WWII Fathers See Their Babies For First Time - 1943-1945

It's mid-1943 and the country had been at war for about a year and a half and many thousands of servicemen had left their homes -- many with their wives expecting a new son or daughter. About this time, The Sacramento Bee newspaper took on the project of photographing new mothers, with their babies, and sending two prints -- one large and one wallet size -- to the new father. The photo of mother and baby also was printed in the newspaper as a regular feature that lasted nearly to the end of the war.
An accompanying story with the first photo, which appeared on Aug. 25, 1943, told how it was done: "Any mother of a Sacramento 'war baby' wishing to have pictures of the new arrival sent to the father may avail herself of this service by writing or telephoning to the city editor of The Bee.
"A cameraman will take a picture of the baby and mother and The Bee will mail the photographs to the father and present a copy to the mother. That is all there is to it."
Those babies will now be 66-70 years of age. How do I know this? At a recent estate sale, I picked up a scrapbook full of newspaper clippings, all neatly pasted in place, that told the story and included 446 Sacramento Bee clippings showing mothers with their new babies. Although the clippings are not individually dated, the birth dates of the babies pictured seem to end in early summer 1945. Whether the collector tired of the project or The Bee ended the series, I do not know. It is a fascinating service The Bee provided -- which is shown by several articles from servicemen who received the photogaphs.
So, in order to complete this blog, here is the list of the babies, in order of appearance in the scrapbook. If you were born in Sacramento during World War II, you might be on this list. Numbers refer to the scrapbook page.
1. Fowler, Herbert Brereton Jr.
2. -0-
3. Nicholas, Alan Craig; Acosta, Vicki Lou; Gates, Wayne Roy; Hollingshead, Carol Jeanne; Geyer, Victoria; Uomini, Virginia; Cummings, Robert Lee; Nelson, Cheryl.
4. Collins, Arthur Robert; Bieser, Frederick Stevens; Overton, Vivian Cheryl; Groves, Lewis J.; Hamilton, twins Patricia Ann & Margaret Carol.
5. -0-
6. Borgia, Raylee Rhonda; Hurst, William Leland; Hensley, Darrell Norman; Parker, Edward Andrew III; Francis, Gale Brent; Wright, William Russell; Gurtler, Judy Ann; Harris, Harell G. Jr.
7. Eichele, Eugene; Carlsen,Karen Rae; Blanchard, Fred Mathew Jr.; De Long, Nina Carleen; Myers, Sonny Louise; Kerr, Barbara Ann; Lemons, Jackie; Ahern, Judy Ann
8. Tucek, Sandra Kay; Hughart, Joan Darlene; Field, Conrad James; Sheltrown, Bradford Lee; Lumry, Carlton; Peek, Carol Ann; Woodard, Sherran Ann; Koeteeuw, Stanley
9. Gregson, Richard; Hix, Pamela
10. Drake, David Patrick; Hurst, Mary Ann
11. Smith, twins Aileen and Elaine; Omand, James
12. Haag, Michael Elliott; Lonsway, Eugene
13. Abrams, Donna Ruth; Ware, Cassandra; Hughson, Patricia Ann; McDaniel, Janet Elaine; Von Behren, Leroy Martin Jr.
14. Carlson, Allen LeRoy; Simmons, Earle Thomas Jr.; Oyler, Harold Douglas; Savage, Kenneth; Lambert, Daniel Robert; Bronk, Robert; Huit, Ralph Jay; Lima, Lawrence Jr.
15. Adam, Arthur John Jr.; Ernst, Kenneth Phil; Seastrand, Paula Marie; Casebeer, Larry Gene; Stone, Sara; Busby, Judith Ann; Hipp, Karen; Manwell, Melvin Randall
16. Robbie, Richard William; Steuben, Janice Marie; McConnen, Enid Elizabeth; McElroy, Donna Sue; Estes, David Eldon; Monson, Milton W. II; Phulps, Judith Lee; Jeffries, Janice Kay
17. Broyer, Judy Ann; Sellers, Janeen
18. Garcia, Henry Ronald; Porta, Louis Jr.
19. Kestell, Suzon Lynne; Stirling, Sanna J.
20. Baker, Lloyd; Crowle, Henry William
21. Moody, Rose Marie; Mysing, Susan Holliday
22. Egolf, Mary Lee; Perry, Madison H. Jr.
23. Werner, Carla; Frye, Joanne Garlene
24. Spitaleri, Joseph; Reed, Michael
25. Mains, Marie Pearl; Cooper, James Franklin
26. Burke, John Thomas; Wetmore, Robert James
27. Whelan, twins Santa Jean and Robert Ennis; Morrison, Mary Louise
28. Standing, Lawrence; Briske, Bruce Kenneth
29. Cabodi, Mickey; Creed, Walter Jesse
30. Bibb, Caroldean; Cornelius, Terry Sue
31. Hildreth, Carolyn Ann; Allphin, Michael Forrest
32. Strothers, Judith Anne; Risney, Carol Anne
33. Hulbert, Louise Gail; Casillas, Sally Diane; Millsap, Marylin Elizabeth; Rogers, Richard Vincent; Bateman, Mary Belle; Jones, Mary Louise; Jones, Stephen Marshall; Boyd, Reggie Clay
34. Dymond, Robert Allen; Barker, Barbara Jean; Ashley, Betty Ruth; Corbell, Richard Angelo; Lockhart, Barbara Roberta; Bryant, Thomas Creston; Scribner, Crystal Firn; Olson, Russell Martin
35. Stephens, James Benton; Murin, William Nicholas; Johnson, Trudie Mae; Bertram, Garland Ray; Dollar, Joe Ray; Eid, Diane Marie; Wilson, Clayton Wesley; Hickey, Victoria Ann
36. Morehead, Jon; Delgano, William Boyd, Jr.; Veach, Kathleen; Ferris, Shirley Susan; Irish, Vickie; Buckley, Kathleen; Lewis, Cynthia; Schmitz, Carolyn
37. Sprock, Karen; Wells, Franklin D.; Sornsen, Roger; Pearson, Margie Marie; Miller, Linda Lee; Martin, Albert Elliott, Jr.; Finkelstein, Paula Rene; Clark, Stephen Rodby
38. Valencia, Anthony Joseph; Royce, Roberta Marie; Smith, Dennis Wayne; Atilano, Juan Antonio; Hughes, Mary Irene; Wisdom, Thomas Harvey; Scalora, Anthony Joseph, Jr.; Hoff, Victoria Ann
39. Olmstead, Carol Ann; Beck, Charles Phillip; Ferguson, Linda; James, Beverly Marie*; Adams, Ronald Irving; James, Beverly Marie*
* One of these is incorrect. The same identification appears beneath two different photos. Refer to Page 63 (top right) for corrected identification. Booth, Douglas Edward; Donahue, Patricia Ann
40. Bitle, Ronald John; Estey, William Clyde; Pardi, Robert Alan; Cook, William Gene; Long, David Albert; Moody, JoAnn; Dole, Robert Edwin; Walsh, Frank Robert
41. -0-
42. Valine, Joan; Kennedy, Juanita; Pembroke, Timothy Raymond; Hopkins, Patricia Lee; Parks, Valerie; Kelly, James Mahlon; Ford, L. P., Jr.; Amey, Thedore Elizabeth
43. Heidt, Patricia Kay; Cook, Donna Joyce; Hamm, Brooks; Coleman, Carole Linn; Eckley, Kathryn Anne; Holland, Judith Ann; Meredith, Kathleen Meleana; Hammitt, John
44. Stewart, Bonnie Lee; Harrington, Sue; Reagan, Barbara Jean; Quadros, Jo Ann; Taylor, Laurence William; Yeager, Bob Madison; Eck, Michael Lawrence; Kinney, William James, Jr.
45. Hendershot, Nancy Rae; Fleming, Gwendolyn Joyce; Morgan, Robert; Martin, Donald Alan; Provence, Mary Lee; Burnham, twins George and Robert
46. White, Shirley Ann; Tugaeff, George Robert; Freeman, Marsha Corinne; Brown, Gerald; Fausett, Linda; Wynn, Henry Alfred; Salerno, Larry Carl; Neeld, Cheryl Ann
47. Dorr, Jimmy; Tonges, Carolee; Porta, Penny Rose; Enos, Thomas Franklin; Hornbeck, Barbara Lynn; Baker, Gerald Wayne; Meyer, Carolyn Jean; Wegner, Rosemary
48. Hilburn, Helen Laura; Fallwell, Patricia Kay; Robinson, Janice Elaine; Karver, Thomas Michael; Fargo, Kathleen Lynn; Stevens, William David; Morrisseau, Mary Louise; Webster, Sherry Lynn
49. Swett, Margaret; Peters, Ernest Dean; Gonzales, Ralph; Boatwright, Robert Alonzo; Savage, Stephen John; Wood, Kathryn Marie; Simmons, Para Lee Ann; Deaver, Danny Farrell
50. Clothier, Cindy Nadine; Townsend, James; Harrington, Diane; Johnston, Ray H., Jr.; Gallman, Robert Lee; Meder, John Robert III; Villegas, Maurice; Shettlesworth, Cheryl Lea
51. Ross, Shelby Darwin; Hess, Franklin Courtney; DeHermida, Chrissie; McAuliffe, Dennis Reynold; Jackson, Melannie Amelia; Harris, Carolyn Marie; Webster, Carrol Ann; Broadston, Leonard LeRoy, Jr.
52. -0-
53. Lorenson, Melinda Jill; Metcalf, Barbara Ethel; Parker, Margaret Marie; Serra, Cheryl; Walsh, Glenn John; Hurst, Carol Lee
54. Carter, Virginia; Treloar, Donald Lee; Miller, Sharone Anne; Kirts, Malcolm, Jr.; Diaz, Amelia; Lane, Michele
55. Ward, John William; Parker, Paul; Boydston, Judy; Witbeck, Cynthia; Strong, Robert Ernest; Wood, Kenneth John
56. Graham, Frederick Harold, Jr.; Hawley, Anita Darlene; Myrah, Donald; Kolaitis, Meredith; Hampton, Larry S.Q.; Thielen, Raymond John II
57. -0-
58. Potter, twins Lawrence John and Louise Marie; Smith, Sharon; Gaines, Dora Louise; Hall, Rickey Alan; Cox, Harvey Glenn; Concannon, David Clifford; Baldi, Frances Patricia* Petrulak, Peter Charles*.
* Baldi and Petrulak Photos switched
59. -0-
60. Sommers, Linda; Sanchez, Richard Charles; Lauer, Richard Walter; Edwards, Richard Lloyd; Johnson, Pamela Rae; Brady, James Harold, Jr.; Haub, Kenneth Elden; Scott, Mary Jane
61. Morton, LaVerne Carol; Reynaga, Beatrice; Hulett, Bonnie Jean; Felton, Doris Kathleen; Saucedo, Carol Ann; Stramler, James, Jr.; Waddams, Donovan III; Carden, George Dennis
62. Meachen, James David; Emery, Rebecca; Eichele, Eugene; Nelson, Linda Jean; Hoffeditz, Aaron Ross; Chan, Cara Lynette; Brabec, twins Jefferey and Todd; Fong, Franklin
63. McKintley, Dennis Ray; McElwee, George Patrick; Frazier, Theo Earl; Smith, Sharon Kathryn*
* Corrected identification from Page 39 Reynolds, Nadine Esther; Cordano, Alan; Adams, Milton; Perryman, James
64. Brault, Raymond T.; Gray, Carl Jr.; Geibel, John Joseph; Creasey, Sandra Ann; Statz, Kerry Michael; Adamski, Bonnie Lee; Smith, Joseph Herbert; Tregea, William Stewart
65. -0-
66. Howell, Patricia Joy; Clancy, Michael; Dolton, Terry Allen; Monteleone, Noel; Faringer, Diane; Burns, Garry Le Roy; Swoveland, Dellas Ronald; Gilpin, Shirley Jean
67. Palermo, Mary Paulette; Potter, Gary Lee; Shepard, Elizabeth Ann; Trondsen, Anna Marie; Hahn, Stuart; Aivasian, Owen II
68. Meyer, Kathleen; Blake, Karen Rose; Patterson, James Henry; Nichols, Robert; Nott, Virgena Lynn; Record, Terry Allen; Levensaler, Sandra Gayle; Pyles, Michael James
69. Pierson, Michael William; Goldstein, Michael Louis; Jones, Robert (Bobbie); Nelson, Duane Arthur ;Blackwell, James Alvin; Sims, Thomas Allen; Jones, Melvin, Jr.; Henderson, Sharon Lee
70. Lopez, Delmay; Babcock, Lynn; Rupple, Sandra Lee; Jensen, Kathryn Alice; Adams, Theodore Elman; Porter, Viola; Stuart, Elaine Elizabeth; Fagunes, Carol Lynn
71. Thompson, Larry Douglas; Carlo, Roy Jr.; Elledge, Donna Lee; Steinbrecher, Bette Gene; Yeast, twins Dennis Elwood and Donna Marie; Martin, Mildred Louise; Anderson, Valerie; Irwin, Constance Marie
72. Romine, Roberta Marie; Kitterman, Joseph Peter; Secord, Ronald Scott; Boehm, William Joseph; Collins, Robert; Abegglen, twins Suzanne and Stephen; Howard, Evelyn Gail; Tamantini, Josephine
73. Rau, Dennis Mark; Kinney, Michael Gordon; Puggini, Warren Thomas; Christoffel, Carolyn Marie; Grubbs, Diane Adelaide; Bradford, William Lee; Mussey, Richard Lynn; Wright, Mary Catherine
74. Clary, Roger Allen; Olsen, Lucy Anne; Carey, Nancy Jean; Tomer, Helen; Allen, Patricia Elizabeth; Valencia, Mary Ellen; Leggett, Leslie Ann; Schmidgall, Rene
75. Leavitt, John Sheldon; Hill, Gwendolyn Kaye; Donathan, Larry Dean; Romero, Sandra Lee
76. Bidwell, Leslie Lynne; Murphy, David Kitt; Folstrom, Charles Walton; Allen, John Thomas; Miller, Eddie, Jr.; Wild, Grayce Evelyn; Graham, Marilyn Lee; Albee, Douglas Henri
77. Jerdon, Patsy Ann; Meany, Michael George; Tarbell, Harry III; Daspit, David Michael ;Jellison, Terry Lynne ;Harrison, Virginia; Deisenroth, Linda Lee; Harmon, Carol Ann
78. Olson, Janet Kay; O’Connell, Robert Charles; Hermann, Paul Douglas; Fiskum, Sharon Ann; Sheehy, Jo Ann; Romovich, Ronald Steve; Kemper, Ronald Michael; Gabel, Edward Ronald
79. Simpson, Richard Wayne; Lamb, Shirley Ann; Bicknell, Darcy Anne; Gray, Joyce Norine; Costa, Susana Marie; Massie, Richard Edward; Blaine, James E., Jr.; Middleton, Carol Jean
80. Davis, Nancy Anne; Hall, Wanda Jean; Mains, Eugene Walter; Brown, Delbert Clifton; Riley, Robert Lewis; McGregor, - Twin daughters not named; Alva, Beatrice; Kinser, Doris Sue
81. Brown, Paulletta Jean; Killian, Sharon Lee; Smith, Kenneth Garnett, Jr.; Graham, David Howard; Phillips, Connie May; Williams, Sharon; Flynn, Larry Patrick; Keylor, William Robert
82. -0-
83. Colley, Jerlean Evelyn; Allen, Roxanne Lee
-30-

More Student Autographs from Woodland, Calif -- 1944-1947

Well, it's only been about seven months since I was here last. And, guess what? I have more student autographs. This book is from Woodland, Calif., and is from the 1940s. You will notice a definite change in attitude and content, compared with those autographs left in the 1890s and 1920s.
This autograph book belonged to Penny (no last name) and on the first page she lists the names of boys she "has gone out with, been kissed by and that have asked me out." More than 30 names are on the list so . . .
In any case here are the remembrances in her book.

Dear Penny
As you slide down he banister of life,
remember me as a splinter in your career.
Neil Osborn
April 8, 1944
-0-
The higher the mountain.
the cooler the breeze,
the younger the couple,
the harder they squeeze.
A good friend,
Bettilou Darling
-0-
Dear Penny
I love you little
I love you big
I love you
like a little pig.
Yours till six feet under,
Barbara Lois Barth
Dec. 18, 1945
-0-
Dear Penny
You may fall off a cliff,
you may fall from above,
but don't fall in love.
Your pal, Iris Jay
-0-
Dear Penny
First comes college,
Then comes marriage,
Then comes Penny with a baby carriage.
Yours till Ivory soap sinks,
Eloise
April 10, 1944
-0-
Dear Penny
When a monkey's up a tree,
Pull his tail and remember me.
Your friend, Joseph Oliver
April 8, 1944
-0-
Dear Penny
When you get married with ???? and have twins,
I'll keep you supplied with safety pins.
Robert Soulier
April 10, 1944
-0-
Dear Penny
When I get married and have a Ford,
I'll give you a seat on the running board.
Don Blicht
April 10, 1944
-0-
Dear Penny
You may kiss beneath the steeple,
You may kiss beneath the rose,
But the proper place to kiss
is right beneath the nose.
Your pal, Don
Nov. 30, 1944
-0-
Dear Penny
When you get married and live across the lake,
send me a piece of your wedding cake.
A friend, Clemma Cox
May 21, 1947
-0-
Dear Penny
I love you little,
I love you big,
I love you like a little pig.
Yours till the sun comes out at the West
Your pal, Barbara Oliver
April 8, 1944
-0-
Dear Virginia
Roses are red, violets are blue,
sugar is sweet, and so are you.
Your pal, Juanita Hurd
-0-
Dear Penny
I'll wait for you early,
I'll wait for you late,
I'll wait for you
by the garden gate.
Your sister, Bobbie
April 9, 1944
-0-
Dear Penny
When you get old and cannot see,
Put on your specks and think of me.
Your pal, Mercy Esther Barth
April 10, 1944
-0-
Dear Penny
When you get old and cannot see,
Put on your specks and think of me.
Yours till you become ugly, Dan
(You wont' have to wait long.)
Dan
Oct. 18, 1945
-0-
Dear Penny
You can fall from a cliff,
You can fall from above,
But, Dear Penny,
Don't fall in love.
Your pal, Maxine
June 3, 1944
-0-
DearPenny
I didn't go to Yale,
I didn't go to Harvard.
I got my education in the Yolo County jail.
Your friend, Lois Vosburgh
May 27, 1947
-0-
Dear Penny
When evening draws her curtain down,
And pins them with a star,
Remember you have a friend though she may wander far.
Your friend, Carol Burner
Ocft. 5, 1945
-0-
Dear Penny
2 y's u r
2 y's u b
i c u r
2 y's 4 me
Love, Loretta Ann Freese
May 7, 19443
-0-
Dear Penny
Little Miss Marstool sat on a barstool drinking her merry full.
Along came a wolf and sat down beside her and
guess who got stuck with the bill.
Robert Soulier
Nov. 30, 1944
-0-
Penny
Roses are red, violets are blue
Beet pulp stinks and so do you.
Janet Gail Barner
-0-
Dear Penny
When you have a man,
He will be thin as frying pan.
Your pal, Artis Jager
April 10, 1944
-0-
Dear Penny
When you get old and cannot see,
Put on your specks and think of me.
Your everlasting pal, Doris
April 10, 1944
-0-
Dear Penny
When you come home through the hedge,
remember the girl who wrote on the edge.
Love, Eloise
-0-
Dear B.O.
Roses are red, violets are blue
Vinegar's sour and so are you.
Dolores
-0-
Dear Penny
When you grow up and think you're sweet,
Take off your shoes and smell your feet.
Joseph
-0-
Yours til Germany gets Hungary and fries Turkey in Greece.
Yours truly, Sonya Boyd
-0-
Dear Penny
When you buy a car don't go away too far
Because I can sell you some gas and give you a ten pound bass.
Your friend, Jacob Barth
Dec. 14, 1945
-0-
Dear Penny
Don't forget the girl who wrote upside down.
Love, Elaine
-0-
Dear Penny
The higher the mountain,
the cooler the breeze,
the younger the couple,
the tighter they squeeze.
Your friend Betty "Bat" Tafoya
May 26, 1947
-0-
Dear Penny
When you get married and have a Ford,
Save me a seat on the running board.
Audrey
April 10, 1947
-0-
Penny
Two in a hammock proposing to kiss
All of a sudden, it happened
like this (written upside down).
-0-
Dear Penny
I went to the show tomorrow, I sat in the front of the back.
I sat on a pin in the gallery and broke the front of my back.
Yours till Ivory soap sinks, Carol Barner
April 10, 1944
-0-
Dear Penny
When you get married and have a baby girl,
Think of me and her hair will curl.
'Your pal, Phyllis Burr
April 10, 1944
-0-
Dear Penny
I wish you luck, I wish you joy.
I wish you first a baby boy
And when his hair begins to curl,
I wish you a baby girl.
Thelma Osborn
April 8, 1944
-0-

More Autographs - These from Yolo County, Calif., 1880s

This autograph book belonged to Lillian May Prior of Woodland, a fine, tree-lined city just west of Sacramento. It's also home to Main Street Antiques, a 14-member antiques cooperative right in the middle of town on, where else, Main Street. Lillian May makes note that she was 18 years, 9 months and 15 days old when she signed her book in March 1885. Many of her contemporaries have signed the book, and left little notes along the way. There seemed to be preoccupation with life in the hereafter and not much humor. Here they are.

To May:
May the brightest rainbows ever play above the fountains of thy tears.
I remain your friend, Roberta Grant
---
May
I dip my pen into the ink
And grasp your album tight.
But for my life,
I cannot think of one word to wright. (cq)
Your friend and schoolmate, Geneva Wiserman
Jan. 4th, 1884
---
Dear May
May thy lot happy be
Is my dear wish for thee.
From your cousin, Lillian Shelton
June 15th, 1888, Albany, Oregon
---
May
If we have true merit, we all will have true friends.
Your friend, Eliza Duer?????
Woodland, Oct. 13th, 1884
---
May
"Moderation is the silken thread running through the pearl chain of all virtues."
Your Friend, Lee
Woodland, 9-10-1884
---
May
Remember I say
When you look on these pages
That writing in albums
Is like working for wages.
Eva A., January 1st, 1884
---
May
Remember your true friend
Kittie L. Comfort
---
To May
We have been friends together
It will not all be over
We will be friends forever
though we mean to part no more.
Leona Grigsby
Woodland, Jan. 7, 1884
---
Dear May
Remember me when far away
And absent from your sight
And I will do the same by you
With pleasure and delight.
Your friend, Katie Ball
Woodland, Jan. 11th, 1884
---
Yours most sincerely
Katie B. Fisher
Woodland, 8-4-'84
---
Compliments of Manny & Stella
---
May
When rocks and rills divide us
And you're no more.
Remember the name of Grace
And I'll remember thee.
Your true friend, Grace
---
Dear May
Lives of great men all remind us,
We can make our lives sublime,
And departing leave behind us
Footprints in the sands of time.
Yours trule, Hattie Grant
Woodland, Jan. 11th, 1884
---
May
May all your days on earth
Be crowned with peace and love,
And I wish for you at last eternal joy above.
Zada Boulware,
Woodland, March 23, '85
---
May
Remember your true friend
Georgia Jackson
Woodland, Jan. 7th, 1883
---
Dear May
Beneath the oyster shell uncouth, the finest pearls may hide.
Trust me you will find a heart of truth
Beneath many a rough outside.
Your sincere friend, May Spencer
Woodland, 1885
---
May
In the golden chain of memory
Where each name forms a link,
I will add another to it.
Of the owner, sometimes think.
Your friend, Jennie Cokenour
Jan. 7th, 1884
---
Friend May
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.
And loving favor rather than silver or gold.
Your friend, Lena Porter
Woodland, Jan. 7th, 1884
---
To May
We have been friends together
It will not all be over
We will be friends forever
Though we mean to part no more.
Julie Stocking
---
Dear May
In the wood box of memory
Please drop a chip for me.
Your friend Emma
---
To May
I thought & I thought
Till I thought in vain,
Till at last I thought
I would write my name.
Your friend and schoolmate, Eliza Wiseman
Jan. 7th, 1884
---
Friend May
Flowers of true friendship will never fade.
Mary Lee
Woodland, March 27, 1885
---
Dear May
Let pure thoughts and kind actions mark every day of your life.
Your friend & teacher, Mrs. Sue B. Grant
Jan. 10th, 1884
---
May
Remember me with kindness.
Your friend, Dahlya Powers
Woodland Feb 2, 1885
---
Dear May
Remember me as your true friend.
Sophie Boggs
Woodland 2-11-85
---
Dear May
May joy and happiness always be with you.
Is the wish of your friend, Hattie Dunlap
---
Dear May
In the bright and long hereafter,
May you always happy be.
May you count your friends by thousands
and among them remember me.
Your sincere friend, Nellie Dietz
Woodland, Feb. 3rd, 1885
---
May
May your life be as fine as these pages,
and unshadowed as these lines,
Is the sincere wish of your true friend,
Nettie M.
Woodland, Feb. 3rd, '85
---
To May
Flowers may form a garland,
Gold may link a chain, but
Friendship is a clasp, forever to remain.
Your sincere friend, Erdeene Hennagan
---
May
Not like the Rose
May our Friendship wither
But like the Evergreen,
Live Forever.
Maude Lownsberry, Woodland
March 26, 1885
---
To May
May thy pathway be bright as the stars in heaven.
Your friend, Etta Hyman
Woodland, Jan. 7th, '84
---
Friend May
Remember me when this you see, if only half awake.
Remember me on wedding day and send me a piece of cake.
Your Friend Mattie Heurle (??)
Woodland, Cal. 4-1-1885
---
May
Last in your album,
Last in your thoughts
Last to be remembered
And first to be forgot.
Your friend, Rebecca Strong
-30-

Still More Autographs -- These from 1887

This little book that belonged to Mollie came to me in April 2010. Cockrell, Missouri, is the town mentioned most often, but there is one entry from Raton, New Mexico. Here they are.



Forget me not,
the name of a friend is enough.
Jim Hankenberg, April 30, 1887

---

To Mollie
May peace and happiness your pathway attend
As down the stream of time you wend.
Ellen D -
June 6th, 1887

---

Our time is fleeting fast, though memory lingers
Yet a friend that is true we can never forget.
Swanea Tyson,
May 20, 1887
---

Dear Mollie
Think of me often tho' far away,
I shall often think of you.
Your true friend,
Walter McCloud, Raton, NM
---

To Mollie
Some have none and some have two
I have but one and this is you.
Your friend
---
(To) One of the 7 wonders of the world,
(From) Two of the 7 wonders of the world
A. G. Sears (and) M. Belle Tyer

---
Flowers may wither,
Leaves may die;
Friends may forget thee,
But never will I.
Lydia Siller
Cockrell, Mo.

--
The past we may forget
The presesnt swift its moments fly
The future ??? ??? trust it yet.
For trusting will never sigh.
P. T. Dealy

---

Miss Mollie
Within this book
So pure and white
Let none but friends
Assume to write.
Alex Sears, April 15, 1888
Cockrell, Mo.
---
Mollie
To write in your album, you ask.
Ah, well, it is not such a diffiult task.
All I can say is contained herein one line:
May the blessings of heaven forever be thine.
Tis the wish of your friend.
1 of the 7
Cockrell, Mo., 5-7-88

---
Dear Mollie
Our friendship has budded on Earth,
O, may it blossom in Heaven.
Your friend, ????
May 23, 1888

---

To cousin Mollie
May your joy be as deep as the Ocean.
And your sorrow as light as its foam.
Billie
Cockrell, Mo. 8-4-88

---
Mollie my Friend -
Delay is the "Darkey" that steals the chicken from off the roost of time.
A.G.S.
Cockrell, Mo., May 7, 1888

---

I. R. "Ike" Lloyd -- WW II Submarine Portraitist

I see that has been just a bit more than a year since I produced any words for this little blog. No excuses. But since I'm here this would be a good time to bring up a new mystery I'm trying to solve.

I recently acquired two original paintings of World War II submarines. They were produced by a man named I. R. "Ike" Lloyd who was in the design department at Mare Island Shipyard during the war.

I thought it would be interesting learn more about Mr. Lloyd. After quite a bit of internet searching and talking and corresponding with museum curators in California and Washington DC, I am learning only bits and pieces.

Even more extraordinary: I have been unable to locate any other of Mr. Lloyd's original paintings. Prints of various ship paintings created by Mr. Lloyd show up occasionally on internet auction sites.

But no original paintings.

Here is what I know: Mr. Lloyd worked in the design department at Mare Island and resided in Vallejo for about 10 years. Sometime after WWII, he was divorced and moved to Key West, Fla, where he passed away in 1956. While at Mare Island he created numerous paintings in oil, guache and tempura of various ships, mostly submarines. And he drew ships for caches, shellback documents (a certificate attesting to a sailor having crossed the equator the first time) and at least in one instance, an invitation to a ship christening. And, for a time, he operated "Lloyds of Vallejo" on Hichborn Street where he created ship mementos.

The list of submarines he painted is a long one. To mention a few, Gato, Permit, Sailfish, Archerfish, Trigger, Wahoo, Argonaut, and Pompano. The first Lloyd item that shows up on Google is his painting of the USS Bailey in a firefight at the Battle of Komandorski Island. Prints of this battle, many autographed by sailors, show up once in a while.

In 1944, Lloyd also had a couple of his submarine paintings shown at the City of Paris department store in San Francisco. A brief article in the San Francisco Chronicle said: "Mr. Lloyd . . . received permission from Washington at the outbreak of the war to make a series of Navy paintings which are being kept on record in Washington." The second part of that sentence brought me into contact with the curator of the Naval Art Museum in Washington DC. Lloyd's name does not show up in their inventory of naval art.

So, Mr. Reader, I have two major questions:

- What happened to Mr.Lloyd after his move from Vallejo and why did he quit painting?

- Where are his original paintings?

If you have any clues, you know where to reach me. I'll be right here.

The two paintings I have are of Gato (SS-212 ) and (perhaps) Trigger (SS-237). That's the Gato in the accompanying picture.

Help needed: Who is GARV?

I recently acquired this pretty fine pencil drawing of an old flintlock pistol. The original piece of artwork is signed GARV.

Now, I know there is an artist of adult material named Garv; there is an Indian movie named Garv; there is a webiste devoted to mixed martial arts called Garv, and there is a Garv-Inn -- among almost a million hits devoted to the word Garv.

But I cannot track down the person who created this wonderful drawing, which is one of several similar subjects. This illustration, poorly mounted with low quality matboard, came out of a defunct printing shop in the Sacramento, Calif., area.

If anyone out there knows who this "Garv" is, I would appreciate a return comment.

And Still More 19th Century Autographs

March 3, 2009 –
Here are some more autographs. These are from a little autograph book owned by David P. Flory of Hygiene and Boulder, Colo., dated 1884, and in which he writes this introduction:
To My Friends
My album is a garden spot
Where all my friends may sow
Where thorns and nettles flourish not
But flowers alone may grow
With smiles for sunshine, tears for showers
I’ll water, watch and guard these flowers.
Your friend, D. P. Flory
Hygiene, Colo.

Here are the entries, many of them with a scolding theme and that he better get his act together as his three sisters pen words of encouragement. It would seem David might have been a troubled lad. After his move to California, however, things seem to improve. I personally favor the final entry, written by his daughter. Read on:

Dave:
Be satisfied with your self and surroundings, for the present;
but at the same time, try to understand and gain a high standard.
Your friend and school-mate, Bertha Goss
Longmont., Colo. Oct. 28, 1884
* * *
To D. P. Flory
Day by day we are ??(shaping)??? the influences which will presently be our rules. We are choosing our habits, our associates, our homes. Weigh carefully all your undertakings and choose the best.
Your well wisher, Miss Nellie Goss
Pella, Colo, Oct. 28, 1884
* * *
When you get old and cannot see, put on your specks and think of me.
S. F. Fesler
* * *
Remember me as a friend.
Yours truly, W. D. Goss
Pella, Colo, Oct. 27, 1884
* * *

David
I dip my pen into the ink
And grasp your album tight;
But for my life I cannot think
One single word to write.
Your sister,
Lottie Flory,
Tujunga, Calif. August. 19, 1886
* * *
Of all the earthly goods, the best is a good life.
Your friend, Norton
* * *
Friend David
Remember thy Creator
In the days of thy youth.
Mrs. S. S. Farnocht, Longmont, Colo.
* * *
Always have courage to say "No" where tempted to do wrong.
Yours truly, Jennie Montgomery,
Longmont, Colo. Oct. 18, 1884
* * *
May your path be strewn with roses fair
and flowery to the end;
And when your body in death repose,
May your Maker be your friend.
Your cousin, H. M. Flory,
Brock Neb., Oct. 5, 1884
* * *
Dear Brother
If you wish success in life,
make perseverance your bosom friend,
experience your wise counsel,
caution your older brother
and hope your guardian genius.
Your affectionate sister, Lizzie Flory
San Fernando, Cal. Jan 12, 1885
* * *
Dear Brother
When you get far out in California,
Do not forget that you have friends and relations in Colo. who will remember you though far away.
Remember me as your loving sister, Hollie
* * *
To Dave
Ah! Lips with the curl impatient
Ah! How with the shade of scorn,
"Twere cruel fate
Were the night too late
To undo the work of the morn
Your friend, Mollie Montgomery
Longmont, Oct. 17, 1884
* * *
Dear friend
Your virtues ever shine like peaches on a punkin vine
Your friend, W. D. Perkins
Oct. 26th, 1884
* * *
Friend David
Do with heart and mind thy work and sweet will be the rest
Value time and do not shrink but do thy best
Doing this thou shall be blest.
Your schoolmate, Lizzie Wreese
Springtown, Colo., Oct. 25th, 1884
* * *
Friend Dave
May you live long and happy
May your enemies be few
May your friends be as many as the sparkling drops of dew.
Yours truly
Freta Trobaugh, Tujunga, Cal, June 10th 1888

Then she adds this ditty – a very early version of texting abbreviations:
Y y u r
Y y u b
I c u r y y 4 me
Can you read it?
* * *
Friend Dave
We may write our names in albums
We may trace them in the sand
We may chisel them in marble
With a firm and skillful hand.

But these pages soon are sullied,
Soon each page will fade away.
Every monument will crumble
Like all earthly hopes decay

But my friend there is an album
Full of leaves of sunny white
Where no names are tarnished
But forever pure and bright

In the book of life, "Gold’s Album,"
May your name be penned with care
And may all who here have penciled
Have their names recorded there
Your friend, Freta
San Fernando, Cal., August 31, 1890
* * *
Dear Friend
To blossom in the grove,

To bloom around the cot (cottage)
Please cultivate that little plant

they call Forget-me-not.
Your schoolmate, Addie Smith
Springtown, Colo., Oct. 27, 1884
* * *
Dear Daddy
To each is given a bag of coals
A shapeless mass, and a book of rules,
And each must make, ere life has flown,
A stumbling block or a stepping stone.
Your daughter, Betty

* * *

To my reader: Many more 19th and early 20th century autographs have appeared in this blog; you can read them in 11/20/07 and 03/03/08.