We are very fortunate to have much of the story of Alvin’s life preserved for us in his own words. Enjoy his memoirs in six segments, by clicking the following links, or see our notes and pictures below.
- Youth and School Years
- Early Employment, Courtship, & Marriage
- War Declared
- Serving Overseas
- Back Home
- California
Our Notes:
Alvin Ernest Arnold was born to Daniel Simon Arnold and Tracie M. Balitz in Platte, Benzie, MI, USA on Monday, September 3, 1917.
Alvin married Charlotte Marie Burrington in Whitehall, Muskegon, Michigan, USA on Saturday, November 11, 1939.
According to the local newspaper:
The marriage of Miss Charlotte Burrington, of Whitehall, and Alvin Arnold, of Muskegon, is announced. The ceremony took place in the parsonage of the Swedish Mission church, Saturday, Nov. 11, Rev. A. J. Ostling, pastor, performing the service, at 2 p.m.
The couple was attended by Miss Phyllis Wilder and Raymond Woods, of Muskegon. A reception was given at Duck lake, where the couple will make their home.
The bride was graduated by Shelby high school and has been employed by the Hyma company at Whitehall. Mr. Arnold was graduated by Honor high school, and is employed at the Central Paper company.
Local Newspaper: Miss Burrington And Alvin Arnold Announced Wed
On their marriage license application, Alvin was listed as:
- Age: 22,
- Color: White,
- Residence: Muskegon Heights, MI
- Birthplace: Michigan,
- Occupation: Millwright,
- Father’s name: Daniel Arnold,
- Mother’s maiden name: Frances Balitz. [No idea where “Frances” came from, should be “Tracie”],
- Previously married: no times.
On December 19, 1943, Alvin was PFC Alvin Arnold at 11xx Depot Repair Headquarters in Rome, NY. [Source: Postmark and return address on envelope of card to Laban.]
In December 1944, Alvin was PFC Alvin E. Arnold at 1345th AAF BU ICDATC Area “E” in India. [Source: Christmas card to parents and brother Laban.] [Acronym: AAF BU ICDATC Army Air Forces Base Unit India-China Division Air Transport Command.] [Location: Located at Dum Dum Airport Calcutta, British India, if wikipedia can be trusted. DEA]
Children of Alvin and Charlotte include:
Alvin and his family moved to Myrtle Street in North Long Beach, California in 1951.
Alvin passed away in Yucaipa, (?) San Bernardino, CA, USA on Friday, April 7, 2006 at the age of 88.
Related Images:
