Reader comments: Irvin Barto, Spider-Man and beloved old books

There wasn't an office party or anything, but yesterday was the four-year anniversary of Papergreat's first post. One of the cool things about the constant stream of reader comments is that those comments might be posted on a story that's two, three or even four years old. It's neat to see readers connecting with this material years after it was originally posted.

Seven sons from Lancaster County family served during World War II: Chris Caplinger writes: "Irvin Barto Jr. did not survive, as he was KIA on Feb. 9, 1945..."

Caplinger provided this link to a webpage by the American Battle Monuments Commmission. It indicates that Irvin, one of seven Barto brothers who served in the miliary, is buried in Lorraine American Cemetery in France.

* * *
Finding a new job in 1973 with Spider-Man's help: Elizabeth J. Neal writes: "I'm guessing that two factors came into play here. First, were readers of Spider-Man comics slightly older than readers of other types of comics? An older demographic might have been more interested in finding a career than in buying cardboard submarines and X-ray specs."

* * *

Photograph of creepy old house for thunderstorm-filled June day: Winston C writes: "Beautiful Second Empire. So sad it's dilapidated and in such rough shape. This one truly is the quintessence of late 1800s Victorians."

The house, by the way, is located in Coudersport, Pennsylvania. This webpage on OldHouses.com has some additional photos and details.

* * *
Anyone remember Sath Book Shop in Staunton, Virginia? Anonymous writes: "I found a bookmark just like this one in a 1976 hardback book ... Robbers Roost Ranch or something like that."

* * *
Scholastic Fest: #12, Witch in the House: Anonymous writes: "Oh my gosh! This was a favourite of mine as a child and I have been looking through used book stores for years to find a copy."

* * *

"Jim and Judy," a 1939 grade-school textbook with a York connection: Anonymous writes: "I have this book! Saved it from 1st grade!!! It got wet in my basement last year but I still have it and I'm looking for a clean copy! I can't believe there is a site on it! Thank you!!"

[Note to anyone seeking this book: Used copies are available on Amazon for fairly reasonable prices.]

* * *
Farewell Floyd, a good boy: Nina, who authors the blog Quilts, Life and Balance, writes: "My sympathies on Floyd's passing. This past year we lost our 13 year old Golden Retriever. I felt like my arm had been cut off. I still get sad when I think about him. Pets are such a gift to us."