Letters and information: 1942 to 1958
1942
Postcard to Mr. AA Austin
Eldred, NY
Feb 4, 1942
from: Camp Upton
Have been very lucky so far. Hope it continues. Expect to stay here about 2 more weeks.
Co G Art
1222 Reception Center
Camp Upton, NY
on front: A company street scene, camp Upton, LI
————–
from:
Mrs. W. J. Waidler
Cario, NY Box 5
to: Miss Aida Austin
Box 35
Eldred, NY
Sep 7, 1942
Cairo, NY
Sunday
Dear Cousin Aida
What a pleasure it was to get a letter form you. And the “Good morning” poem is lovely. I shall keep it and also pass it on. Why can not we have more of these beautiful sentiments. It does cheer us as we go down on the shady side. I did come almost breaking my neck, but my time has not come, yet.
The dear Lord was watching over me and I am glad to say I am getting better though I have to watch my step. I’m expecting to go to Brooklyn to spend the winter with Laura’s two girls. They are 55 and 52, so they are not girls any more, both grandmothers. But they want me to be with them and I’m glad to be with them. I am hoping I can get out to Eldred before it gets too cold. I could not go this summer because I could not travel among so many people. How quickly the year s roll around. I did not get the stone for my fathers grave last year, but hope to have it all done when I get up there. I will be real happy to know it is done.
Today is a perfect day. The mountains are lovely. I can sit in my window and look at them. It does not seem that the world is in such a commotion here. It is quiet and peaceful I am glad that you did go to France. Last night a friend and I went to see The PIed Piper. If you have not read the book it is grand. I hardly ever go to the movies, but it was well worth while to see that. We saw a lot of France last night. Thank you so much for writing me. With love to you and Lon and hoping to see you later,
Your cousin, Emily
[Does anyone know who this is, and how she is related?
—Louise Austin Smith]
1943
from: 1 New St. Port Jervis
March 8, 1943
Dear Miss Austin
Have been thinking of you and wondering how you are. I I hope? you have been able to keep warm. We have had a long cold winter with plenty of snow. We was glad to be here near Harold’s work so he would avoid all the icy hills.
I was home one day last week for about an? hour, but had to hurry back as Harold was working nights and he had to be at the factory at 4:30. Well, I think Hitler is on the run and believe me I do hope he gets all he asked for. Don’t you?
I hope Lon is well and that you are taking good care of Miss Austin and that you don’t go out when it rains and will be home some time in April and then we can talk more. Should you write do tell me where your boys are. I sent a Christmas card to Billy at some camp in the south. I got the address from Frank. Frank is still at Chicopee Fall, Mass. He has not been home since Christmas.
I like living here in the winter better than staying at home. As one can get out once in a while. Well dinner is ready, so bye and write if you have a chance. Marcia goes to school two hours a day.
All send love,
Sincerely your old school pupil
Mae
Taxes for 1942
value $25 for 2 acres
collectors receipts Feb 17, 1943
armory and court exp—1 cent
county—63 cents
town—99 cents
highway 1—55 cents
total tax—2. 18
collector’s fees—2 cents
total amount paid—2.20
collector is Mary Crandall
1943
Camp Shelby, Miss
Feb 7, 1943
Dear Brother,
I received your letter in which you sent Art’s letter. I also got a letter from Art, which I am enclosing. Have you heard from Bob? I had a letter from Aunt Anna in which she said that she had a letter from Bob written on 20th of December.
In your letter you said that you were sending a check to pay the taxes. Was the taxes just on the old place or was they on my place too? There should be three parcels of land to pay taxes on. One in Dad’s name, one in Mother’s and one in mine. Let me know the next time you write.
I am sending you a bond which I bought. I had it made out so you could cash it too. Let me know if you get it ok. Well I will close now as I can’t think of anymore to write.
Your brother, Bill
——-
1944
Shohola Penn Sept 11
Charles R. Austin
1051 Vandusen St. Stapleton, NY
Regret to inform you your brother private Robert C Austin was slightly wounded in action on seventeenth August in the North Africa area. You will be advised as reports of condition are received.
UL 10 the adjutant General
————–
VMail
from PFC William Austin
Co F 338 Inf A
April 6, 1944
to: Mr. Charles R. Austin
Dear Brother,
Since I wrote you last, I have had a boat ride and am now somewhere in Italy. A short time after I got here, I got in touch with Arthur through the Red Cross and talked to him over the telephone. He tole me that Bob was in a hospital near by a couple days later he stopped in to see me and I got the afternoon off and we went to visit Bob. I guess Bob’s combat days are over as his right arm is in pretty bad shape. I am very much afraid that it will always be more or less crippled. He also has a touch of the yellow jaundice. He expects to be sent back to the states before long.
The war has sure left its mark on the country. Every meal there is always a bunch of children waiting along the mess lines for what the men have got left in their mess kits. Every where you see buildings that have been destroyed. I bet that generation of Italians have had enough of war. Well, I will close now hoping that you and your family are well. Write when you get time. Your brother, Bill
—————–
War Department
The adjutant General’s Office
Washington
In reply refer to Austin, Robert C.
PC-N NAT 060
12 April 1944
Mr. Charles R. Austin
Eldred, New York
Dear Mr. Austin:
It is with deep regret that I must confirm my recent telegram in which you were informed that your brother was wounded. As reports on our wounded are prepared under the adverse conditions of battle, they are of necessity brief and do not give the nature of the wound.
It may be comforting to you to know that our soldiers are given the best possible medical care by some of this country’s finest doctors who are assigned to the many excellent hospitals maintained at our overseas bases.
Theater Commanders submit periodic reports of progress on all hospitalized wounded, injured or seriously ill patients. Based on these reports, the War Department will keep you informed of his progress.
In order that mail may reach him as soon as possible, you should use the following temporary address until he is released from the hospital or a change of address is furnished you:
Pvt. Robert C. Austin 10,600,184 (Hosp.)
2628 Hospital Section,
APO 698 c/o postmaster
New York, New York
Since the above information is furnished only to you as the emergency addressee, it is requested that you inform all interested relatives and friends. It is my earnest hope that news of his release from the hospital will soon be forthcoming.
Sincerely yours,
Robert H. Dunlop
Brigadier General,
Acting The Adjutant General
———-
Eldred, NY
April 12, 1944
Dear Gladys and Raymond
Have intended to write ever since we rec’d your card and invitation to visit you, but so many things to do in day and too tired at night, but now Aunt Charlotte is on her Easter vacation and Martin and I are pretty much alone, so now I’m going to get caught up on letters.
Orville stopped in yesterday to tell me about telegram that came about Bob. [he had been wounded] I hope you get word soon from him that it isn’t so bad—it’s almost too much to expect all three to come through safely, but we can hope. Arthur has been under the impression that Bob’s outfit was having a tough time and hoped he would be sent home on a well earned furlough.
For past few weeks I’ve intended writing all three boys—I write rather frequently to Bill and Art, but never have to Bob as he never has sent me any kind of correspondence, but I realize when he was growing up I was away and I really was a stranger to him and when Aunt C. left she took all three addresses as she too had planned to write. We were sure Bob would be glad to receive a couple of unexpected letters, but now I don’t know if I should write him or not—he probably will be moved far from his present or last address.
I never mention anything about illness etc. except Uncle El, to Bill and Arthur for I think Raymond knows best what they should know.
Bob Groteclass also has been seriously wounded. I believe he is being sent home.
Charlee was home for Easter Sunday. Tony and LIlly also Lily’s mother and sister came. They are all quite happy again. Tony had a bad habit for a couple of years—drink! But he has improved at least 75% and I guess he will be about cured in another few months. Now he wants to stop it and where there is a will etc.
I guess you know Clifford is helping me this year. He is a good worker and just like one of the family to have around. He hasn’t been able to get 6 days in in any week since he started. So much rain.
Isn’t it nice that you got moved farther into country before hot summer weather.
Will you have a little garden plot? It would be nice for the girls to work in to get a nice coat of tan. Your dad must like it where you are now. Gladys, for he didn’t usually make two trips in the winter, did he?
We were quite amused yesterday by a plane flying low and dipping. I suppose saluting. No one knew who it was then. but today we heard it was Jim Purcell of Barryville. I would call him “a pretty good pilot.” Clifford thought it might be Ed Toaspern at the time, for he swooped low over him. I guess you get most of Eldred news thru Emma and Barryville news through Orvill and his wife.
Charles Myers is at Camp Shelby now and Aunt Minnie went to Binghamton on Monday to bring her Aunt Carrie Morre, a very old lady, home with her for the summer. She will spend the rest of the year with her two daughters in Binghamton and Oleau. She recently sold her home. Is very spry, but sight is poor. She (Aunt M.) was quite a sick person last winter and glad she is picking up so fast. I often feel like calling you up to have a little visit. but I’d have to call after ten in the evening as our line is very busy up to that time and there wouldn’t be much privacy. I wouldn’t mind anyone listening, but to have them ring in while talking about burns me up. I know who it was the last time you called us. Just a kid trying to get a number for someone else. I’ll tell him of it sometime.
It’s so cold and windy tonight. Hard to realize that it’s near middle of April. Our coal is gone and when it’s so windy, I’m afraid to open up drafts so the stoves aren’t throwing off much heat.
Do you expect to come up to Eldred this summer? If you do, would love to have you and family up to spend the day with me. If I got to town oftener, I’d know more news to write., but I haven’t even had a paper or mail for two days. If it’s clear tomorrow, Clifford will bring mail on way up.
Hope you are all well and that we hear encouraging news about Bob.
With love to all
Aunt Christine
————–
[not sure when this was written]
Hq & Hq Co., Fifth Army,
Antiaircraft Section,
APC #464 c/o Postmaster,
New York, NY
Dear Uncle,
Was pleased to receive your letter of 19 November and to learn that you and Aunt Aida have been well. Trust the winter has not dealt too severely with you since then. The last few mornings a light skim of ice has frozen but a good stove in the tent keeps us comfortable. Up in the mountains the snow adds to the difficulties of life, however guess it can not be much worst than the rain and mud.
Glad to hear the fruit crop was plentiful this season and that you stored a good amount for the winter. Should help a lot to vary the store diet.
Am enclosing a money order for $20.00 for the church. HOpe the attendance will be better this winter but with so many people away from town, guess that can hardly be expected. All the minister’s daughters being away must be felt pretty badly in the church work. Well perhaps before too long the war will be over and things will return to normal; or let us hope a great deal better than ever before. Still I can’t help but feel that it is along ways in the future. Would not be much surprised but what this old world is in for a good deal more of turmoil than most people expect.
As you are undoubtedly reading in the papers we are going forward slowly at the present Time. but we are all confident the pace will be speeded up in the future.
Trust that you and Aunt Aida are still in good health and to hear from you soon.
Your nephew, Arthur
——-
postage is free
From PFC William Austin
Co F 338 Inf
APO 85 Fort Dix, NY
To Mr. Charles Austin
1051 Van Duzer St.
Stapleton
Staten Island, New York
Got back in plenty of time last night your telegram was here. It got here Saturday night about 8 o’clock.
Your brother, Bill
————
1945
taxes for 1945
value $25 for 2 acres
collectors receipts Jan 31, 1945
county—63 cents
town—89 cents
highway 1—63 cents
Ress’d school taxes for 1944—1.27
omitted tax school 1943—1.27
total tax—4.69
collector’s fees
total amount paid—4.69
collector is Mary M Crandall
————-
postcard to
Pfc Robt C. Austin
England General Hospital
Atlantic City, NJ
March 14, 1945
Dear brother Bob
Just a card to let you know we are all ok and that we have heard from Bill and Art since you were here. Bill was out of the hospital and having some dental work done.
Art thinks he may be home on furlough early this summer. Hope we see you soon. It must be pretty near time for your furlough to commence. Hoping to see you soon and with best regards from all. Your brother, Ray
1948
Albert Alonzo Austin obituary
Albert Alonzo Austin died in Eldred at 11:15 am on sunday after a short illness. He became ill while on his way to attend the service in the Eldred Methodist Church and failed to rally.
Mr. Austin, who was one of the oldest and highly respected residents of the town of Highland, was born September 28, 1857, in Eldred, the son of William Henry Austin and Mary Ann Eldred Austin. The greater part of his life was spent in Eldred where he was engaged in farming. For many years he was a trustee and local preacher in the Eldred Methodist Church.
Surviving relatives are four nephews—Arthur and William Austin of Eldred; Robert and Charles Austin of Huguenot Park, SI, and one niece, Mrs. Lillie Calkins of Bethel.
The body was brought to the Porter and Harding Funeral Home, 6 North Broome Street and the funeral, with the Rev. John L. Beebout officiating, will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday in the Methodist church at Eldred. Interment will be in Eldred Cemetery.
1958
In Memory of Anna M. Leavenworth
born: October 5, 1875
Eldred, NY
Passed away: October 29, 1958
Indian Orchard, PA
Service held at Rasmussen’s Funeral HOme
Narrowsburg, New York
November 1, 1958 at 2 pm
Clergymen: The Rev. J. Rober Geyer
Final Resting Place: Eldred Cemetery, Eldred, NY
God hath not promised Skies always blue
Flower strewn pathways All our live through
God hath not promised sun without rain
Joy without sorrow, Peace without pain.
But God hath promised Strength for the day
Rest for the labor, Light for the way
Grace for the trials, Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy Undying love…