Dykes family papers, 1942-1945

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Summary

Creator:
John Hope Franklin Research Center for African and African American History and Culture, Dykes, Lawyer L., 1915-1982, Dykes, Hattie P., 1916-2005, Dykes, Leo J., 1917-1996, and Peavy, Benjamin J., 1921-2005
Abstract:
The Dykes were an African American family residing in Akron, Ohio, in 1940. Collection comprises 69 items, primarily family correspondence between Lawyer and Hattie Dykes by their brothers, Leo Dykes and Benjamin J. Peavy, from their military posts during World War II. Subjects common to both sets of letters include the weather, often hotter than both men are accustomed to in Ohio; pay and the recognition of the stability it affords; leave and plans for it; entertainment offered at the base; each man's war fatigue; and family news and greetings. Acquired as part of the John Hope Franklin Research Center for African and African American History and Culture.
Extent:
0.25 Linear Feet
Language:
Materials in English.
Collection ID:
RL.11974

Background

Scope and content:

Collection comprises 69 items, primarily family correspondence between Lawyer and Hattie Dykes by their brothers, Leo Dykes and Benjamin J. Peavy, from their military posts during World War II. Included are also a few letters Leo Dykes wrote to his mother, Daisy, during the period. Subjects common to both sets of letters include the weather, often hotter than both men are accustomed to in Ohio; pay and the recognition of the stability it affords; leave and plans for it; entertainment offered at the base; each man's war fatigue; and family news and greetings. Leo Dykes describes his experiences primarily while serving in Camp Lejeune, N.C., but also in San Francisco and the Asian Pacific Islands between 1943-1945. He writes about the "toughness" of marines and his training in sharpshooting, camouflage, and ammunition, along with his promotions; Lawyer's business ventures; and being out on the town in New Bern, N.C. However, Dykes spends more time writing about the relationships of couples he knows and his interest in women, along with how military service has changed him, making him less willing to put up with uncaring or unfaithful partners.

Benjamin Peavy wrote while stationed at the Greenville Army Flying School in Greenville, Miss., from 1942-1944. Topics specific to this set of letters include Peavy's athletic prowess and participation in traveling team sports, his promotions from private to corporal and associated move from recreation director to supply room officer, and an operation required for his ear. He feels deep sympathy for others, including all of his friends and relatives who are found eligible for the draft or are inducted, as well as family members who may be stressed by higher food prices and taxes. There are limits to his sympathy, however. At one point he mentions there are white soldiers who are refusing to salute an African American soldier and are being forced to do so in recognition of rank. He also places great emphasis on music and the procurement of a proper radio and record players, both for himself and for family members. The collection also contains a few documents, including forms for Lawyer's financing of a car and an organizing application from his Elizabeth Park Homes neighborhood council. Acquired as part of the John Hope Franklin Research Center for African and African American History and Culture.

Biographical / historical:

The Dykes were an African American family residing in Akron, Ohio, in 1940. Among the extended family were parents Rev. Arthur Lee (1894-1964) and Daisy Arnold Dykes (1895-1973), along with their sons: Lawyer Lee Dykes (1915-1982) and his wife, Hattie P. (1916-2005), and Leo (born William) J. Dykes (1917-1996). Leo Dykes served in the 5th Marine Ammunition Company during World War II; he eventually rose to the rank of corporal. Hattie's brother, Benjamn J. Peavy, also resided in Akron, and served in the army's 51st Aviation Squadron during World War II, where he was promoted to corporal.

Acquisition information:
The Dykes family papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a purchase in 2013.
Processing information:

Processed by Alice Poffinberger, September 2013, and Leah Tams, January 2022.

Accessions described in this collection guide: 2013-0089.

Arrangement:

Arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

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Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the Rubenstein Library's Citations, Permissions, and Copyright guide.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Dykes family papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

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https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m14q8s