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Ernest R. Fairbanks papers

 Collection
Identifier: D.270

Scope and Contents note

The Ernest R. Fairbanks Papers includes forty-two letters by Fairbanks, most to his girlfriend, Florence Cowan, of Conewango Valley (Cattaraugus County), New York, written from Camp Dix, New Jersey and France during his service in World War I. Two of the three letters not to her are to her cousin Gifford Anderson and the third is to "Riley." The letters written in June, July and August 1918 are from Camp Dix. He sailed to France in late August 1918, and the first letter afterward is dated September 19. All the letters from France contain censors' marks. The last letter, March 10, 1919, is written on his return, from Camp Merrit, New Jersey. The letters discuss army life, training, fellow soldiers, mutual friends, mention of his being hospitalized with the mumps at Camp Dix in July, his feelings and concerns for her, and responses to the news in her letters to him. They apparently became engaged during his time in France. As he was not stationed on the front lines, there are no letters about the battlefront.

Creator

Dates

  • Creation: 1918-1919

Language of Materials

English

Extent

.25 cubic feet (1 container)

Restrictions on Access

The Ernest R. Fairbanks Papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Restrictions on Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

Purchased from Charles Appelbaum, February 11, 1999.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Ernest R. Fairbanks Papers, D.270, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Title
Ernest R. Fairbanks papers D.270
Author
Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
Date
undated
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English.

Library Details

Part of the Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Library

Contact:
Rochester NY 14627-0055 USA