World War, 1939-1945

Scope and Contents This collection contains sixteen copied photographs across eight sheets documenting Betty Lane Barczak's service as a civilian employee on base at Sarasota Army Air Field during World War II. The photographs capture what civilian service looked like at the airfield, including depictions of the gas drills that Betty lane & her coworkers took part in, as well as her time dancing & socializing at the NCO club. Photographs with army personnel, some identified, are also found here, in...

Scope and Contents This collection contains correspondence and documentation of Charles William Mays during his time in World War II as apprentice seamen for the U.S. Coast Guard. The collection also has photographs of Charles’ family and his wife Doris Alice (ne Anderson) Mays. Other documents in this collection include Doris’ application process for the Women’s Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) for the United States Air Force, as well as a letter from Jacqueline Cochran, head of the Women Airforce Service...

Scope and Contents This collection of Peter Strader’s personal records contains personal correspondence, family photographs and photographs from the Players Theatre in Sarasota, Florida. The personal correspondence spans the years of Strader’s time enlisted in World War II through several years after he was discharged. The photographs from the Players Theatre include interior photographs, sets and set design, plays and performances in action and various headshots of identified and unidentified staff and...

Scope and Contents

Photocopies of original records from the Air Force Historical Research Agency at Maxwell Air Force Base documenting the history of Sarasota Army Air Base (Sarasota Army Air Field). The records include an extensive narrative history of the base, biographical sketches of the base officers, plus a unit history for the 337th Fighter Group. Historical data on Hillsborough Army Air Field and Pinellas Army Air Field are also included.