Letter from Frank B. Wilson to Hanford M. Burr (November 19, 1916)
Description:
A seventeen-page letter from Frank B. Wilson to Hanford M. Burr, dated November 19th, 1916. In this letter, Wilson tells Burr about experiences working with the YMCA overseas. Frank B. Wilson (1889-1969) was born in Kingston, Ontario. He attended school in Ottawa, where his father opened a bicycle store which ultimately developed into one of the city's first automobile sales outlets. Frank attended Stanstead College (Class of 1908) and later enrolled at Springfield College (Class of 1916). Wilson went overseas in World War I as a captain in the 2nd division, being attached to the Canadian YMCA war services. In 1917 he was promoted to the Adjutant of the Overseas War Services. On his discharge he served for a year with the National Council of YMCA and, prior to his return to Montreal, studied education psychology at Columbia University. It was in 1928 that he first became associated with the Mutual Life Assurance Company. At the outbreak of World War II, he volunteered for overseas duty but was turned down. Instead he chose to contribute his services by organizing entertainment for the armed forces, becoming chairman of the Auxiliary Services Entertainment Committee for the Montreal Military District No. 4. In 1941 he was appointed personnel superintendent of the D.I.L. shell-filling plant at Bouchard near Ste. Therese, which post gave him the opportunity to boost the morale of hardworking employees there. After 2.5 years he was able to return to his insurance post. He passed away on May 27 1969.
Text and images are owned, held, or licensed by Springfield College and are available for personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that ownership is properly cited. A credit line is required and should read: Courtesy of Springfield College, Archives and Special Collections. Any commercial use without written permission from Springfield College is strictly prohibited. Other individuals or entities other than, and in addition to, Springfield College may also own copyrights and other propriety rights. The publishing, exhibiting, or broadcasting party assumes all responsibility for clearing reproduction rights and for any infringement of United States copyright law.
Contact host institution for more information.
