In my collection of items not in any of my books is a photo of Chester Beers and a number of letters he wrote to Emma Austin and sometimes her sister Aida, in the years 1869 to 1878. (Emma died … Continue reading
While I wait (and that not terribly patiently) for the second proof of “Farewell to Eldred” arrive, I have been organizing my computer records which go back to 2008 (sometimes earlier) in to one file (it will take a while). … Continue reading
Monday, May 18, 1942, Aida Austin was disappointed she could not get her cracked wheat bread at the A&P. She stopped in at Andrew Parker’s for a paper and saw Bertha Sullivan and her sister. When Aida was at Randolph’s … Continue reading
Jennie Austin, Eldred, to McKinley Austin, France October 12, 1918 My dear Mac, Just a few lines while I have time. I see in the papers in order to send a package to the soldiers that the soldier one sends … Continue reading
Mac Austin’s brother Raymond finally was able to enlist. Raymond served in the Panama Canal Zone. (The Austins weren’t the only family to have more than one son in WWI.) Raymond Austin, Camp Gaillard, Panama Canal Zone, to Mort and … Continue reading
McKinley, France, to Jennie Austin, Eldred August 9, 1918 Dear Mother, I hope you will pardon me for not writing sooner. But when I had paper, I did not have time and when I had time, I could not get … Continue reading
The S.S. Tuscania was a luxury liner named after a town in Italy. She was torpedoed February 5, 1918, by the German U-boat, UB-77 while carrying 2,013 American troops to Europe. Over 200 people were lost, mostly American troops. —worldwar1.com … Continue reading
Jewell Hamilton, Vandervoort, Ark., to McKinley Austin January 8, 1918 Kind friend, Saw your address in “Lone Scout,” and thought I would write. Hope this will find you ok. How do you like the army? I have several friends who … Continue reading
Ila White, Duraham, Okla., to McKinley Austin January 7, 1918 Soldier Boy, After seeing your name in the “Lone Scout” which your brother sent in, I thought I would write to you. Many of our brothers and friends are called … Continue reading
Lone Scouting was started in 1915 by William D. Boyce who had started the Boy Scouts of America in 1910. Lone Scouts gave rural boys a chance to participate in Scouting. Lone Scout Magazine Letters Sometime in December 1917, Raymond … Continue reading
