Robert H. Slocum in 1919

Although Lt. Robert H. Slocum was born and raised in Syracuse, NY, he resided in Burlington(VT) for the majority of his life.  A recent photo discovery by a friend of mine at a local flea market has provided a wealth of research potential.  The photo clearly depicts a young Lieutenant sporting a Coastal Artillery Corps insignia on his collar.  The name Robert H. Slocum was inked on the reverse of the image.  I wasn’t able to find a wartime record of Lt. Slocum in the Vermont files, but was able to find his draft card from Syracuse.  He was a student at the time at Syracuse University and was originally from the area.

Draft Card

Slocum was likely a Lieutenant with the 59th Coastal Artillery, a Syracuse/Upstate New York based unit.  This is only speculation, but the likelyhood is strong.

Lt. Slocum’s grave in Syracuse

Mr. Slocum lived for nearly six decades at his home on 21 Alfred Street in the South End of Burlington.  I was able to purchase his photo albums from the 1930s which include many interesting images of the Burlington lakefront and Southend area.  His son recently passed and his estate was broken up, ending up at a local flea market.  Luckily I was able to keep most of the early albums together.

Post-WWI Residence of Lt. Slocum – 21 Alfred Street, Burlington, VT

Lt. Slocum posed with daughter in May of 1935

Little Bobby playing in a local Burlington playground (note the chicken coop)

Cruising the mean streets of Burlington in 1936

Little Bobby on a tricycle (note the decorative porch treatment in the background)

Background house in 2012

Lt. Slocum and family at the beach. Possibly North Beach

It would seem that Lt. Slocum lived a long and happy life.  I found a 2012 obituary for his son which makes reference to Robert Slocum Jr, who passed away in 1993.

A 2012 obituary for Robert Slocum III

ROBERT H. SLOCUM III – BURLINGTON – On Nov. 15, 2012, Robert H. Slocum III died peacefully in his cherished home, following a brief illness. Born on May 31, 1931, he was the son of Robert H. Slocum II and Frances Slocum. Bob graduated from Burlington High School in the Class of 1949 and the Middlebury College, Class of 1954. For many years he was an elementary school teacher in Deep River, Conn. Music was an important part of his life and he hoped to instill a love of music in his students. For many years he would write and produce a musical for his students to perform. Upon his retirement, he returned to Burlington to live with his father. Both men enjoyed the company of their cat named Scooter who seemed to know his job was to make them happy. When Scooter died, Bob adopted a stray cat and most recently one from the humane society. Bob looked forward to his high school class reunions each summer and, of course, the Red Sox games. He is survived by his sister, Cynthia Slocum of Pittsford; and his cousins, Joan and Phil Hoff and their children, Susan Haynes, Dagny Hoff, Andrea MacNaughton and Gretchen Hoff. The family is most grateful to Philomena Gicheru for her friendship and caring assistance provided to Bob these past thirteen years. There will be a gathering of remembrance on Nov. 26, 2012, at 10:30 am at 35 Hillcrest Rd., Burlington.