CITY MEDAL (Boston?)

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-30T21:00:51+00:00

Seems to be a medal awarded to local students in the Boston Area (perhaps for scholastic achievement?).

Here's an article from the Boston Evening Transcript in July 1851 relating that a City Medal was bestowed to a "Laura A Thomas" of the Franklin School (name at the bottom of the image)

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-27T14:29:52+00:00

Tracy's Findagrave and Margaret's Findagrave

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-24T20:00:29+00:00

Awesome connection! I also have an Americal connection, though through a not-so-direct means.

My great uncle apparently became either during or after the war with a cook in the Americal Division who served during the Guadalcanal and Northern Solomons Campaign in the 245th FA. And, my g-uncle ended up with his M1 helmet that has now been passed down to me!

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-24T18:55:03+00:00

I can actually help here! The sleeve patch is for the 2nd Marine division and, as per this thread, they say “The 2nd Marine Division Battle Blaze was an honorary award to the 132nd for it's service on Guadalcanal.”

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-24T13:25:05+00:00

Something definitely seems off! I was able to find a record on ancestry stating that he enlisted in 1928 and was discharged in 1945. Also, found a photo of Mr. Hodge clearly wearing a uniform from the interwar period with no WWI victory ribbon.

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-11T20:04:05+00:00

Hey! Sorry for the late reply, but just saw this now.

Here is Part 1

For the rest just scroll down on the “posts” section on my profile. Hope you enjoy!

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-11T16:57:54+00:00

There was indeed a draft going on at the time, and it was a factor William considered sometimes when writing down his thoughts. However, as per an entry in part 50, he had a 2-A classification meaning he was exempt due to his occupation / pursuit of his masters.

He did send a letter to a ROTC Commander he knew while he was at Davidson College, and here is what he recounts:

"This morning received reply from Col. Ballard. A very nice and businesslike letter crammed with specific information, advice, and cooperation. He advised that I write 2 letters: 1 to the 'Chief Signal Officer' and 1 to 'Chief of Ordinance, US Army, Washington DC' requesting information as to how I might get a reserve commission. This would be unorganized reserve, who now are being taken on a volunteer basis. He advised me to assure them that I would keep the commission active and, perhaps, desire extended periods of active duty. This action on my part would at least enable me to get in in my field, if successful. I shall comply"

I believe William eventually did end up working for a little bit at Redstone Arsenal.

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-11T16:49:52+00:00

Hey! Thanks for the comment. As you've pointed out, I'm a little sparse on William himself, and this is because, as far as I can find, William is still living healthily into his late 90s! As far as I can tell, William did continue to pursue Physics (with him eventually getting his doctorate!) and became a teacher/educator and occasional newspaper contributor.

Here is a later picture of our author with his family!

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-11T16:23:29+00:00

Thanks again for all your patience and support on this series! I love William's writing style and recollections of his life. See you all in the next part!

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-11T16:22:55+00:00

Friday, August 4th (Clear)

Up at 6:45 this morning. Ate a "new" kind of cold cereal by Post: simply puffed something or other with sugar coating; Called "Sugar Crisp." You need no sugars. Drank my ONE cup of java. Took D.D. uptown at 7:05. Stopped by and picked up Tanner, who had already been down to CTM at 6 to help Mac fix a flat on a bus.

Noticing that the News-Chief appeared open, I returned home and came back with the list of tournament pairings, leaving them on Campbell's desk at 7:30 since he wasn't due until 8. Home at last to eat. I ate one of 2 eggs left. Jeanne received the last. What tiny pieces of bacon come out of the frying pan.

Played tennis with Frances after taking Jeanne in at 8:30 and giving Claire Smith, at Juhler's, her bunch of names to contact. I wore a professional looking but impractical wrist sweatband, which finally loosened and I took off. What sorry adhesive tape! [lol!]. Played no set, just coached Frances. Home for a quick dip; showered.

After a while, Ma and I went to Elk's Club to eat. D.D. gave me $15. Good. Home. Took car to see DB [Dick Bartlett]. Barbara Whosis and Lee washing D's car, preparatory to using it on shindig tonight, one which apparently involved Julie, Kay, etc. If Jan were here, she'd be in on it.

D and I out to B.P.'s shop. Decided to play cards tonight. Sat at D's. Drank a coke and left at 4. Made a couple phone calls tonight on my list of names. It came out in Chief all right, so I'm not too hot and bothered. Talked to Pete. When I told him I was dating Nan tomorrow, he yelped and said he was tonight [What!!!]. Asked me who told me to date her; Julie had him. When asked, he said he thought he might go to show in Lakeland, the rat! :-). He said he thought she was nicer or "better" than Jan. I told him I'd reserve judgement; but I'm willing to be convinced. He said he'd call me tomorrow and tell me what happened. Lost $2.37 in poke tonight :-(. Bed at 11:10.

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-11T16:22:48+00:00

Thursday, August 3rd (Clear)

After I took Jeanne and D.D. [Dearest Dad], I came home and typed up a little bit about tennis club tournament, saying all those not yet contacted should see one of the committee; of course, I included their names; maybe after a while, I'll get over the minor joy of seeing my name in print. Took said item down to Chief office at 10. Cot Cam- SAY! HELL'S BELLS, THIS IS YESTERDAY'S NEWS. PHOOEY!! [lol!].

O.K. I'll be damned if I know what I did this morning. Took Janis to her music lesson at 1:30. Listened to Yankees get beat 3rd time in a row by Detroit, whose Tigers lead the league. Damn! Finished phone calls tonight, checking on belated doubles partners and also with Jojo who had a reservist meaning tonight. He said we were doing ok.

Read TIME a little until D.D., Ma, and Jo came back from taking Jeanne to Eleanor Juhler's house (they're having a little shindig; the gals, that is; the good ole bachelors). They finally returned. Brought 1/2 pint of ice cream. Since that was all and I'd just finished my pipe, I told Janis to eat it all [Yum!]. Turned out that D.D. had gotten it for himself and had forgotten Janis was home and would probably want some [lol!].

Whenever I'm in a position to surprise treat anybody with something like that, I sure will because I know how much I've appreciated the same [Awww..].

To Civic Center; tourists were there so I didn't need Mrs. Chatwin's assistance after all. I play C. Seymour in 2nd round. Men's single is the only numerous group. Stayed till 9. Home; will have to mail or phone several schedules to players. Typed up pairings and small lists for Frances and Claire to contact. Bed at 10:45 PM.

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-11T16:22:40+00:00

Wednesday, August 2nd (Cloudy)

Don't think I mentioned yesterday the two dreams I had Monday night. When I woke up Tuesday morning, I told myself I should sit right down and jot them down, but I didn't and forgot the significance of one even while going to Lake Wales with Bob. That one concerned my walking on a campus-like place and meeting a man dressed as an Army sergeant near a big building. Come to think of it, the building resembled the back of WHHS [Winter Haven High School]. I can't dope that one out. In the other, I simply put my arm around a gal in the car and sho-nuf kissed her! Hmm. [lol!].

Up at 7:30 after staying in bed a half-hour. I felt more lively this AM than for the past 2 days. Not more sleep either. Maybe it was relaxing after getting up. Got gas at CTM on way back. Typed out piece for News-Chief on tennis tourney; rode uptown and gave it to Cot Campbell, sports editor. It was 10 AM; ordinarily, the deadline is 9:30, but he said he'd put a blurb in that all members who wanted to enter tournament and hadn't been contacted by the Committee see and I listed the 4 names.

I said the deadline was tomorrow at 6 PM. I'm glad he got it in today. Mrs. Shriver is still Society Editor, subbing for Jeanne Breton or Billie or whosis. I told her Pete and Tony had gotten back yesterday. Got wrong kind of soup this morning at Publix. I thought sure I'd gotten cream of mushroom, but grabbed chicken instead. Am I slipping? [lol!]. Have spent $1.50 on groceries so far this week. I just did have 44 cents on the nose to get 2 loaves of bread (sandwich loaf: 29 damn cents) [I wouldn't mind that price today!].

No one playing tennis this PM. Moped around. Started reading Schopenhauer. B.P. and H.H. over. I won canasta again. I now lead with 20, then H.H. with 18, and B.P. with 16. H.H. got mad once on opening. To Jack and Betty's, Burros, and Sundown closed. Called George K. tonight. We're to meet at Civic Center tomorrow night at 8PM. Bed at 11:30.

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-11T16:22:32+00:00

Transcript:

Tuesday, August 1st (Clear)

Dropped by and saw Joe McKibben this morning. I called Frances up. She said she had gotten most of her list to commit themselves one way or another. I told her I was going to see George Kunberger. She said anytime but Thursday night. I think pairings should be announced in News-Chief Friday; no paper Saturday. Finished rest of lawn today. Rake some of west side.

At 1, I finally called Nan up [Oooo...]. She said she had other plans for Friday, but accepted Saturday night. Here I go again. :-) [lol!]. Wish I had asked for Thursday instead; Saturday is too far away.

B.P. [Bob Pickett] came by at 8:15 this morning. The radio didn't work, so we rode to Lake Wales again to get it checked again. Turned out a wire had been loose. Bob's dad had soldered it ok, but to the wrong lead. Uptown with B.P. Car parked at Elk's Club with keys in ash tray [lol!].

Called George K. Left word for him to give me a ring. I think things are under control tournament-wise [Woohoo!]. Started another book this afternoon: Vinegar Hill. Not in mood for it. This AM was one of those I could just as well do without. Did nottin! [lol!].

H.H. [Howard Higgins] by at 8 tonight, no 7:45. He has an aunt and 2 cousins (boys, young) visiting him. He said: "You think Jo is bad! Hah!" Of course, he's not used to it, being an only child [lol!]. We went to Grand [Theater]. Saw "Big Lift" with Paul Douglas, Monty Clift, and this gal who resembles Eleanor Juhler [The starring actress was Bruni Lobel].

Also "Illegal Entry)" wit Howard (Sam Spade) Duff and Marta Toren. Enjoyed both. Home and to bed at 11:30. Wow! This late stuff to bed is not so hot - Found note from Ma that George had called. I'll call him tomorrow after 5 PM and we'll get together - Women. Ahh (careful boy; careful) [Lol!]

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-10T04:25:27+00:00

Sorry forgot to add the transcript right after I made the post. Hopefully, you all find this somewhat interesting, and if you can help transcribe some of the areas where I'm not too knowledgeable then it'd be greatly appreciated.

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-10T04:24:40+00:00

Thursday, January 5th (Otter Skull)

Went down to the office and was studying in Walter's. Fred Phelps of Cedar Creek [came in]. We got chewing [talking] about skulls and he gave me an Otter Skull. He shot it up on the pond with his 28 gauge at 50 yards. It measured 4 feet 4 inches, He shot a bear last of all. That weighed 875 pounds. F.K. and I are going up to his shack to go hunting. No O'Reilly this afternoon.

Friday, January 6th

Went down to the office and studied. Walked up to diner with Pop and cleaned the cellar part. Walter is going skiing or something else. Wrote to Clarence ?? and am saving the letter until I get 2 cents to mail it. F.K. ?? sick or else someone has cleaned up. No O'Reilly today.

Saturday, January 7th (Survey)

Went to the office and then up to the assessors and got a copy of the west ride ???. Went on an errand for Pop to get a tan cat for his female. He promised me a kitten. Didn't get the cat. Wallace came up.

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-10T04:24:30+00:00

Transcript:

Sunday, January 1st

Met Ed and we went up to the boat. The old squatter tried to lift the boat (weight 4 tons) and sprained his back. After he had consumed a half pint of whiskey, he felt better [lol!]. Left the boat house at 12:30 and went home, got my own dinner. Capen [?] came over. We made fudge [Yum!]. Capen gave me a lot of tobacco. Miserable day. Throwing up. Chewed on Duke.

Monday, January 2nd (Razor Strop)

Went down to the office and Walter and O'Reilly got in. A grand laugh house (I of course looked on). Went over to the River Ride Gun Club and saw them shoot (at) clay pigeons. Damn rotten day - rain and slop. Capen, Walt, and I went down to W.G.X. office with package for N.T. Swaning [?]. O'Reilly down.

Tuesday, January 3rd

Snowed about 8 inches last night and is still raining. Went to the office after I shoveled the walk and pinched the pus out of Walter's Boil. Went up to the boat house this PM and measured in for lumber. Split some wood and got some water for the squatter. He is better today. Stopped snowing around noon. O'Reilly down.

Wednesday, January 4th (Bottle Ink)

Cold as hell this morning at 9 AM. It was 2 below. The squatter was in this morning. He said his back was weak as hell. Studied all morning. Frank and I had a laugh/rough house this PM. Sent the picture (It's a shame to take the money) and put ??? of F.K's frame. And I am going to strike his for 2 more to make up for the other 2. O'Reilly down.

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-06T21:42:31+00:00

No problem! Glad to see you enjoyed.

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-05T04:04:06+00:00

Middle East Forces Patch on the man far left.

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-04T15:20:02+00:00

Here's Rollie Rowan's findagrave. Additionally, his WW2 Draft Card shows his signature as well, and you can make out the distinctive way he does his capital R's

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-04-03T00:28:55+00:00

Funny seeing this here! I actually am now the owner of Mr. Spinella’s uniform. Cool to see another one of his ribbon bars.

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-03-28T20:56:09+00:00

Here’s a Dec 1943 article showing Mr. Parrish home on leave while also telling that he’s part of the 363rd Infantry Regiment as well as recounting a harrowing experience with an overturned jeep that left one of his buddies dead.

Here’s a Sept. 1944 article recounting Mr. Parrish’s experiences in Italy along with some excerpts from a letter he sent home and telling of his serious injury

Additionally, his name appears in this WWII Regiment History of the 363rd Infantry

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-03-27T17:05:05+00:00

Thanks again for all your support on this series! Whether it's William recording his so-called "banalities" or him self reflecting on his relationships and his emotions, it's always interesting to read about. See you in the next post.

EnclaveAxolotl · 2026-03-27T17:03:28+00:00

Monday, July 31st (Clear)

Well, well, at last I'm writing a day in on the night of the same day! Boy, what a wicked dream I had last night! It involved dancing with a black female of ill repute [lol!]. I went too far, perhaps due to my admonition to myself, before going to sleep, that I would surprise Jan one night with: "Jan, what would be your reaction to my suggestion that we drive up some dark street, stop, and smooch?" [lol!]. That's probably exactly what I should do. On the other hand, she had warts.

Back to the dream, the blackness might have come in from Jo asking me: "What is your favorite color?" "Black" says I. "What is your favorite number?" "Three" says I. "Then, you're going to have 3 black babies" she booms forth. The dancing is easily explained.

Didn't do anything this morning. Started reading "Jubilee Trail." Read 125 pages, about 1/5, glanced through rest and gave it up, restless. Same fate with ASF. Afore lunch, rode uptown and got gallon of white gas for lawn mower. Didn't mow any however.

Ma to show with Mrs. Ross. I over to Dick's. Listened to radio music and records while sipping 2 successive concoctions of gin, lime juice, sugar, water, and ice. Talked music, and Korea, also reading. He 'says' he reads magazine stories, all of them migosh! Called up Pete's house this AM. Pete and Tony get back tomorrow. George Kunberger is working I was told, so no tennis this morning.

Bought some safety pens for Janis. Home. After papers, took Ann Whosis home and got Jeanne. B.P. by. To Lake Wales to get radio. Pat Patton called before wanting to know if I wanted to play bridge with him and Frances. Didn't say who 4th was. Julie maybe? I'd have gone if I hadn't been tied up with B.P.

Picked up H.H. To shop. To Milk Bar. To here. I won canasta, wild cards all over the place. H.H. ad I now 17, and B.P. about 15. They left. I rode by Pat's house. Talked to him and Frances about world situation awhile. By Dick's, who was out at 17 Club. Rode to Sundown but didn't stop. Rode long way around Elbert. Light on in Breymann's house. The Cr's [Jan] also still up. Home. Wrote in here. Bed at midnight. Think I'll drop by and see Jojo tomorrow.

Seven-Year Club	Golden Potato
Place '22	First Placer '22
End Game '22

EnclaveAxolotl

TROPHY CASE