Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Foss Family Papers, 1941-1949
Overview of the Collection
- Title
- Foss Family Papers
- Dates
- 1941-1949 (inclusive)19411949
- Quantity
- .75 linear feet of shelf space, (2 boxes)
- Collection Number
- Cage 819 (collection)
- Summary
- This collection consists of correspondence of the Foss family of Cumberland Mills, ME. Brothers Richard Foss and Adelbert "Del" Foss, Jr. (1918-2002) served together in the Army during World War II, and the bulk of the collection is their wartime letters to their parents, Adelbert Foss, Sr. and Carrie Foss.
- Repository
-
Washington State University Libraries' Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections (MASC)
Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections
Terrell Library Suite 12
Pullman, WA
99164-5610
Telephone: 509-335-6691
mascref@wsu.edu - Access Restrictions
-
This collection is open and available for research use.
- Languages
Biographical NoteReturn to Top
Brothers Adelbert "Del" Foss (1918-2002) and Richard Foss (born circa 1921) were both musicians, and served together in the U.S. Army during World War II as members of the 4th Armored Division Band. Del played the saxophone, clarinet, and piano; Richard played the baritone horn and trombone. Prior to and following his military service, Del was a teacher in Maine and Connecticut, eventually becoming a school principal.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
This collection consists of correspondence of the Foss family of Cumberland Mills, ME. Brothers Richard Foss and Adelbert "Del" Foss, Jr. (1918-2002) served together in the Army during World War II, and the bulk of the collection is their wartime letters to their parents, Adelbert Foss, Sr. and Carrie Foss.
The brothers wrote from a variety of locations where they were stationed with the 4th Armored Division, including Pine Camp (NY), Fort Niagara (NY), Nashville (TN), on desert maneuvers near Indio (CA), Camp Bowie (TX), and overseas (Europe). Their letters describe their experiences of Army life, including housing conditions, food, the communities surrounding the bases, films and live performances, and other entertainment, including a visit to the Hollywood Canteen. They frequently give detailed accounts of the band's performances.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Restrictions on Use
Copyright restrictions apply.
Preferred Citation
[Item Description] Foss Family Papers, 1941-1949
Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries, Pullman, WA.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Arrangement
The collection is divided into three series:
Series 1. Adelbert "Del" Foss, Jr. correspondence, 1942-1945. This series is arranged first by correspondent (letters to his parents, and letters to his brother, Richard), and then chronologically.
Series 2. Richard Foss letters to his parents, 1942-1945. This series is arranged chronologically.
Series 3. Other Foss family correspondence, 1941-1949. This series is arranged chronologically. Correspondents include: William Bailey (Superintendent of Public Schools, Baldwin, ME), William Andrews, Carrie Foss, Del Foss, Sr., Lloyd D. Benoit, Tom Russell, Ruth and Raymond, George E. Rogers, and Aunt Annie.
Acquisition Information
Charles Gardner Shaw donated this collection, along with other materials, to the Washington State University Libraries in 1992 (MS.1992.09, MS.1991.13).
Processing Note
Cheryl Gunselman processed this collection in 2015.
Separated Materials
This collection is part of a large group of materials received together. The remaining materials were processed separately:
Charles Gardner Shaw Correspondence Collection (Cage 817) Clara L. Hartung Papers (Cage 818)
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
Series 1. Adelbert "Del" Foss, Jr. correspondence, 1942-1945Return to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 1 | 1-2 | Letters to his parents, Carrie and Adelbert "Del" Foss, Sr. |
1942 |
| 1 | 3-4 | Letters to his parents, Carrie and Adelbert "Del" Foss, Sr. (includes V-mail from Europe) |
1943-1945 |
| 1 | 5 | Letters to Richard Foss |
1942 |
Series 2. Richard Foss letters to his parents, 1942-1945Return to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 1 | 6-9 | Letters to his parents, Carrie and Adelbert "Del" Foss, Sr. |
1942 |
| 1-2 | 10-12 | Letters to his parents, Carrie and Adelbert "Del" Foss, Sr. |
1943 |
| 2 | 13-14 | Letters to his parents, Carrie and Adelbert "Del" Foss, Sr. (includes V-mail from Europe) |
1944-1945 |
Series 3. Other Foss family correspondence, 1941-1949Return to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 2 | 15 | Letters to members of the Foss family. Correspondents: William Bailey (Superintendent of Public Schools, Baldwin, ME), William Andrews, Carrie Foss, Del Foss, Sr., Lloyd D. Benoit, Tom Russell, Ruth and Raymond, George E. Rogers, and Aunt Annie. |
1941-1949 |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Finding aid prepared by Cheryl Gunselman.
2015
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
