Inventory of the John Zeigler Papers, 1927-2011 (bulk 1942-1946)

Correspondence between John Zeigler and Edwin Peacock focuses primarily on day-to-day life at their respective military posts; books they are currently reading; music, either on the radio or on records; movies playing at the local theater; the scenery of the region, in particular the flora. John Zeigler additionally writes about the local village and Indian tribes and military social events such as dances. Edwin Peacock often adds his culinary adventures. The letters of 1944 increasingly talk about the possibility of a coinciding leave, and the frustrations about its achievement. While on leave from June to August of that year, the letters are free from military censorship and therefore more genuinely express the emotions Ziegler and Peacock felt toward each other. Ziegler sometimes uses the name "Martha" as an affectionate reference to Edwin. Letters from John Zeigler to Edwin Peacock while touring with the U.S.S. Dickens also discuss his hospitalization. Letters from Edwin Peacock to John Zeigler while Ziegler was on the Dickens were not saved because of his hospital stays and lack of personal storage space. The activities of Peacock during those years are revealed in his letters to George Scheirer. The majority of the letters are signed “Your Cousin.”

Correspondence between George Scheirer, John Zeigler and Edwin Peacock focuses primarily on similar themes included in the exchanges between John Zeigler and Edwin Peacock. Additionally the letters from Peacock include excerpts from literature and amusing anecdotes he had recently heard, as well as his attempts to get the writings of Zeigler published. The letters from Ziegler during 1942 discuss life before the draft, the choice to join the Naval Reserve and subsequent training. During the war years letters occasionally include poems written by Zeigler; letters from Peacock convey a deep concern about the well being of his friends. The postwar letters deal with Ziegler and Peacock's business, the Book Basement, in addition to music, books, movies and general personal matters. The majority of the letters from Peacock are signed “Affectionately.”

Military events mentioned in the men's letters include war bonds, the fall of Tunis, the taking of Amchitka, possibilities of invasion on French coast, the capture of Rome, V-E Day, Eisenhower's visit to Washington and report to Congress, V-J Day, and the battles of Saipan, Okinawa and Iwo Jima. There are two detailed letters dated March 20, 1945 that pertain to John Ziegler's involvement in battle, located in the folders titled “From John to Edwin, 1945,” and “From John to George, 1945.”

Names mentioned in the letters (in addition to the individuals listed in family member folder below) include: Marjorie Davis, Tony Falsone, Carson McCullers (friend of Peacock's), Leon Scheirer, Nellian Scheirer (George Scheirer's sister), Frank Schwermin (POW), and Joe Tucker.

The addition (2008-0177) (1 item; 0.1 lin. ft.; 1944) consists of one journal kept by Zeigler in 1944. Although the entries are short, they include some account of his time at Yakutat, and convey the development of his career as a writer.

The addition (2009-0002) (150 items; 0.1 lin. ft.; 1928-1980) consists largely of correspondence between Zeigler and his family during his time at college. There is also correspondence between him and friends, particularly George Scheirer, dating from the 1950s, and some newspaper clippings regarding Scheirer's death.

The addition (2009-0087) (150 items; 0.2 lin. ft.; 1944-1987 and no date) consists of correspondence to and from John Zeigler, including letters to his relatives during World War II, letters from Jonathon Williams (1987), and the last letter he received from Edwin Peacock (no date).

The addition (2009-0182) (45 items; 0.1 lin. ft.; dated 1942-2003) primarily contains letters from Zeigler to family members. Also includes photographs, postcards, a v-mail, clippings, writings, and a family member's will.

The addition (2011-0060) (29 items; 0.2 lin. ft.; dated 1939-2011) primarily contains letters to Zeigler from others. Also includes two letters, written by and written to Edwin Peacock. The letter written by Peacock is the final one he composed.