On Leave, Almost

Thoughts of Daughter Linda Lou,
May 22, 2012

Jim and Emma must have been busy, too busy to write in diaries or to send postcards home to Ohio in 1942, because I am without material to post until May 28 when we'll see orders granting Jim seven days of leave from Camp Forrest.

In the meantime, perhaps you might be interested in learning more about Jim and Emma. Let's start with photographs when each was two years old.

Emma Burklew, Age Two Years
Marion, Ohio

Emma, the fifth of six children born to Sam and Bertha Burklew, grew up in Marion, Ohio, and at the age of sixteen, she moved with her parents on September 23, 1931 to "The Farm" in Cardington, Ohio.

Jimmy met her in 1934, introduced by cousin Clyde Gregory. The two remained acquaintances until 1941 when Jim returned to Ohio, a graduate of the University of Wyoming.

Walter James Gregory, Baptismal Photograph
Age Two Years

Morrow County, Ohio

After the photographer took Jim's baptismal picture, Jim was dressed with coveralls over the baptismal gown and a fine hat donned his head. Postcards were made and sent to relatives.

James With Coveralls Over His Baptismal Gown

I'll be back with more photos from Jim and Emma's childhood and maybe a story, or two. In the meantime, take a look at the blogs on "My Blog List" if you're curious about what happened seventy years ago in World War II.