Hefner Family papers

The Hefner Family Papers presents two concentrated periods of correspondence between members of a large family, during the later months of World War II and during the Korean War period.

The letters from sons Eugene, Walter, and Glenn during their military service provide a glimpse of life during various phases of training at a variety of U.S. bases, as well as some comments from Eugene who was stationed in the Pacific in 1946. Only a few letters in Walter's correspondence really cover combat experience in Korea but they are indicative of the Red Scare attitudes of the soldiers. Of particular note is a small group of letters giving advice to Glenn, who had just entered the service, dating from June 4 through June 12, 1952.

The real strength of the collection is the extensive correspondence from Zelma Hefner to her sons. During their period in service she wrote on a regular basis, sometimes daily, giving news about family, friends, and local events in the Lima, Ohio area in lengthy, chatty letters.

For the World War II period, of particular note is the letter from mother Zelma to Eugene dated April 13, 1945 with reaction to death of Franklin Roosevelt and some comments on the family condition during the Depression. Another letter from Zelma to Eugene dated May 9, 1945 describes local reaction to the end of fighting in Europe, including the program from a church service of thanksgiving.

One rather poignant series of letters from Zelma Hefner to John Hefner, covers the commitment of John Hefner to the Toledo State Hospital for a mental breakdown during the summer of 1945. The general background is described in a notification letter sent to Eugene in the service, dated November 16, 1945. Some of John's treatment, including shock therapy and medication is alluded to, and eventually he was able to return home and resume his life.

During the Korean War period, the letters don't make nearly as much reference to the war itself as they do to events and people at home. In the letter of Aug 25, 1952 Zelma describes isolation of living in the country and desire to move to town and in a series of letters from Sept 1952 she describes the household disruption of putting in a bathroom, including a septic tank and leach field that destroyed her garden.

Overall, as a view of life on the home-front in the late years of World War II and a comparison of the atmosphere a few years later during the Korean Conflict the collection is particularly useful.