Letters Home

In this episode we read letters that feature several mentions of Bruce's coal stove, as well as a story about a mishap on the London Underground. We hear about his friend Major Odle and welcome a special guest-- Bruce's granddaughter Megan Summerfield. Featuring Megan Summerfield. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In this episode, Bruce spends another Thanksgiving away from Lowell, he flies three missions, and reminisces about his flying days before the war. We also jump ahead in time to read a letter Bruce wrote in 1984 about his war memories. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

This episode goes into details about two of Bruce's missions-- another tragic mission to Bremen and a successful bombing of Knaben, Norway. We also read a descriptive letter about his dinner at a local tavern and we welcome a special guest-- executive director of the Lowell Historical Museum Lisa Plank! Special guest Lisa Plank. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In this episode, we learn about orderlies at Thurleigh, what raids in London were like, and whether or not Bruce was a cat person when he is joined by his new pet cat "Wings." Also-- Lotta and Frank learn about Bruce's bombardier Norm's disappearance. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In this episode, we read Bruce's description of a night on the town in Piccadilly Square (or Circus, if you want to get Limey about it) during a blackout. We also learn about a mission to Wilhelmshaven and Bruce reveals he was promoted to Captain. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

We continue our talk about "Black Week" with learning about "Black Thursday"--the 2nd deadly battle at Schweinfurt. In lighter content, we hear more about Bruce's life in England and we read about how his latest plane, the "Michigan Miss," got its name. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

For a few days in October 1943, the 306th bombardment group suffered tremendous casualties in what would become known as "Black Week." Bruce flew several missions during Black Week, and we recap some of them in this episode. Read more about "Black Week" from the US WW2 Museum. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In this episode, we read Bruce's description of his base in Thurleigh and some letters he wrote to his siblings. We also get information about one of Bruce’s first missions to Emden, Germany, courtesy of the real combat diaries and mission reports. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

This is the first episode where we read Bruce's letters from overseas, specifically Thurleigh AirField in England. We also learn about V-mail and WRENS and get an update on the Detroit Tigers 1943 season. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

Bruce is back from leave and so are we! This episode features the last letters Bruce wrote before heading to Europe, which reveal some big news about what he did when he was home. We also learn a lot about Italy in the war and bug sprayers manufactured in Lowell. Yes, we go on a tangent about bug sprayers. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In June 1943, Bruce gets ready for his first trip back home to Lowell in over a year. We also learn about Lowell author Glendon Swarthout and his connection to Bruce and Bruce's future wife "Marg A." Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In this episode, we read a letter where Bruce describes one of his missions in detail, we learn about a night out in Amarillo, and learn about Lowell's most famous author, Glendon Swarthout, and his connection to Bruce. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

It's springtime in Blythe, California as Bruce celebrates Easter and his 28th birthday. He also transfers to Dalhart, Texas where we learn Bruce’s predictions for the end of the war, and get our first mention of the Lena Lou. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

We are joined by two special guests in this episode-- Bruce's granddaughter Amy Lozen, and Amy's son Jack, Bruce's great-grandson. We also read a sentimental letter Bruce wrote to Frank and learn about the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, including a woman from Lowell who enlisted. Featuring special guests Amy Lozen & Jack Lozen. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In this episode, Bruce thinks he knows his plans for his future in the service, but isn't sure. He also writes a very reflective letter after hearing of the death of Hoyt Phelps from Lowell, who came with Bruce to Santa Ana. We also learn a little more about Bruce’s uncle Jim and the names of WW2 planes. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In March 1943, Bruce is waiting around for a new crew in Blythe, so he has a lot of free time on his hands. We learn about WW2 weapons, Bruce’s changing plans, and we sample a nostalgic favorite of Bruce's-- maple sugar candy. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

Bruce has his commission--he's going (going) back (back) to Cali. Bruce is in Blythe, California training a crew on the B-17 Flying Fortress. We also learn about the fire at King Milling in Lowell and the first mention of “that girl”--Bruce’s future wife Margaret. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In this episode, Bruce writes about the days leading up to getting his commission, including a lot of uncertainty about whether he's going to get leave to return to Lowell. The Kitty mystery gets complicated and we learn about Bruce's next stop on his journey. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

It's our Season 2 premiere! This season, we focus on 1943. We kick the new year off with Bruce enjoying a leisurely New Year’s Day wondering where he’ll be going after Arizona. He also welcomes a new family member. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

It's our Season 1 finale! We're reading the letters that Bruce wrote to his family at the end of his first year in the Air Corps-- 1942. He writes about the Christmas presents he received from many people in Lowell and he takes a trip over the border to Mexico. We also reveal a new clue in the mystery of who "Kitty" was. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In this episode, Bruce gives his thoughts on his new camp in Douglas, Arizona and we learn about how Bruce came to meet famous movie stars Ann Miller, Edward G. Robinson, and Glenn Ford. We also learn about the snacks Bruce requested from home and sample some "divinity." Original music by Roger MacNaughton

It's Bruce's first Thanksgiving in the Army! We talk about how he spent his day, what he’s thankful for, what he had for the big dinner, and why Thanksgiving 1942 was particularly memorable in history. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

We read letters where Bruce beautifully describes his time in the air on cross-country flights and practices his aerobatic tricks. Bruce also talks about the latest war news from November 1942, and we give more details on his predictions. And since football season is upon us, we share highlights from the Michigan and Notre Dame game from 1942-- we know Bruce was listening! Original music by Roger...

In this episode, we talk about Bruce's flight training, including cross-country flights and instrument flying. We also discuss Red Skelton, pheasant hunting on Reservoir Hill, and Bruce's night at a Halloween sorority party. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

After the McMahons visited, Bruce moved on to Basic Flying School in Merced, California. In this episode, we read a letter describing his first few days at Merced Army Air Base flying the Vulture BT-13 Valiant. We also talk about 1942 pop culture, the scrap metal drive in Lowell, and Bruce’s injured finger. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.