Henry A. Wayne Second World War correspondence and other materials, 1943 - 1945

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Summary

Creators:
Henry A. Wayne and Sandra Wayne
Abstract:
This collection contains photographs, realia and correspondence written to and from PFC Henry A. Wayne, USA during the Second World War.
Extent:
.25 Linear Feet (11 folders)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Item title, Box number, Folder number], Henry A. Wayne Second World War correspondence and other materials (2017.668.w.r), Center for American War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains correspondence written to and from PFC Henry A. Wayne, USA during the Second World War. The collection also contains photographs, military documents, and realia including medals and coins. PFC. Wayne was a medical administrative clerk, ambulance driver and bugler. -- The donation form contains biographical information about the collection.

Biographical / historical:

Private First Class Henry A. Wayne, United States Army (7/12/1921 - 3/28/2015) was born in Somerville, Massachusetts to Henry E. Wayne and Karah Colvin Wayne. His father was a professional trumpet player. Henry was the youngest of three siblings; an older sister Alma and brother named Edward. His parents divorced when he was young and he was raised by Mr. and Mrs. George. Mr. George was also a professional trumpet player and taught my Henry to play, playing all through school and in bands to support himself through college. Harry James was his hero.

Henry served overseas during the Second World War, and was discharged on December 3, 1945 at Camp San Luis Obispo. He served with Medical Detachment, 414th Infantry.

Henry attended college at Columbia in New York City and graduated from Northeastern University in Boston in 1948. He was engaged to 'Jane' from New York while he was in the service. She went to Roslindale, MA to meet his family. His mother was a devout Baptist and looked down upon marriage to a Catholic.

Henry met Elfreda E. Black on a blind date arranged by his neighbor who worked in a bank with her. They were married June 14, 1947 and honeymooned at Niagara Falls and Washington D.C. Their daughter Sandra was born March 19, 1948 in Boston and their son David was born Dec. 27, 1949. Henry worked for the same insurance company his whole career; Travelers Insurance, previously Employers Group. His work led him to be supervising manager of the Brocton, MA branch. He raised his family in Walpole, MA where they lived for fifty-one years. He was an avid golfer. He and Elfreda did a lot of traveling in the 1970's and 80's. According to the donor, he had a great sense of humor and contageous chuckle.

Henry and Elfreda were married 68 years. They moved to St. Johnsbury, Vermont in 2003, where Henry died at the age of 93 March 28, 2015, just 28 days after Elfreda. They were interred together in the Black family plot in Bartlett, New Hampshire.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Sandra and David Wayne
Arrangement:

This collection is arranged by material type, author and date.

  • Series 1, Correspondence from Henry A. Wayne to Karah Wayne
  • Series 2, Correspondence to Henry A. Wayne from friends
  • Series 3, Military documents
  • Series 4, History of the 104th Infantry Division
  • Series 5, Drawing made at Nordhausen
  • Series 6, Photographs
  • Series 7, Medals
  • Series 8, Currency

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for use.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions on the use of this material except where previously copyrighted material is concerned. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain all permissions. For further copyright information, please contact the archivist.

Preferred citation:

[Item title, Box number, Folder number], Henry A. Wayne Second World War correspondence and other materials (2017.668.w.r), Center for American War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.

Contact:
(714) 532-7716
privette@chapman.edu
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