The Button Box

by Totten, Ruth Ellen Patton

• ISBN13: 9780826215765
• ISBN10: 0826215769
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-06-30
• Publisher: Univ of Missouri Pr

Summary

The Button Boxisthe loving memoir of Beatrice Ayer Patton (18861953), the wife of one of the greatest military figures in history, General George S. Patton, Jr. Written by the Pattonsrs" daughter, Ruth Ellen, the book covers Beatricers"s life from her youth in a wealthy New England family until her death, with an emphasis on her years of marriage to George Patton. A supportive and loving wife, Beatrice was accomplished in her own right as an equestrian, musician, lecturer, sailor, and internationally published author. Courageous and adventurous, Beatrice played a significant role in her husbandrs"s life. Without her, General Patton might never have reached his own level of success. Although there have been numerous books written on George S. Patton,The Button Boxprovides a unique perspective on the generalrs"s complex personality as well as a rare and intimate look inside his famous American family, a glimpse of the "Old Army" that formed the cadre of the army of World War II, and a detailed description of life "between the wars" in a society not to be seen again. Most important, though, it is the story of a truly fascinating woman, told with love and a rowdy sense of humor by her daughter.

Table of Contents

Foreword	vii
Carlo W. D'Este
Introduction	1	(4)
Part I
Granfer Ayer and Ellie	5	(13)
``Like Birds on a Telephone Wire''	18	(11)
Growing Up	29	(6)
The Pattons	35	(31)
Georgie	66	(19)
Part II
Orange Blossoms	85	(17)
The Great War	102	(19)
Camp Meade and Fort Myer	121	(24)
Part III
Schofield Barracks	145	(32)
Legendes Hawaiiennes	177	(54)
``The Debutante Racket''	231	(16)
Hawaii Revisited	247	(13)
Trouble in Paradise	260	(28)
Europe Before the War	288	(13)
Visiting Firemen	301	(20)
Long Shadows	321	(22)
Part IV
``A Helluva Way to Die''	343	(11)
I Hide in Songs	354	(26)
Happy Days	380