Annie Whitlock always knew that her grandfather, Bruce McMahon, served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. However, she had no idea that he flew over Omaha Beach on D-Day or that he took photographs from the air of the battle below.
That is, until her aunt moved into a family home and discovered a treasure trove of letters and scrapbooks left behind by Bruce. Tucked away in the basement, the more than 200 letters provide a personal perspective on the war that changed the trajectory of history.
Now, Whitlock has launched a new podcast that delves into the letters and discusses them in the context of what was happening locally and globally at the time.
“(Letters Home) is a historical podcast that is a family story but also how it intersects with Lowell history and world history,” Whitlock explains.
Multimedia Look at a Turning Point in History
Bruce McMahon – whose full name was James Bruce McMahon – was born in 1915 and minus his time overseas, lived in Lowell until his death in 1998. An all-state athlete, he played football at Michigan State and Central Michigan University, and like many in the Greatest Generation, he enlisted to serve his country when the call came.
His service in the war spanned the years 1942-1945, and Bruce flew in 38 missions as a member of the B-17 Flying Fortress. Rising to the rank of major, Bruce was awarded both an Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Devoted to his family, McMahon wrote letters regularly to his parents, brothers and sisters throughout his time overseas.
“They would gather and read them together,” Whitlock notes.
Those letters form the basis of the Letters Home podcast. Whitlock is joined by her father Mitch McMahon and aunt Laurie Summerfield – Bruce’s children – to read excerpts of letters while Lowell historian Dale Kropf joins in to provide insight on what was happening locally at that time. Whitlock notes older residents might hear about people, places and events they recognize, and she would love to hear from listeners who can provide their own recollections.
“We’re hoping to have this be interactive with the community,” Whitlock says.
While primarily a podcast, Letters Home also offers multiple ways to experience Bruce’s story. Thanks to a partnership with the Lowell Area Historical Museum, letters and documents will be shared online as each episode is posted.
There are also visual elements in YouTube videos related to the podcast episodes, and an Instagram page where photos will be shared as well. Of course, if you simply want to listen to the conversation, you can find the podcast itself on Spotify.
“His letters are really poetic and sweet,” Whitlock shares. “It’s interesting to hear about the experience of the war from an ordinary guy from Lowell.”
Fittingly enough, the first episode of Letters Home was released today, on the Fourth of July. Future episodes are expected to be released each Thursday.
Stop by the Lowell Area Historical Museum website to learn more.
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