Bruce Rathburn
- Bruce Rathburn, formerly a torpedoman with the Pacific fleet, has been transferred to Hawaii to the shore job of storekeepper. Bruce is pleased with the change and is getting along fine with the new job. Adding to his pleasure was the meeting of an old "buddy," Harold Sweney of Hebron, who is stationed nearby with an army medical unit, and the two enjoyed an afternoon of reminiscing.
This January 21, 1943, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 1, column 4:
MRS. BRUCE RATHBURN HONORED AT SHOWER
A number of friends were invited to the home of Mrs. Robert Brannock to a bridal shower honoring her niece, Mrs. Bruce Rathburn.
The evening was spent playing aeroplane bunco, with dainty refreshments being served by the hostess at the conclusion of the games. Mrs. Rathburn was the recipient of many nice gifts.
This May 6, 1943, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 1:
- Saturday of last week, Mrs. Bruce Rathburn enjoyed a telephone conversation with her husband, who is stationed at a naval shore station in Hawaii. Because she had to answer so many questions, Mrs. Rathburn didn't get much of a chance to ask many herself, but did manage to learn that Bruce is well and getting along fine. In spite of the thousands of miles between here and Hawaii, no difficulty was experienced by either in understanding the conversation.
The following June 8, 1944, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 1:
- Sgt. Richard (Dick) Schmal, stationed in Hawaii, recently had a very pleasant surprise,
according to a letter to his father, Fred Schmal. Dick was enjoying himself at a roller rink and suddenly discovered that he was skating side by side with Seaman Hayden Patz. The boys had a very pleasant visit. Later Dick met up with Bruce Rathburn, T.M. 3/c and Capt. G.A. Dinwiddie.
The following August 3, 1944, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 3, column 1:
Bruce Rathburn Home
Bruce Rathburn, Chief Storekeeper, who has been stationed in Hawaii the past 18 months, arrived home Monday morning for a 30-day visit with his wife and little son, Steven Bruce and other relatives. Bruce was especially thrilled over his first meeting with his son, who was born after he left for Hawaii.The following August 17, 1944, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 1, column 4:
FAMILY GATHERING HELD FOR BRUCE RATHBURN
Last Sunday a family gathering was held at Cedar Lake in honor of Chief Storekeeper Bruce Rathburn, at the cottage the Rathburns are occupying while he is home on a 3-day leave after serving in Hawaii the past year and a half.Present were his brothers, Curtis and family, who are vacationing at Lake Dalecarlia this week, and Harry and family of Walkerton, who are also enjoying a vacation at Cedar Lake this week; Mrs. Rathburn's parents, the Forrest Brannocks, and family, and other relatives from Chicago.
This Lowell Tribune article was found in the November 8, 1945, issue (page 2, column 1):
- Bruce Rathburn, SK 2/c, was recently discharged from the navy after three years service. He was stationed in Hawaii for nearly two years, later returned to the States. He had been stationed in California for the past year.
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