The Button Box : A Daughter's Loving Memoir of Mrs. George S. Patton

__"There was never a moment in our lives that we were not reminded that our father was the finest, bravest, most gallant, and best-looking man who ever lived and that he was destined for unimaginable glory. This we took for granted. Being our father’s children was a special influence in all our lives, but the greatest, most pervasive, and most interesting influence in my life was Ma."__ __The Button Box__ isthe loving memoir of Beatrice Ayer Patton (1886–1953), the wife of one of the greatest military figures in history, General George S. Patton, Jr. Written by the Pattons’ daughter, Ruth Ellen, the book covers Beatrice’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 husband’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 Box__ provides a unique perspective on the general’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. Contents 6 Foreword 8 Introduction 14 Part I 16 Chapter 1. Granfer Ayer and Ellie 18 Chapter 2. “Like Birds on a Telephone Wire” 31 Chapter 3. Growing Up 42 Chapter 4. The Pattons 48 Chapter 5. Georgie 79 Part II 96 Chapter 6. Orange Blossoms 98 Chapter 7. The Great War 115 Chapter 8. Camp Meade and Fort Myer 134 Part III 156 Chapter 9. Schofield Barracks 158 Chapter 10. Legendes Hawaiiennes 190 Chapter 11. “The Debutante Racket” 244 Chapter 12. Hawaii Revisited 260 Chapter 13. Trouble in Paradise 273 Chapter 14. Europe Before the War 301 Chapter 15. Visiting Firemen 314 Chapter 16. Long Shadows 334 Part IV 354 Chapter 17. “A Helluva Way to Die” 356 Chapter 18. I Hide in Songs 367 Chapter 19. Happy Days 393