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William F. Saulson and Lila May Sprintz Saulson Family Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 0422

Scope and Content

The collection contains copies of correspondence, family records, and photographs, documenting the life of William and Lila Saulson, their life in Miami Beach, and William's war-time service. As an active member of the Democratic Party, William also campaigned heavily in Florida for Democratic candidates and the collection includes campaign memorabilia that he saved. William and Lila wrote daily to one another during William's service, and their letters are stored electronically on CDs available in the collection. The collection also contains photographs and documents pertaining to Robert L. Sprintz (b. October 13, 1920), the brother of Lila Saulson, and his naval service in the Pacific during World War II.

Note: There is a key to the photographs, providing captions, and the photos have been stored in the same order as the key.

Dates

  • Creation: 1943-1945, 1960-2008

Creator

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

William F. Saulson (April 11, 1919 - December 4, 2004) grew up near Mackinaw, Michigan, his family tracing its heritage back to Saul Rosenberg, a Jewish émigré from Suwalki, Poland (then governed by Czarist Russia), after whom they took the surname of "Saul son." In 1942 Saulson entered military service and attended the Army Air Force Officer Candidates School in Miami Beach, Fla. While training there, he met Lila May Sprintz, also of Czarist Russian (now Ukrainian) heritage, her family having immigrated to New York and then to Miami. The couple married on May 23, 1943. Lieut. Saulson was deployed to Europe on June 18, 1944 and served as a squadron leader with the 301st bomber group, 419th Squadron, flying a total of 35 sorties in the North Africa campaign (Algeria), Italy (July+ 44), the Po River Valley (Italy, 1944), and Egypt 1945. After the war William earned a Masters of Education at the University of Michigan under the GI Bill, before moving with Lila to Florida (Orlando, Greater Miami, and then West Palm Beach).

Extent

1.03 Linear Feet (4 Boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

World War II military service, family records, and political memorabilia of William F. Saulson.

Physical Location

University of Florida Smathers Library Building

Acquisition Information

Donated by Dr. J.W. Saulson (2016 and 2017).

Related Material

Department collections include family and personal papers of other World War II veterans and their families.

A libguide about the Saulson Family in World War II is also available.

Title
A Guide to the William F. Saulson and Lila May Sprintz Saulson Family Papers
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid created by Amanda Widom and James Cusick
Date
January 2018
Description rules
Finding Aid Prepared Using Dacs
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Description is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Repository

Contact:
George A. Smathers Libraries
PO Box 117005
Gainesville Florida 32611-7005 United States of America
352-273-2755