Papers (1912-1969) correspondence, clippings, organization, records, printed materials, photographs and miscellaneous.
Soloman Wallace Hoffman was born on August 26, 1885, and died in 1971. At the age of fifteen he entered North Carolina State University and later studied pharmacy at the University of North Carolina. After graduation from the American School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri, Hoffman established his practice at Statesville, Iredell County, North Carolina. Upon America's entry into World War I, Hoffman enlisted in the Army Medical Corps, as osteopaths were not given commissions. He served in France (1918-1919) with an army hospital unit. After the war Hoffman returned to his Statesville practice and was active in veteran activities until his death. Throughout the collection Hoffman's mother (Mrs. Fannie Wallace Hoffman) is addressed as "Pshug" and his father (J. H. Hoffman) is referred to as "Paterkin."
Much of the correspondence reflects Hoffman's experiences while in the Army (1918-1919) and later in veteran activities. The correspondence adequately follows Hoffman's military career from his arrival at Ft. McPherson, Georgia, through his service in France, to his discharge at Ft. Lee, Virginia. Excellent descriptions of army life at Ft. McPherson are offered. Of particular interest are the descriptions of the generous hospitality experienced in Atlanta, entertainment supplied to the troops, and the living quarters and daily routine (May 4-July 26, 1918). The correspondence follows Hoffman's trip from Ft. McPherson to Camp Upton, New York (August 11, 1918) from where he sailed for France. For this period correspondence describes gas mask training, readiness drills, storms enroute to France, and sickness prevalent aboard ship.
Hoffman remained at Brest, France, from September 13, 1918, to July 30, 1919, serving with Army Base Hospital Unit #65. The correspondence offers descriptions and comments on the daily activities of officers and enlisted men, hospital duties and living conditions. Particularly interesting are the comments dealing with off duty recreation provided by the Y.M.C.A. (April 5, May 31, 1919) and the desire of the troops to return home quickly (February 18, July 12, 1919).
Most of the correspondence after 1919 centers on Hoffman's interest in a veterans unit composed of Base Hospital #65 personnel. Many postcards announcing annual reunions are included along with letters from the unit's members describing the reunions and former wartime experiences.
The remainder of the collection consists of material relating to Base Hospital #65 and the subsequent veterans' unit. Also included are several unpublished histories of the hospital and records reflecting the number of patients treated, diagnosis, and final treatment. Photographs of personnel in the hospital unit and newspaper clippings dealing with the unit and its reunions are included. Also found in the collection is a listing of men from Iredell County, North Carolina who served in World War I and other miscellaneous material.
Gift of Mr. John Wallace Hoffman
Processed by G. Stinagle, April 1973
Encoded by Apex Data Services
Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.