Neil Blanchard, Jr.
 class photo, Oakland School |
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The following March 18, 1943, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 1, column 5:
NEIL BLANCHARD, JR., HONOR GUEST AT PARTY
A party was given by Mr. and Mrs. C.M. McVey at their home last Friday night in honor of Neil Blanchard, Jr., who left this week for army service. The evening was spent in playing games and visiting.Refreshments of sandwiches and pickles, cake, jello, and chocolate milk were served.
Present were Mr. and Mrs. Neil Blanchard and the honor guest, of Koontz Lake; Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Bydalek, daughter Barbara and son Robert, Mr. and Mrs. Mel Robinson, Marshall Weaver, Gerald Bruce, Dick Meyer, and Clayton Bahr and the Misses Mildred Ruley, Betty Jane Einspahr, Elaine Wells, Virginia McVey and the host and hostess.
This April 8, 1943, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 1:
- A letter from Mrs. Neil Blanchard informs us that their son, Pvt. Neil Blanchard, Jr., has been transferred from Ft. Harrison to Camp Haan, Calif., where he will take his basic training. He is with the coast artillery antiaircraft division.
The following May 18, 1944, Lowell Tribune information was found on page 2, column 1:
- Pfc. Neil Blanchard arrived home from California on Mother's Day to spend a furlough with his parents.
The following May 25, 1944, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 5, column 4:
- A family dinner in honor of Pfc. Neil Blanchard, Jr., was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. C.M. McVey on Sunday, May 21st. Present were the guest of honor and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Neil Blanchard, Sr., also two of his brothers, from Kingsford Heights, Miss Virginia McVey of Chicago, and the host and hostesss. The Blanchard family and Miss McVey left by train Sunday evening to visit Mrs. Blanchard's parents in Kent, Ohio.
A July 13, 1944, Lowell Tribune article (page 2, column 1) mentioned that Neil Blanchard, Jr., was still stationed at Camp Haan, California.
This Lowell Tribune information from August 17, 1944, was found on page 4, column 1:
- Pfc. Neil, oldest son of the Neil Blanchards, has been transferred from California, and is now stationed at Camp Van Dorn, Miss. He is with the Combat Engineers.
This Lowell Tribune article was found in the January 4, 1945, issue (page 2, column 1):
- Mrs. Neil Blanchard, of Crown Point, who was in Lowell Tuesday, informed us they had heard from both their sons recently.
- A letter from Pfc. Neil Blanchard said he was enroute overseas, and would write more when he landed. He said he was feeling fine.
- Leslie Blanchard, S.M. 3/c, writes that he is still aboard a ship in the South Pacific, and had the surprise of his life recently when a number of sailors from another ship came aboard, and who should be among them but Pete Wehle, S 2/c, of Lowell. Les and Pete had an enjoyable visit talking of the old home town. Both the boys are getting along O.K.
This January 25, 1945, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 1:
- A letter from Mrs. Neil Blanchard, former resident here, now living at Crown Point, says their son, Pfc. Neil Blanchard arrived with his outfit "somewhere in England" and that he was getting along O.K.
This February 1, 1945, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 1:
A MOTHER'S PRAYER
- For our son, Pfc. Neil Blanchard, who is "somewhere in England":
- Dear God, watch o'er my soldier son
And shield him from all harm,
Just lay Thine hnd upon his brow
When deadly foes alarm.
- I know Thou are his Shepherd
He is Thy lamb I know,
Please lead him gently Father,
Wherever he may go.
- Oh give him faith and courage
When he's weary, worn and sad
And tell him I am praying
For my loving soldier lad.
- Please tell him not to falter
When the way is rough and steep,
Oh please be ever near him
And "watch" o'er him please keep.
- Oh lead him safely onward
To do what e'er you ask
And teach him to be willing
No matter what the task.
- Then bring him safely home Lord,
Still in Thy loving care,
That he might better serve Thee,
This is a "mother's prayer."
- Written by Mrs. Niel Blanchard, Crown Point, Ind.
This August 2, 1945, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 1:
- The Neil Blanchards, former residents here, now of Crown Point, are anxiously awaiting word from their son, Leslie Blanchard, Signalman 3/c, who is expected home soon. He arrived on the west coast two weeks ago.
- Their son, Neil, Jr., is now in France, and judging from pictures he recently sent his parents, is enjoying good health. Like all the other local boys, he would give anything to get home again.
This August 30, 1945, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 2:
- A card from Mrs. Neil Blanchard, now of Crown Point, former residents here, says their son, Pfc. Neil Blanchard, Jr., is home from Europe on a 30 day furlough, and their son, Leslie, S.M. 3/c, is also home for 30 days. The boys had not seen each other for two years. Leslie has been serving in the Pacific area.
This September 27, 1945, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 5, column 4:
- Mrs. Melvin Robinson attended the wedding and reception of Pfc. Neil Blanchard at Crown Point last Thursday.
SHIRLEY FORSYTHE AND PFC. NEIL BLANCHARD MARRIED
- Thursday afternoon, Sept. 20, Miss Shirley Forsythe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gail Forsythe of Gary, became the bride of Pfc. Neil Blanchard, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Neil Blanchard of Crown Point. They were attended by Miss Lorraine Benson of Crown Point and Leslie Blanchard, S 3/c, brother of the groom.
- A reception was held at the home of the groom's parents, after which the young couple left for a short honeymoon.
- The groom recently returned from Europe and will report at Camp Atterbury today (Sept. 27) for further assignment. The bride will continue her work in Gary until he returns.
This October 4, 1945, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 1, column 2:
HONORED WITH DINNER AND BRIDAL SHOWER SEPT. 25TH
- A dinner and bridal shower honoring Pfc. and Mrs. Neil Blanchard, Jr., was given by Mr. and Mrs. Gail Forsythe, parents of the bride, in their home at Gary, on Tuesday, Sept. 25th.
- Present for the occasion were Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Vessely, Jr., Mrs. Grace Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Neil Blanchard, Sr., parents of the groom, Cpl. James Forsythe, Miss Norma Forsythe, Mrs. Louise Self, Mrs. Maggie Namovich, Miss Helen Pusich, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Craig, Miss Dorothy Kopil, Gail Forsythe, Jr., Pfc. and Mrs. Neil Blanchard, Jr., and the host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Gail Forsythe.
- Following dinner the newly-weds opened many lovely gifts which were presented to them. The remainder of the evening was spent playing bunco, prizes going to Pfc. and Mrs. Neil Blanchard, Cpl. James Forsythe and Mrs. Gail Forsythe.
- Pfc. Neil Blanchard, Jr., was given an extension of 15 days when he reported at Camp Atterbury Sept. 27. He will report again on Oct. 12.
This November 15, 1945, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 2:
- Cpl. Neil Blanchard, Jr., has been in the hospital at Camp Swift, Tex., for two weeks, and has been quite ill with a throat and ear infection, and a severe cold. He is much improved now and expects to be able to leave the hospital next week. He also expects to be home for Christmas, at least on furlough.
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