Charles A. Converse
The Converse family was made up of several individuals. Laura Trice Converse, referred to as "Dottie" in a majority of letters written from Charles A. Converse, was a Tampa, Fl. Native. The Converse family had three children, two girls and a son. They were Sonnie, Laura, and George Converse.
Most of Converse’s letters are addressed to his family. Mr. Converse’s letters often reveal a tenderness towards his family, with many of his letters being addressed to “Dottie” and the “wee tiddlers” “little folk” and “chicks.” Oftentimes, these letters reveal personal updates on Mr. Converse’s life and work, as well as the progression of his illness. Certain letters also reveal his close friendships with those around him and his everyday routines.
"If I Don't Come Back...Dad's Letter from WASP,"
- "If I Don't Come Back"
This article is about a letter a general wrote to his young son from abroad, before being declared missing in action. The letter primarily focuses on the general missing all the things he had planned to do with his son. The letter then pivots to the general emphasizing the importance of duty and sacrifice and he acknowledges he very well might not return from war, and that his 5 year old son will have to remain strong and protect his mother. An interesting object given it’s the only one that doesn’t involve Mr. Converse directly. One can only wonder why he or another relative preparing this collection kept such an article.
From Charles A. Converse Papers, 1939-1940. Valdosta Special Collections http://hdl.handle.net/10428/3037.
"Dottie and the Little Tiddlers"
- "Dottie and the Little Tiddlers"
Mr. Converse wrote several letters back home to his family. This letter, dated from October 28, 1939 was written just after Converse's family had been sent back to the states for safety reasons. Despite his own illness, he continually emphasizes his excitement that his family will be much safer in the States. In a manner similar to the "If I Don't Come Back..." news clipping, Converse advises his children on how to behave in the midst of a War, which has been highlighted here.
From Charles A. Converse Papers, 1939-1940. Valdosta Special Collections. http://hdl.handle.net/10428/3023
