The Life and Letters of World War I Aerial Observer Lt. Mortimer M. Lawrence – October 1917

Sunday Oct 28th   Dear Folks:- The box containing the sweater and the candy came this morning.  Thank you for sending the sweater.  Thank Will for the candy, it sure tastes fine and I appreciate his thinking of me. There hasn’t been anything particularly new here this week.  We have

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The Life and Letters of World War I Aerial Observer Lt. Mortimer M. Lawrence – September 1917

Fort Sill, Sept. 23rd Dear Folks:- Well the suit case arrived yesterday noon and everything was O.K.  Thank you for all the trouble you took in packing it, also for the chocolate papers, etc. The cookies also came and were very welcome.  We all enjoyed them.  Thank you and come

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A War by Invention by Kevin Hampton

Commonly referred to at the time as the “War to End All Wars,” World War I was in fact not a “last” but a “first.” Innovations in technology, tactics, and equipment ushered in a new era of warfare that defined how wars were fought for the next one hundred years.

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The Life and Letters of World War I Aerial Observer Lt. Mortimer M. Lawrence – August 1917

Co. C. 41st Infantry, Fort Snelling, Minn., Aug. 2, 1917. Dear Folks:- Received your letters and yesterday afternoon received by parcel post a bundle of Saturday Evening Posts from April 7th to July 28th inclusive. They were all labeled B.K. Mills and had a Western Malleables tag so I judged

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The Life and Letters of World War I Aerial Observer Lt. Mortimer M. Lawrence – July 1917

July 3, 1917.   Dear Folks:- Well tomorrow is a holiday and I think we will all appreciate it.  Some of the men are going to march in the parade at Highland Park but I didn’t volunteer so I am not going. If this letter gets home before my laundry

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The Life and Letters of World War I Aerial Observer Lt. Mortimer M. Lawrence – June 1917

June 3rd [1917] Dear Folks:- Another week gone by. Soon it will be time to split up into the different branches and have to work harder than ever. Before I forget it, I want to broach a subject which may make you very angry, and if it does let me

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The Life and Letters of World War I Aerial Observer Lt. Mortimer M. Lawrence – May 1917

May 15, 1917 Dear Folks- Reached here this A.M. and went right to work. We are almost settled now, in the new barracks. Please send me some Bath Towels and some face towels – old ones preferably and when you send my laundry – don’t send any pajamas. Address me-

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A Shared Experience

Written By: Andrea Hoffman, Collections Manager While there are numerous reasons Wisconsin residents have joined the military over the last 150 years—each generation met with unique historical events and changing social expectations—serving one’s country has also been a shared experience within families. Whether a parent and child, siblings, or spouses,

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The Army Olympian: Carleton L. Brosius

By Russ Horton, Reference Archivist Wisconsin has a long and proud Olympic tradition—one that is often associated with the Winter Games. Athletes from the Badger State like Bonnie Blair, Eric Heiden, Dan Jansen, Mark Johnson, and others gained fame in speed skating and ice hockey. But ninety-six years ago, four

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Mexican Expedition

By Russ Horton, Reference Archivist. One hundred years ago today, President Woodrow Wilson ordered the mobilization of the Wisconsin National Guard for military service. However, he did not send them to Europe, where a World War raged. Instead, he sent them to Texas to protect our border. While their service

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