Follow

• 

  01. Angel lsland Letter: 1941-02-n.d.

  Glenn Beyer

  This letter is from Pvt. Glenn Beyer, stationed at Fort McDowell on Angel Island, California. He writes to his family about receiving his military uniform and preparing for inoculations. He describes the pleasant weather, the island’s scenery, and his visit to Alcatraz. He expresses excitement about his new experiences, mentioning how much he enjoys military life and wishes he had joined earlier. He also asks about family matters, offers to send money for pictures, and plans to send his civilian clothes home.

• 

  02. Angel lsland Letter: 1941-02-n.d.

  Glenn Beyer

  This letter is from Pvt. Glenn Beyer, stationed at Fort McDowell on Angel Island, California. He writes to his family about sitting by the ocean, receiving multiple letters, and being pleasantly surprised by a dollar bill enclosed in a letter from a friend. Glenn mentions his plans to visit San Francisco to buy supplies and send his topcoat home. He shares that he is adjusting to army life, sleeping better, and reading the Bible each night for comfort. He anticipates traveling to the Philippines and hopes to find a good church there. Additionally, he mentions his upcoming task of cleaning a ship, the Republic, before it sets sail. He closes the letter by expressing how much he misses the people back home.

• 

  03. Angel lsland Letter: 1941-02-n.d.

  Glenn Beyer

  This letter is from Pvt. Glenn Beyer, stationed at Fort McDowell on Angel Island, California. He expresses gratitude for receiving letters from friends and family, which help to alleviate homesickness. Glenn describes his living conditions, mentioning that he is barracked with around 52 others from across the U.S. He discusses daily life, including doing his laundry and the quality of the food. Additionally, he mentions his plans to purchase a civilian suit in Manila and references a possible trip to San Francisco.

• 

  04. Angel lsland Letter: 1941-03-03

  Glenn Beyer

  This letter is from Pvt. Glenn Beyer, stationed at Fort McDowell on Angel Island, California. He shares personal updates with his family, mentioning the rainy and cold weather, his good health, and recent weight gain. He describes his long day of KP (kitchen patrol) duty and expresses appreciation for the letters and gifts he has received, including money from relatives and baked goods from a family friend. Glenn notes that he expects to leave on the 15th, though he has mixed feelings about it. He also mentions getting a haircut and promises to write a longer letter soon.

• 

  05. Angel lsland Letter: 1941-03-09

  Glenn Beyer

  This letter is from Pvt. Glenn Beyer, stationed at Fort McDowell on Angel Island, California. He describes his current location at the West Garrison, where he and his unit are awaiting transport on March 15 to Manila via Hawaii. A hand-drawn map diagram of Angel Island is included. Glenn is part of the 60th Coast Artillery that will be stationed on Corregidor Island, about 30 miles from Manila. He mentions receiving letters from family and friends, expresses his appreciation, and shares his desire for more correspondence since he will be at sea for nearly a month without mail. Glenn also describes his routine, including drills, inoculations, and leisure activities such as watching free shows and walking in the hills. He highlights the rainy weather and recounts his experiences exploring nearby areas. He closes the letter by reassuring his family that he will write from Hawaii and Manila, encouraging them to keep in touch.

• 

  06. Angel lsland Letter: 1941-03-21

  Glenn Beyer

  In this March 21, 1941 letter, Glenn writes to his family from Angel Island while preparing to depart with the military. He mentions having a wisdom tooth removed, listening to a boxing match, and finalizing his sailing schedule. Glenn expresses disappointment over canceled plans due to the upcoming voyage, reflects on his spiritual growth, and shares his hopes of attending college and working in ministry after his service. He sends love to his family and reassures them not to worry.

• 

  07. Angel Island Letter: 1941-03-n.d.

  Glenn Beyer

  In this undated March 1941 letter from Angel Island, Glenn writes to his younger brother Ken, addressing feelings of envy and emphasizing the hardships of military life, including homesickness and isolation. He urges Ken to appreciate being home, going to college, and having family nearby. Glenn advises him not to enlist but to focus on education and make their family proud. He encourages hard work and promises a tropical suit if Ken graduates with honors, ending the letter with heartfelt guidance and brotherly support.

• 

  08. Angel lsland Letter: 1941-03-n.d.

  Glenn Beyer

  In this undated March 1941 letter from Angel Island, Glenn thanks his family for their letters and a copy of the Capital newspaper. He mentions receiving frequent mail from friends, including Miriam Corkhill and Edith Kenny, and staying busy with replies. Glenn discusses upcoming mail limitations once in Manila, expresses disappointment at not hearing from a friend, and notes improving weather. He shares his appreciation for the care soldiers receive and reassures his mother not to worry. Glenn also mentions losing a photo but plans to send a new one soon. He ends with love and daily routine details.

• 

  09. Angel lsland Letter: 1941-03-n.d.

  Glenn Beyer

  This letter, written from Angel Island in March 1941, describes Glenn’s excitement upon receiving a large amount of mail, including letters and cards from family and friends. It recounts a weekend trip to San Francisco and Berkeley to meet with Mary Stuart and others, attend church, and sightsee around the University of California and nearby areas.

• 

  10. Angel lsland Letter: 1941-03-n.d.

  Glenn Beyer

  In this letter, dated Sunday evening in March 1941, Glenn informs his family that he will be departing the U.S. the next morning aboard a military transport ship headed for Corregidor in the Philippines. He shares details about meals, the weather, and fellow soldiers and wishes his mother a happy birthday. Glenn expresses love and encouragement to his siblings, reflects on past experiences, and assures his family of his faith and safety despite the upcoming voyage.

• 

  11. Angel lsland Letter: 1941-03-n.d.

  Glenn Beyer

  In this letter, written on a Monday morning in March 1941, Glenn informs his family that his military unit's departure has been delayed until the 31st. He describes being relocated back to East Garrison with better food and conditions. He recounts a late-night fire at North Garrison, likely caused by a careless guard, and mentions ongoing investigations. Glenn expresses continued good spirits, notes missing a chance to see Mary Stuart, thanks his family for the money sent, and encourages friends to write soon before his rescheduled departure.

• 

  12. Angel lsland Letter: 1941-03-n.d.

  Glenn Beyer

  In this heartfelt letter, Glenn writes to his family on a Friday evening, sharing that he has just finished a long day of kitchen patrol duty, starting at 3:30 AM. He compares the chaos to working at Koorman’s Store and mentions the scale of feeding 6,000 men. Glenn recounts receiving a letter and call from Mary Stuart, expressing regret that he can’t visit her before his Monday departure aboard the Republic. He also received an anonymous letter with a dollar and a blessing, likely from someone at the National Defenders Club. Glenn reassures his family not to worry and promises to write again soon.