Oral Histories Online
Special Reception
MHPL has been working in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin’s Digital Collection Center (UWDCC) to digitize the oral histories and memorabilia of six local World War II veterans.
A website including photographs, documents, letters, and oral histories was released to the public on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2009.
A reception honoring these six veterans and introducing the website to the public will be held Saturday, November 14, 2009.
The reception included guest speaker Troy Reeves, oral historian from UW-Madison, who spoke on the importance of preserving oral histories. Donna Douglas from the American Legion Auxiliary will also gave an introduction to the veterans of the area and those who specifically participated in this project.
| 10.11.2009 |
Visit the Collection
The Project is Now Live
Click here to browse the collection now!
Oral histories, rare photographs and memorabilia have all been digitized and are available now at the University of Wisconsin Digital Collections website.
Quick Links
To selected webpages in the collection
Ray Cunneen
Ray Cunneen Books Work Horse of the Western Front
Wesley Field
Pat Hitchcock
Massachusetts State College Papers
Pat Hitchcock Letters and Transcripts
"Pairs-soir" newpaper clipping
Here it is the army's tour for you no. 1 (color brochure)
Here it is the army's tour for you no. 2 (color brochure)
Willis Martinson
Willis Martinson materials :
"Private U. Anyou at Truax Field Radio Mechanics School"
"Basic Field Manual and Soldier's Handbook"
"The Amended GI Bill of Rights and How it Works"
Florian Stamm
Florian Stamm "Sea of Reflection" an interview provided by his granddaughter
Magazine feature article of the USS Indianapolis "Forgotten Heroes"
Clarence Thronson
Clarence Thronson Scrapbook #1
Clarence Thronson Scrapbook #2
About the Project
And Special Thanks
MHPL Reference Librarian and Adult Programming Coordinator, Jessica Williams, applied for and received a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant to record the oral histories of local WWII veterans in 2008. Working with a list provided by Keith Bakken, American Legion President, Jessica spoke with the first respondents who were interested in participating in the project. She interviewed as many veterans as the grant money allowed.
Special thanks to Troy Reeves, oral historian at UW-Madison, who advised on best practices, and to Helen Kahl, MHPL staff member, who was integral in contacting many of the veterans.
| 11.10.2009 |
Our Thanks to the Veterans
Who Shared Their Stories
Ray Cunneen
Wesley Field
Pat Hitchcock
Willis Martinson
Florian Stamm
Clarence Thronson
