James A. Blanchard II Correspondence

Collection

Identifier: SpC MS 1749

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Correspondence, 1940-1954, consisting of letters from James A. Blanchard II to his wife, June E. (Peterson) Blanchard, while stationed in the Pacific with the U.S. Navy during World War II. One series of letters was pasted into a scrapbook by June Blanchard. Also includes letters and some memorabilia to Bob Blanchard, as well as letters from June Blanchard to James A. Blanchard II.

Dates

March 19, 1940-May 26, 1954
Majority of material found within March 19, 1940-September 6, 1945

Creator

Blanchard, James A., II, 1911-2000 (Person)

Restrictions on Access

Kept at Fogler Library's offsite storage facility. One week's notice required for retrieval.

Restrictions on Use

Information on literary rights available from the repository.

Biographical Note

James A. Blanchard II was married twice. As the letters begin, he was separated from his first wife, Cornelia Williams, who was living in Brookline, Massachusetts with their son, Bob Blanchard.

He was married to June E. Peterson on February 25, 1942. When Blanchard was stationed to the Pacific with the U.S. Navy, June moved in with her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Hugo Peterson in Worcester, Massachusetts. They also had a summer home at Laurel Lake, near Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire. Her older sister and her two sons also lived at home for part of the war.

In March, 1948, the Blanchards were able to fulfill a longstanding dream to "have a place of our own with lots of land and a beautiful view of water." They moved to Blynman Hill, a hilltop estate on 18 acres with a water view in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts.

Extent

2 linear feet (2 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

Correspondence from James A. Blanchard II to his wife, June E. (Peterson) Blanchard, and his son, Bob Blanchard, while he was stationed in the Pacific with the U.S. Navy during World War II. Also includes letters from June Blanchard to James A. Blanchard II.