Collection ID: LMC 2553
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Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Siurek, Walter Raymond
Abstract:
The Siurek mss., 1939-1946, consist of letters from Walter R. Siurek of the U.S. Coast Guard to his girlfriend Patricia Kurzyden in East Chicago, Indiana.
Extent:
1 Box (1 standard)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Item], Siurek mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Background

Biographical / Historical:

Walter Raymond Siurek of the Highland/East Chicago, Indiana area was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. He went on to marry his girlfriend Patricia Kurzyden, to whom the letters in this collection are addressed, and the couple had one daughter in 1948, Celeste Anne. During the war, Patricia Kuryden worked for the Inland Steel Company. After the war, the couple resided in the Highland/East Chicago area until Patricia's death on March 13, 1997, followed by Walter's death on April 23, 1998. Patricia Siurek (Kuryzden) had two siblings, Marie and Evelyn. The family name included one alternative spelling, Kuryzdym.

Scope and Content:

The collection consists of about 500 letters and postcards. Walter Siurek writes to Patricia Kuryzden first from numerous U.S. bases, then from overseas between the years of 1942 and 1946. These letters include cards, telegrams, and related clippings. The majority of these letters involved updates on the war from Walter and other soldiers, discussion about family and friends, talk about their relationship, and plans for after the war.

Also included are letters from other soldiers and sailors who were friends or classmates of Patricia and her sisters Marie and Evelyn. This collection includes numerous postcards, invitations, seasonal cards, and personal letters, the bulk of which are addressed directly to Patricia.

Acquisition information:
Purchase: 2007
Arrangement:

The collection is ranged by correspondence, first by the letters from Walter Siurek to Patricia Kuryzden in chronological order, followed by all other correspondence in alphabetical order by last name with each file being ordered chronologically by date.

Physical location:
Lilly - Stacks

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

This collection is open for research.

Many collections are housed offsite; retrieval requires advance notice. Please make an appointment a minimum of one week in advance of your visit.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Photography and digitization may be restricted for some collections. Copyright restrictions may apply. Before publishing, researchers are responsible for securing permission from all applicable rights holders, then filling out the Permission to Publish form.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[Item], Siurek mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
1200 East Seventh Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-5500, USA
CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
CONTACT:
(812) 855-2452
liblilly@indiana.edu