Erwin’s father, Elmer Holmquist, was required to register for the draft on the 27th of April, 1942. This draft was nicknamed the “Old Man’s Draft.” He missed being required to register for the previous draft by just a few months as he was born in 1896 and not 1897.
“On April 27, 1942, the Selective Service conducted the fourth of six draft registrations. This
registration, also called the “Old Man’s Registration,” collected information on the industrial
capacity and skills of men born between April 27, 1877, and February 16, 1897 (ages 45 to 64).
This draft registration was not intended to be used for military service, but to provide a complete
inventory of manpower resources in the United States that could be used for national service.” (Taken from web site: https://www.archives.gov/files/research/military/ww2/draft-cards-fourth-registration.pdf)
Elmer was born in Cadillac, Michigan, the second oldest child of nine children. His parents were both Swedish immigrants. The family moved to a farm in Tustin, Michigan when Elmer was about ten years old. As a young adult, Elmer and his older brother headed to Grand Rapids. He married in 1918, and by the time WWII broke out, he was busy raising his six children and running an auto repair business out of his four stall garage on the NW side of Grand Rapids. Erwin was helping him in the business before joining the Navy.
Note: It appears as though Erwin had a Leave following his graduation on May 1 as his next letter is dated May 28. There is a good chance the above photograph of Erwin with his mom and dad and brother was taken at his home in Grand Rapids while on leave in May of 1942.
Ancestors Across the Ages 