Gernert Family papers

Collection – Multiple Containers

Identifier: MS-1296

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

The Gernert Family papers are correspondence between William E. Gernert and Richard T. Gernert and their parents, siblings, and wives. William Gernert and Richard Gernert were World War II soldiers, and the letters were sent during the war from 1942-1945. There are also newspaper clippings and photographs included with some of the letters and within the flat folder.

Dates

Creation: circa 1941-1945

Extent

0.19 Cubic Feet (1 half letter manuscript box and 1 flat folder)

Content Description

Correspondence sent to brothers Richard T. “Dick” Gernert and William E. "Bill" Gernert from their families in Bowling Green during the pair's military service during WW2. Subjects of the letters consist of the daily lives of the family members in Bowling Green, including references to parties and dinners attended by the family. William E. "Bill" Gernert also sent letters to his brother, including updates on family visits and his Air Force service. Also included in the collection are two loose photographs, and a laminated sheet containing six photographs, clippings, and a certificate.

Biographical / Historical

The Gernert family consisted of William Henry Gernert, a Bowling Green dentist (who also served on the Bowling Green School Board for many years), Lillian Forest Gernert, and their children William E. Gernert, Richard T. Gernert, and Shirley Gernert. William E. Gernert married Mary (Hawley) Gernert and Richard T. Gernert married Eveline (Mowry) Gernert. The family, while the letters were exchanged, lived in Bowling Green, Ohio while the two sons fought in World War II, William E. Gernert in the Air Force and Richard T. Gernert in the Marine Corps. Both sons returned home safely from the war.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.