Honor those who have served our country in a special way – through the letters they sent home – at T.B. Scott Free Library on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m.
The book “Dear Laura” is a compilation of letters sent to Laura Norenberg of Tomahawk by servicemen and women. From 1942 to 1945, Norenberg, who worked as a nurse in the area, sent hundreds of letters and care packages with birthday gifts, cookies, and Tomahawk newspapers to locals serving in the military.
Tomahawk Area Historical Society Director Gordy Lovsletten, caretaker of the museum’s military room, discovered Laura’s letters, and fellow historian Dave Baltes collaborated with him to create “Dear Laura.” The book is full of letters sent back to Laura, expressing their gratitude and recounting what they were experiencing far from home.
The Nov. 1 program will be presented by Gordy Lovsletten; US Air Force Veteran, retired after 20 years from the Wisconsin Army National Guard, Co. A, 632nd Armor of Merrill. Lovsletten is the historian for Bronsted Searl Post 93, American Legion and a member of the Board of Directors for the Tomahawk Area Historical Society. Baltes, retired as a colonel, is originally from Madison, lived in Tomahawk, and now in Wausau. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin, served 30 years in the United States Army and is a graduate of the Army Command, General Staff College and The Army War College. Baltes has written a number of historical monographs on military subjects.
Enjoy refreshments, courtesy of the First Street Coffee Station and The Checkered Churn at the Dear Laura program, beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 1 in T.B. Scott Free Library’s Community Room. Copies of Dear Laura will be available for sale & signing. For additional info call 715-536-7191 or check www.tbscottlibrary.com.