Scope and Contents: The majority of the materials in the Gordon John Read Papers date from 1949 to 1953. Included is correspondence from “Gordy” Read to his parents from January to September 1951 while serving in the Marine Corps. Researchers will find here a scrapbook of materials from Gordon’s boot camp days at Parris Island, South Carolina, and Camp Pendleton, California, photographs relating to Marine Corps activities, and the flag that draped his coffin at the Memorial Service held January 20, 1952. Also of interest are the letters Mr. and Mrs. Read received following Gordon’s death, as well as newspaper accounts relating to Gordon Read. Also found here are class notes, assignments, text books, programs and other publications that belonged to Gordon Read while attending High School in Elgin (1947) and DeKalb (1948-1949), and Northern Illinois State Teachers College (1949-1950). In addition, there are several folders with material relating to his parents Anna and John G. Read.
This collection gives voice to the life of an ordinary young man serving his country during the Korean War period. The letters received by his parents, and especially those of Mrs. Marguerite Richardson to Anna Read following Gordon’s death show the feelings of those who struggled with the losses suffered because of this war.
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