The Robert Charles McCoy collection is arranged into eight series: Robert Charles McCoy (1905-1992), Alberta Isensee McCoy (1922-1976), Harold Doescher McCoy (1925-1981), Mary Ellen McCoy Kennedy (1941-1957), General Robert Bruce McCoy (1900-1981), Robert Bruce McCoy (1941-1950), Stuart Bowker McCoy (1928-1957), and Fort McCoy (1909-1989).
Robert Charles McCoy (1905-1992) series is comprised mainly of correspondence between Robert Charles and his family. Biographical materials include a family tree for reference (B7, F1), family records of marriages, births, deaths, and war bonds purchased. Other materials include obituaries and memorials for various family members, personal memoirs from Robert Charles, and histories of surnames.
Correspondence from Robert Charles is mainly from World War II and his pre-war training. Letters written to his family are letters Robert Charles sent to his wife and children, with letters sent to Alberta and specific children separated. These letters to his family detail life in camps, training, and his service, as well as expressing concern for family affairs. Letters written to Robert Charles include condolences for his father's death in 1926, letters from family and friends wishing him luck in the war, and setting family affairs. Miscellaneous correspondence includes letters from unidentified correspondence and business affairs. Miscellaneous postcards include postcards sent to and from family members.
Articles include correspondence pieces on the actions of the 32nd Division and Robert Charles during World War II, actions of the 32nd Division after World War II, events in which family members participated, military service pieces on the family, and articles on Robert Charles. Events include invitations, programs, news stories, and speeches collected and written by Robert Charles for various holidays and dedications.
Personal papers include school and education materials, a diary from his childhood, ledger diaries from 1921 to 1927 that detail expenses from the farm and daily activities, a family Christmas Card and ephemera. Election and campaign materials include stationary, announcements and articles on Robert Charles' campaign for County Clerk. Veterans and military materials include orders, notes, and various papers from his service. Also included are his retirement materials, veteran pension records, clippings and ephemera from his involvement in various veterans groups.
Still images are mainly family photographs with a few scattered service images. Family photographs include Bruce Riege, his son, Robert Bruce, and his children outside their house. Also included are photographs of Robert Charles, his wife and children. There are images from a memorial dedication and his veterans activities, including the 32nd Division Old Timer's Club. Of interest are the images from Australia and Buna during World War II. These images feature soldiers working on clearing away trees and brush, the 128th mess hall, and Robert Charles posed with various servicemen.
Alberta McCoy (1922-1976) series consists mostly of correspondence sent to Alberta during World War II. Many of these letters are from family members on the McCoy or Isensee side of the family, and cover family news, plans for the future, and details about life on the farm. Letters from Alberta are mostly written to her children while she spent time with Robert Charles in 1942 in Louisiana. Of interest is a letter (October 31, 1943) to Alberta from Homer S. Reese, who trained at Camp McCoy, thanking her for her kindness. In this letter, he expresses his admiration of her and tells her that to him, she is America and all the best of America. Other materials include a certificate, a yearbook, and two photographs of Alberta.
Harold Doescher McCoy (1925-1981) series is comprised mostly of correspondence sent to his family. These letters include a letter to his grandfather, in which he describes the funeral of William Jennings Bryan, and having met Bryan previously. Also of interest is a letter written to his sister about meeting President Coolidge at the White House. This letter shares details about the party and White House, being unimpressed by Coolidge and charmed by his wife. In this letter, he also describes the dress worn by the First Lady for his sister. Other correspondence shares details about his life in Washington, D.C., and papers include articles about the McCoy family.
Mary Ellen McCoy Kennedy (1941-1957) series consists mainly of correspondence sent by Mary Ellen to her mother and family during her training to be a nurse, then living as a nurse in California. These letters discuss her training, firendships, and the hardships of living as a nurse in California. Still images include a photograph from her wedding in 1948 and images of her family in 1957.
General Robert Bruce McCoy (1900-1981) series is mostly articles featuring Robert Bruce and his family. Other papers include obituaries, tributes, and copies of a letter from World War I. Still images feature his service in Span-Am, the Punitive Expedition, training at various forts, and a portrait from 1900.
Robert Bruce McCoy (1941-1950) series is mostly correspondence regarding his entrance examinations for West Point. Letters indicate that Robert Bruce was denied entrance to West Point because of his teeth, and following that denial, he petitioned various admissions officers for admittance and review of his case. Also included is a telegram from a congressman supporting his cause. Other materials include a letter to his parents, a letter of support from his aunt, articles about his education, and portraits of Robert Bruce as a child. Military papers summarize his service at the end of World War II.
Stuart Bowker McCoy (1928-1957) series includes correspondence, papers from his service, and still images. Correspondence is written to his siblings are in reference to the land and estate left to the group by their father upon his death; the fair distribution of costs and wealth; as well as family news. Service papers are copies of orders sent to the Adjutant during his service. Still images are photographs from his daughter's wedding in 1957.
Fort McCoy (1909-1989) series consists mainly of newspapers, pamphlets and histories. The articles cover the history of the Camp, changes in the uses, and the eventual upgrade to Fort. Articles also discuss the impact of the Camp on Sparta, the use of the camp by various groups, and the settlement of Cuban refugees at the camp. Still images include a lithograph from Camp Emory before it merged with Camp Williamson to form Camp McCoy, and a series of images of Robert Charles and Douglas Donald at Fort McCoy.
