top of page
Miscellaneous Photos of Artifacts
These photos are of artifacts in the family's possession that are relevant items to Sweetie's life that has been reviewed in the Podcast thus far. Please look to the photos for additional details on each.
Sweetie's NAS Ottumwa Badge
This extremely rare metal pin is Sweetie's badge from working at Naval Air Station (NAS) Ottumwa during World War II. This badge would have been issued during the years 1942-1944.
The back of the badge is metal and the front of the badge has not faded over time, and shows a headshot of Sweetie herself, and the words U.S. N.A.S. Ottumwa Iowa with the identification number 12442.
It's just not clear how many of the women's identification badges from this base have survived the test of time. This may be the only remaining example. If you or someone you know has one of these badges in your possession from a family member, please let us know! Also, check out the work of the Friends of NAS Ottumwa, which is dedicated to preserving the history of NAS Ottumwa. You can check out their website at www.nasottumwa.org.
The back of the badge is metal and the front of the badge has not faded over time, and shows a headshot of Sweetie herself, and the words U.S. N.A.S. Ottumwa Iowa with the identification number 12442.
It's just not clear how many of the women's identification badges from this base have survived the test of time. This may be the only remaining example. If you or someone you know has one of these badges in your possession from a family member, please let us know! Also, check out the work of the Friends of NAS Ottumwa, which is dedicated to preserving the history of NAS Ottumwa. You can check out their website at www.nasottumwa.org.
Lew Graham's Service Button Bag
This US Navy Service Button bag belonged to Lewis Sidney Graham (Sweetie's husband) and was likely issued to him during boot camp.
This photo shows the bag itself as well as an assortment of some of the buttons. Images online indicate that the army had a similar bag (beige) with the same text printed on it ("service button bag"). However, it would seem that examples of the button bags for the US Navy in World War II are scarce, and many have likely not survived the test of time. The text on this bag is faded, but can still be seen.
The larger buttons in the back are for the peacoat. The small, blue buttons are for the sailor's bellbottom pants (front flap buttons). There are precisely 13 of these buttons in the bag, and there is a sailor's tale that there were 13 to represent the 13 original colonies. These pants also have a nickname - "Crackerjack Pants."
This photo shows the bag itself as well as an assortment of some of the buttons. Images online indicate that the army had a similar bag (beige) with the same text printed on it ("service button bag"). However, it would seem that examples of the button bags for the US Navy in World War II are scarce, and many have likely not survived the test of time. The text on this bag is faded, but can still be seen.
The larger buttons in the back are for the peacoat. The small, blue buttons are for the sailor's bellbottom pants (front flap buttons). There are precisely 13 of these buttons in the bag, and there is a sailor's tale that there were 13 to represent the 13 original colonies. These pants also have a nickname - "Crackerjack Pants."
Sweetie's Army and Navy Needle Book
This beautiful little paper book from the 1940's contains needles that Sweetie would use for sewing and mending clothes, etc.
The top left image is the front of the book (notice at the bottom of the image is the word "Iowa"), and the top right image is the back of the book. The image at the bottom shows the interior of the book, with her collection of sewing needles still intact.
The top left image is the front of the book (notice at the bottom of the image is the word "Iowa"), and the top right image is the back of the book. The image at the bottom shows the interior of the book, with her collection of sewing needles still intact.
Chester Demaree, M.D.'s Mortar and Pestle
This mortar and pestle belonged to Sweetie's father, Chester Demaree, M.D.
Chester was able to use this to compound his own medicines as the doctor for the rural town of Lacona, Iowa.
Chester was able to use this to compound his own medicines as the doctor for the rural town of Lacona, Iowa.
Lew's Guitar from Kansas
This is the guitar that Lew purchased in Hutchinson, Kansas in fall 1944. The guitar was made in the spring of 1943, and is a jazz guitar, so it is quite loud.
The guitar is in working order, and is in tune. Sweetie and Lew would sing together while Lew would play the guitar.
The model of the guitar is "Biltmore State," a type of archtop guitar. It was made by Harmony Guitars (this one was made in Chicago, Illinois). Harmony Guitars has been in business since 1892.
The guitar is in working order, and is in tune. Sweetie and Lew would sing together while Lew would play the guitar.
The model of the guitar is "Biltmore State," a type of archtop guitar. It was made by Harmony Guitars (this one was made in Chicago, Illinois). Harmony Guitars has been in business since 1892.
bottom of page