Hook family World War I letter and clippings
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Abstract
This collection contains a letter from Mary A. Hook to her mother, Katherine E. Hook, describing the grave of her brother, Alfred J. Hook, and the cemetery for the American soldiers killed in Bony (Aisne), France during World War I.
Biographical note
The Hook family resided at 1001 Ocean Avenue in Brooklyn. Alfred J. Hook was with the 106th Infantry during World War I and was killed in action in 1918 while helping to break the Hindenburgh Line in Germany. He received the Distinguished Service Cross and was buried in Bony (Aisne), France. His sister, Mary A. Hook, travelled to France in 1920 to visit her brother's gravesite. She wrote a letter to her mother, Katherine E. Hook, which was reprinted in the Brooklyn Eagle on August 15, 1920. The letter caused a sensation and was printed in pamphlet form and distributed throughout the United States in honor of American soldiers buried overseas.
Arrangement
This small collection is housed in a single folder with no particular arrangement.
Scope and Contents
This collection contains a letter from Mary A. Hook to her mother, Katherine E. Hook, describing the grave of her brother, Alfred J. Hook, and the cemetery for the American soldiers killed in Bony (Aisne), France during World War I. The letter is cut out from the August 15, 1920 Brooklyn Daily Eagle issue in which it first appeared, and is also included in the pamphlet form in which it was later published and distributed. Also included are two newspaper clippings regarding the death of Albert J. Hook and the publication of Mary A. Hook's letter.
Subjects
Families
People
Conditions Governing Access
Open to users without restriction.
Conditions Governing Use
The materials in this collection are in the public domain. While many items at the Center for Brooklyn History are unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Be aware of the several kinds of rights that might apply: copyright, licensing and trademarks. The researcher assumes all responsibility for copyright questions.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date (if known); Hook family World War I letter and clippings, 1978.104, Box and Folder number; Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Source and date of acquisition unknown. Formally accessioned in 1978.
About this Guide
Processing Information
Minimally processed to the collection level. This collection was rehoused and the finding aid revised by Dee Bowers in 2024. The clippings have been photocopied and the originals discarded, excepting the image of Alfred J. Hook.
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Container
This finding aid does not include an online listing of contents.
To learn about viewing this collection in person, please contact cbhreference@bklynlibrary.org.
