Letters Home: Christmas Greetings from an Alabamian in World War I
December 21, 2016
Alabamian Penrose Stout left a richly illustrated history of his service as a World War I aviator through his sketchbook and his letters home. Born in Montgomery in 1887, Stout enlisted in March 1917.
A member of the 1st Pursuit Group, 27th Aero Squadron, Stout was shot down near Charny during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in September 1918. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for attacking a German artillery installation and battling five enemy pilots.
After the war, Stout became a noted architect in New York and well known for his designs of country homes, part of the wave of suburbanization north of New York City in the early twentieth century. He died in 1934 at age 47.
While stationed in France during the Christmases of 1917 and 1918, he sent letters home to his mother with holiday greetings, warm wishes, and even his list for Santa. Stout’s keen sense of humor is evidenced in several of his writings. These letters along with many others and Stout’s sketchbook are now part of the Alabama Department of Archives and History’s permanent collection.
November 1917
A letter from Stout to his mother, Zemmie Stout Lawton, in Hartsville, South Carolina
“My precious Mother….One week from today will be the 1st of December and you and Tookins are already busy on your Xmas presents and it seems less than three weeks ago that I told you goodbye after your visit to Princeton. And while we are on the subject of Xmas, I don’t need a thing and the mail deliveries are so blamed uncertain that I hope you won’t attempt to send me anything. Of course if you knit me a pair of wristlets and a pair of 10 ½ or 11 grey socks with a couple of yellow stripes around the top, and put in some candy and a few cigs, the chance would be almost worthwhile.”
December 1917
Christmas card from Stout, stationed in France, to his mother
“There is no one for whom I wish more happiness on Christmas than my mother. So the best of it all for you and Cousin Joe and the household for Christmas, New Years and all the days that follow. I shall be thinking of the dearest person in all the world and wishing I could be with her and that person is you
October 5, 1918
Letter written by Stout when he was hospitalized, recovering from injuries in France, to his mother
“…this is what I am writing Santa Claus for:
- 1 hard propholoactive [sic] toothbrush
- 1 box delicately scented glycerin soap
- 6 film rolls for vest pocket Kodak
- 1 pkg. bouillon cubes
- 1 small pkg. good tea
- 1 billy goat and red wagon
Goodnight, precious -Penrose"
December 24, 1918
Christmas telegram from Stout while stationed in Hyeres, France to his mother
“Love for Xmas
-Penrose”