Letters: To Dad From Family and Friends

Letters from Bill O’Donnell can be seen in the separate ‘Letters to Dad From Bill‘ album.

From His Mother

First, five touching letters to Dad from his mother (1943-1944). Her love for him and her gentleness shine through the words.

From His Father

Then, four letters from Dad’s father (1944). The first tells Dad his mother is about to be operated upon. The second, three weeks later, that she is still very sick. The third talks about Lorny being hospitalized and deciding to keep Marion at home after her mother’s death despite Aunt Sadie inviting Marion to live with her. The final one provides some general news and mentions Mom.

From Aunt Sadie

Telegram from Aunt Sadie telling Dad his mother was dying (May 4, 1944). She died soon after the telegram was sent. The ‘Margaret McIntyre O’Donnell’ entry explains the cause of her death.

From Lorny and Marion

Two letters from Lorny (1945), one from Marion (1944). Marion was around 13 at the time, and Lorny, 17.

From Nana

Letter to Dad from Nana telling him Jim had been born (1945).

From Bill O’Herrin

Nine letters from Dad’s good friend, Bill O’Herrin (1937, 1942, 1944)

From Mrs. O’Herrin

A kind letter from Mrs. O’Herrin on the death of Dad’s mother, telling him she thought of him as another son and he should think of her as another mother.

From Aunts Marge and Nell and Aunt Sadie

Letters to Dad from Aunts Marge and Nell and Aunt Sadie (1944)

From/About Dad’s Friends

Letters from Dad’s friends Edward Melicher and Robert Swanberg, and a newspaper clipping about another friend, Eugene Naber, being wounded in Italy. All three are listed in Dad’s pocket phone book, all with military addresses. Mr. Swanberg and Mr. Naber attended West Division High School with Dad.