several pictures of children. A couple of the pictures appear to be class pictures.

box WWI 5, folder 6 of 6

Series 5, Ephemera 1918 - 1922

Physical Description: .025 Linear Feet(1 folder)

Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains two documents: a page from the publication "People's Favorite Magazine" and a June 1922 document to Chester McKay from the Home Owners Loan Association in Houston, Texas. The page from "People's Favorite Magazine" is of a series titled "Training Camp Tales." A search of the title indicates that a series of that name was published in "People's Favorite Magazine" in 1918.

Collection Contents

Series 1, Correspondence from Hilda McKay to Chester McKay

Series 2, Correspondence from family members to Chester McKay

Series 3, Other correspondence

Series 4, Graphic materials

Series 5, Ephemera