R-MC 073

Guide to the World War II and Postwar Letters of Edward G. Scagliotta, June 1945-October 1946.

By David D'Onofrio

May 2004

Special Collections and University Archives, Rutgers University Libraries

Biographical Sketch of Edward G. Scagliotta

Edward G. Scagliotta was born in Bound Brook, New Jersey on June 2, 1927. His father, Sam Scagliotta, an Italian immigrant, was an orchid grower by trade. His mother, Anne, also of Italian descent, was native born.

Edward Scagliotta grew up on a small farm in Bound Brook, New Jersey during the Great Depression. Attending Bound Brook high school, he immersed himself in activities, including wrestling, football and track. In May 1945, Scagliotta enlisted in the Naval Reserve. Called up that June, he attended basic training before being assigned to the shakedown cruise of the USS Huntington. Upon discharge, Scagliotta attended Union Junior College, receiving an associates degree. On September 3, 1949, Edward married his long time girlfriend, Louise Maimone, also of Bound Brook. He then moved on to Rutgers University, where he received his Bachelors and Masters in Education. After working some time as an elementary school teacher, Scagliotta took an interest in special education and the neurologically impaired, founding the Midland School in 1960, where he serves as executive director. He also found time to complete a doctorate from Southeastern University, conferred in 1974. On October 29, 2003, Dr. Edward G. Scagliotta was interviewed by the Rutgers Oral History Archives of World War II.

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Scope and Content Note

The collection consists primarily of 202 letters written by and to Edward G. Scagliotta between June 1945 and October 1946. Ninety-two letters are written by Edward to his girlfriend, Louise Maimone, spanning June 1945 to July 1946. The letters focus on Edward's daily military routines and reminiscences of liberties spent with Louise. Attached to two of the letters are photocopies of clippings from the USS Huntington's ship's news paper. Eleven letters are written to Edward by Louise Maimone from May to October of 1946, discussing life in Bound Brook high school and reflecting on Edward's letters. Ninety-five letters, spanning June 1945 to July 1946 are written by Edward to his parents, Sam and Anne Scagliotta, but address Anne, primarily. These letters also focus on daily navy life, but also include numerous references to Edward's younger brother, Joe "Do-Do" Scagliotta, as well as constant reassurances that his mother need not worry. It is important to note the dichotomy between the letters written to Anne Scagliotta and Louise Maimone, in both writing style and the amount of information offered. Three letters from June 1945 are written to Edward by Anne Scagliotta, reflecting on Edward's letters and the trials of life on the home-front. One final letter is written to Edward by his brother Joe, relating his experiences in high school. The collection also contains one Christmas card from Edward to Louise Maimone, dated December 23, 1945, and an un-mailed postcard from Puerto Rico.

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Arrangement Note

The collection is arranged into twenty-four folders, housed in one manuscript box. The letters are organized first by correspondent. Within each correspondent, the letters are arranged chronologically. Letters written by Edward Scagliotta, which consume multiple folders, are foldered by month, with special attention paid to the geographic location from which they are mailed.

The first eleven folders contain letters written by Edward Scagliotta to Louise Maimone. Folder twelve contains letters written to Edward by Louise Maimone. Folders thirteen through twenty-two house letters written by Edward to his parents, Sam and Anne Scagliotta. Folder twenty-three holds letters written to Edward by Anne Scagliotta. Finally, folder twenty-four contains a single letter to Edward by Joe Scagliotta, a Christmas card from Edward to Louise Maimone and an un-mailed postcard with pictorial insert from Puerto Rico.

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Related Collections

An Interview with Edward G. Scagliotta for the Rutgers Oral History Archives of World War II is available online: Interview with Edward Scagliotta

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Name and Subject Tracings

Personal Names

Corporate Names

Subject Headings

Geographic Locations

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Detailed Description of the Collection/Container List