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Letters from the Past

Letters from the Past

By Scott Ginther

In 1944 my grandfather crossed the Atlantic to join the European Campaign of World War 2. Season 1 of this podcasts covers that letters from my grandfather to my grandmother during the war. This was the jumping off point for additional seasons focused on correspondence in other points in time on different topics.
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Season 3: Episode 3: Land Purchase in Northern Ohio 1885-1886 (Final Episode)

Letters from the PastOct 19, 2020

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08:06
Season 4: Episode 6: Myerstown Pennsylvania; March 16-31, 1955

Season 4: Episode 6: Myerstown Pennsylvania; March 16-31, 1955

In this season of Letters from the Past, we’re returning to the 20th century.  Specifically, Myerstown, PA a small town about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia.  Instead of using letters as the primary source for these episodes, I’m using the journal of one woman who’s name is never directly given.  Her husband’s name is John and her son’s name is Ronnie.  The entries are short and to the point but give a glimpse into living in rural America in 1955.

Nov 02, 202007:17
Season 4: Episode 5: Myerstown, PA March 1 - 15, 1955

Season 4: Episode 5: Myerstown, PA March 1 - 15, 1955

In this season of Letters from the Past, we’re returning to the 20th century.  Specifically, Myerstown, PA a small town about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia.  Instead of using letters as the primary source for these episodes, I’m using the journal of one woman who’s name is never directly given.  Her husband’s name is John and her son’s name is Ronnie.  The entries are short and to the point but give a glimpse into living in rural America in 1955.

Oct 30, 202007:02
Season 4: Episode 4: Myerstown Pennsylvania, February 15-28, 1955

Season 4: Episode 4: Myerstown Pennsylvania, February 15-28, 1955

In this season of Letters from the Past, we’re returning to the 20th century.  Specifically, Myerstown, PA a small town about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia.  Instead of using letters as the primary source for these episodes, I’m using the journal of one woman who’s name is never directly given.  Her husband’s name is John and her son’s name is Ronnie.  The entries are short and to the point but give a glimpse into living in rural America in 1955.

Oct 28, 202005:54
Season 4: Episode 3: February 1 - 14th, 1955

Season 4: Episode 3: February 1 - 14th, 1955

In this season of Letters from the Past, we’re returning to the 20th century.  Specifically, Myerstown, PA a small town about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia.  Instead of using letters as the primary source for these episodes, I’m using the journal of one woman who’s name is never directly given.  Her husband’s name is John and her son’s name is Ronnie.  The entries are short and to the point but give a glimpse into living in rural America in 1955.

Oct 26, 202007:25
Season 4: Episode 2: January 16-31st, 1955

Season 4: Episode 2: January 16-31st, 1955

In this season of Letters from the Past, we’re returning to the 20th century.  Specifically, Myerstown, PA a small town about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia.  Instead of using letters as the primary source for these episodes, I’m using the journal of one woman who’s name is never directly given.  Her husband’s name is John and her son’s name is Ronnie.  The entries are short and to the point but give a glimpse into living in rural America in 1955.

Oct 23, 202006:51
Season 4: Episode 1: January 1 - January 15th, 1955

Season 4: Episode 1: January 1 - January 15th, 1955

In this season of Letters from the Past, we’re returning to the 20th century.  Specifically, Myerstown, PA a small town about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia.  Instead of using letters as the primary source for these episodes, I’m using the journal of one woman who’s name is never directly given.  Her husband’s name is John and her son’s name is Ronnie.  The entries are short and to the point but give a glimpse into living in rural America in 1955.

Oct 21, 202007:20
Season 3: Episode 3: Land Purchase in Northern Ohio 1885-1886 (Final Episode)

Season 3: Episode 3: Land Purchase in Northern Ohio 1885-1886 (Final Episode)

This episode focuses on the attempted purchase of land in the Sandusky, Ohio area by EJ Lockwood in the 1880s.

A married woman cannot make a deed without her husband's sign either in New York or Ohio.   Had I not better send back to you the one I have and get another one.  I shall take your advice what is best to do.

It is not worth while to spend any more time or money on it.  It will be sold for taxes in a short time and if I want it I can bid it.

Oct 19, 202008:06
Season 3: Episode 2: Land Purchase in Northern Ohio 1885-1886

Season 3: Episode 2: Land Purchase in Northern Ohio 1885-1886

This episode focuses on the attempted purchase of land in the Sandusky, Ohio area by EJ Lockwood in the 1880s.

It has been a long litigation and a large bill of cost to be paid by parties owning in the premises.  I have Misses Mead’s letters wishing me to tend to it for her and we are all equally bound if we get any thing we have a large bill of cost to pay.  

Oct 16, 202005:45
Season 3: Episode 1: Land Purchase in Northern Ohio, May 1884

Season 3: Episode 1: Land Purchase in Northern Ohio, May 1884

This episode focuses on the attempted purchase of land in the Sandusky, Ohio area by EJ Lockwood in the 1880s.  

Oct 14, 202004:44
Parkinson's Disease: Episode 8: May 1969 (Final Episode)

Parkinson's Disease: Episode 8: May 1969 (Final Episode)

This is the final episode of the season focusing on correspondence between a Parkinson's Disease sufferer and different doctors around the world as they work towards a treatment for the disease.

  

Oct 12, 202006:51
Parkinson's Disease: Episode 7: February - April 1967

Parkinson's Disease: Episode 7: February - April 1967

This episode centers around the correspondence between a Parkinson's disease patient and his doctors as they push for a treatment of the disease.  

While in England this past summer we consulted Lord Brain just prior to his untimely death.  He was able to pinpoint my Parkinson's as being a result of Asian flu which I contracted in New Zealand eight years ago.

We went on to Romania to see Dr. Anna Aslan in Bucharest.  Her treatment is to slow down the progress of Parkinson's and has helped me considerably.  She injects 5 cc of her solution daily.  This has relieved the rigidity in my face and muscles as well as giving me strength to my muscles.  


Oct 09, 202007:54
Parkinson's Disease: Episode 6: December 1966 - February 1967

Parkinson's Disease: Episode 6: December 1966 - February 1967

This episode focuses on the correspondence between a Parkinson's disease patient and his doctors as they search for a treatment.  

We do hope you are continuing to make progress and that your booklet proves to be an inspiration to those reading it.  

Dr. Aslan's serum continues to keep me mobile but without it for a few days I become very depressed and slowed down physically.  

Oct 07, 202006:58
Parkinson's Disease: Episode 5: March - December 1966

Parkinson's Disease: Episode 5: March - December 1966

This episode focuses on the correspondence between a Parkinson's disease patient and multiple doctors as they search for a treatment for the disease.  

Dr. Greer's failure to obtain with dopa any beneficial effect in parkinsonism stands to some extent in contrast to our own findings.  

I now should like to ask you whether you could help me in solving a financial problem I am faced with.  I am referring to one of your previous letters in which you were kind enough to offer me, if needed, financial help for my research work.  

Your excellent paper was read by all with great interest and Dr. Aslan took it back to Romania with her.  

Oct 05, 202010:15
Parkinson's Disease: Episode 4: February-March 1966

Parkinson's Disease: Episode 4: February-March 1966

This episode focuses on the correspondence between a Parkinson's Disease patient and his doctors as they search for a treatment for the disease.  

Can you advise us of the theory behind these ice baths?  It would certainly help me to endure the tortures if I knew more of the reasons why these baths are of aid to the Parkinson's patient.  

I was distressed to learn that the medications had ceased to have any effect but regrettably this is an old story with your problem.  

Oct 03, 202010:16
Parkinson's Disease: Episode 3: January, February 1966

Parkinson's Disease: Episode 3: January, February 1966

This episode focuses on the correspondence between a Parkinson's disease sufferer and multiple doctors as all parties push for a cure.  Some of the correspondence is from Dr. Oleh Hornykiewicz whose research was essential in the creation of treatment still used to this day.  

You are indeed right about the progressive character of Parkinson's Disease.  Two years ago I was able to walk any distance with a slight limp.  Now my range due to weakness is 200 yards.  

I have asked the National Parkinson's Foundation to send you a copy of a book containing reports on the Symposium held at Miami Beach April 9, 1964.   


Oct 01, 202010:13
Parkinson's Disease: Episode 2: November - December 1965

Parkinson's Disease: Episode 2: November - December 1965

In this episode we get a look at the patient's initial analysis after time at the Wellesley Hospital and hear about some exciting advancements in the research for a cure.  

A few moments ago I dictated a note to the people in Sweden and to Dr. Barbau in Montreal, for reprints of their latest articles on this subject.  Your response to a concentrated therapeutic programme has encouraged me to explore the whole area in detail, and to think very seriously about the prospect of establishing a specific clinical and research unit at the Wellesley Hospital.  

Sep 29, 202011:18
Parkinson's Disease: Episode 1: January 3rd & October 12th, 1965

Parkinson's Disease: Episode 1: January 3rd & October 12th, 1965

This episode focuses on the correspondence between a Parkinson's Disease patient and his Dr. in 1965 as they search for a treatment.  

Your physiotherapy department might be interested to know that in walking on a patterned floor at the airport I could walk easily 300 yards without stopping as long as I had a target square tile to aim at with my left foot. 

Sep 25, 202009:25
World War 2: Episode 84: October 29-30, 1945 (Final Episode)
Sep 24, 202007:31
World War 2: Episode 83: October 19-26, 1945
Sep 23, 202010:17
World War 2: Episode 82: October 8-17, 1945
Sep 22, 202010:53
World War 2: Episode 81: October 2-7, 1945
Sep 19, 202008:30
World War 2: Episode 80: September 23-30, 1945
Sep 18, 202010:34
World War 2: Episode 79: September 14-22, 1945
Sep 17, 202009:01
World War 2: Episode 78: September 6-11, 1945
Sep 15, 202008:29
World War 2: Episode 77: September 1-6, 1945
Sep 13, 202007:60
World War 2: Episode 76: August 26th-31st, 1945
Sep 12, 202008:16
World War 2: Episode 75: August 17th - 24th, 1945
Sep 11, 202009:22
World War 2: Episode 74: August 10-16, 1945
Sep 10, 202008:08
World War 2: Episode 73: August 5-9, 1945
Sep 09, 202008:52
World War 2: Episode 72: July 16-26th, 1945
Sep 08, 202008:08
World War 2: Episode 71: July 11-15th, 1945
Sep 05, 202006:33
World War 2: Episode 70: July 8-10, 1945
Sep 04, 202007:06
World War 2: Episode 69: July 1-7th, 1945
Sep 03, 202007:27
World War 2: Episode 68: June 25th - 30th, 1945
Sep 01, 202006:16
World War 2: Episode 67: June 22-24th, 1945

World War 2: Episode 67: June 22-24th, 1945

This episode focuses on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in the 489th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Armored Division, in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan.  

The battalion won the afternoon softball and volleyball games from the 23rd Armored Infantry Battalion by scores of 6 to 1 and 2 to 0.   

I’ve never seen so much carrying on as there is going on now.  Officers are worse than the men, I believe.  At least the men aren’t so open with it.

We get a rubber issued each month for the men.  Well honey they have used up ½ of July's issue already.  Don’t mention this to people at home.  It's just as good they don’t know exactly what goes on.

Aug 31, 202006:30
World War 2: Episode 66: June 18-21st, 1945

World War 2: Episode 66: June 18-21st, 1945

This episode focuses on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in the 489th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Armored Division, in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan.

Lectures were given to Hq and "A" Batteries by Major Shirley, Chaplain Barth, and Capt Bryer, the new Medical Officer, on the "Control of Venereal Disease."  

Put the halftrack in front of the Poles’ camp and fired about two bursts with the machine guns.  Then took my jeep in and fired about ten rounds with the 40 cal. Pistol.  And then the eight fellows that caused all the trouble came out, and that ended the trouble.

Aug 30, 202006:40
World War 2: Episode 65: June 13-17th, 1945

World War 2: Episode 65: June 13-17th, 1945

This episode focuses on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in the 489th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Armored Division, located in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan.

Organization of the area had to be continued and the Battery Commanders were called to discuss the rising rate of venereal disease in the battalion.  

Well yesterday I was ordered mind you ordered, to fix a special dinner next Friday night for Col Martin & Div Artillery Exec Major Weber and himself.  And mind you to be served on a sun porch, not at the kitchen or officer mess.  He wants steaks, fresh peas, french fried potatoes and two deserts.  Honey that is the lowest form of Ass kiss I ever seen, Pardon me.

Then last night I just laid about and thought over many of things, but as usual I never get any place thinking.

Aug 29, 202007:26
World War 2: Episode 64: June 10-12th, 1945

World War 2: Episode 64: June 10-12th, 1945

This episode focuses on the World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in the 7th Armored Division, 489th Armored Field Artillery Battalion in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan.  

The new week was started appropriately on Sunday, June 10th with Protestant and Catholic services held in the battalion area.  

Betty there are ten Polish, German speaking girls here to one German, German speaking girl.  They have found out if they say they are Polish they can go with American soldiers.  And tell me honey how can you tell the difference between a Polish and German girl?

Another officer party tonight.  It will be the same old stuff.  Sit around and drink.

In our apartment we have a bath, kitchen, living room, dining room and bathroom.  That isn’t bad is it honey?

Aug 28, 202008:36
World War 2: Episode 63: June 7th - 9th, 1945

World War 2: Episode 63: June 7th - 9th, 1945

This episode focuses on the World War 2 correspondence from a U.S. Captain in the 7th Armored Division, 489th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, located in Konnern Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. 

A new entertainment facility was added by the reception of five record players from the division Signal officer.  

Dykes has gone to find some wine and 3 officers are out looking for some German girls.  This non-fraternization policy is the worst farce of the Military government.

Spent the morning in painting half tracks and then this afternoon it rained.  Now this evening it is very warm again, so will probably get rain again.

Betty over here we are on parade or review every time we step out of the house.  Everyone watches every move we make.

Aug 27, 202007:02
World War 2: Episode 62: June 3-6, 1945

World War 2: Episode 62: June 3-6, 1945

This episode focuses on the World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Konnern, Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan.  He is in the 489th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, Seventh Armored Division.  

The battalion felt its first touch of redeployment as Captain Swanson, Battalion Medical Officer, was transferred to the 104th Division.  

For once in their life they had too many girls.  Some became tired because nobody would dance with them and went home.

The morals of the Germans are not very good.  A girl of seventeen or eighteen think of only one thing.  And each night they parade up and down in front of the battery area.  I know damn well this no fraternization policy is not effective.

Aug 26, 202008:10
World War 2: Episode 61: May 28th - June 1st, 1945

World War 2: Episode 61: May 28th - June 1st, 1945

This episode focuses on the World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Konnern, Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan.  

A battalion movie theatre was set up in Konnern, and plans were made for battalion, battery and division volleyball, softball, and hardball teams. 

I’m ashamed of myself for not writing in the last five days.  But Betty I had two meetings and two court martials so that took care of every night and with payday yesterday, I’ve been kept busy. 

Aug 25, 202006:13
World War 2: Episode 60: May 20th - 27th, 1945

World War 2: Episode 60: May 20th - 27th, 1945

This episode focuses on World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan.  

Intensive and complete maintenance of vehicles and all other equipment was begun in this area.  This was the most satisfactory maintenance opportunity accorded since we arrived on the continent in August 1944.  

I heard about a brewer (a place to purchase beer) and I went there and made a deal for beer for the battalion.  I was astonished at the cost 5 cents a quart.  It really makes it a very cheap drink to serve.

Betty I finally hired a housekeeper for my house.  She’s worse looking than “Gravel Gertie” but she does clean up after us.  Now all I need is a fireman to keep hot water.

Aug 24, 202009:58
World War 2: Episode 59: May 18th - 19th, 1945

World War 2: Episode 59: May 18th - 19th, 1945

This episode focuses on the World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Germany and his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan.  

In my area I have three towns all with normal populations of 500-700.  Well, I’ve got 1,600 in all of them now.  And fifty more people coming tomorrow.  Food is the big problem to handle.

Aug 23, 202005:43
World War 2: Episode 58: May 8th - 14th, 1945

World War 2: Episode 58: May 8th - 14th, 1945

This episode focuses on World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan.  

Hq Battery had two wineries in their area, and the contents of both were well depleted by official requisitions.  

I have found approximately 16,000 gallons of wine.  And if you don’t think I’m having a time with it, you’re wrong.  Everyone wants 10 or 20 gallons of it and then they come back the next day drunk.

Aug 21, 202006:09
World War 2: Episode 57: May 2nd - 7th, 1945

World War 2: Episode 57: May 2nd - 7th, 1945

This episode focuses on World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan.  

Berlin capitulated today.  Many refugees collected from roads.  

Well honey as yet they haven’t announced the end of this war in Europe but it is almost a known fact that it is all over.  Janey, you can’t visualize what I seen for days.  Germans coming down the road in Germany vehicles, their women and everything, giving up to anyone who were to take them.

Aug 19, 202006:29
World War 2: Episode 56: April 30th - May 1st, 1945

World War 2: Episode 56: April 30th - May 1st, 1945

This episode focuses on the World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan.  

All personnel were billeted in houses for the period of occupation with strong interior guard posted to control civilian or infiltration of hostile troops from surrounding woods.  

Janey I have a wonderful set up in this town.  I have a bedroom, living room, kitchen and bath for myself and Lt. Blanchette.  If I stay here very long I believe I’ll get a housekeeper to keep the place clean, and wash my clothes.  What do you think?

Aug 17, 202005:59
World War 2: Episode 55: April 22nd - 27th, 1945

World War 2: Episode 55: April 22nd - 27th, 1945

This episode focuses on the World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan.  

Alerted for movement on 24 April, but no move made.  USO shows and movies provided entertainment.  

Do you remember one year from today?  I sure do.  If you don’t it was the day you and I broke up housekeeping and I started for the E.T.O.  Well thank goodness I’m the same now as I was then only a year older.

Well not much to report.  Tonight I played football for about two hours and every bone in my body aches now.

Received 3 lbs of candy from you yesterday.  And honey that really tastes good too.

Aug 16, 202005:47
World War 2: Episode 54: April 15th - 21st, 1945

World War 2: Episode 54: April 15th - 21st, 1945

This episode focuses on the correspondence between a U.S. Army Captain in Germany and his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan.  

House which the command post occupied today belonged to German prisoner now in Camp Bowie, Texas, prisoner for about two years.  

Every time we come out of the line you wonder just how lucky you are.  And if it will just hold out.  I wonder if we will ever go up again?  I sure hope not.

Aug 15, 202008:57
World War 2: Episode 53: April 7th - 14th, 1945

World War 2: Episode 53: April 7th - 14th, 1945

This episode focuses on correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain to his wife in Michigan.  

About 27,000 allied prisoners, mostly Russians, liberated by our forces.  Some Mongolians in group.  President Roosevelt's death reported.  

I’ve sure had enough of this.  People at home think this is over, well actually Janey it is harder now than ever, a reason I guess is they are using everything they know of except gas.  God knows that I hope nothing like that will ever be used.

Aug 14, 202020:31
World War 2: Episode 52: April 2nd - 6th, 1945

World War 2: Episode 52: April 2nd - 6th, 1945

This episode centers on World War 2 correspondence from a U.S. Army Captain in Germany to his wife in Michigan.  

At 0615 on Thursday, 5 April, the battalion moved to Niedersfeld, where we closed at 0730.  This town proved to be a hot spot with B Battery suffering two casualties, one fatal due to heavy artillery shelling in their area about 0900.00

The reason why we get such a good set up is that civilians and soldiers can’t live in the same house.  Therefore we had all the civilians move out and take over completely.  How would you like to have an officer knock on your door and say I’m going to take over your house.  Then tell you, you have an hour to get out and stay out.  Well Janey that is what your husband does.  Man, woman or children all the same.

Aug 13, 202013:16