Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Frank H. Robinson letters

Abstract

The Frank H. Robinson letters (dated 1918-1919, undated; 0.09 cubic feet; 3 folders) comprises letters that Frank Robinson writes to his sister that document his experience overseas in the army during World War I.

Descriptive Summary

Title
Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Frank H. Robinson letters
Date
1918-1919, undated (inclusive)
Creator
Robinson, Frank H.
Extent
0.09 Cubic Feet
Subjects
Letters.
Correspondence.
World War, 1914-1918.
World War, 1914-1918 -- France.
Family.
Military life.
Brothers and sisters.
Health
Friendship.
Arrangement
Collection is arranged chronologically. The Wade Hall Collection of American Letters has been processed into discrete collections based on provenance.
Finding Aid Author
Sarah Coblentz
Preferred Citation
2009ms132.0687: [identification of item], Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Frank H. Robinson letters, 1918-1919, undated, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
Frank H. Robinson (1888-1971) was born in Charlestown, South Carolina to John Robinson (1858-1931) and Mary Allston Phillips (1863-1942). In 1917, Robinson enlisted in the South Carolina National Guard and became a part of the 55th Field Artillery Brigade, 30th Division. In June 1918, Robinson was promoted to corporal and the division was deployed overseas to France; July 1918, he was promoted to regimental sergeant major (equivalent to today's command sergeant major). In March 1919, Robinson returned to the states and was discharged the next month. In 1920, Robinson married Eugenia S. Mitchell (1894-1971) and together they had one child, Gena (b. 1924).
American Letters collector Wade Hall (1934-2015) was a native of Union Springs, Alabama. Starting in 1962, he lived in Louisville, where he taught English and chaired the English and Humanities/Arts programs at Kentucky Southern College and Bellarmine University. He also taught at the University of Illinois and the University of Florida. He held degrees from Troy State University (B.S.), the University of Alabama (M.A.), and the University of Illinois (Ph.D.). He served for two years in the U.S. Army in the mid-fifties. Dr. Hall was the author of books, monographs, articles, plays, and reviews relating to Kentucky, Alabama, and Southern history and literature. His most recent books include A Visit with Harlan Hubbard; High Upon a Hill: A History of Bellarmine College; A Song in Native Pastures: Randy Atcher's Life in Country Music; and Waters of Life from Conecuh Ridge.
Scope and Content
The Frank H. Robinson letters (dated 1918-1919, undated; 0.09 cubic feet; 3 folders) comprises letters that Frank Robinson writes to his sister that document his experience overseas in the army during World War I. In the letters, Frank discusses the weather, his opinions of the cities he is in, participating in fighting, hearing from friends and other family, and rumors about the war ending and being sent home. Robinson writes many long-winded letters, giving as many details as he could pass under the censor to his sister. In multiple letters, Robinson reminisces about their childhood and asks about the health of their parents.
The Frank H. Robinson letters collection is part of the Wade Hall Collection of American Letters, which includes correspondence and diaries from all over North America covering the time period of the Civil to Korean Wars. The materials were collected by Wade Hall and document everyday men and women.

Restrictions on Access and Use

Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Use Restrictions
The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.

Contents of the Collection

Frank H. Robinson to Elizabeth "Dids" Spindler, 1918

  • Box WH-69, folder 14
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Frank H. Robinson to Elizabeth "Dids" Spindler, 1919

  • Box WH-69, folder 15
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Frank H. Robinson to Elizabeth "Dids" Spindler, undated

  • Box WH-69, folder 16
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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.

Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.

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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.