Fitzgerald, Mary G. (Second World War and Korean War correspondence), 1914 November - 1957 July 18, bulk 1942 - 1957

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Summary

Title:
Mary G. Fitzgerald Second World War and Korean War correspondence
Dates:
1914 November - 1957 July 18, bulk 1942 - 1957
Creators:
St. Clair, Rae Ann
Abstract:
This collection contains correspondence written to Mary G. Fitzgerald from various senders during the Second World War. Also included are a book of letters on CD, photographs, a baby book, and various periodicals.
Containers:
box: WWII 57
folder: 1-26
folder: 1-26
box: WWII 58
folder: 1-11
folder: 27-37
box: Oversize 1
folder: 9
folder: 2015-113-w-r_Fitzgerald
Extent:
.833 Linear Feet (2 document-boxes)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Item title, Box number, Folder number], Mary G. Fitzgerald Second World War correspondence (2015.133.w.r), Center for American War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.

For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information about sources consulted in this collection, including permanent URL's, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains correspondence written to Mary Gain Fitzgerald from several of her former students during both World War Two and the Korean War.

Mary was an English teacher at Heatly High School in Green Island, NY. As one of her former pupils states: ". . . the guys on the ship here can't get over me writing to my school teacher. I guess they never had a teach like you . . ." (Carlie G. Whitaker, letter dated 13 March, 1952). Mrs. Fitzgerald--occasionally referred to as "Fitzy"--seems to have made quite an impression on several of her students, keeping in touch with them after they had joined the service.

Most of the letters include the tidbits from the soldiers' day-to-day lives (training, leave, work, etc.) and questions about the folks back home. In one letter, however, a former student, Francis X. Howle, Jr., reflects on an essay he was required to write for Mrs. Fitzgerald's class: "I remember once you had us write an essay on 'Americanism', now after actual experience, I know just what we were trying to bring out in that essay" (letter dated 7 June, 1944). He goes on to describe the environment of comradery and support he witnessed in a locker room after a boxing match put on by and for the servicemen: "In the room were the men who only a few minites [sic] before were throwing hooks, jabs and uppercuts at each other . . . each one was advising the of [sic] his shortcomings, giving him some ring advice and every soldier present was telling his former opponent what a great guy he was and what a swell fight he put up . . . At that moment, I wished the whole world could be looking in and listening . . . That, lady, is good sportsmanship. And more than that, its Americanism."

Also included in this collection are several periodicals, newspaper clippings, and photographs as well as a baby book belonging to John F. Gain, Jr., Mary's brother.

Biographical / historical:

Mary Gains Fitzgerald, Teacher, 1909 - ?

Acquisition information:
Gift of Rae Ann St. Clair (rec'd. October 2015).
Arrangement:

This collection is arranged by type and date:

  • Series 1, Correspondence to Mary G. Fitzgerald
  • Series 2, Periodicals
  • Series 3, Photographs
  • Series 4, Newspaper clippings
  • Series 5, Ephemera
  • Series 6, Baby book

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Andrea Paquin
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2022-04-20 16:41:05 -0400 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

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], Mary G. Fitzgerald Second World War correspondence (2015.133.w.r), Center for American War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.

For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information about sources consulted in this collection, including permanent URL's, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.

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