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Kunkee, Ralph E : Collection of About 63 Original Letters, Etc. Related to Ralph Kunkee, 1945-1946

Collection of about 63 original materials related to Ralph E. Kunkee, predominantly composed of about 49 letters in envelopes by Ralph in which he writes about his time in the United States Navy and at UC Berkeley as an undergraduate. All correspondence by Ralph signed by him as his first name or "R." Letters are written in pen or pencil and on a variety of stationery including plain; United States Navy; United States Pacific Fleet, Air Force, Fleet Air, West Coast; and University of California. 48 letters are handwritten; one letter by Ralph is typed. One belongs to a friend named Stewart. Letter count is approximate, in part, due to at least one envelope containing more than one letter. Some of the envelopes are handwritten, others typed (most free-franked). Dates are from 1945-1946. Sizes range between 2" x 3 1/2" and 7" x 11." Correspondence is 115 pages (one side of paper is one page); postcards and birthday card included in page count. Materials very clean and intact except for light age toning to the paper and slight wrinkling on a few items. A Very Good collection. This is a comprehensive collection of primary source materials that offers insight into the time and historical events of 1945-1946 as well as the thoughts, observations, and life of Ralph Kunkee who would go on to become a UC professor and prominent figure in the world of winemaking. Ralph's letters are written on such a regular (about weekly) basis as to provide a thorough, virtually seamless record of his time in the Navy from 1945-1946. Letters are very well-written. Ralph E. Kunkee (1927-2011) was a biochemist and professor of wine microbiology at UC Davis. His research in the fields of viticulture and enology changed the standards of winemaking practices in the global wine industry regarding the microbiological stability of wine. He served in the U.S. Navy for one year. Also included: notice of change of address from Naval Department dated September 29, 1945 (Ralph's rank listed as V-6); Naval Department card about visitations (Ralph's company is 45-461); 1946 birthday card from Ralph to his father showing a monkey on front; and two postcards dated 10/1/1945 and 10/29/1945, respectively (the 10/1/1945 postcard is the earliest correspondence, Ralph writes to his parents about entering Naval boot camp, getting a physical and haircut, and meeting new people). Ralph's letters are addressed to his parents and Aunt Electa in Atascadero, CA with most written in San Diego, CA. At UC Berkeley, Ralph's locations are Berkeley and Richmond, CA. The letters in this collection begin with Ralph's time in Naval boot camp (letters dated 10/1/1945-12/7/1945). He writes about daily camp life, a challenging water obstacle course, and not being affected after a training exercise in which he walked into a tear gas chamber. Subsequent letters are about his time working as a Navy yeomen at Naval Air Station, San Diego after boot camp (letters dated 12/22/1945-8/12/1946). Ralph mentions some historical events such as Operation Crossroads on Bikini Atoll, which involved the first nuclear detonations after World War II, and the repatriation of Manuel Quezon's body to the Philippines aboard the USS Princeton. Quezon (1878-1944) was the 2nd President of the Philippines. Ralph notes a "21 gun salvo salute" from the Princeton docked nearby. Ralph also writes about his friends and acquaintances frequently and talks about what he does in his free time. He watches a number of movies, notes major holidays, visits an amusement park, mentions his meals, and talks about his routine bus trips going to and from town (includes San Diego and Los Angeles among others). In military life, he gets his glasses repaired, undergoes routine inspections by the Admiral and other officers, has night duty, and thanks his parents and aunt for gifts they send him. The last letters are about Ralph taking classes at UC Berkeley. Ralph's very last letter is dated 12/4/1946, and he writes about local strikes.. Manuscript. Book Condition: Collectible-Very Good. Binding: No Binding

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