Catalog Number

2021.18.97

Description

Envelope, from the War Department, November 1943.  This envelope is addressed to Peggy Kirchen of Holland, MI and contained information about joining the W.A.S.P.s (Women Airforce Service Pilots).

History

Margery "Peggy" Kirchen Fitzgerald was born on 9-15-1920 to Marguerite E. Hummer Kirchen (1888-1971) and Charles Kirchen (1876-1951).

From 1921 to 1940 she lived in Holland, MI at 162 West 12th Street. By 1942 she had moved with her parents into their new home at 1081 Ottawa Beach Road in Park Township. Bramblewood, the name given to the home and property along Ottawa Beach Road, would be Peggy's home for more than 70 years.

As a child Peggy competed in Hunter Jumper competitions throughout West Michigan and the country, bringing home several trophies. She also took flying lessons in the early 1940s at the Park Township Airport, earning her pilot's license. She was interested in joining the W.A.S.P.'s (Women Airforce Service Pilots) and, in 1943, Peggy began the enlistment process.

Peggy married Wayne Fitzgerald on 5-13-1944 in Holland, MI. The couple had two children.

On 9-15-2020 Peggy turned 100. She passed away on 12-23-2020 in Holland, MI.

Gift of

Robert Fitzgerald, Jr. & Melinda Fitzgerald Bauman in loving memory of their mother Peggy Kirchen Fitzgerald