Portrait of Jarvis Offutt and Lt. Louis Bennett. At left is Jarvis Jenness Offutt of the U.S. Air Sevice, who was temporarily attached to Number 56 Aero Squadron of the R.A.F. He was killed in an accident in France, August 13, 1918. He was from Nebraska and a classmate of Bennett at Yale. This photograph was found in Bennett's Royal Air Force wallet.
Jarvis Offutt (left) and Orville A Ralston (right), sitting on luggage trunks. This photograph was found in Bennett's Royal Air Force wallet. Back of photo says, 'Lou - here you have the picture Bliss took wish you had been in it. Am ferrying now with H.B [?] at American Officers Inn, London. - Jarvis
Royal Air Force Pilot Holding Louis Bennett's Dog, Ninety.
Date:
ca. 1918
Description:
See Mary Hays letter to Louis Bennett, 16 August 1918, Bennett Collection, Box 2 Folder 3. Sopwith 'Dolphin' aircraft of No. 90 Squadron in the background.
Friends of Louis Bennett Pose in front of Airplane
Date:
ca. 1918
Description:
Group of friends of Louis Bennett, Jr. stand in front of an airplane. Names listed on back are Verity, Mordaunt, Lettice Aceland, Ottilie, and Ethel Mills. Portrait of Lt. Louis Bennett, Jr., R.F.C. This photograph, as well as others (numbers 001378, 001379, and 001380) are referenced in a letter from Mrs. Ethel Mills to Mrs. Louis Bennett, Sr. The text of the letter is as follows: August 20, 1919 Drokes, Beaulieu, Hants My Dear Mrs. Bennett, I just want to reach across the channel, and take your hand and hold it, in a great understanding silence! To begin with, you could not have had my address if your dear boy had not given it! I hope you will be coming to England [and] will come to us for a few days. And get to know his old surroundings here -- where he lived [and] bunked. I remember I was at work building a pig stye! -- when suddenly he appeared flying round [and] round my house and suddenly he made the most beautiful desent [sic] and stood before us, with his handsome face glowing, 'I’ve come to say good bye' -- he could only stay for ½ an hour -- and we mutually photographed each other -- then he was gone, saying 'I’ll send back my photo for you all to sign.' He had no sooner gone, than I grieved I hadn’t asked him for your address, so as to send you any of ours that might be good, as I knew how you’d love to have as many snapshots as possible, but hoped I’d soon hear from him. Well at last I did write -- the photo I had to wait sometime to get a signature -- [and] something made me write to him without returning him his [and] ours -- fearing he had moved from his last address -- so I said do tell me if this reaches you before I send the precious photos.' And I waited, [and] as time passed, I feared he had gone to join with those other warriors! Then came the trying to find you, [and] send you these precious snapshots. [and] so when I saw your envelope, before I opened it, or had even turned it round, I knew what its contents must be [and] I just felt greatful that evidently he looked upon us as friends, [and] so had given you my name and address. You will let me see you should you come to England won’t you -- [and] if possible you will come down to Bealieu [and] be with us for a little while. I will not write more tonight -- but with true love [and] the deepest sympathy to Mr. Bennett and yourself. Yours affectionately Ethel Mills You will want his letter too. You will see the fine way he agitated to get to France and to be fighting!
Louis Bennett, center, stands among friends next to airplane. Names listed on back are Ethel Mills, Mordaunt, Ottilie, and Verity. Portrait of Lt. Louis Bennett, Jr., R.F.C. This photograph, as well as others (numbers 001378, 001379, and 001380) are referenced in a letter from Mrs. Ethel Mills to Mrs. Louis Bennett, Sr. The text of the letter is as follows: August 20, 1919 Drokes, Beaulieu, Hants My Dear Mrs. Bennett, I just want to reach across the channel, and take your hand and hold it, in a great understanding silence! To begin with, you could not have had my address if your dear boy had not given it! I hope you will be coming to England [and] will come to us for a few days. And get to know his old surroundings here -- where he lived [and] bunked. I remember I was at work building a pig stye! -- when suddenly he appeared flying round [and] round my house and suddenly he made the most beautiful desent [sic] and stood before us, with his handsome face glowing, 'I’ve come to say good bye' -- he could only stay for ½ an hour -- and we mutually photographed each other -- then he was gone, saying 'I’ll send back my photo for you all to sign.' He had no sooner gone, than I grieved I hadn’t asked him for your address, so as to send you any of ours that might be good, as I knew how you’d love to have as many snapshots as possible, but hoped I’d soon hear from him. Well at last I did write -- the photo I had to wait sometime to get a signature -- [and] something made me write to him without returning him his [and] ours -- fearing he had moved from his last address -- so I said do tell me if this reaches you before I send the precious photos.' And I waited, [and] as time passed, I feared he had gone to join with those other warriors! Then came the trying to find you, [and] send you these precious snapshots. [and] so when I saw your envelope, before I opened it, or had even turned it round, I knew what its contents must be [and] I just felt greatful that evidently he looked upon us as friends, [and] so had given you my name and address. You will let me see you should you come to England won’t you -- [and] if possible you will come down to Bealieu [and] be with us for a little while. I will not write more tonight -- but with true love [and] the deepest sympathy to Mr. Bennett and yourself. Yours affectionately Ethel Mills You will want his letter too. You will see the fine way he agitated to get to France and to be fighting!
Louis Bennett, Jr. shows his plane to two young ladies, identified on the back of the photo as Lettice Aceland and Ottilie. Portrait of Lt. Louis Bennett, Jr., R.F.C. This photograph, as well as others (numbers 001378, 001379, and 001380) are referenced in a letter from Mrs. Ethel Mills to Mrs. Louis Bennett, Sr. The text of the letter is as follows: August 20, 1919 Drokes, Beaulieu, Hants My Dear Mrs. Bennett, I just want to reach across the channel, and take your hand and hold it, in a great understanding silence! To begin with, you could not have had my address if your dear boy had not given it! I hope you will be coming to England [and] will come to us for a few days. And get to know his old surroundings here -- where he lived [and] bunked. I remember I was at work building a pig stye! -- when suddenly he appeared flying round [and] round my house and suddenly he made the most beautiful desent [sic] and stood before us, with his handsome face glowing, 'I’ve come to say good bye' -- he could only stay for ½ an hour -- and we mutually photographed each other -- then he was gone, saying 'I’ll send back my photo for you all to sign.' He had no sooner gone, than I grieved I hadn’t asked him for your address, so as to send you any of ours that might be good, as I knew how you’d love to have as many snapshots as possible, but hoped I’d soon hear from him. Well at last I did write -- the photo I had to wait sometime to get a signature -- [and] something made me write to him without returning him his [and] ours -- fearing he had moved from his last address -- so I said do tell me if this reaches you before I send the precious photos.' And I waited, [and] as time passed, I feared he had gone to join with those other warriors! Then came the trying to find you, [and] send you these precious snapshots. [and] so when I saw your envelope, before I opened it, or had even turned it round, I knew what its contents must be [and] I just felt greatful that evidently he looked upon us as friends, [and] so had given you my name and address. You will let me see you should you come to England won’t you -- [and] if possible you will come down to Bealieu [and] be with us for a little while. I will not write more tonight -- but with true love [and] the deepest sympathy to Mr. Bennett and yourself. Yours affectionately Ethel Mills You will want his letter too. You will see the fine way he agitated to get to France and to be fighting!
Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Telegraph and Signal Tower at Alderson W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1918
Description:
Telegrapher W.L.Knopp stands on right. Tower was known as "AD Cabin" and controled train movements between Ronceverte and Hinton. Twenty switches to Alderson sidings were operated here.
![Jarvis Offutt (left) and Orville A Ralston (right), sitting on luggage trunks. This photograph was found in Bennett's Royal Air Force wallet. Back of photo says, 'Lou - here you have the picture Bliss took wish you had been in it. Am ferrying now with H.B [?] at American Officers Inn, London. - Jarvis](/thumb/001364.jpg "Friends of Louis Bennett Jr")
![Group of friends of Louis Bennett, Jr. stand in front of an airplane. Names listed on back are Verity, Mordaunt, Lettice Aceland, Ottilie, and Ethel Mills. Portrait of Lt. Louis Bennett, Jr., R.F.C. This photograph, as well as others (numbers 001378, 001379, and 001380) are referenced in a letter from Mrs. Ethel Mills to Mrs. Louis Bennett, Sr. The text of the letter is as follows: August 20, 1919 Drokes, Beaulieu, Hants My Dear Mrs. Bennett, I just want to reach across the channel, and take your hand and hold it, in a great understanding silence! To begin with, you could not have had my address if your dear boy had not given it! I hope you will be coming to England [and] will come to us for a few days. And get to know his old surroundings here -- where he lived [and] bunked. I remember I was at work building a pig stye! -- when suddenly he appeared flying round [and] round my house and suddenly he made the most beautiful desent [sic] and stood before us, with his handsome face glowing, 'I’ve come to say good bye' -- he could only stay for ½ an hour -- and we mutually photographed each other -- then he was gone, saying 'I’ll send back my photo for you all to sign.' He had no sooner gone, than I grieved I hadn’t asked him for your address, so as to send you any of ours that might be good, as I knew how you’d love to have as many snapshots as possible, but hoped I’d soon hear from him. Well at last I did write -- the photo I had to wait sometime to get a signature -- [and] something made me write to him without returning him his [and] ours -- fearing he had moved from his last address -- so I said do tell me if this reaches you before I send the precious photos.' And I waited, [and] as time passed, I feared he had gone to join with those other warriors! Then came the trying to find you, [and] send you these precious snapshots. [and] so when I saw your envelope, before I opened it, or had even turned it round, I knew what its contents must be [and] I just felt greatful that evidently he looked upon us as friends, [and] so had given you my name and address. You will let me see you should you come to England won’t you -- [and] if possible you will come down to Bealieu [and] be with us for a little while. I will not write more tonight -- but with true love [and] the deepest sympathy to Mr. Bennett and yourself. Yours affectionately Ethel Mills You will want his letter too. You will see the fine way he agitated to get to France and to be fighting!](/thumb/001378.jpg "Friends of Louis Bennett Pose in front of Airplane")
![Louis Bennett, center, stands among friends next to airplane. Names listed on back are Ethel Mills, Mordaunt, Ottilie, and Verity. Portrait of Lt. Louis Bennett, Jr., R.F.C. This photograph, as well as others (numbers 001378, 001379, and 001380) are referenced in a letter from Mrs. Ethel Mills to Mrs. Louis Bennett, Sr. The text of the letter is as follows: August 20, 1919 Drokes, Beaulieu, Hants My Dear Mrs. Bennett, I just want to reach across the channel, and take your hand and hold it, in a great understanding silence! To begin with, you could not have had my address if your dear boy had not given it! I hope you will be coming to England [and] will come to us for a few days. And get to know his old surroundings here -- where he lived [and] bunked. I remember I was at work building a pig stye! -- when suddenly he appeared flying round [and] round my house and suddenly he made the most beautiful desent [sic] and stood before us, with his handsome face glowing, 'I’ve come to say good bye' -- he could only stay for ½ an hour -- and we mutually photographed each other -- then he was gone, saying 'I’ll send back my photo for you all to sign.' He had no sooner gone, than I grieved I hadn’t asked him for your address, so as to send you any of ours that might be good, as I knew how you’d love to have as many snapshots as possible, but hoped I’d soon hear from him. Well at last I did write -- the photo I had to wait sometime to get a signature -- [and] something made me write to him without returning him his [and] ours -- fearing he had moved from his last address -- so I said do tell me if this reaches you before I send the precious photos.' And I waited, [and] as time passed, I feared he had gone to join with those other warriors! Then came the trying to find you, [and] send you these precious snapshots. [and] so when I saw your envelope, before I opened it, or had even turned it round, I knew what its contents must be [and] I just felt greatful that evidently he looked upon us as friends, [and] so had given you my name and address. You will let me see you should you come to England won’t you -- [and] if possible you will come down to Bealieu [and] be with us for a little while. I will not write more tonight -- but with true love [and] the deepest sympathy to Mr. Bennett and yourself. Yours affectionately Ethel Mills You will want his letter too. You will see the fine way he agitated to get to France and to be fighting!](/thumb/001379.jpg "Bennett, Louis and Friends Next to Airplane")
![Louis Bennett, Jr. shows his plane to two young ladies, identified on the back of the photo as Lettice Aceland and Ottilie. Portrait of Lt. Louis Bennett, Jr., R.F.C. This photograph, as well as others (numbers 001378, 001379, and 001380) are referenced in a letter from Mrs. Ethel Mills to Mrs. Louis Bennett, Sr. The text of the letter is as follows: August 20, 1919 Drokes, Beaulieu, Hants My Dear Mrs. Bennett, I just want to reach across the channel, and take your hand and hold it, in a great understanding silence! To begin with, you could not have had my address if your dear boy had not given it! I hope you will be coming to England [and] will come to us for a few days. And get to know his old surroundings here -- where he lived [and] bunked. I remember I was at work building a pig stye! -- when suddenly he appeared flying round [and] round my house and suddenly he made the most beautiful desent [sic] and stood before us, with his handsome face glowing, 'I’ve come to say good bye' -- he could only stay for ½ an hour -- and we mutually photographed each other -- then he was gone, saying 'I’ll send back my photo for you all to sign.' He had no sooner gone, than I grieved I hadn’t asked him for your address, so as to send you any of ours that might be good, as I knew how you’d love to have as many snapshots as possible, but hoped I’d soon hear from him. Well at last I did write -- the photo I had to wait sometime to get a signature -- [and] something made me write to him without returning him his [and] ours -- fearing he had moved from his last address -- so I said do tell me if this reaches you before I send the precious photos.' And I waited, [and] as time passed, I feared he had gone to join with those other warriors! Then came the trying to find you, [and] send you these precious snapshots. [and] so when I saw your envelope, before I opened it, or had even turned it round, I knew what its contents must be [and] I just felt greatful that evidently he looked upon us as friends, [and] so had given you my name and address. You will let me see you should you come to England won’t you -- [and] if possible you will come down to Bealieu [and] be with us for a little while. I will not write more tonight -- but with true love [and] the deepest sympathy to Mr. Bennett and yourself. Yours affectionately Ethel Mills You will want his letter too. You will see the fine way he agitated to get to France and to be fighting!](/thumb/001380.jpg "Bennett, Louis Shows His Airplane to Two Ladies")
