In 1943 Carl was a young man a long way from home – over 4,000 miles, in fact, in Amchitaka, Alaska. His family had been good about writing and he missed them. Who knew when he would see them again. His agreement with Uncle Sam said “for the duration.”
So he sent them a souvenir from Alaska. A silk pillowcase printed with a totem pole, a dogsled team, mountains and a state map. It was inexpensive, could be folded up and mailed home easily.
A lot of servicemen and women sent home these pillows. Printed in three or four colors and bordered with corded fringe, they became popular remembrances. Sometimes a sentimental poem and a “To Mother” or “To My Sweetheart” made the pillow even more personal. After the war similar styles continued to be purchased as souvenirs of travels and famous locations.
Our family cedar chest provided the Alaska pillow and also these from Camp Atterbury, Indiana, and Camp McQuaide, California.
Connection: Carl Horlacher was my father.
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