Ralph and Mary Ratcliff Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS-2867

Scope and Contents

Contains over 350 letters written by Mary Elizabeth McIlvain and Ralph J. Ratcliff over the course of their courtship, engagement, and marriage, with letters ending soon after their daughter, Dianna Alice, was born. They met through a mutual friend in 1941 and began writing letters late that year, with the friendship quickly turning into romance. Ralph's conscription into the army in 1942 meant that they spent much of the next three years apart, with the exception of furloughs and a period in 1943 when she lived with him in Buffalo, New York, before his next transfer. The letters end in mid-1944.

Letters indicate that Mary was the one to propose engagement to Ralph. She was also the one who initiated the letter-writing. Both were working when they first met: Mary at a garment factory in Paris, Kentucky, and Ralph at a machine company in Cleveland, Ohio.

Collection also contains other letters from friends and family, empty envelopes, pamphlets, newsletters, greeting cards from various occasions, and a photo album.

Dates

1941-1964
Majority of material found within 1941 - 1944

Conditions Governing Access

none

Biographical / Historical

Ralph Ratcliff (2/21/1915- ? ) and Mary Elizabeth McIlvain (11/17/1919-1/6/2009) began writing letters to each other in late 1941 after having met through a mutual friend. Ralph was drafted into the Army not long after their courtship became official and was transferred to many different camps across the eastern U.S. over the following three years. They were engaged in 1942 and married in March of 1943. A daughter, Dianna Alice Ratcliff, was born in mid-1944. They owned a floral shop later in life.

Extent

1.4 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

Contains letters written by Ralph J. Ratcliff and Mary Elizabeth McIlvain of Kentucky during Ralph's service in the Army. Letters cover their courtship, engagement, and marriage, in addition to the birth of their first child. Also included are correspondence from friends and family, pamphlets, envelopes, cards, and a photo album.