George S. Hochberg Letters 0.50 Linear Feet
- Creator
- Hochberg, George S.
- Abstract Or Scope
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Approximately eighty letters, written from 1944 to 1945, received by George S. Hochberg, of East Orange, New Jersey, primarily during his officer training in the Marine Corps at Parris Island, South Carolina and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Before joining the Marine Corps, Hochberg was a student at Yale College in New Haven, Connecticut. This collection includes letters from George Hochberg's parents, Rose and Benjamin Hochberg, in New Jersey and brother Jerry in the Pacific, as well as letters from other servicemen and friends. While Hochberg's letters are not included, the replies he received hint at his persistent physical, mental, and emotional struggles in training. Encouragement to build up his mental health is a prevalent theme. His mother's letters highlight how women's lives changed during World War II, particularly her explicit transformation from "someone's mother" to her own person who becomes a volunteer hospital nurse. It is suspected that the Hochberg family was Jewish, as mention is made of contact with a rabbi and the collection includes a pamphlet describing Jewish activities at Camp Lejeune. Also includes photographs and football game tickets.
- Collection Context