The William J. Buch Papers contains photographs, scrapbook pages, and personal letters to and from William J. Buch, also known as Joe. Several letters and items pertain to his likeness to Franklin D. Roosevelt, including correspondence with the White House and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library. Other items include documents and photographs of his service in World War I, Lancaster County boxers, and his son's World War II service.
Admin/Biographical History
William "Joe" Buch served in World War I. He founded Buch's Pharmacy at the corner of Charlotte and King Streets in Lancaster, Pa. and later ventured into the sporting goods business. Mr. Buch was known as a Franklin D. Roosevelt double and wrote often to offer support to the President. Mr. Buch was very active in the local and state Democratic Party. He posed as Roosevelt's twin at many political events. More information is available in Folder 17.
Men in World War II military uniforms. Written on back: "First 28thers to come back during war. Armstrong paid expenses for touring for recuiting!" Possibly Post 33.
Provenance
From MG-28 Society of the 28th Division, American Expeditionary Force
Officers of the First Battalion, 109th Infantry Division, 28th Infantry Division, the "Swimmando Battalion", taken at Pfenning Downs, Wiltshire, England). Bottom row: Capt. John F. Ritter CO Co. C; Chaplain John Stevens; Captain Richard F. Leach, CO Co. D; Capt Howard E. Morgan, CO Hqrs. Co.; Lt. Col. Daniel B. Strickler, CO 1st Bn.; Major Harold Martin, Executive Officer 1st Bn.; Capt. Charles R. Thomas CO Co. B; Capt. John Sharbaugh, S-3, 1st Bn.; Capt. John Moran, CO Co. A; 1st Lieut. Charles W. Scott, S-2, 1st Bn.
Second row: 1st. Lieut. Frank V. West, CO Co. B (killed); 1st Lieut. L. G. Armstrong, Ex. Officer Hqrs Co. (killed); 1st Lieut. Ralph N. Dane, Communications Officer 1st Bn.; 1st Lieut. James F. Mellon, Co. A; 1st M. R. Whitetree, Co. A; Capt. Henry A. Dollear, Surgeon; 1st Lt. Wilford A. Dulac, Co. C.; 1st Lt. Howard S. Hauff, S-4 1st Bn.; 1st Lt. Hobart L. Heartsill, Co. D.
Top row: 1st Lt. Paul E. Mitchell, Co. C; 2nd Lieut. Charles E. Rhodes, Comm. Officer, 1st Bn.; 2nd Lt. Clarence West, Co. D; 1st Lt. Arthur W. Maxham, Co. D (killed); 2nd Wm. Huchko, Co. A; 1st Lt. Clarence E. Browning, Co. B (killed); 1st Lt. Robert M. O'Dea, Co. D; 2nd Lt. Wm. H. Purdy, Co. B (killed); 1st Lt. E. B. Noll, Co. D; 2nd Lt. Don. J. Bowen, Co. A; 1st Lt. Charles E. Potter, Co. C; 1st Edw. A. Hitchen, Co. D.
Provenance
From MG-29 The General Daniel B. Strickler Collection
Three women in a doorway. Written on back: "Maman, Zieme et Margeurite, le 24-1-43." Photograph possibly taken during Paul Baker Witmer's military service in north Africa during World War II.
Woman in plaid coat and printed dress standing by an automobile. Photograph possibly taken during Paul Baker Witmer's military service in north Africa during World War II.
Woman in printed dress standing by a chicken wire fence and stone ruins. Photograph possibly taken during Paul Baker Witmer's military service in north Africa during World War II.
