Dorance Pershing Alquist
Grew up in Minneapolis, MN with his father Oscar, mother Edna and sister Dorothy. He was drafted into service in 1941. He and his friends decided to call each other by their initials and therefore DPA became "Dippy" and eventually just "Dip." The nickname was easier to say than Dorance and so it stuck. Interests include skiing, golf, bowling, dancing and social gatherings.
Edna Alquist
Dip's mother generally runs the family's affairs. She excelled in home economics and unwound by playing cards. Every year she looked forward to vacation at the cabin on Gull Lake in Brainerd, MN. In fact while Dip was heading off to Fort Snelling the family was headed up to the cabin for vacation!
Oscar Alquist
Dip's proud father. Sergeant in the Army under General Pershing, he chased Pancho Villa into Mexico before the U.S. joined World War I. With much respect for the General, he gave his son the middle name "Pershing." After serving in the Army he settled into a management position at American Linen Co. of Minneapolis. He spends his time playing sports including golf, bowling, baseball, football and fishing.
Dorothy Alquist
Dip's beloved older sister. Seen here helping him figure out his new camera. Married to Arlo Jordan. She has two children: Nancy and Larry. Arlo just started a job for Hormel out in New York and the whole family has moved out East.
Home
4115 39th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Bob Coll
One of Dorance's best friends from Minneapolis and one of the Kinsmen. They both ended up at Fort Bragg for training and then went on to Fort Sill for Officer Candidate School. Bob's girlfriend is Ardell Bockler who sent a note to Dorance when Coll was laid up in the hospital. Bob is serving on the European front while Dip headed out to the Pacific.
Rolie Iverson
Another of Dip’s best friends from Minneapolis and one of the Kinsmen. Dorance and Rolie embarked on a three week tour of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area before reporting for duty at Fort Snelling. He is serving in South America.
Marion Sneen
A friend from Minneapolis. Spent 1943 in California and is now back in Minnesota. She and Dip began writing letters back and forth while he was in training and now she is one of his most faithful letter writers and his main flirt.