Finding Aid for the Lola Cannon Pefley Second World War correspondence 2017.013.w.r
Darliene Zepeda-Field
Center for American War Letters Archives
02/16/2017
Leatherby Libraries
Chapman University
Orange, CA 92866
speccoll@chapman.edu
Contributing Institution:
Center for American War Letters Archives
Title: Lola Cannon Pefley Second World War correspondence
source:
Wilcox, Cherri
Creator:
Morasco, Ben, Private
Creator:
Stewart, Edward C., Lieutenant
Creator:
Harris, John T., Private First Class
Creator:
Rivas, Edward "Black Eddie", Private
Creator:
Harlan, Chase E. "Squirt", Staff Sergeant
Creator:
Wells, Lynn "Alfalfa", Private First Class
Identifier/Call Number: 2017.013.w.r
Physical Description:
.5 Linear Feet
(13 Folders)
Date (inclusive): 1928 May 13 - 1952 August 2
Abstract: This collection contains various soldier correspondence to Lola Cannon Pefley, and ephemera during the Second World War.
Language of Material:
English
.
Container: WWII 42
Container: 12-13
Container: 1-2
Container: WWII 43
Container: 1-10
Container: 3-12
This collection is open for research.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Cherri Silcox. Legacy collection from Andrew Carroll.
This collection is arranged by material type, author, and date.
- Series 1, Correspondence from Ben Morasco
- Series 2, Correspondence from Edward C. Stewart
- Series 3, Correspondence from John T. Harris
- Series 4, Correspondence from Edward Rivas
- Series 5, Correspondence from Chase E. Harlan
- Series 6, Correspondence from Lynn "Alfalfa" Wells
- Series 7, Correspondence from Various Authors
- Series 8: Newspaper Clippings
- Series 9: Photographs
- Series 10: Ephemera
Information found on www.findagrave.com:
Lola Margarette Thomas was born on August 7, 1911 in Elkins, Texas. She was the oldest of three daughters of Ora Welch and
Forrest Thomas. Forest Forest Thomas was born in Texas but his father was born in Arkansas and his mother in Georgia. Sidney
Forest Thomas was a mechanic by trade.
According to a 1937 letter that Lola had written to Lester Welch, John Byrd Welch's son and her cousin, she stated that she
had just married Leroy "Roy" Cannon, a supposedly well-known singer and that they were going to travel the country to put
on musical programs. I am just now finding out much about him.
She married Daniel Alexander Pefley on June 3, 1941. They had no children.
"She was a member of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints. She had lived in Brownwood for a year and one half before
her death and had previously lived in Arlington, Texas for the past 30 years.
Lola had graduated from Brownwood High School in 1930 and was the Valedictorian of her class. Survivors included her husband,
a sister Mrs. James Teague of Fort Worth and a half-sister, Jackie Keith of Morgan Hill, California.
Lola Pefley died on January 3, 1977 at the Brownwood Community Hospital after a four month illness and was buried in the Ebony
Cemetery in Mills County.
[Item title, Box number, Folder number], Lola Cannon Pefley Second World War Correspondence (2017.013.w.r), Center for American
War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.
This collection consists of correspondence from various soldiers to Lola Cannon Pefley during the Second World War. The collection
also includes photographs, postcards, and newspaper clippings.
The corresopndence was written primarily from the following servicemembers:
- Private Ben Morasco, United States Army
- Lieutenant Edward C. Stewart, United States Army
- Private First Class John T. Harris, United States Marine Corps
- Private Edward "Black Eddie" Rivas, United States Army
- Staff Sergeant Chase E. "Squirt" or "Little Eddie" Harlan, United States Army
- Private First Class Lynn "Alfalfa" Wells, United States Army
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.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
World War II
Correspondence -- World War, 1939-1945
World War (1939-1945)
Wilcox, Cherri
Pefley, Lola Cannon
box WWII 42, folder 12, folder 1
Series 1, Correspondence from Ben Morasco 1942 March 18 - 1946 February
Physical Description: .025 Linear Feet(1 Folder)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains written correspondence from Pvt. Ben Morasco, USA to Lola Cannon Pefley, which includes 20 written and
typed correspondence, two postcards and one V-Mail, during the Second World War. The author sought information regarding mutual
friends Graham, Doyle, Kent and Alfalfa. He continually asked if "Red" had been enlisted in the war. He wondered if men, like
Red, would have to enlist when they would become 38 years old. He said he read that Congress may be changing that law but
he wasn't sure. He wrote about how he felt that he didn't fit in well with infantry or artillery and wanted to be considered
for quartermaster. He also reminisced about Camp Bowie, TX in which he stated, "Bowie will always be 'Home Sweet Home' to
me," (11-23-1942). He hoped to be discharged after his 100 day furlough due to his age. He was 38. In a letter dated 10-25-45,
he states that he had gotten married that month on 10-19-44 to Jackie.
box WWII 42, folder 13, folder 2
Series 2, Correspondence from Edward C. Stewart 1942 August 16 - 1946 January 28
Physical Description: .025 Linear Feet(1 Folder)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains written correspondence from Lt. Edward C. Stewart, USA to Lola Cannon Pefley during the Second World
War, which includes 15 correspondence, one V-Mail during 1942-1946. The author wanted to know any information on their mutual
friends "Big Eddie," "Black Eddie," Parker, and Chase Cunningham. He also spoke of the rationing of food that the US was
involved during the war and how much he disliked coffee. He also agreed that Lola's thoughts on the war were correct, "...absolutely
right about the war and the attitude of the American people. We are head and shoulders above everyone else in common sense
as well as our fighting ability and equipment," (7-22-43). He also thanked Lola for being able to keep track of all their
friends' locations that they mutually knew.
box WWII 43, folder 1, folder 3
Series 3, Correspondence from John T. Harris 1942 October 29 - 1943 January 30
Physical Description: .025 Linear Feet(1 Folder)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains six written correspondence from PFC John T. Harris, USMC to Lola Cannon Pefley during the Second World
War. The author wrote about their common friends, Ken and Jack. He wrote that he was nicknamed "Tex" or "Rugged Texan." He
wanted to know about Brownwood, TX and how much the city has grown.
box WWII 43, folder 2, folder 4
Series 4, Correspondence from Edward Rivas 1942 August 30 - 1943 August 14
Physical Description: .025 Linear Feet(1 Folder)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains written correspondence from Pvt. Edward "Black Eddie" Rivas, USA to Lola Cannon Pefley during the Second
World War, which includes six letters in this series. Correspondence about life in service and common friends. Enclosed is
a song written that was in a letter, sung by the Australians when the American soldiers were stationed in Australia during
the Second World War titled, "When They Send The Last Yank Home." In a letter 09-24-42, the author spoke of him capturing
his brother and he didn't know it was publicized until his sister told him in a letter. In a letter on 04-28-43, the author
spoke briefly of the Aboriginal Austrailians and who they are. The envelope of this letter contained a quote on the flap,
"Via a low-winged, streamlined, flying machine with a jiving motor." He was also known for parachute jumping in the service.
box WWII 43, folder 3, folder 5
Series 5, Correspondence from Chase E. Harlan 1943 May 18 - 1944 April 28
Physical Description: .025 Linear Feet(1 Folder)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains written correspondence from SSgt. Chase E. "Squirt" or "Little Eddie" Harlan, USA to Lola Cannon Pefley
during the Second World War. This series includes five letters and one V-Mail. He corresponded about Army life and and some
mutual friends, Big Eddie and Black Eddie. He writes about missing and enjoying the holidays with "the gang of the service
club," (11-29-43). In the letter dated 09/01/43, he mentions an "interesting story of natives" from the South Pacific where
he is stationed. He writes about a ritual on 15 year old boys and a delicacy enjoyed by the natives, "unhatched chickens.".
On 11-02-43, the author writes how he was passed up for a promotion and his disappointment with their decision for his hard
work. A letter written on 12-03-1943 stated the news that he found out Black Eddie had passed on.
box WWII 43, folder 4, folder 6
Series 6, Correspondence from Lynn Wells 1943 January 13 - 1946 January 13
Physical Description: .025 Linear Feet(1 Folder)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains written correspondence from PFC Lynn "Alfalfa" Wells, USA to Lola Cannon Pefley during the Second World
War, which includes six letters and one V-Mail. Correspondence about mutual friends and how much he appreciated Lola writing
to him. He briefly wrote about the big reunion of the 36.
box WWII 43, folder 5-7, folder 7-9
Series 7, Correspondence from various authors 1928 May 13 - 1952 August 2
Physical Description: .025 Linear Feet(3 Folders)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains three folders with written correspondence from various military soldiers to Lola Cannon Pefley during
the Second World War, which includes correspondence from 1928-1952. This series contains 61 written correspondence, 12 V-Mail,
18 postcards, one holiday card and four addressed envelopes with no letter attached. Correspondence about life in service
and mutual friends.
Folder 7 - Letters to Margaret Thomas from Bell Chambers, 05-13-28 and 01-05-29 regarding work, school and gift exchanging.
Letters from Sergeant Charles A. Cunningham (07-28-42), where he states to Lola Pefley, "I am happy to know that you keep
in touch with so many of the boys and know they appreicaite it just as much as I do" and also, "On the serious side of the
ledger, you find so little of your spiritual altruism being practiced any more. It is perhaps what we need more than anything
else. It is a complete absence of it that makes our world the unsafe place that it is to live in and that makes for so much
unhappiness," (09-08-42). Corporal Ben L. Lewis wrote that he was able to interview General Persons in Louisiana after he
had to find him "deep in the maneuver jungle" of training. He also spoke of meeting up with "old gal Gloria," drinking sherry
and having an interlude with Gloria's mom, (09-25-42). Sergeant Kent Thorton wrote about a little not to Lola about being
in the hospital for a few days and how mental depression seems "like a nightmare," (09-28-42). V-mail from Lafayette Newcome,
commented to Lola that she never stated she was married, (11-11-42).
Folder 8 - V-mail valentine drawing from Walter. A graduation card from Candidate Ed Beebe, Second Lieutenant US Army, (03-03-43).
A letter from Corporal George E. Thomas a.k.a. "Big Eddie," (05-12-43) and another one on 05-21-43 with an enclosed poem to
Red, Lola's husband, titled "Chinese Talk." A V-Mail written by Corporal W. H. Granham stated, "What do you think of the war
news now? Isn't it good and just think how sad Hitler must be now. They are getting repaid for everything they started, and
there is more to come here after, too," (05-16-43). Brief information was given about Lola writing a book from Corporal James
Rawlins Thompson, US Army, (07-21-43), and also on 08-27-43. Most letters spoke of the furloughs the soldiers were waiting
for.
Folder 9 - V-Mail from Lamar Conant, 02-08-44, spoke of Black Eddie's death and how he was the first one to get to Black Eddie
and how "He never suffered at all." He also stated that demotions were being issued to soldiers, incluing himself. A letter
from Aunt Dixie, Big Eddie. Two letters from Sergeant Vincent A. Aaron where he speaks of his malaria that he has in Italy,
(01-17-45), and a soldier named "Smith" who was killed in an accident on Christams Eve, 1944. Postcards received by friends.
box WWII 43, folder 8, folder 10
Series 8, Newspaper Clippings 1942
Physical Description: .025 Linear Feet(1 Folder)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains five newspaper clippings on soldiers that Lola Cannon Pefley had possesion of during the Second World
War. Only one of the clippings has a date: the story in The Star Telegram newspaper from May 14, 1942. Two other clippings
provide a date but not the year: Jan. 3 and May 6 and were in an unidentified newspaper. The other three clippings included
information about soldiers who were wounded, coming home, visitng family or had a new rank in their title.
box WWII 43, folder 9, folder 11
Series 9, Photographs 1928 - 1952
Physical Description: .025 Linear Feet(1 Folder)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains one undated photograph of a soldier at camp. This photograph was in possesion of Lola Cannon Pefley during
the Second World War. No letter was included with the photograph. A soilder is standing in the doorway of small building in
his swimsuit or underwear. The image shows a make shift shower.
box WWII 43, folder 10, folder 12
Series 10, Ephemera 1928 - 1952
Physical Description: .025 Linear Feet(1 Folder)
Language of Material: English.
This series contain eight pieces of ephemeral items saved by Lola Cannon Pefley during the Second World War. Included are
two stickers (Harold's Club, Reno); five picture postcards of Arizona; a drawing of a woman by Haskell Baker (Co,A,142 inf);
a brochure from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for Camp Howze, Texas; two holiday picture postcards from Ruby L. Couch
and Caralyn. Also included is a song titled "Keep 'em Flying" composed by Jack B. Peterkin, Lt. Inf. A. f. and also, Phil
"Agne" at Camp Bowie, 1941 and a typed up story about the "Dead End Kids," a group of soldiers who goofed off at camp, which
included Alan and Buddy.