Sweetie in Ottumwa

The content of this album provides some details about Sweetie and Lew's life in Ottumwa, Iowa. Sweetie moved to Ottumwa after leaving Parsons College in early 1942, took a business course there, got a job first working with contractors at Naval Air Station (NAS) Ottumwa while it was being constructed, and then continued to work officially for the United States Navy at NAS Ottumwa. Sweetie met her husband, Lew Graham, in Ottumwa while he was serving in the United States Navy at NAS Ottumwa, and the two were married in town at the Cory family home. Sweetie and Lew remained in Ottumwa through June 1944, when Lew received orders to transfer to NAS Hutchinson in Kansas, and Sweetie moved to Hutchinson as well. Additionally, some photographs of artifacts that are in relation to Ottumwa are presented here.

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 Pink Pig - Interior Menu from 1947

This rare menu from the Pink Pig, which was located at the Hotel Ottumwa, shows what the restaurant was serving on May 21, 1947.

Note the prices of the items in the 1940's. The "Hamburger on Bun" was 20 ¢. A coffee was 5¢. Not everything was less than a dollar - the Grilled Fillet of Mignon with baked potatoes, lima beans, a salad, and a drink & dessert was $1.75.