Letters Home: A Family's History Made Personal and Real

"As Ever, Bill."
On Thursday April 17, we at the East Hampton Public Library were delighted, proud, and deeply moved to receive a new addition to our book collection.

In this book, As Ever, Bill: Letters Home -- a series of over 300 letters written between January 1943 and December 1945 -- East Hampton son William R. Knotek chronicled his service as 1st Lieutenant in the First Fighter Squadron Second Air Commando Group, United States Army Air Corp. Lt. Knotek also served in the 4th Combat Cargo Squadron. Both units participated in the China Burma India Theater of World War II.

Letters Home: A Pilot's Journey
Lt. Knotek served in the Army Air Corps, the forerunner of the United States Air Force. His letters offer first-person insights on what it was like to train on and fly premiere aircraft of the day and his experiences undertaking World War II Air Corp assignments. As with every active service soldier, caring for family and connection to home shine through.

Left to Right: Theresa K. Schlosser,
Jeanette Knotek, Robin Knotek Bova,
William Richard Knotek

Letters Home: A Family's Gift
In an electronic age -- the age of quick pics, 140 characters, and Hope U R well messages -- writing letters may seem to be old fashioned or passé. We think not and the Knotek Family may very well help change the view.

As Ever, Bill: Letters Home is currently included in our new book collection. The book circulates for 14 days. Enjoy this important slice of local and world history made personal and real.

East Hampton (Connecticut) News: Digital Version

Say Hello to the East Hampton News Online
The East Hampton News was once a mighty print newspaper serving East Hampton, Connecticut. The paper was what we would today describe as a hyperlocal news outlet. The library and the Chatham Historical Society hold collections of the original newspapers and as you might expect, the paper copies have deteriorated and require careful handling.

An Essential Thank You to the Connecticut State Library
The library and the Connecticut State Library's (CSL) Preservation Office opened discussions about the potential to digitize the East Hampton News in summer 2013. The CSL held duplicate negatives of the East Hampton News on film: issues in 1887-1888 and issues from July 1, 1932 through Dec. 31, 1952.

With best preservation practice, technical, and logistical advice from Preservation Librarian Jane Cullinane and Gail Hurley from the iCONN office, the CSL allowed the library to borrow the duplicate negatives. Our digitization vendor, Advantage Preservation, has since then digitized the film and created a searchable database.

Using Our Database
Click here for free online access. Take advantage of the Help Button for best advice on how to craft a useful search that yields best results. If you need help, email the library or give us a call.

Special thanks to the Chatham Historical Society for supporting the project.