1918 antique WWI MAJOR JOHN H LOWMAN cleveland oh RED CROSS LETTERS to WIFE
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AI-assisted research has been used in preparing this description. While care has been taken for accuracy, details should be independently reviewed by interested buyers.

A substantial group of World War I letters written in 1918 by Major JOHN H. LOWMAN of Cleveland, Ohio, Medical Director of the American Red Cross Tuberculosis Commission in Italy, addressed affectionately to “Ma chère amie” (“My dear friend”) — almost certainly his wife. The letters are typed on American Red Cross letterhead (Rome, Via Sardegna / Via Sicilia) as well as plain stationery, each folded correspondence sheet averaging approximately 8 x 10 inches.

These letters form the personal narrative core of Lowman’s wartime service. Written from Rome, Paris, and during travel through Italy and France (September–November 1918), they provide detailed first-hand commentary on:

• Tuberculosis conditions and hospital work in Italy
• American Red Cross operations and internal organization
• Embassy visits and wartime restrictions
• Food shortages, public morale, and influenza concerns
• Bombardments and military movement
• Cultural observations (opera houses, churches, city life)
• Difficulties in travel and wartime transport

Most importantly, these letters repeatedly reference “Jack”, who is clearly serving during the war and is discussed with pride and concern. Lowman refers to Jack’s letters, promotions, movements, and wartime experiences — strongly indicating a father-son dynamic with both men serving overseas during WWI.

This dual-generation element — senior Red Cross medical leadership and a son in active wartime service — makes the Lowman archive particularly compelling.

The letters are numbered in sequence (No. 1, No. 2, No. 10, No. 11, No. 12, etc.), suggesting regular dispatch-style updates home. All are signed “Ton Ami” (Your friend), reflecting the formal yet affectionate tone common in long-married, educated couples of the period.

Provenance: From a larger archive of World War I letters and photographs belonging to Major JOHN H. LOWMAN of Cleveland, Ohio, Medical Director of the American Red Cross Tuberculosis Commission in Italy. Additional correspondence and related materials from this family archive are being offered separately.

Authentic period piece related to family, history or local heritage - well-suited for historical collections, genealogical /genealogy research, or museum acquisition.  Vintage or Antique.

CONDITION:  These letters were found grouped but not strictly ordered. Some pages may be out of original sequence and certain letters may be incomplete. They appear to have been shuffled at some point in the past. All pages shown are included. Some pages chipping on edges as shown. Aee listing description and photos.











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