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By Alisha Ashby
Collection Overview
Abstract
This is a small collection mostly containing correspondence in the form of letters and postcards from family, friends, and soldiers of WWII and the Korean War. This correspondence is largely written to Iva Lorraine Cowan Adams, a long-time resident of Madison County.
Scope and Contents of the Materials
This small collection primarily contains correspondence in the form of letters and postcards. Iva Lorraine Cowan Adams, a resident of Madison County for most of her life, collected postcards, many of which are represented here. The postcards represent states all across the U.S., many parts of Canada, and some locations in other parts of the world. This collection also contains an album meant to hold postcards from each of the 50 states. The album is only partially filled.
At the end of the second World War, and throughout the Korean War, Iva wrote to several soldiers. Their letters in response to her are represented in this collection, with each letter detailing their individual experiences with the war and with military life. In many circumstances, it appears that Iva continues to write to them after each war, leaving their responses detailing their readjustment to civilian life.
A small section of this collection are in reference to Dr. Evelyn Ramsey, a doctor and missionary writing out of Swaziland, Africa (now known as Eswatini, Africa). The materials from Evelyn Ramsey come from her sister, Elizabeth, who was friends with Iva and gave her the letters, books, and postcards.
Finally, miscellaneous items of interest include some photos, EKU ephemera, and two boxes of Columbia Phonograph Company Cylinder Vinyls.
Collection Historical Note
Iva Lorraine Cowan Adams was born on July 25, 1929 in Lancaster, Kentucky to John Theo and Julia Mae Stevens Cowan. Although born in Lancaster, Iva lived most of her life in Richmond, Kentucky. She was a graduate of Madison High School and Eastern Kentucky University, and was employed for 17 years as the Registrar at the Madison County Health Department. She retired from this work in 1967, but continued working as a homemaker and bookkeeper for her husband, Marion Forbes Adams. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Richmond, and belonged to other various social clubs and local organizations.
Iva had three children: Karen Lynn Adams (1963-1963), Julia Katherine Adams, and Marian Cook (Scott). She also had three siblings: Margaret Cowan Weddle (1922-2010), Charity Allene Cowan (1924-2013), and John T. Cowan (1932-2019).
Subject/Index Terms
Administrative Information
Repository:
Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives
Acquisition Source:
Adams, Julia K.
Box and Folder Listing
Browse by Box:
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Box 2],
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Box 3],
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Box 4],
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Box 5],
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Box 6],
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Box 7],
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- Box 1
- Folder 1: General Correspondence
- Correspondence from friends and family, limited to those whose correspondence does not appear repeatedly in this collection. This correspondence relates mostly to activities of day-to-day friends and family, Iva's recovery from her car accident in the 50s, local travel, and sympathy letters to Iva after the loss of her baby.
- Folder 2: Correspondence: Harley Emmons, 1950-1951
- Correspondence from Harley Emmons, a soldier and friend of Iva's. His letters describe his time away from home, including his living situations, his career with the military, and the ways in which he copes with different cultures and locations. His letters reflect that he misses Richmond, his family, and his local friends which he writes about often. He also writes regarding his hobbies and interests, such as the cinema.
- Folder 3: Correspondence: Harley Emmons, 1951-1953
- Correspondence from Harley Emmons, a soldier and friend of Iva's. His letters describe his time away from home, including his living situations, his career with the military, and the ways in which he copes with different cultures and locations. His letters reflect that he misses Richmond, his family, and his local friends which he writes about often. He also writes regarding his hobbies and interests, such as the cinema.
- Folder 4: Correspondence: Harley Emmons, 1953-1954
- Correspondence from Harley Emmons, a soldier and friend of Iva's. His letters describe his time away from home, including his living situations, his career with the military, and the ways in which he copes with different cultures and locations. His letters reflect that he misses Richmond, his family, and his local friends which he writes about often. He also writes regarding his hobbies and interests, such as the cinema.
- Folder 5: Correspondence: Ralph Ramsey, 1952-1953
- Correspondence from Ralph Ramsey, a marine and friend of Iva's. Ralph is the brother of Elizabeth and Evelyn Ramsey, who were also friends of Iva and who wrote to her as well. This correspondence primarily contains descriptions of Ralph's work as a marine, his training, his pay, and the military lifestyle. Also included are descriptions of his travel and his inquiries about Richmond news or community news from his friends and family.
- Folder 6: Correspondence: Robert West, 1944-1947
- Correspondence from Robert West, a soldier and friend of Iva's. His correspondence describes the living conditions and military experiences that he deals with during the second World War. Robert begins writing to Iva on a reccomendation from Iva's brother-in-law, Carl. Some of the letters ask about Carl, who is also in the military. Robert writes frequently about the types of shows that he sees at the theater, as well as his travel and day-to-day. Finally, as the correspondence progresses, Robert eventually writes from home. From home, Robert describes his struggles with returning to work post-war and the local concern surrounding miner strikes. He writes about his studies and classes, and notes trips that he would like to take with Iva and the others. In this folder, there are also two German coins from 1940 and 1941.
- Folder 7: Correspondence: Robert West, 1948-1950
- Correspondence from Robert West, a soldier and friend of Iva's. At this point in his correspondence, Robert is back home in Oak Hill, W.V., but reflects on the changing politics surrounding war. He also mentions his favorite shows, and inquires about folks living in Richmond. He continues to adjust to civilian life and describes his job at the dry goods store and the mining culture of his home town.
- Folder 8: Correspondence: Robert West, 1950-1960
- Correspondence from Robert West, a solider and friend of Iva's. In this folder, Robert discusses the oncoming war (the Korean War) and whether or not he will be called back into service, as well as his opinions on the draft. He also continues to describe his daily life and hobbies, and frequently asks about friends and family of Iva.
- Folder 9: Robert West Souvenir Books, Undated
- This folder contains souvenir photo books from Virginia and Florida, as well as a travel guide for Brussels. Sent from Robert West to Iva.
- Folder 10: Robert West Handkerchief, Undated
- A handkerchief sent from Robert West to Iva. The handkerchief is decorated with red white and blue flowers, the Reims Cathedral, and the statement: "Souvenir de Reims"
Browse by Box:
[Box 1],
[
Box 2],
[
Box 3],
[
Box 4],
[
Box 5],
[
Box 6],
[
Box 7],
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All]
