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Walter J. Feuchter papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS 3251

Abstract

The Walter J. Feuchter papers contain correspondence, photographs, and ephemera collected by Walter J. Feuchter and his mother, Margaret A. Feuchter. The bulk of the collection consists of letters written by Walter while he was in Army training in Camp Wheeler, Georgia, 1942-1943.

Dates

  • 1913 - 1951

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is available for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.

Biographical / Historical

Walter John Feuchter was born on June 1, 1904, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the youngest of five to John (1859-1916) and Margaret Feuchter (1860-1950), both children of German immigrants. Walter's siblings were Louis (1885-1957), Alice (1888-1968), Harry (1894-1971), and William (1900-1986). Walter's eldest brother Louis was a notable artist, whose oils and watercolor paintings on Bay sailing crafts are held by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Walter Feuchter lived at 726 N. Kenwood Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland, with his mother when the United States declared war on Germany in December 1941. In the 1940 U.S. Federal Census, his occupation is listed as a paper hanger, or someone who applies wallpaper. After the war began, he applied for defense work at the Bethlehelm-Fairfield Shipyard. On his application, he writes that he "would side-step paperhanging to do something useful in these times." Feuchter joined the Army on October 20, 1942, and lived in training camp in Fort Wheeler, Georgia, and Fort Meade, Maryland. According to his letters home, he applied for discharge on the grounds that he held a defense job at Bethlehelm Steel. Walter Feuchter died in December 1992 at the age of 88.

Extent

0.21 Linear Feet (3 folders)

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

The collection is arranged chronologically. Folders with date ranges are ordered according to the earliest date.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Transferred from the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, February 2009.

Scope and Contents

The Walter J. Feuchter papers contain letters, one notebook, ephemera, two photographs, and miscellaneous bills and receipts, circa 1913-1951.The bulk of the collection consists of letters, written by Walter to his family in Baltimore while he was stationed at Camp Wheeler, Georgia, and Fort Meade, Maryland, between November 1942 and February 1943. Walter discusses his day-to-day life in the Army, often commenting that he'd better serve his country elsewhere. "I feel that my time is being wasted here, I'd be more useful building ships" (1942 December 20). His later letters revolve around trying to get discharged and the paperwork needed to secure his release.

The ephemera consists of miscellaneous tickets and coupons, as well as ration books belonging to Walter and Margaret Feuchter, circa 1943. Also included is a V-Mail, or Victory Mail, package containing blank envelopes to send out to soldiers.

The photographs in the collection depict Harry Feuchter, Walter's older brother. Both photographs show Harry Feuchter in uniform during World War I, and have notes on the reverse. Also included is a notebook kept by young Walter, circa 1917, an employment application to Bethlehelm Steel, and miscellaneous bills and receipts belonging to Walter and his mother, Margaret Feuchter. Of particular note is a 1951 contract for a tombstone by the Baltimore Monument Works, depicting a sketch of a headstone for John and Margaret Feuchter.

Title
Guide to the Walter J. Feuchter papers
Status
Completed
Author
Mallory Harwerth
Date
2022-04
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository

Contact:
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750