Outtakes 88

Dad’s Papers

By Cait Collins

I’m really excited about my current work entitled TABLES. The book is a collection of stories about growing up as a Baby Boomer. I have tons of memories, but I have found I can’t recall some of the small details. Since so much of my life involved the Air Force, I decided to go through my Dad’s military papers. Mom kept everything from the time my father entered the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939 until he retired from the Air Force in 1969. What a research treasure I have.

The section I’m writing now tells about our transfer from San Antonio, Texas to St. John’s, Newfoundland. I found the documents detailing our departure from the United States into Canada. I had no idea my first visit to Maine was in the fall of 1955. We crossed into New Brunswick at Calais, Maine. Another little revelation was the fact Newfoundland Island is part of the larger Province of Newfoundland. The bulk of the territory is on the mainland of Canada.

I found the orders allowing Mother to arrange the shipping of our possessions. Dad was on temporary duty (TDY) in St. Johns to secure housing, so Mom was in charge of planning the move. The military paid our moving expenses, but I did not know the limitations. Adults were allowed 350 pounds of personal possessions and children received 175 pounds each.

I recall every address we had during Dad’s years in the service except the address in San Antonio and the St. John’s address. Well, now I know. My Mother had no idea the favor she did me by keeping all those documents. I had so much fun reading them. The information I found will add more color to the stories of my childhood.

Check out the attic, basement, trunks, and cedar chests in your family home. These nooks and crannies might provide valuable information regarding your history. Old documents require special handling and storage. Check with archivist at your local library or do an on-line search for document preservation. You don’t want to lose your past.