Manuscript Nancy [Dole] Poche Collection Finding AidBy Susan Alig and Judy Sweets
[Printer Friendly] | [Contact us about this collection]Title: Nancy [Dole] Poche Collection, 1938-1963
ID: 01/
Volume: 4.0 Boxes
Arrangement: The original letters along with their transcriptions are arranged chronologically and are stored in four archival binder box albums in the secure vault of the stacks. Digitized copies and transcriptions of the letters are stored in four binders in the Processing Room.
Date Acquired: 06/20/2008
Formats/Genres: Correspondence
Languages: English
The Nancy (Dole) Poche letter collection contains 174 letters written between 1938 and 1963. Most of the correspondence is between Senator Dole's brother, Kenneth "Kenney" Dole, and his parents, Doran and Bina Dole of Russell, Kansas during World War II. There is also one letter from Kenneth to his parents in 1938 and one letter to Congressman Bob Dole in 1963. Highlights of the collection include letters from Bina Dole to Bob Dole in April of 1945, after he had been injured in Italy. There is also correspondence between Kenneth and Bob and other family members regarding Dole's extended recovery process. The letters offer a glimpse into daily life of a Private (later promoted to Corporal) in the United States military during World War II. Kenneth was stationed in the Pacific theater of the war. Also the letters provide detailed information about life on the Kansas home front during the war. It may be helpful to know that there were four Dole children: Kenneth, Bob, Norma Jean (referred to as N.J. or Norma) and Gloria. Gloria's husband was named Larry, and their son (whose birth and first year are chronicled here) was Larry Ray, also referred to as "Punky." Nancy (Dole) Poche is the daughter of Kenneth Dole and a niece of Senator Bob Dole. All letters have been scanned and are open for research. Organization and sleeving of original letters-Lauren Takamoto Scanning of original letters-Susan Alig. Transcription of original letters--Sandi Miller, Nancy Hale and Kristine Schenk. Data entry and download to Archon--Amit Patel.
Acquisition Source: Nancy (Dole) Poche
Acquisition Method: By Deed of Gift. Dole Institute Archivist, Judy Sweets traveled to Russell, Kansas on 06/20/2008 to accept the donation of the letters from Nancy (Dole) Poche. At that time photographs were taken of Ms. Poche, one photograph showing her holding one of the letters.
Related Materials: Closely related are 400 letters from Bob Dole that were written primarily while he was a student at the University of Kansas and later serving in the military during World War II. Some of the Bob Dole letters also contain letters to or from his brother, Kenney [Kenny] Dole.