In the Society’s manuscript collections is a cache of letters sent by former sign-painter, Pvt. Salvatore Cillis of the 306th Field Artillery from Camp Upton, Long Island and France. Written between 1917 and 1918, Cillis’ good-natured, humorous observations are complemented by several pen and ink and watercolor sketches enlightening his former co-workers about camp life. Shown here is one of his festive and typically light-hearted letters. He discusses the snowball fight depicted in his hand-drawn letterhead.

Pvt. Salvatore Cillis to Ms. D.M. Harris, December 28, 1917, Page 1

Pvt. Salvatore Cillis to Ms. D.M. Harris, December 28, 1917, Page 2