Images(9)

Souvenir

Object number2017.36.2 a-e

Writer Joseph W. Kwolek

Date1944

MediumFabric; Felt; Paper; Ink; Graphite; Adhesive; Metal

Credit LineGift of Bonita L. Kwolek

DescriptionSouvenir pillowcase with mailing envelope, letter envelope, and two-page letter..DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a): 21.25 × 21 × 0.25 in. (54 × 53.3 × 0.6 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (b): 6.375 × 12 × 0.125 in. (16.2 × 30.5 × 0.3 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (c): 3.5 × 6 × 0.125 in. (8.9 × 15.2 × 0.3 cm)
Height x Width (d): 10.5 × 8 in. (26.7 × 20.3 cm)
Height x Width (e): 10.5 × 8 in. (26.7 × 20.3 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
Front has red felted text in top left corner "U.S. NAVY".

Front has red felted text in top right corner "MOTHER and DAD / No one knows but Mother and Dad / About the smiles and tears we've had. / None is willing and glad to share / That part of life - with joy or care. / No one was there in years gone by. / To understand each smile and sigh. / The dearest hearts on this old Earth / Are the hearts at home of golden worth".

Front has red felted text along bottom "MILWAUKEE, WIS."

(b)
Front has black printed and handwritten text in top left corner "Greetings / from Joseph W. Kwolek a/s / Co. - 336 - U.S.N.T.S. / GREAT LAKES ILL."

Front has black printed and handwritten text at center "To MRS. Josephine Kwolek / 530 E. EPWORTH ST. / New Castle PA."

Front has two stamps in top right corner each with white text "UNITED / STATES / POSTAGE / THOMAS / JEFFERSON / 1801-1809 / 3 CENTS 3".

Front has red stamped text in bottom left corner "NAVY / GOLD".

Back has flap at proper right end with black printed text "PILLOW / MAILER".

(c)
Front has handwritten ink text in top left corner "Joe Kwolek a/s / Company 336 / U.S.N.T.S. / Great Lakes, Ill.", at center "Mrs. Josephine Kwolek / 530 E. Epworth St. / New Castle, Pa.", and in top right corner "Free".

Front has black stamped postage mark at top center with text "GREAT LAKES / FEB 19 / 2 AM / 1944 / 2 / ILL.".

(d)
Handwritten graphite text on each side of paper sheet.

First page begins "I / 18, Feb 44 / Dear Mom, / ..."

Second page begins "but a few hours later my arm started / ..."

These pages discuss previous correspondence, the use of Polish language, Navy life, personal hygiene, vaccinations, training exercises, and fellow trainees.

(e)
Handwritten graphite text on each side of paper sheet.

First page begins "II / your food. I also miss my buttermilk. / ..."

Second page begins "all go to bed... / ... / God Bless You All / Your Son / Joe / ... / P.S. Did you get the pillowcase I sent you? / ..."

These pages discuss Navy life and his daily routine.
Historical NotesU.S. Navy WWII Mother and Dad souvenir pillowcase. During World War II, Joseph Kwolek sent four souvenir pillowcases to his mom and girlfriend (later his wife) Lillian in New Castle, Pennsylvania. This pillowcase (the only one donated) was sent while he was in training in Illinois. Joseph was the son of Polish immigrants who immigrated to New Castle around 1915. Joseph and his father operated a photography studio in New Castle. Walter Kwolek (Joseph Kwolek's father) was born in Orzechowka, Poland, on June 22, 1890. He emigrated to New Castle, Pennsylvania around 1915. Although Kwolek had no formal training, family lore suggestes that he taught himself photography after cutting coupons from soap boxes to buy his first camera. Around 1920, he bought Robinson Art Photography Studio at 252 1/2 E. Washington Street in New Castle and renamed it Kwolek Photography Studio. Walter served as the photographer while his wife, Josephine Ostrowski Kwolek, cut prints and did coloring. Their son Joseph Kwolek held an interest in landscape and aerial photography. Joseph assumed control of the studio with his wife, Lillian Warso Kwolek, after Walter and Josephine retired. Throughout its operation the business specialized in studio portraits and weddings, but also created group shots at several local events. The studio closed in 1980 after Joseph's retirement.

Previous owner Walter Kwolek (born 1890)

Previous owner Josephine Ostrowski Kwolek

Related person Lillian Warso Kwolek

Related institution Kwolek Photography Studio

Related institution Robinson Art Photography Studio

Related institution United States Navy

Related person Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826)

Related person Rudy Kwiatkowski

Related person Pete Masello

Related person Harry Miller

Related person Leo Kwolek

Subjects