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

by Ruth Ellen Patton Totten, James Patton Totten (Editor), Carlo D'Este (Foreword)

The Button Box is the 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.

Genres: History

400 pages, Unknown Binding

First published June 30, 2005

Reviews

[Susan Liston · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 This book came to my attention in my guise as a docent at the Phineas Banning Residence Museum, Mrs Patton was his great-niece, and George S Patton was also the nephew of his daughter-in-law. This gets a little sappy sometimes, not too bad. And there is a lot of detail that got a bit much at times, but it's a great snapshot of the time period. I still enjoyed it for the most part, and reading about Patton from his daughter's perspective was quite fascinating. I think she softens up some of it, although she does reveal how her mother felt about "Georgie's" infidelities and does touch upon his drinking. (She says upfront that this is NOT about her father, it's about her mother, so read between the lines on that one)

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book did not 'flow'. It kept bouncing around and involving other members of the wealthy family made wealthy by owning mills. Some characters were interesting, but not enough to keep my interest. Rather dull.

[Shawna Massengill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully done memoir. The book was primarily about Beatrice Patton (George Patton's wife) but it still manages to paint a little seen portrait of the General.