Print of ship, starboard forward view. USS Renshaw, DE-176 Back states, "Not for publication, released to ship's crew by public relations office, commercially printed by E. E. Hilderbrandt, 706 Durant Ave., North Charleston, S.C."
Side view of destroyer showing lifeboat. Labeled on bottom, "DE, 1945 at Pier "D", 2595-45". Labeled on side, "LSMR" with arrow pointing to detail in photo.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her sister-in-law, Olive Legendre, attempting to persuade her to come for a visit to Medway Plantation and discusses politics.
Printing on bottom states, "582-40 US Navy Yard, Charleston, SC 16 August 1940. USS Roe (DD418) Stern Quarter, Showing Deguassing Equipment Installation. Completed 16 August 1940. File 8679."
Printing on bottom states, "135-40 US Navy Yard, Charleston, SC 31 January 1940. USS Roe (DD418). Sample square locker. Shoes SHINED, toes to front. File 8472."
Printing on bottom states, "131-40 US Navy Yard, Charleston, SC 31 January 1940. USS ROE (DD418). Sample bunk. Note that mattress cpver and bunk straps have same number as bunk. Pillows forward, blankets aft. File 8646."
"Mementoes of Days in Service" details Lawrence Layden's service in World War II from his induction in June 1941, six months before Pearl Harbor, until his formal discharge in December, 1945. Part of the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, Layden's squadron provided aerial reconnaissance for Operation Overlord and the assault on Nazi Germany. Through photos and text, Layden's scrapbook follows him from his initial assignment in Louisville, Kentucky to bases in England and continental Europe. The album contains reconnaissance photos used in the assault on Europe, photographs of Layden at various bases throughout the war and several photographs of Buchenwald concentration camp, visited by Layden six days after its liberation.
A letter from a South Carolinian to Congress concerning the change in the draft age to eighteen and nineteen. The writer is a poor married woman who has worked hard to send her son to college. She states that it isn't fair to not let the young boys finish school. She then discusses married men without children and "negros" fighting in the war. She ends with offering her services instead of drafting her son.
A letter from a South Carolina lawyer to Senator Smith concerning the amendment for one year of training for eighteen and nineteen year olds before going to war, once drafted. He believes the Senator should vote down the amendment for the lengthy training would handicap the military, who are in present need of more manpower.
A telegram from a South Carolinian to Senator Maybank concerning the change in the draft age to eighteen and nineteen. He asks the Senator to support the War Department on the draft issue. A response from Maybank is included, stating he will do all he can to support the program.
A telegram from a South Carolinian to Senator Maybank concerning proper training for eighteen and nineteen year old boys if drafted. A response from Maybank is included, greatly appreciating the constituent's views.
A letter from a South Carolinian supporting lowering the draft age, but that he doesn't understand taking the younger boys while those at home who are causing strikes within the war industries stay home. He believes that those workers should be put into the army. He wants the Senator to abolish the Unions for the duration of the war and put every man from seventeen to seventy in the army. A response from Maybank is included, thanking the constituent for his letter.
Correspondence between a South Carolinian and Senator Maybank concerning not changing the draft age to eighteen and nineteen. A response from Maybank is included, stating he appreciates the letter but no one will be exempt from draft. He gives the average age of members of the Navy and Marine Corps, which is between seventeen and nineteen, demonstrating that many young men already want to join the service. The citizen than writes back stating that she never meant for her letter to appear as if she was asking for special treatment.
A letter from a South Carolina druggist to Senator Maybank protesting eighteen and nineteen year old boys being drafted for the war. He states that there are so many within the draft age who have not been called yet, men with no children, ex-criminals, and the "negros." A response from Maybank is included, stating he appreciates the letter but no one will be exempt from draft.
A letter from a South Carolinian Evangelist expressing his joy at Maybank supporting the Lee amendment to the draft bill. A response from Maybank is included, stating he appreciates the letter but no one will be exempt from draft. He gives the average age of members of the Navy and Marine Corps, which is between seventeen and nineteen, demonstrating that many young men already want to join the service.
A letter from a South Carolinian about a friend's son who's a student at the Citadel. He writes to Senator Maybank to inform him of the parents' feelings about their son not having a chance to finish college, fearing he won't return if drafted. A response from Maybank is included, thanking the constituent for his letter but stating no preference will be shown when the draft age changes.
A letter from a South Carolina Superintendent to Senator Maybank to exclude college students from the draft, and if they are to be drafted, something should be done about the easy access to alcohol. A response from Maybank is included, stating he appreciates the letter but no one will be exempt from the draft, and that he is supporting legislation to control the sale of alcohol.
A letter from a South Carolinian to Senator Maybank concerning the maturity of eighteen and nineteen year olds. He believes that the age limit should be raised to twenty-four and not draft "infants" into the war. A response from Maybank is included, stating he appreciates the letter but no one will be exempt from draft.
A letter from a South Carolinian to Senator Maybank concerning the change in the draft age to eighteen and nineteen. This citizen writes on behalf of his son, who works in order to help out his struggling family. He shares the anxiety his son had once he heard the possibility of being drafted at his young age. He suggests that the number of men who are older and don't contribute to their community be considered to be drafted first.
A letter from a South Carolinian to Senator Maybank concerning proper training of eighteen and nineteen year old boys if drafted. He believes the current administration has decided to support, unnecessarily, drafting young boys and asks for the House and Senate to be the voices of reason. A response from Maybank is included, stating that he voted for the lowering of age based on the absolute necessity as outlined by the Army.
A letter from a South Carolinian to Senator Maybank concerning the change in the draft age to eighteen and nineteen. The citizen wants the Senator to consider taking the boys after they've completed college and their commissions obtained. A response from Maybank is included, stating he appreciates the letter but no one will be exempt from draft. He gives the average age of members of the Navy and Marine Corps, which is between seventeen and nineteen, demonstrating that many young men already want to join the service.
Correspondence between the secretary of the Clemson Alumni Corporation to Senator Maybank. A resolution by the Corporation was sent to the Senator concerning Clemson student involvement in the war. They would like a more fixed policy about the drafting of college students. A response from Maybank is included, stating he voted in favor of lowering the age limit and not exempting college students, for he believes this is the best decision.
A letter from a South Carolinian to Senator Maybank concerning eighteen and nineteen year old boys not be given an opportunity to learn a trade if drafted for the war. He states that the bill is satisfactory to those with no sons or those who have the ability to place their sons in favored positions. A response from Maybank's clerk is included, stating the letter will be called to the attention of the Senator upon his return.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, regarding a law suit they are planning to bring against the government, business affairs of Medway Plantation, and telling her of the drills they have to do on the Navy ship every morning. Sidney continues in his letter to discuss teaching their relative, Fifi, how to do the bookkeeping after her husbands death and a lunch he and Morris had with their Aunt Kate.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, thanking him for the gift of a silver and gold fish pin she recently received. Gertrude continues in her letter to comment on her brother-in-law, Morris Legendre, becoming a father.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, lamenting the poor weather they had on his day off from the office, preventing him from going to the beach, and relaying his boredom with how routine his life has become.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, describing his Christmas, the gifts he had received, and the atmosphere of the office the day after Christmas.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, regarding news of the war, relaying news of their friends, and providing him with a description of their daughter, Bokara. Gertrude continues in her letter to inform him that she sent her new puppy back to the kennel for training and things she has recently sent him.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, lamenting how long it has been since he last saw her, discussing the social activities she described in her last letter, and recounting he and Morris’s first trip to the Outrigger beach club. Sidney continues in his letter to describe the Outrigger club, their first attempts at surfing, and a movie they had just seen called “Holiday Inn.”
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, responding to the social activities she described in her last letter, explains why he has ceased to have indigestion, and laments that their telephone conversation was so short. Sidney continues in his letter to recount a story of him getting locked out of the apartment.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, regarding how busy she is at her war job, her social activities, her new puppy, and how much she misses their dog Clippy.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, regarding news of the war, a boy who will soon be carrying a letter to him in Hawaii, and the improvements she’s making to the house she’s renting.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, recount the events of Morris’s birthday party, describing the stress of their jobs, and lamenting that their beloved dog, Clippy, had died. Sidney continues in his letter to encourage her to leave the office more for some exercise, describe a tennis game he and Morris had played with some acquaintances, and the confusion surrounding her late phone call.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, expressing how much he misses her, giving his preliminary review of Tolstoy’s War and Peace, and applauding her decision to go to the country that weekend. Sidney continues in his letter to advise her to let their dog, Honey, be an inside dog, describe the changes in day and night shift that are occurring in his office, and not that her bookkeeper’s figures were incorrect.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, describing a dance he and Morris had attended at the Navy Yard, a game of tennis they had played with some acquaintances, and and delivering news he had heard of their friend and neighbor, Ben Finney. Sidney continues in his letter to explain that Morris has become the perfect example of efficiency and tell her about the acquaintances he met on the boat en route to Hawaii.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, lamenting the slow speed of the mails, describing the Hawaiian orchestra that he heard playing on the hotel lawn, and teasing her over her accusing he and Morris of having girls and a gay life. Sidney continues in his letter to ask her not to tell her entire office that he does not write her, as he does, and his letters are slow or going amiss.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, recounting the events of a Sunday they spent touring the airfields of the island in the rain. Sidney continues in his letter to tell a detailed story about he and Morris getting their car stuck in flood waters from the rain. He then relays events pertaining to Morris ruining a cake he tried to make for dinner and discuss the events of the war.
A letter from a mother in South Carolina asking Senator Maybank to reconsider changing the draft age to eighteen and nineteen. She wants her son to at least finish college. She mentions that married men and "negros" are being left home while teenage boys are being considered. A response from Maybank is included, thanking her for the letter and suggestions.
A letter from a South Carolina attorney to Senator Maybank concerning the change in the draft age to eighteen and nineteen. He starts with congratulating Maybank on his re-election. He asks the Senator to consider exhausting other manpower and allow for boys of that age to be allowed to just volunteer. A response from Maybank is included, thanking him for the letter and suggestions.
A transcript of a broadcast discussing the use of manpower by the United States military forces. He pushes the idea for a large land Army while also limiting Ally use of American men and equipment.
A letter from a South Carolina Judge to Senator Maybank concerning amendments (proper training) to the draft bill. He believes it would do more harm then good and the bill should be passed without any strings attached. A response from Maybank is included, greatly appreciating the constituent's views.
A letter from a South Carolinian to Senator Maybank concerning the change in the draft age to eighteen and nineteen. He hopes that the Senator, when confronted with the bill, will decide that the boys be given a chance to become good soldiers before being deployed. A response from Maybank is included, stating he will do what is right when it comes to this legislation.
A letter from a South Carolinian to Senator Maybank concerning proper training of eighteen and nineteen year old boys if drafted. She states that since their British allies make men of that age go through proper training, the United States should as well. A response from Maybank is included, thanking the citizen for her letter.
A letter from a North Carolina businessman asking Senator Maybank to reconsider changing the draft age to eighteen and nineteen. He brings up another point of "negro" men who had not had their venereal diseases treated, being released back into the community. He suggests that they are a menace to society and with all the young white men gone, altercations with black men could arise. A response from Maybank's secretary is included, stating the letter will be given to the Senator when he returns to office.
A letter from a South Carolinian asking Senator Maybank to reconsider changing the draft age to eighteen and nineteen. She opens with giving praise to Maybank for winning the recent election. She urges him to exhaust other manpower before sending boys to war. She suggests that the boys are not "physically, morally, or mentally" prepared. She believes it a pity that the "hordes of...husky...negros" have not been drafted yet. A response from Maybank is included, stating he will keep her suggestions in mind.
A letter from a South Carolina businessman asking Senator Maybank to reconsider changing the draft age to eighteen and nineteen. He starts with congratulating Maybank on the recent election. He offers his services, as a forty-year-old man, in place of his son. He has already tried to reach out to the Shell Loading plant in Charlotte and the U.S. Employment service but received no response. A response from Maybank is included, thanking him for the letter and suggestions.
A letter from a South Carolinian to Senator Maybank concerning the change in the draft age to eighteen and nineteen. He believes that any boy in his senior year of high school should not be considered in the draft. He has an eighteen-year-old son in his last year of school. He ends the letter congratulating the Senator on his reelection. A response from Maybank's secretary is included, thanking him for the letter and suggestions. The secretary will give the letter to Maybank when he returns to the office.
A letter from a South Carolinian to Senator Maybank concerning the change in the draft age to eighteen and nineteen. He starts with congratulating Maybank on his rerelection. He ask the Senator to consider exhausting other man power, especially older married men. He believes it is absurd to risk the future leaders of America and take away the opportunity to receive an higher education. A repsonse from Maybank is included, thanking him for the letter and suggestions.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, describing he and Morris’s Thanksgiving dinner and a party they attended on the west coast. Sidney continues in his letter to discuss what he believes their lives will be like after the war.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, lamenting the illness of their dog, Clippy, relating an incident he and Morris had with traveling difficulties, and telling her of the work they’ve been doing to help their relative, Fifi. Sidney continues in his letter to describe an afternoon he spent playing tennis with friends.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, describing Christmas in Hawaii and how slow the work day was on account of all the civilian workers having Christmas Day off from work.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, describing a puppy she has purchased, discussing he war in Africa, her social activities, and a visit to Middleburg to visit their daughter, Landine. Gertrude continues in her letter to lecture him on how to care for himself better, so as to get rid of his cold, and relay news of their friends.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, describing the commotion the construction in the office is causing, lamenting the departure from the island of his friend, Teddy Burwell, and describing the change in climate on the island.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, describing the difficult process to send a cable, lamenting the slow speed of the mail, and rejoicing that he can swim every day after work. Sidney continues in his letter to detail his average day and request war updates.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, regarding his departure for Hawaii, his trip, and a book he was reading. Sidney continues in his letter to discuss their relative, Fifi’s, plans for moving back to New Orleans after the death of her husband.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, discussing the last letter he had received from her about her hunting trip to Medway Plantation and recounting his social activities, or explaining the lack thereof. Sidney continues in his letter to describe the current work atmosphere of his Navy job, discuss his Christmas plans, and lamenting her difficulties on the mainland.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, regarding a dinner party she had thrown, the children, and a visit to Medway Plantation.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, regarding a visit to family in their home, Andalusia, a dinner party she had hosted, Christmas gifts, and Medway Plantation.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, discussing his most recent letter, describing her social activities and their daughter, Bokara, relaying news of family and friends, particularly the progress of her sister-in-law, Nancy’s, pregnancy.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, regarding a visit to Medway Plantation to duck hunt with some friends. Gertrude continues in her letter to discuss the business affairs of Medway Plantation and news of the war front in Africa.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, asking where he is stationed if he has been removed from Hawaii, asking him not be upset with her for expressing her jealousy, and describing how much she misses him. Gertrude continues in her letter to discuss the last letter she had received from him and relay news she had heard from their friends.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, regarding a trip to play tennis with a friend at Chevy Chase country club, relaying news of friends and family, expressing how much she misses him, and discussing their plans for Christmas.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, regarding a lunch she had where she learned details of the atmosphere in Hawaii, going to see the Ice Follies show with friends, and an upcoming trip to Medway Plantation.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, regarding the president limiting all incomes to $25,000 and the subsequent issues this causes for their business affairs. Gertrude continues in her letter to relay news of friends, describe a Sunday she spent picnicking with friends, and describe her war job.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, regarding her disdain for her current war job, a weekend trip to Middleburg, Virginia with friends, and describing her social activities. Gertrude also informs Sidney of the shortages of firewood and food.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, regarding how the weather has effected agriculture and caused food shortages, her war job, a dinner party she is throwing, and discussing war news. Gertrude continues in her letter to inquire as to how he is going to spend his 40th birthday in Hawaii.
Letter from Sidney Legendre to his wife, Gertrude Legendre, describing their life on the island, the construction occurring in the office, the shortages of clothing in the continental United States, and reminiscing on Christmases past that they had spent together.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, wishing him a happy birthday, thanking him for a gift he sent her, informing him that their daughter, Landine, has the mumps, and relaying news of their friends.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, relaying her unhappiness and how it feels to be separated from him, her war job in Washington, and the damage the government has done to their property on Medway Plantation. Gertrude continues in her letter to deliver news of family and friends, describe her new puppy, and reminisce on times they spent together.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, regarding her war job, her search and inquiries for a new puppy, and delivering news of friends and family. Gertrude provides Sidney with a description of their daughter Bokara and an update on how his brother, Morris’, wife is doing with her pregnancy.
Letter from Gertrude Legendre to her husband, Sidney Legendre, regarding a weekend she and Landine spent at her brother, Stephen Sandford’s, house, relays Landine’s excitement over starting school at Foxcroft, and delivers news of friends and family.
