Groff: Captain John M. Groff Collection

Call Number:  MG-44

1 box     9 folders     .5 cubic ft.

Repository:  LancasterHistory (Organization); PV7

Shelving Location:  Archives South, Side 2

Scope and Content Note:  Collection contains photographs, many labeled and dated, and two scrapbooks. One scrapbook contains newspaper articles concerning the military and professional life of Captain Groff. The other scrapbook contains military records including special orders, certificates, passes, correspondence, and government requirements. There are also newspaper articles, maps, and other memorabilia.

Creator:  Groff, John M.

Conditions for Access:  No restrictions.

Conditions Governing Reproductions:  Collection may not be photocopied. Please contact Research Staff or Archives Staff with questions.

Language:  English

Source of Acquisition:  Source unknown.

Accruals:  No further accruals are expected.

Preferred Citation:  Captain John M. Groff Collection (MG-44), Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.

Subject Headings:

World War, 1914-1918. (LHo-LOC sh 85148236)

Scrapbooks. (LHo-LOC sh 85118923)

Letters. (LHo-LOC sh 85076240)

United States. Army. American Expeditionary Forces. (LHo-LOC n 84077783)

Search Terms:

American Defense Society

American Expeditionary Forces

American Expeditionary Forces. Supply Division. Postal Express Service

American Red Cross

Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)

Correspondence

Finding aids

Letters

Manuscript groups

Maps

Newspaper clippings

Photographs

Postal Express Service

Scrapbooks

World War, 1914-1918

Related Materials:  See Photograph Collection

Processing History:  This collection has been documented, preserved and managed according to professional museum and archives standards. The finding aid was updated using DACS conventions.

 

Folder 1  Photographs Photographs transferred to the Photograph Collection, 23 October 2017.
Insert 1
1.  Flag Day 1921.
2.  Postcard of men marching with banners.
3.  Postcard of women carrying flags.
Insert 2
1.  Bleachers (2 copies)
2.  [Pavilion] (2 copies)
3.  Archway (2 copies)
Insert 3  4 Photographs of cavalry
Insert 4
1.  Re-enactors, 4 boys and 1 man in front of tent. Boys in uniform.
(2 copies, one marked “Squad 5”)
2.  Re-enactors, group of boys in uniform.
(2 copies, one marked “Camp Major Walker Co. G. Waugh, 6/24/06”)
3.  Camp Major Walker, [Dress Parade]. 21 June 1906.
4.  “Dress Parade, June 22/06”
5.  “Morning Wash, June 21/06, 6:10 a.m.”
6.  “Private Buck – ‘mascot’, June 21-27, 1906.”
(2 copies)
Insert 5  Man sitting by pond.
Insert 6  Exercising, June 1909. (2 photographs)
Insert 7  Soldiers on field, June 1909. (2 copies)
Insert 8  Soldiers on field, June 1909.
Insert 9  2 men at train. Photograph marked “No. 339, La Tour Photo Service, Germantown, Phila., PA”
Insert 10  Soldiers in parade. Photograph marked “Ewing Inc. Commercial Dept., Baton Rouge, LA”
Insert 11  “Defense Day, Sept. 12, 1924”
Insert 12  Stadium scene.
Insert 13  Boys in uniform, U. B. B. of F. 1G. June 1909.
Insert 14  Pageant of Liberty. Sesquicentennial celebration.
Insert 15  Parade, September 1898. “John M. Groff – 3 disabled Spanish War veterans.”
Insert 16  Newspaper article, “The Changing Scene,” by Jerry O’Leary, Jr. 11 September 1960.

Folder 2  Scrapbook. “Miscel. Items, 1906-1909, 1921-1940. John M. Groff.” Newspaper clippings, 1921-1947. Program from Philadelphia County American Legion Memorial Service, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, 1923.

Folders 3-9 are from one scrapbook.
Folder 3  Scrapbook Pages
Insert 1  Scrapbook pages, October 1918
1.  Courier Cablegram regarding John M. Groff’s commission to Captain in the Postal Express Service, American Expeditionary Forces, France. 3 October 1918.
2.  Telegram to John M. Groff regarding commission to Captain. 9 October 1918.
3.  Telegram to John Malone, Lancaster, from R. Davis, Washington, DC.
4.  Telegram to Adjutant General Harris from John M. Groff. No date.
5.  Telegram to John M. Groff from Adjutant General Harris regarding date to report for transportation. 14 October 1918.
6.  Telegram to John M. Groff from Adjutant General Harris. 19 October 1918.
7.  Telegram to Adjutant General Harris from John M. Groff. 20 October 1918.
8.  Telegram to Captain Groff regarding conference with Captain Frazer. 19 October 1918.
9.  Memorandum to General Pershing from Adjutant General Coleman regarding John M. Groff. 21 October 1918.
10.  Confidential extract, Order No. 247, from the War Department regarding John M. Groff. 21 October 1918.
11.  General Orders No. 21. “In connection with this confidential order…”
Insert 2  Scrapbook pages, October 1918
1.  Vaccination Register for John M. Groff. 25 October 1918.
2.  Certificate, fit for duty. 25 October 1918.
3.  Certificate of Identity with photograph. 25 October 1918.
4.  Confidential memorandum regarding travel orders. 26 October 1918.
5.  Confidential memorandum regarding transportation. 27 October 1918.
Insert 3  Scrapbook pages, November and December 1918
1.  American Expeditionary Forces, Paris, Special Orders No. 315 regarding John M. Groff’s assignment. 22 November 1918.
2.  Photograph of the Mediterranee Hotel.
3.  Registration Coupon, to be held during stay in Paris. 17 December 1918.
4.  Letter stating that Captain John M. Groff is staying at the YMCA in Paris. 21 November 1918.
5.  Ration tickets for bread, December 1918 and January 1919.
6.  American Expeditionary Forces, France, Special Orders No. 175 regarding Captain Groff’s duty for the Supply Division, Postal Express Service. 16 December 1918.
7.  American Expeditionary Forces, France, Special Orders No. 183 regarding Captain Groff’s duties for the Supply Division. 16 December 1918.
8.  Telegram. Captain Groff sends Christmas greetings. 26 December 1918.

Folder 4  Scrapbook Pages
Insert 1  Scrapbook pages, January 1919
Report of Operations, to the Chief of the Postal Express Service. 15 January 1919.
Insert 2  Scrapbook pages, January 1919
Photograph and list of Officer Personnel of Postal Service with headquarters at Mediterranee Hotel. 21 January 1919.
Insert 3  Scrapbook pages, January 1919
1.  American Expeditionary Forces, France, Special Orders No. 211 regarding travel and duty of Captain Groff. 23 January 1919.
2.  2 patches.
3.  Copy of Special Orders No. 211 and patches on transparency.
Insert 4  [Patch], U.S. Army AWS Air Force, Observer.
Insert 5  Scrapbook pages, January 1919
1.  Telegram, Signal Corps, United States Army, Paris. To Captain Groff. 27 January 1919.
2.  American Military Police authorization for Captain Groff. 29 January 1919.
3.  Military train ticket, Paris.

Folder 5  Scrapbook Pages
Insert 1  Scrapbook pages, February 1919
1.  Letter to Captain Groff. No date.
2.  Copy of memorandum regarding Liaison Officers for Postal Express Service. 1 February 1919.
3.Copy of memorandum regarding Liaison Officers for Postal Express Service. 9 July 1918.
4.  Admission card for Captain Groff. 5 February 1919.
5.Photograph of cemetery.
6.  American Expeditionary Forces, France, Special Orders No. 230 regarding Captain Groff’s travel and mileage statement. 11 February 1919.
7.  American Expeditionary Forces, France, Special Orders No. 42 regarding Captain Groff’s transportation to the United States. 11 February 1919.
8.  American Expeditionary Forces, France, Special Orders No. 231 regarding Captain Groff’s travel. 12 February 1919.
Insert 2  Scrapbook pages, February 1919
1.  American Expeditionary Forces, Captain Groff is fit for transportation. 13 February 1919.
2.  Travel Order No. 4995 for Captain Groff for transportation to the United States. 14 February 1919.
3.  White Star Line, G sticker.
4.  Newspaper article, “Olympic with 5,846 in at 6 P.M.” No date.
5.  Photograph of the White Star Liner, Olympic. “Used as transport in the Great War.” No date.
6.  Special Orders No. 47-0 regarding temporary duty in New York City. February 1919.
7.  Special Orders No. 64-0 regarding Captain Groff’s travel for the Postal Express Service. 18 March 1919.
8.  Pass No. 1662 issued to Captain Groff. Expired 28 February 1919.
9.  Copy of Pass No. 1662 on transparency.
Insert 3  Scrapbook pages, February 1919
1.  Certificate of Appointment, United States Army. John M. Groff appointed Captain of Infantry. Stamped 6 February 1919.
2.  Newspaper article, “John M. Groff Tendered Commission as Captain in Expeditionary Force.” 10 October [1918].
3.  Newspaper article, “John M. Groff Home from France.” No date.
4.  Newspaper article, “Captain John M. Groff is Still in Service.” No date.
5.  Newspaper article, “Captain John M. Groff Home; Tells of Meeting Lancaster Men in France and Germany.” 26 February 1919.
Insert 4  Scrapbook pages, March 1919
1.  Memorandum from Captain Groff, request for discharge. 17 March 1919.
2.  Special Orders No. 65-0 regarding Captain Groff’s discharge from the service of the United States. 19 March 1919.
Insert 5  Scrapbook pages, October to December 1919
1.  “Headquarters Military Parade, Lancaster County Welcome Home Celebration.” 25 September to 2 October 1919.
2.  Certificate to honor the service of John M. Groff from the A. R. Talbot Camp, No. 11912, Modern Woodmen of America. 2 October 1919.
3.  Memorandum regarding antityphoid inoculation. 1 December 1919.

Folder 6  Scrapbook Pages
Insert 1  Scrapbook pages, November 1920, December 1923
1.  Extract from Discharge Certificate of Officer to Secure Victory Medal. Stamped 24 November 1920.
2.  Discharge Certificate for Captain Groff. Notarized 23 November 1920.
3.  American Expeditionary Forces, General Orders No. 38-A regarding termination of service. Copy to Captain Groff with Discharge papers. 28 February 1919.
4.  Memorandum to Captain Groff regarding appointment in the Officers’ Reserve Corps. 1 December 1923.
5.  Memorandum to Captain Groff regarding correspondence course for Reserve Adjutants General. 10 December 1923.
Insert 2  Scrapbook pages, February, March, October 1924
1.  Certificate of Appointment for John M. Groff, Captain, Adjutant General’s Officers’ Reserve Corps. 2 February 1924.
2.  Letter to Captain Groff to solicit his enrollment the correspondence course. 4 March 1924.
3.  Copy of above letter.
4.  Letter from Captain Groff declining to enroll in the course. 8 March 1924.
5.  Memorandum regarding inactive training of Reserve Officers. 13 October 1924.
Insert 3  Scrapbook pages, February 1925
1.  Memorandum to Captain Groff regarding active duty training. 13 February 1925.
2.  Blank application for active duty training, enclosed in above letter. No date.
3.  Memorandum from Captain Groff regarding active duty training. 20 February 1925.

Folder 7  Scrapbook Pages
Insert 1  Scrapbook pages, January 1928
1.  Memorandum regarding promotion or reappointment in the Officers’ Reserve Corps. 16 January 1928.
2.  Memorandum regarding promotion or reappointment in the Officers’ Reserve Corps. 27 January 1928.
Insert 2  Scrapbook pages, March 1928
1.Letter to officers of the Adjutant General’s Department regarding the completion of a Qualification Card. No date.
2.Qualification card for John M. Groff. 10 March 1928.
Insert 3  Scrapbook pages, April 1928
Memorandum regarding reappointment. 16 April 1928.
Insert 4  Scrapbook pages, October 1928
Memorandum regarding reappointment. 11 October 1928.
Insert 5  Scrapbook pages, October 1928
Letter to Captain Groff regarding reappointment. 19 October 1928.
Insert 6  Scrapbook pages, November 1928
Certificate of Appointment for John M. Groff, Captain in the Adjutant General’s Department. 16 November 1928.

Folder 8  Scrapbook Pages
Insert 1  Scrapbook pages, April and December 1933
1.  Memorandum to Captain Groff regarding reappointment. 10 April 1933.
2.  Memorandum from Captain Groff regarding reappointment. 11 April 1933.
3.  Memorandum to Captain Groff regarding commission status. 2 December 1933.
Insert 2  Scrapbook pages, June and July 1942
1.  Letter from John M. Groff regarding application for the medal and ribbon of the “Army of Occupation of Germany.” Simplex Paper Box Corporation letterhead. 22 June 1942.
2.  Copy of above letter.
3.  Information relative to the Army of Occupation of Germany Medal. 7 July 1942.
4.  Newspaper article, “German Occupation Ribbon Authorized to be Worn.” No date.
Insert 3  Scrapbook pages, January and March 1947
1.  Memorandum from John M. Groff regarding Army of Occupation of Germany Medal. 28 January 1947.
2.  Memorandum regarding the Army of Occupation of Germany Medal to be issued to John M. Groff. 28 March 1947.
3.  Copy of Special Orders No. 211 and patches. Enclosed with above letter. (Original is in Folder 4, Insert 3)
4.  Copy of Pass No. 1662 issued to Captain Groff. Enclosed with above letter. (Original is in Folder 5, Insert 2)

Folder 9  Scrapbook Pages
Insert 1  Scrapbook pages, Maps
1.  Map of France, U.S. Army issue, showing transfer stations, railways, and motor truck service. 1918.
2.  Map of France, Belgium and the Netherlands, National Geographic Society. 1960.
Insert 2  Scrapbook pages
Third Army Mail list with Unit, Location, and how mail was Routed. No date.
Insert 3  Scrapbook pages
1.  Certificate of Appreciation from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, The Fourth Liberty Loan. 19 October 1918.
2.  Certificate of Appreciation from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, The Victory Liberty Loan. 10 May 1919.
Insert 4  Scrapbook pages
1.  Registration card, Division No. 1, for John M. Groff. 12 September 1918.
2.  Membership card, Overseas Masonic Club, Paris. 1 December 1918.
3.  Red Cross Identification Card, Canteen Service. 11 September 1918.
4.  Red Cross certification of work in the Canteen Service. 21 August 1919.
Insert 5  Scrapbook pages
1.  Certificate from the American Defense Society. 18 July 1918.
2.  Certificate from the American Defense Society. 27 September 1918.
Insert 6  Scrapbook pages
4 aerial photographs, France. [1918, 1919]
Insert 7  Scrapbook pages
1.  Postcard. [Victory Parade], Lancaster. Intersection of Orange Street and North Queen Street. No date.
2.  Photograph of [John M. Groff].
3.  Chevron.
4.  Card with photographs of house and woman. No date.
5.  Miniature American flag and poem about the flag.
Insert 8  Scrapbook pages
Letter to Captain Groff from H. M. J. Klein. 1954.

Insert 9  Scrapbook pages
Small banner. “E Pluribus Unum.”