Mabel Hetzer saved Depression- and World War II-era letters from her brother, James, and others. He was first trying to "make it big on Broadway" but enlisted and then wrote from boot camp and the European Theater where he entertained troops with Mickey Rooney and lesser stars. These letters, which are a great cultural reflection of the times, were written mostly by James who both entertained his family with his tales and sustained their hopes for his success and return.