WW2 Era “Living Letters” Project with Digitized Audio

[Heartfeltzero]

Hello. So there’s something cool I’m going to attempt to do. I have about 5 of these old records. They’re all from WW2. Back then soldiers could have a recorded message made and sent to their family. Sorta as a “Living Letter”. I’ve never dealt with records or record players before so it’s going to be new to me, but I plan on getting everything I need (correct record player, correct needle/stylus to play these old 78 rpm records, then I’m going to attempt to digitize them. If all goes well I will put them into video form and will post the links to them here for you guys to check out and listen to.

[Willmore]

Hi JB.

Really interesting pieces, it will be great to hear what is said on the records. I only recently learnt that this practice was done and I am not aware of anyone else who has tried to do what you are planning, so it will be very special indeed!

Kind regards,

Will.

[Grimebox]

Good luck. I’ll see how you get on and might try it with mine.

[Wolf]

A great idea. There's definitely some exciting stuff to hear. I wish you every success for your project.

Best regards
Wolf

[Heartfeltzero]

WW2 Era Voices Of Victory “Living Letter” Audio Recording - YouTube

This is the link to my first digitized record. I cleaned up the audio as much as possible. Hope you guys enjoy it!

[Willmore]

Hi JB.

Really great stuff and thank you for the link.

Kind regards,

Will.

[Willmore]

I had a search and found Ralph.

Ralph Clio Brown in the U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947

Name: Ralph Clio Brown
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age: 23
Relationship to Draftee Self (Head)
Birth Date: 16 Jun 1917
Birth Place: Malden, Washington
Residence Place: Spokane, Washington, USA
Registration Date: 16 Oct 1940
Registration Place: Washington, USA
Height: 6
Weight: 190
Complexion: Light
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Blue
Next of Kin: Daniel Clinton Brown (Father)

[Willmore]

Del and Ralph.

[Willmore]

Ralph married his wife 'Barlee' on December 26th 1940. Ralph worked as a fireman in Spokane, a physical trainer in Palm Springs during WWII, and spent 33 years as a teacher, coach, and school administrator in Lind and Davenport. They were married for 60+ years and had four children.



Post war.



Later years.

[Willmore]

Name: Ralph Clio Brown
Birth Date: 16 Jun 1917
Birth Place: Malden, Whitman County, Washington, United States of America
Death Date: 14 Jun 2001
Death Place: Lincoln, Lincoln County, Washington, United States of America
Cemetery: Greenwood Memorial Terrace
Burial or Cremation Place: Spokane, Spokane County, Washington, United States of America

Ralph Clio Brown (1917-2001) - Find a Grave Memorial

This is 'uncle Del' from the recording that Ralph mentions - Delmer Leroy “Del” Brown.

Delmer Leroy “Del” Brown (1919-1992) - Find a Grave Memorial

Kind regards,

Will.