Stories from the Sprague Log: 1944: News and Letters from the Armed Forces

In 1944, there was a recurring section that gave updates and firsthand letters from former workers in the Sprague Log company newsletter. This section went by a few different names, such as “Letters and News from the Armed Forces,” or “News From Our Workers In Service,” but featured the same content. These letters served as a way for workers who currently worked at Sprague to hear directly from some of the former coworkers. Along with letters, this section also gave updates about workers, with some focus on former workers lost in service or reported missing. It also showed pictures of some workers and gave some positive updates as well. We see in the January 8th, 1944, log that there are a few different former workers’ pictures featured in this section. This section was meant for current workers to be able to see where some of their friends were stationed and even get to hear from them through the letters. Again, in the January 8th log, we hear from Lt. Louis A. Gazzaniga, who gives updates on what his experience have been like during their time overseas. While this section was meant for workers, we see a great appreciation from the workers’ writing in as well.

The letters were coming in from former workers of Sprague who were stationed all around the world. In every newsletter, there are multiple letters under the “News From Our Workers In Service,” everything from talking about their experiences, to where they were stationed, and even how much they appreciated gifts, such as cigarettes, that were sent to them. One common theme that continued to recur during these messages was how much these military workers enjoyed receiving the Sprague Log. We hear from Pvt. Calvin W. Aubertine in the November 25th, 1944, log, where he says, “it sure makes a fellow feel good to read how the old plant is doing.” With these workers across the world, the Sprague Log gave them some sense of normality. Another service member who showed his appreciation was Cpl. Harold Sharron in the March 25 log, who wrote, “I enjoy the copies very much and hope you will continue to send them.” The letters published in the Sprague Log were greatly appreciated by the former workers in service. It gave them updates about how Sprague was doing and what was going on in North Adams, while also being able to share updates of their own through the “Letters and News from the Armed Forces” section of the Sprague Log.