Correspondence, 1940 (January-July)

The correspondence, arranged chronologically, consists primarily of Gilman’s “Dear Folks” letters, which he typed and made carbon copies of to send to family members and friends. Those letters are filled with news on his mission work; observations on political and current events; family news; and details of his hobbies, which included gardening and building radios. Also in this series are handwritten, more personal letters by Gilman and various family members and friends, in particular his mother, his half-sister Annie Kramph, and his children. Also noteworthy is Gilman’s correspondence in his retirement years with fellow China missionaries and former students, and his efforts to aid acquaintances in China suffering from poverty and illness.