18 24 26018 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/c0598e412573a11a67641da94ddef0b2.pdf 7eb23df2b3b011f49df3d1018e30a498 PDF Text Text L'dor V'dor Project Interviews Interviewer: Jennifer Morrish Interview: Anna Alpert Date: November 17, 2018 AA: How did you get so lucky to choose me? [laughs] Did Marilyn assign them? JM: No, we chose. AA: Oh, really? JM: Yeah. AA: Thank you. JM: Yeah. JM: So today is November 16th, 2018. AA: 17th JM: It's the 17th? It is the 17th. AA: Tomorrow is Mickey Mouse's birthday. JM: You're right, it's November 17th, 2018. AA: Right [laughs] JM: I am here with Anna, conducting an oral history for the L'or v'dor Project. Would you please state your name for the recording? AA: My name is Anna Alpert. JM: Thank you. Do you consent to participate and have your history recorded for this project? AA: Yes. JM: Alright. AA: As long as I can keep eating my bagel. JM: Go right ahead. 1 �JM: Alright, so tell me about yourself and your life, and what you were like as a child/young adult. AA: Wow, that's a pretty big question! JM: It is. AA: It's huge. I mean, where do you start? If somebody was longer it wouldn't take as long, but... [laughs] Okay, I was born in Paris, France, and I'm the daughter of Holocaust survivors, which I'm very proud of. I did have a sister, who died before I was even born. I'm an only child and came to the United States when I was five. Lived in St. Louis, did not care for it; it was hot and humid. Did you say you were from St. Louis? JM: No. AA: Somebody I talked to was from St. Louis. We moved to St. Paul. Spent most of my childhood there. Not too many friends. Started dancing, taking ballet classes, which I still—I don't take classes, I teach now. Moved to California just before my senior year, which was horrible. JM: That would be horrible. AA: Absolutely terrible. After going through kindergarten all the way up, but my parents were practical: You wanna go to UCLA, we have to establish residency. Okay, so moved to Los Angeles, love it there. Love the weather, love the geography with the mountains and the palm trees and the beach. Love it there! Went to college at UCLA. Met my husband at a camp. Moved to Muskegon, because that's where his job took him, and love the people—I love—sometimes I say I wish I could do a Brigadoon, which is take the whole town of Muskegon—the musical—and just float it over to like around San Diego. Cause I love the people here. I don't care for the weather, and the gloom. No sun. You know last month we only had—we had 21 days with no sun? JM: I did not know that. AA: From October 23rd until this week. JM: Wow. AA: Yeah. JM: That's Michigan. [laughs] 2 �AA: I have three kids—unfortunately one of them passed way, is not with us—and an absolutely phenomenal best grandson in the entire world [laughs]. I think that kind of covers it. I'm sure there's a lot of other things that are in there. JM: Well, that's a good place to start. AA: Oh! I know one thing I forgot to put on my timeline. I'm a founding member of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, which I'm very proud of, and also Gilana's fund, which was named after our daughter. JM: Going back to your parents, you're the child of Holocaust survivors, and not everyone in the Temple has had this experience. AA: No JM: So I was just wondering if you could tell me about it, because you're sort of the generation after, if that makes sense. AA: Yeah, I'm the child of survivors, I'm the second generation. JM: Right, so that specifically. AA: It's an added responsibility now because so many survivors are dying. Cause we're what, 70 years after 1945? Yeah, more than 70, and now about the only thing that's left are maybe child survivors. Those who were, you know, children. So now it's up to those of us who were children of survivors to carry on their story. One reason I am so passionate about it, is because I strongly feel that—the people who died—it has to mean something. It has to mean something, their death, their existence. So I use that—for good—cause I tend to be pretty optimistic, and I just want people to learn so that doesn't happen again. It's become a trite phrase: never again, but it's true, and today, when you see so many similarities, you really have to impress upon kids, and that's my focus. I mean, adults, yes, but I really feel that if you can get—especially middle school kids [laughs] yeah—if you can get them to realize that and internalize it, at least what happened to my family will have some positive outcome. So. I don't think there's anybody else, now in the congregation, who has that experience. JM: Yeah, I don't believe so. AA: There used to be. There is one woman, but she doesn't come that often. But as far as being an active member. JM: Right, yeah, you're the only one. AA: I love going around to schools and talking about it. I really really do. 3 �JM: Yeah, I was curious, so the center that you helped found, is that how you—like is that what you do your work under? AA: Yes, the Center for Holocaust and Genocide studies used to be called the Shoah Remembrance Committee. It was Pastor Anderson, my husband, and I. Trying to remember, I used to say Pastor Anderson was Moses, he was our leader. My husband was Aaron, who did the work. I was Miriam, who kept them on track. JM: [laughs] Yeah AA: Right? JM: Yeah AA: The maintenance stuff. But it's under that committee, and of course now we have more members, but we, for instance, did the Gathering of Healing and Solidarity after the Pittsburgh incident. We have a commemoration service in the Spring. We bring in speakers. We try and arrange programs to go out to schools. We're kind of—and we've broadened our base, not just the Holocaust, but and genocide studies. Because there are other—like this past week we had a speaker on the Armenian genocide, which is fascinating. God! I didn't know anything about that. But it basically, it's how can we combat hate and ignorance? How can we get people to think for themselves? That's something I'm really, really passionate about. JM: That's awesome. I think it's really great. AA: So, that's what I do. And Gilana's fund, which is another one that I'm really hoping to perpetuate, was named after our daughter, who died when she was 26, yeah. She—it kind of ties in with the center because our tagline is: celebrating acceptance, cause she was such an accepting person. That we raise money to give to various organizations that celebrate acceptance of themselves, of each other, the Elie Wiesel fund, Big Brothers Big Sisters, any organization that helps with the idea of acceptance, is what we support. So they kind of go hand in hand. JM: Definitely. Those are two awesome organizations. AA: Oh yeah. JM: Yeah AA: Oh yeah. JM: Okay, so— 4 �AA: Accepting my bagel too JM: [laughs] JM: We sort of just kind of talked about this but, one of the next questions is: what were the most important roles that you've had in life? AA: Being a person. JM: That's a pretty good role. AA: [laughs] Being a teacher. I think is very important because I've been able to influence so many people, hopefully for the good. Being married to Alan, because it brought me here to Muskegon, and the position that I hold in this community. Absolutely definitely being a mother. I mean, that's right up there. It's just been such an incredible experience. My parents had just me, that was enough. But having had three kids and seeing how two people can have three different personalities and raising them in the same household, three different personalities. It's just incredible. Then now as a grandmother, seeing my child in that position and how she’s improving on what I did. and seeing just the wonder and the excitement and the, you know, 'Oh look what I found!' 'It's just a blade of grass.' 'Oh but look it's wonderful!' I go, 'Yeah, I guess it is wonderful.' I think being the rabbi's wife here in Muskegon, being a mother, being a teacher, being a grandmother. Those are the four. JM: Can you describe what it means for you to be a Jew? AA: Mm. These questions you could just spend hours talking about. You know, interacting, not just talking. JM: Yes. AA: A responsibility. That's the first word that comes to mind, because I think our heritage and our traditions are so rich and deep. It's a responsibility. People always say, you know, we're “the chosen”, supposedly, or when God says: I have chosen you, it's not something taken lightly because throughout our history we have had that responsibility and then paid the price for it often. But I think that's my role primarily is that responsibility... and the joy! I mean, duh, not to negate that part, and the pride. So, I think that's kinda it. JM: How do you practice Judaism? AA: [pause] Jen. I'm married to the rabbi 5 �[both laugh] JM: But for you specifically. Like I know that, I think, rabbi keeps kosher, but you don't, right? AA: In the house we do. JM: Oh, you do, both, in the house? AA: Mmhm. The only place that we vary is when we eat out. But at home we have kosher home. Would I have that if he wasn't the rabbi? Maybe. I don't know. What was the question? JM: How you practice Judaism? AA: I guess, with me, it's talking about it. You know, letting people know, you know, with my star [lifts up necklace], being open to answering questions, being proud of it. I don't think it's so much—being a reformed Jew I don't think it's as important to have the ritual part of it. The ritual is the outward appearance of what you're feeling. I think talking about the way I feel about the way I feel about it. But definitely the holidays are very important. The way we raised our kids, was very important, and excepting that responsibility that I talked about. JM: Can you tell me about a time that you questioned your faith? AA: When my daughter died. JM: Okay, can you tell more Gilana? AA: Oh [laughs] oh Gilana. How do I describe Gilana? It almost sounds like that, you know, ‘how do you solve a problem like Maria?’ [both laugh] AA: How do you explain a person like Gilana? She was an imp. Red hair, brown eyes, edgy, very edgy, very passionate. You know, when she, when she got her mind on something, and that's why we have that celebrating acceptance, that Gilana's fund, cause she was so passionate about accepting people as they were, where they were. When she died, we said, it can't stop, she can't to her work, we have to do her work. But as a child she was—I remember one time, I think she was in middle school, probably taking government, and I was doing laundry. We had the best time that day. She just propped herself up on the dryer, which was probably the warmest place in the house, and we just talked about the government, and she was in middle school! You know, the different branches, the checks and balances, and she always was questioning, and I 6 �remember when she got to Indiana University, when we were moving her in, we were waiting for her to come back and we couldn't find her and we go out on campus and it was a bright beautiful fall day and she's just walking around, swishing through the leaves [laughs] and just enjoying life. And then I remember, she also said, ‘Mom, I'm finally able to have a conversation with somebody.’ In college. When she was in elementary school, she wanted to get to middle school. When she was in middle school, ‘I want to get to high school.’ Because she never felt she could really have a conversation. Cause, you know, you've gone through, when you get to middle school and high school it's like ‘what are you wearing?’ and all that kind of stuff. She didn't care. She wanted to get into things. And she had a phenomenal sense of humor. And she loved The Beatles. The Beatles were her boys. Those were her boys. She could listen to a song and say, ‘John's playing the guitar there, and that's Paul's voice.’ She just could pick them out. She loved the Beatles. JM: That's pretty cool. AA: And she introduced me to a lot of the songs, cause she was taking a class in the history of rock n’ roll. When I used to go down there, and I would sit in on the class with her, she would always—she just introduced me to so much. She was great. Yeah. I miss her terribly. I miss our conversations. JM: So do you still believe in God, or do you...? AA: Yeah, the thing—the turning point—after she died, I was furious. Because we have a tradition that with the high holidays, with Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, that the book of life is opened and it's sealed. And the decision is made who shall live and who shall die. Traditionally. And I sat there going, ‘Give me break!’ You know, why was this person chosen not to live, who had so much promise to do so much. I mean she [laughs] she worked at an adult toy store, and loved it, because she was helping people. You know, she didn't look at it as being, ‘Oh my goodness, I gotta keep this secret.’ She says, ‘Mom, I'm helping people.’ She wanted to go into either sex therapy or sex education. But I was so angry with the concept and I was saying, ‘oh God, how could you do this?’ And then I realized, how could you be angry at something that doesn't exist? So, God must exist if you're being angry, and that was kind of a turning point. And I think most people as they get older, start getting a little bit more spiritual. I'm not the kind of person—Alan, you're not hearing me say this—that believes I have to be in this building, and sometimes I don't want to be here for services, reading the same thing that everybody else reads. I'd rather go outside. I'd rather sit in the garden. I’d rather look up at the sky. You know, some part of me thinks that I may have been a Native American in my early life, because I really, feel the trees have a soul and that I don't like to cut down a tree, I don't like to pull the leaves off, cause they hurt. But that's, to me, where I feel that there's a God, is when I'm outside. JM: That's interesting. 7 �AA: Yeah. JM: And it's almost like earlier, how you practice, it's almost like that sort of, I feel like goes along… AA: Mmhm, yeah. Cause, I think if you feel that you have to be here at services to pray, it compartmentalizes it. It puts a beginning and an end. You know, I'm walking in, I'm Jewish. I'm walking out, I'm secular, it stops. And it's not the way it is. JM: That's interesting. AA: Okay. JM: That's smart. AA: You do what you want with that piece of information. JM: Okay, so kind of linked to that, what has it been like being the rabbi's wife? AA: [laughs] JM: And when you met Alan, did you—was he already planning on being a rabbi? AA: Mhmm, I knew what I was getting into. JM: Okay [laughs] AA: Let me start by saying that I am so fortunate that this is the congregation we're with. They're extremely accepting. When I was younger, there's a term called rabbitzen. I don't know if you've heard that? JM: AA: I think so, yeah That's the phrase that often times they'll call the rabbi's wife, and I didn't want that because that had a certain stereotype in my brain, of the woman who runs everything, and is forceful and domineering, and I'm going ‘nahh’ and I remember coming to Muskegon, going ‘I'm not the rabbitzen. If I'm married to the rabbi, I'm the playboy bunny. I'm not a rabbit, I'm a bunny’ [laughs]. But, they have been—in fact, within a year of coming here, I've always been involved in theatre and theatre sometimes is on a Friday night, and they've never been critical of my having to take it off. And one year we did The Merry Widow, and I don't know if you're familiar with that play, but it's about a man who falls in love with a courtesan and she goes to—and it takes place in France, so there's the can-can girls and we all know about the can-can girls. 8 �JM: Yes, AA: I was one of 'em! And I remember sitting there on stage, sitting on one of the guy's laps. The guy happened to be the daughter of somebody in our congregation, who was off stage cause she was involved in the play as well, and I'm going [awkward noise and laugh] you know, part of me is going, ‘I'm the rabbi's wife sitting on a congregant's son's lap, playing a can-can girl.’ [laughs] But, never, any questions as to why I wasn't there, or as to what I was doing. And I'm, by nature, somebody that gets involved, and likes to be involved and share things and whatever. So, they've given me that opportunity, within this—and they've never been demanding of me. Never thinking ‘you need to fit this role.’ So it's, it's just never been a problem, it's just kind of been an extension of me. JM: That's very interesting, that's cool. AA: Yeah, if you, if, there are some rabbis who are married to a spouse who are more introverted, maybe, and don't want to be involved, that might be a problem, depending on how the rabbi—but I think a lot of it has to do on what the rabbi—that's the connection between the congregation and the spouse, and I'm using those terms because there are rabbis who are women as well. You know, but the rabbi sets the boundaries that ‘my spouse will be doing some other things,’ the congregation will more or less accept it. And Alan has always done that. You know, ‘Anna is not gonna be here.’ Even now, I can't come to services, I'm involved with the Miss Michigan pageant, a studio recital, I'm not feeling well, and never, never any problems. JM: Can you describe your earliest memories of the temple? AA: Of this temple? JM: Yeah AA: Oh, yeah, huh [laughs]. Because I think, when we came here, I'm tryin’ remember, ‘76, I was just shy of being 28 and we were interviewed here and I just remember being at somebody's house being interviewed. And then the building itself, coming in here, is to me, is very stark, and that's not really my taste, but I can appreciate the fact that some people do like it. It was built in the forties, and it reflects that period, so being a historical...a hysterian... a hysterical historian [both laugh] I kind of look at it as reflecting the period it was built in. But I met the people before I was in the building. I think you're talking about the building, or about the congregation? JM: Either one. If your first interaction is with this building or with the congregation... AA: My first interaction was with the people. I remember after the interview, going home, and there were two or three women that I had already picked out that I thought, you know, I could probably get to be really good friends with them. And they were so 9 �accepting and natural, as you've experienced. I never felt that I had to impress or was intimidated by anybody. Eh, maybe one or two [laughs] but being who I am, even the people that I've felt were a little intimidating, I always kind of said, probably deep down, they're not like that. They're probably doing that for a reason or putting on a certain persona because they feel they have to, and there's gotta be something in there that's more relaxed. But my first impression with the people was, ‘they're pretty neat, really.’ JM: I agree with that. [both laugh] Okay. What changes have you witnessed at B'nai Israel? AA: Mm. [pretends to talk with mouth closed as she eats bagel] JM: That's alright [laughs] AA: Chewing and thinking. It's gotten smaller, for sure. It bothers me that we don't have kids as much anymore. That was one of the things that [recording glitches] here when we were trying to decide [glitch] I can remember thinking, ‘oh, there's a youth group! I can maybe in charge of the youth group.’ I think one of the biggest things, because as we've gotten smaller, there's more of a blending. That's the only word I can think of. It hasn't become congregant [holds up one hand] us [holds up other hand separate]. It's more like [interlaces fingers of hands] it's a bunch of people that get together. We have all these things, but it's not imposed, it's: we decide together. Obviously, not the holidays. Those are pretty much set, but even within the holidays there are things that people say, you know, ‘can we not do this?’ or I remember once, we were ready to start services, and Alan was up in the front wanting to start, and we were talking, and I don't remember who it was, it might have been Lee [leans forward and whispers to microphone]: don't quote me on that. [laughs] And we, a bunch of us, turned around and said, ‘wait a minute, we're not ready yet,’ and we kept on talking and he's just standing up there [laughs] but that's kind of the feeling. Or we'll come in and we'll say, ‘you know what, why don't we go outside and do services today?’ So it feels more, than it did before, because we are smaller, and also more distance from the previous rabbi. Cause the previous rabbi had certain standards that he set up, and then gradually it became us. But it's more of a—like a family, deciding what's gonna happen. That's a big change that's happened gradually. JM: It's become more family like. A [to M who entered room]: Who made up these questions? M: The students collectively. AA: Woah. [laughs] E [entered with M]: Questions by committee. 10 �AA: Yeah! JM: What are your worst memories and your best memories at B'nai Israel? AA: Oh, good grief [laughs] and this is going to be recorded, right? JM: Yes, it is [laughs] AA: Can I plead the fifth? [laughs] JM: You don't have to say anything you don't want to. AA: Worst memories and best memories… Best memories: oh my god, probably around my kids. I remember with Gilana, she was not even a year, and it was the high holidays, she must have been about four or five months, and at one-point Alan says, ‘and we all say amen’ and everybody goes ‘Amen,’ and then I hear this little voice going ‘Ah-eh-ah’ [laughs]. That's one memory I always have. I have one memory of, it seems to be mostly of Gilana, where we couldn't find her. She was three or four and she had climbed up the stairs in the kitchen, and there used to be a field back here [points out library window] and this guy walks up to the front door and he says, ‘are you looking for a little redheaded girl?’ I'm going ‘well, why didn't you grab her?!’ You know, she was heading that way [points out window] to the street, so I think that might not be a very fond memory. But it's also a little hard to say temple, or Jewish community. Very fond memory around our centennial when all of Muskegon celebrated us. We had Itzhak Perlman here, if you know who he is. JM: Yes, I do! I do. AA: Wow! You know, that was amazing! Weddings that have been held here, bar and bat mitzvahs of my kids, working with the Sunday school. Alan always used to say, ‘I wanna be a rabbi in a community where I can work through generations,’ and we've had that. We've known great-grandparents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, and that's been really neat. Worst memories: I can't think of any. You know, obviously probably the deaths of some people that were very important. People leaving, that meant a lot to us, that have moved on. That's pretty much it. I can't think of anything. It's interesting that you ask that question. I can't think of anything! Now [transition back to best memories], having my children, when they were brought into the community, and the way everybody accepted them, and they were raised by this congregation. That's a good memory. Having a bite of my bagel. JM: How would you describe the values of B'nai Israel? AA: Good. 11 �JM: Good? [both laugh] AA: I'm chewing! JM: Okay. AA: Very positive. There are times when I'll say, ‘Ah, oh my god we're so small. How are we going to do anything? Is it really worth putting this in? We're so small. Are we really going to be here that long?’ and the value of these people is: we're here, let's do it. Why shouldn't we plan this? Why shouldn't we put in a stairlift, people are going to be getting older. Why shouldn't fix the roof? As opposed to saying, let's just close down and get smaller. It's ‘No. We're still here. We're still thriving. We're vibrant.’ That's a very positive value. The value of their involvement in the community. I really think that Muskegon must think that we're bigger than we are, because we are so involved, in the symphony, in the museum, in the library, in, you know, in every aspect, we're there. I think the values are really positive. And you've experienced that. JM: Yes, definitely, I have. JM: Okay, so beyond—so you have kind of already answered this with what you've said, but beyond being married to the rabbi, what still keeps you a member of this temple? AA: It's the only one in town [laughs] You know, let's get practical, Jen. JM: Right, well why have you and Alan stayed in Muskegon? AA: Oh, going back to a positive thing that happened here! It just happened this summer! The feeling when Jen and Kim got married. Jennifer, a different Jen. When they got married, because they'd been going together for so long, but they wanted to formalize their union, and what was so wonderful about it, was when Ellen approached our president about whether they could get married, nobody thought anything other than ‘Are they members?’ and that was such a beautiful thing. Nobody questioned that it was going to be a same sex marriage. It was just: it's happening. Very natural, and that is such a positive value, and I'm so proud of this congregation for that. It was one of the most beautiful ceremonies, and most joyful and loving that we have ever ever had. It was wonderful. Then my son posted on Facebook ‘This is where I come from, I'm so proud of my father,’ and I'm going ‘aww, I love you David!’ [laughs] Anyway, that wasn't the question you just asked me. What keeps me here? JM: That's alright. So yeah, you and Alan have been here since 1976, right? AA: ‘76 12 �JM: So why have you stayed at this temple? Cause usually rabbis will move around, so what has...? AA: Cause there has always been something that's gonna be happening that we want to be a part of. You know, we had an opportunity to move at one point, and I remember thinking, ‘oh, but the centennials coming up’, ‘oh but I want to wait until so-and-so gets married’, or you know, ‘I wanna see what happens with this’, it's really the people that are so wonderful. I mean, when, again, I go back to when Gilana died, I don't know what we would have done. I mean can you imagine one of our congregants drove Alan down to Chicago in the middle of the night, and stayed with us? And was so instrumental when the doctors talked to us, obviously our minds were going all over the place, but he and his wife had this talent of listening, interpreting for us, and then leaving the room, to help us—they were just there. Then we came and, we came back on a Monday, and just like that the congregation had arranged sweets and coffee and all that to welcome us back. That whole week, you know. We had a huge celebration at the Frauenthal, which wasn't just the congregation, it was the whole city. And that's what keeps us here. It’s just every time I think we're gonna move or maybe we should retire, it’s like, can we take the town with us? [laughs] JM: Right, this your community. AA: But, you know, obviously, he is the rabbi and he's not going to move until there is no congregation, which I don't think will ever happen, I hope. JM: Yeah, that's, well actually the next question is how do you envision the future of B'nai Israel? AA: Who knows. We have been told so many times, going back 30 years, 40 years, no, not quite that much, ‘you might wanna start looking. This congregation has maybe five more years.’ In fact, my son, he says that scared his life. Cause Alan would always come home going ‘we may not be here much longer.’ Can you imagine saying that to a 5 year old, a 6 year old, a 10 year old? ‘Ahh, don't get too comfortable?’ [laughs] ‘Can I unpack my bag yet dad?’ But it's like the little engine that could, ‘I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.’ It just keeps going. Okay, so we don't have a function that attracts 100 people, so we have 50, so we have 30, so we have 20. But we have 20! It’s the congregation that always looks at the positive, not ‘well, we're not here anymore. maybe we should sell the building and move someplace.’ It's ‘no, we're gonna fix this up. This is our home.’ So I don't know what the future's gonna be. If Muskegon turns around, which it might, we might get more people. And we're here. JM: You're ready for ‘em AA: We're ready! Come and get it [laughs] 13 �JM: That's awesome. AA: Yeah JM: Yeah. I don't have other specific questions. Is there anything else that you… I actually do have one other question. When we talked about... ballet! So just tell me about your— why you do ballet? You teach it now, right? AA: Mmhm JM: And did you used to do it yourself? AA: Mmhm, not professionally, semi-professionally. I was a semi, I guess you could say semiprofessional, folk-dancing, it was really folk-dancing. I was a part of company, and we travelled, and we were paid. So I guess that's what makes it professional. I started taking ballet when I was six or seven, I don't remember what I put on there [referring to timeline of life]. JM: Yes, six, “started dance classes.” AA: It's always been there. I remember once, we had just moved to California, and my parents had gone somewhere, and I was home I had to wash my hair, or do something or other, and the landlord came up to fix something. And I was listening to Swan Lake, and he stops before he leaves, and he goes ‘Why are you so different?’ and I'm going ‘oh my god, where are we going with this thing?’ and I'm like, ‘whattya mean?’ and I knew him so we could talk. And he said, ‘You're seventeen years old and you're listening to Tchaikovsky. Why are you different?’ [laughs] That's just me, I've always been drawn to classical music. I'm always drawn to things that move. I'm always drawn to sculptures or pictures that have fluid things. You know, I'm not, I don't like—that's one thing with this building, it's so geometric. JM: It is very geometric. AA: Very geometric! But I love sculptures that have circles to it. That have movement. I love rhythms. I love drums! Oh my god. I love to embarrass my kids in the grocery store. ‘Mom, you're doing that again!’ ‘Yes!’ It's just been a way of expressing myself, maybe because I was an only child. It gave me that outlet. That brought me to theatre, and Alan loves musical theatre, and I do, and so, our son's a director, and Gilana was majoring in theatre too. One child that is practical and that's Aleza, she's a teacher! I always used to say Gilana and David were gonna struggle and Aleza was going to support them both. She's the practical one. God, I've talked more about Gilana than David and Aleza in this interview. But with theatre because it’s such—everybody talks about sports as being a way of teamwork and cooperation and discipline—so are the arts. There was a quote 14 �that I saw on Facebook, I can't remember what it is but basically with the arts, what do you have of past civilizations? You have their art. You have their sculpture. You have your literature. You have their paintings. That's what survives. Not their sports—except the Olympics—not the sports and the competition stuff. I'm not downplaying that, but when I teach my students, I've always said to them, you know they say, ‘well I can't come next week because I've got a final.’ I'm going: organize. You've got a class, discipline yourself. You’ve got a class on Thursday, you've got a paper due Friday, you get it done on Tuesday. You know, the organization part. It's also making the kids aware of what their bodies can do. It's like, okay you wanna reach for the cookie jar on the top shelf, what are you going to do with your body weight? How are ya going to support that, you know, that little—it's learning about their bodies and what it can do. And so, I just, I love teaching it now. JM: That's amazing. You never really think about it that way. AA: Yeah, and then in my class I always try to bring in—they always know that when we have a recital, if you're in Miss Anna's class, you're gonna do it to classical music. Not anything modern. Cause, when I do that, I teach them about the composer, about the music, about the period. I'm a history teacher, I can't get away from that. And, you know, I just, I try to give them some reason—none of them are going to become professional dancers—but some reason for why they should be there, an appreciation for that, developing that, learning how to steal the cookies from the top shelf when they shouldn't. JM: Were you a history teacher in Muskegon? So I know you taught ballet, but… AA: I teach ballet and my major is history, my minor is speech. That's why I talk so much. [laughs] I’ve never really taught—I did teach long term a little bit, but in Muskegon I did mostly subbing. No, actually I subbed once for almost an entire semester. As I say, I've never really had my own class to corrupt. [laughs] But I do like to tell kids—because history is a boring subject for everybody, I don't know if you liked history? JM: I did, I liked history. AA: But I always tell them, you've never had me for a teacher. Cause everybody looks at history as being all those dull facts and figures, and I'm going: that's just the coat hanger. It's not the whole thing. It's what you hang everything else on, and it's the everything else that's so exciting. And yeah, the dates never change, but your interpretation of what happened will change, and your interpretation will reflect where you live. And so, somebody living in the 20th century may look at the Civil War different from somebody who lived right afterwards, or somebody next year, or whatever. So history is constantly changing, but most teachers will teach it as go come and learn this dates, and I'm going ‘Ugh, please.’ So I would say, history and dance, and my family, are the three big things in my life. 15 �JM: Yeah, sounds like it. Can you tell me more about David and Aleza? AA: Yeah, oh my goodness. David, my youngest, being the only boy, and as he told me as he was graduating high school, that he says ‘Mom, you will never have a daughter-in-law,’ and I said, ‘Go forward.’ You know, he says, ‘you'll never have a daughter-in-law’ and I said, ‘so I'll have another son-in-law, that's okay!’ And, as I'm sure many parents of gay children will say, my first concern is for you, because luckily society is getting, hopefully, more accepting, but they haven’t always been. But he has done incredibly well. He’s very focused. He's very organized. He has tremendous people skills. And to be successful in that field in New York, is brutal. It's really, really—and sometimes when he feels down I say, ‘Hey, David, how many of your friends moved to New York when you did? How many are still here? How many are still here pursuing theatre, or gone into other careers? You are so focused,’ and I say to him, ‘If dad and I didn’t think you had the talent, we wouldn't be supporting you. By now we would have said, maybe you should find something else.’ But…I'd love for him to get off my payroll. [laughs] He's still on our payroll, but we don’t care because he has the talent. From what we've heard other people say about him, and the work we've seen, he has the talent, so why shouldn't we. He's going to make it. And then he comes back with, ‘what do you mean going to? I have.’ I go, ‘don't get too cocky. You know, I brought you into this world, I can take you out.’ [laughs] But he's right, he has made it because he's survived. And he's getting more and more known, and he's getting asked, and he's—you know, I think the bond between a mother and son is very special, and especially when that son is the youngest. And, I'm gonna say this, especially when your son has a lot of feminine traits, and obviously in dance I've met a lot of gay men, and they have always been the kindest, most generous, most loving, and to have a son like that? Why should I object to it? And so he has been, he calls, he still sits on my lap [laughs]. As he was growing up, being the last one out of the house, you know, going with me to run errands. And then Aleza has always been the stable one, I don't know if it's cause she's a middle child. Are you a middle child? JM: I am not. I'm the youngest. AA: Okay, so you're my David. JM: Yes. AA: Perfect example of Aleza, okay, we're at the dinner table, and Gilana being a redhead, and David being a redhead, and both being in theatre, [flicks arms up and down] boing! boing! boing! everything's flying around! And Gilana shares my husband's passion for things, just [makes movement and noise indicating discord] you know, fighting, and there's Aleza, and she, you know, she waits for a pause in the conversation and she goes ‘Can you pass me the salt?’ [laughs] That happened! You know, the other ones, the four people just going at it, and she just ‘can you pass me the salt?’ Just very calm, very focused, very generous, very stable. There's David and Gilana [holds up one fist for 16 �David, and the other for Gilana] and there's Aleza [puts fists together] holding on to them as they go. Just very—and I have been so fortunate that my kids are extremely close. Extremely. It was like, Gilana and David were very close, not so much Aleza, until Aleza, I always say kinda crossed the bridge, became closer Gilana as she aged, and then David was left behind. And then David caught up. When they were younger, because Alan grew up with two brothers, he would wanna go running in. I'd say, ‘wait.’ When he'd hear screaming, I'd go, ‘let ‘em work it out.’ And sometimes I wonder, how did I know that? I was an only child. But a friend of ours said, ‘if there's no blood, don't go,’ and they would solve it, and I think that's what did it. They learned to be together, and even now, David will say to me, ‘I'm flying down to Charlotte, next week. I just wanna see Aleza,’ or she'll go up to see him. I'll say to them, ‘have you talked?’ ‘Oh yeah, we talked to each other this morning, or yesterday.’ Feeling in myself, I'm going, ‘you didn't call me…’ [laughs] and then I go, ‘that's okay.’ You know, they're very very very close to each other. When David went to Western, and he was a freshman, and it was orientation week, and he was really lonely cause he was very much a home kid, Aleza borrowed her roommate’s car and drove in from Lansing, to spend the day with him. They do things like that. So, I'm very very fortunate to have those three kids. JM: They sound awesome. AA: Ah, they are. They really are. And I'm gonna see ‘em next week [laughs] JM: Yay! AA: So, did I answer everything? JM: You answered everything. Yeah, I mean [looks at Timeline] AA: Oh, that thing [looks at timeline]. Last year I was given the Friends of Hackley Library Humanitarian Award. I remember when I got it, I said to Alan, ‘I think this is a mistake.’ [laughs] I mean, what have I done. And then Susan Harrison Wolf, who’s a friend of ours and she worked for the chronicle, typical writer's response ‘just start writing down things.’ I guess, that was another highlight. I just kind of added that. JM: Yeah, I think that's great! I mean, from what I've heard, you've done a lot. AA: Yeah, I guess I have. But, this was fun! JM: Good, I'm glad that you enjoyed! AA: Yeah, and like I said, I love talking to classrooms. I love talking to—I love talking. I love eating bagels. What time is it? Oh my god, it's almost one o'clock. We've been talking for a while. 17 �JM: Yeah, looks like [looks at recorder] almost 50 minutes. AA: Really?! JM: Yeah AA: Wow JM: It's wild. I did notice one other thing on here [the timeline] you wrote down “met [your] best friend, Barbara.” You wanna tell me more about that? AA: Mmhm, Barbara and I just celebrated our 50th anniversary, that's what this rose is for [points to necklace]. This star [other necklace she is wearing] by the way was Gilana's. And um, there's the rose [points back to other necklace]. She [Barbara] was my big sister in the sorority, and an only child. In our first week, we went off on a retreat and it was the middle of the night, and we were out at a beach house and I couldn't find the key to the bathroom [laughs] and she got up to help me. And I figured, I think I'll get to know this woman a little bit more. And, it's interesting because our lives are so parallel. When we were growing up, I mean, throughout our friendship she'd say ‘god, I stubbed my toe yesterday,’ and I'm going ‘Really? So did I!’ ‘I'm coming down with a cold.’ ‘So am I.’ I mean there was so many things that would happen, at the same time. But they say that if you know somebody ten years, whatever, you'll know them for a lifetime. With her— and I have another friend from 8th grade that we were in the same city for one year, her family moved to New York, we stayed in St. Paul, we're still friends. JM: That's amazing. AA: Isn't it? JM: That's very amazing. AA: From 8th grade. Then I have another friend in Chicago from high school. JM: That's really amazing. AA: You have to work at it. JM: Yes, definitely! AA: And you have to have the right person. But Barbara, I know, in fact, sometimes when I— it's something about her, that I can't call her and ask her about [laughs] or complain about. It's like, well who do I complain about her to. But never. But that was a high point, meeting her. 18 �JM: Okay, well, I don't have any other questions. Is there anything else you'd like to say? AA: Thank you! JM: Thank you, this was amazing. AA: I'm gonna go eat my bagel now. 19 � https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/6a84c2406041db477386ab65e8d53988.mp3 1805172fd9e8eeb170e6ac6d668eeca5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Temple B'nai Israel Collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Temple B'nai Israel (Muskegon, Mich.) Description An account of the resource Collection of photographs, scrapbooks, programs, minutes, and other records of the Temple B'nai Israel in Muskegon, Michigan. The collection was created as part of the L'dor V'dor project directed by Dr. Marilyn Preston, and was supported by grants from the Kutsche Office of Local History and Michigan Humanities Council. Original materials were digitized by the University Libraries and returned to the synagogue. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Digital objects were contributed by Temple B'nai Israel as part of the L'dor V'dor project. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Jews--United States Muskegon (Mich.) Scrapbooks Synagogues Women--Societies and clubs Minutes (Records) Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Allendale, Michigan Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Preston, Marilyn Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives Relation A related resource L'dor V'dor (project) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-08 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Text Type The nature or genre of the resource image/jpeg application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Circa 1920s-2018 Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-08_AlpertA_20181117 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alpert, Anna Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018-11-17 Title A name given to the resource Anna Alpert (Audio interview and transcript), 2018 Description An account of the resource Anna Alpert was born in Paris, France, and is the daughter of Holocaust survivors. She immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of five. She attended college at UCLA, where she met her husband, and later moved to Muskegon, Michigan and joined the B'nai Israel congregation. In this interview, she discusses her personal history, family, and memories of the temple and Muskegon Jewish community. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Morrish, J.R. (interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Jews--United States--Personal narratives Muskegon (Mich.) Oral history Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Recorded for the L'dor V'dor project. Relation A related resource L'dor V'dor (project) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/4b9c0673624e7551151b2582120bfcd7.m4v ab9f70b804b73ea01d411e40b5db451a https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/0eb17cea2f38fd5949739fb3be6929cf.pdf 319b31f43aed03c593c87b36fea8c510 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans' History Project Don Alsbro Cold War, Vietnam War, Peacetime (00:00:11) Early Life -Born in Detroit, Michigan on May 20, 1940 -Moved to Plymouth, Michigan in 1944 -Grew up there -Father was a travelling claims adjuster for the Pere Marquette Railway -Went to the scene of train wrecks for insurance purposes -Family was allowed to travel with him -Got to see New York City and San Francisco -Father died suddenly in 1949 -Traumatic experience for Don -Fortunately, the railroad had a retirement fund set up -Father had also purchased a small apartment complex in Detroit to rent out -Fund and income from rent made it so his mother didn't have to work -Spent summers at the family cottage on Whitmore Lake -Graduated from high school in 1958 (00:02:55) ROTC at Western Michigan University -Went to Western Michigan University -Encouraged by his machine shop teacher/track coach to do something he loved doing -Inspired him to go into teaching -Had been accepted by the University of Michigan and Michigan State University -Chose Western because it had the best teaching program in the state -There was a two year requirement of phyiscal education or Reserve Officer Training Corps -There were 1500 ROTC cadets at Western -Decided to be in the ROTC -Only had to wear his uniform once a week for drill -Had to apply, and be accepted, for two extra years of ROTC -Encouraged to sign up for the extra two years -Told he would only have to do six months active duty -Also told he would be commissioned as an officer in the Army -Due to the Cuban Missile Crisis the six months of active duty was extended to two years -Took a semester off to deliver a car to Phoenix, Arizona -Allowed to return to Western and continue with the ROTC -Received orders to go to West Germany for three years at the end of ROTC training -Drove to Phoenix in spring 1961 -Commissioned and graduated in January 1963 (00:11:33) Teaching and Infantry Basic Training -Went to Infantry Basic Training from June through August 1963 before going to �Germany -Did some substitute teaching in Kalamazoo, Michigan before Infantry Basic Training -Trained for 10 weeks at Fort Benning, Georgia -Learned how to be an infantry officer -Summer was bad in Georgia -Wound up at Martin Army Hospital due to heat exhaustion -Had gotten married in May 1963 -If he took an extra year of service he could bring his wife and stepdaughter to Germany -In December 1965 he got an invitation to teach at Comstock Park, Michigan -Requested release from the Army -Could only leave early if he served a tour in Vietnam (00:15:42) Stationed in West Germany Pt. 1 -Served at Larson Barracks in Kitzingen, Germany with the 3rd Infantry Division -Became the athletics and recreation (A&R) officer for the 3rd Infantry Division -Coached the 3rd Infantry Division baseball team -Coached the brigade basketball team -Assistant coach for the brigade football team -Played against teams from all over Europe -Army wanted soldiers to play sports to avoid getting into trouble -Offered a chance to stay in the Army and work as a coach (00:18:06) Deployment to Vietnam Pt. 1 -Received orders for Vietnam in February 1966 -Once he was done he could leave the Army -Didn't know much about Vietnam (00:19:10) Stationed in West Germany Pt. 2 -Germany was a good place for American servicemen and their families -Not always enjoyable, but good for the most part -Baseball team played a championship game in Nuremberg -Same stadium where Jesse Owens ran in the 1936 Summer Olympics -Note: Most likely played in Berlin, not Nuremberg, or was at Nuremberg stadium used for famous Nazi rally in film Triumph of the Will -Basketball team played the Air Force teams (00:20:19) Deployment to Vietnam Pt. 2 -For 90 days he was attached to the 15th Infantry Regiment for infantry training -Allowed to return to the U.S. in July 1966 -Assigned to be the Civil Affairs Officer in the 11th Aviation Group in the 1st Cavalry Division -More helicopters in the 1st Cavalry Division than trucks or jeeps -Sent a welcome letter by the 1st Cavalry Division (00:22:32) Arrival in Vietnam Pt. 1 -Spent two days in Saigon being processed -Took a helicopter to An Khe -Would spend a year in An Khe working as the Civil Affairs Officer (00:23:17) Deployment to Vietnam Pt. 3 -Spent 30 days of leave in the U.S. -Received 15 days of Jungle Training at Fort Sherman in the Panama Canal Zone �-Taught how to rappel and cross rivers -Tremendous experience -Spent one week in the barracks and one week in the field -Taught how to build shelters and identify poisonous snakes -Returned to Charleston, South Carolina -Had to get to California on his own -Returned to Michigan to spend a few days with his wife and stepdaughter -Went to Chicago O'Hare International Airport -Boarded an Air National Guard C-130 at O'Hare Air Reserve Station -Took him five or six days to get to California -Landed in California and was processed in Oakland -Flew out of Travis Air Force Base -Flew between Travis AFB and Vietnam aboard a C-130 six times -24 hour trip one way -Stopped at Clark Air Base, Philippines to refuel -Went to Vietnam as an individual soldier, not as part of a unit (00:29:54) Arrival in Vietnam Pt. 2 -Landed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base near Saigon -Received three days of orientation in Saigon -Not a lot of training for officers -Learned about the country -Culture and geography -Traveled in a school bus with grates on the windows to stop grenades (00:31:26) Stationed in An Khe with 1st Cavalry Division -Flew to An Khe -Near Highway 19, in II Corps, and inland -Arrived in June 1966 along with soldiers from South Korea -Stationed at Camp Radcliff and took a bus to his unit -Didn't get to meet the officer he was replacing -Had a sergeant serving under him that had been shot down seven times -There were 400 helicopters in the 1st Cavalry Division -Had a South Vietnamese interpreter -Spoke excellent English and was college educated -He was part of a Civic Action Team -Medic, sergeant, interpreter, and himself -Worked from 9 AM to 10 or 11 PM in the village inside Camp Radcliff -Villagers were moved one mile away to a place near a river -Each villager was paid $300 to move -Enough money to build a permanent house with bricks -Moved off base for security reasons -Had a medic in his Civic Action Team who treated civilians six days a week -Very primitive area -No running water, no electricity, and no sewers -Had a hospital in An Khe that they could use (00:41:57) Interactions with Vietnamese Civilians -Worked with the village chief, the two hamlet chiefs, and the local police chief �-Set up a shower system to deal with the rampant impetigo in the area -Built a basketball court, volleyball court, softball diamond, and playground with engineers -Played games with the villagers -On Friday night showed movies to the villagers -Showed them footage from space -On Monday nights had English classes for the children -20 to 50 children came on average -On Wednesday nights they provided math classes to the children -On Christmas they brought gifts to each household in the village -Got so comfortable with the villagers that he didn't carry a rifle -Never had a problem in the entire year that he was there -Brought the village 18 piglets to bolster their economy -By June 1967 the village had 150 pigs -Gave the girls dolls for Christmas and boys sports gears -One soldier dressed up like Santa Claus (00:49:21) Working with South Korean Soldiers -South Korean soldiers put on a tae kwon do show for the villagers -Chopped bricks in half with their bare hands -For a few weeks after they treated a lot of children with broken hands -They had tried to emulate the South Korean soldiers -Showed the Vietnamese that the Koreans were formidable soldiers -By extension, it also meant the Americans were formidable as well -Prior to June 1966 a lot of American soldiers were killed on Highway 19 -He routinely traveled between An Khe and Qui Nhon to get supplies -Never had a problem thanks to the South Korean soldiers (00:53:06) Reenlisting in the Army -Initially planned on getting out of the Army after his tour in Vietnam -In October 1966 he decided to stay in the Army -Wife supported the decision -Requested transfer to the Adjutant General Corps -He was accepted and would be sent to the Adjutant General School after June 1967 (00:55:50) Travel -Went to Saigon a couple times for paperwork -Went to Qui Nhon -Went to Hawaii for R&R in February 1967 and got to see his wife -Went to Tokyo near the end of his tour in 1967 (00:57:05) Getting Shot Down -Experienced getting shot down while on a Caribou transport -Went to a leprosarium (leper colony) run by the Catholic Church to deliver presents -Incredibly clean -Ate dinner with the priests and nuns -Boarded the Caribou with his interpreter and sat down in a seat near a window -Heard a voice from nowhere say, "Don't sit there" �-Moved to a different seat and the plane took off -Shortly after take off he heard a "ping" -Gunshot had gone through the plane and hit the plane's hydraulic line -Looked out a window and saw the ground coming up fast -Saw his life flash before his eyes -Able to land back on the runway, but it was a rough landing -Learned that a .51 caliber round had gone through his original seat and hit the hydraulic line -Spent a night in the field -Didn't sleep well that night, but they didn't get attacked -The next day a plane came in and they were able to leave (01:04:17) Building a High School -The 1st Cavalry Division donated $9000 to build a high school for the villagers in An Khe -Villagers could only get a 6th grade education before the high school was built -High school had 12 rooms and two stories -Supposed to get two cement mixers to build the school -Only received one -Went to Da Nang to ask about the other mixer -Learned that the mixer had been moved to the Monkey Mountain Facility -Note: Located at the peak of Son Tra Mountain -Went to the Marine signal unit stationed there to ask about the mixer -Found it and was able to move it down the mountain -A week later they got the mixer to An Khe and proceeded with construction (01:09:38) Adjutant General Corps -Returned to the U.S. and was sent to Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana -Took the Adjutant General Career Course -Seven month course -Adjutant General Corps was in charge of paperwork in the Army -Mail, personnel action reports, punchcard processing, and court martial processing -Sent to Fort Sheridan, Illinois for Adjutant General duty -Headquarters for the 5th Army -Took care of 50 colleges in that area with ROTC -Processed commissions and ROTC paperwork for one year at Fort Sheridan -Had a lot of say in whether or not someone was qualified -Didn't run into a lot of anti-war problems -Lived in Zion, Illinois -Near Great Lakes Naval Station -Almost in Wisconsin -Enjoyable time living in Illinois -His second year at Fort Sheridan he ran a printing plant -Had 40 civilians and 10 or 15 soldiers working for him -Had presses and cameras �-Responsible for book binding -When former president Eisenhower died they dealt with press for his funeral (01:17:15) Redeployment to Vietnam -Didn't anticipate having to return to Vietnam -Told he had to do a tour as a member of the Adjutant General Corps in Vietnam -Returned to Vietnam in August 1970 (01:18:10) Stationed in An Khe with the 4th Infantry Division -Assigned to the 4th Infantry Division in An Khe -When he returned to An Khe in 1970 he was not allowed to leave the base without protection -This was as opposed to being able to go into the village without a rifle -Didn't return to the village of An Khe -Wasn't allowed to and didn't want to see what had become of it anyway -Processed paperwork as the 4th Infantry Division prepared to return to the U.S. -Processed paperwork sent to senators and representatives from soldiers -Issues and complaints -Every issue from the trivial to the serious -Usually took a month for an issue to be addressed and dealt with -Processed paperwork concerning men that went on leave and didn't return for duty -Men that went on leave in the U.S. and decided not to return for service (01:24:55) Stationed in Chu Lai with the 23rd Infantry (Americal) Division -Sent to the Americal Division/23rd Infantry Division in Chu Lai -Unit strength: 22,000 men -Worked with them for eight months -Worked as the Special Actions Officer -Cut orders for men going home on emergency leave or on R&R -Processed special orders -On one occasion he received a top secret message that had 150 copies -149 were accounted for, but one had gone missing in Da Nang -He went to Da Nang to the South Vietnamese headquarters there -Successfully found it and had it signed for -Responsible for producing the daily bulletin for the division (01:29:52) Morale & Drug Use -Morale changed during his second tour -Didn't see any evidence of drug use on his first tour in Vietnam -On his second tour he saw evidence of drug use -Soldiers still did their jobs without resistance on his second tour (01:31:39) End of the War -Remembers sitting in the chapel on Easter Sunday 1971 -Heard that Firebase Mary Ann had been overrun by the Viet Cong -Marines were pulled out in spring 1971 -Didn't think too much about what would happen to South Vietnam after the U.S. left (01:33:11) Interactions with Army of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) -Had positive encounters with soldiers from South Vietnam -Felt that South Vietnam had been left to be conquered at the end of the war -Didn't have proper funding from the U.S. to defend itself after U.S. troops left �-Friends with a South Vietnamese colonel -Had fought alongside the French forces in the First Indochina War -Able to get out of South Vietnam via Saigon in April 1975 -Left on the last helicopter out of Saigon with his family -Resettled in Corpus Christi, Texas -All 10 of his children made it out South Vietnam before it fell (01:38:42) End of Active Duty -At the end of his second tour in Vietnam he was ready to go home -Had orders for Fort Bliss, Texas -Drove to Texas with his family -Spent seven or eight months in Texas -In February 1972 he received a letter saying Army was reducing in size -Meant that his active duty was coming to an end -Active duty ended in April 1972 (01:39:53) Army Reserve -Drilled with an Army Reserve unit in Kalamazoo starting in May 1972 -Spent five years with the hospital unit there -Worked as an executive officer for seven years at Fort Sheridan -Part of the 149th Medical Detachment -Went on active duty in the summers -Did four summers at Camp Ripley, Minnesota -Did four summers at Camp Grayling, Michigan -Got promoted to the rank of colonel -Spent 31 years in the Army (active duty and reserve) (01:41:22) Civilian Work -Had teaching jobs while he was in the Army Reserve -Owned a horse farm in Niles, Michigan -Raised horses and went to shows -Got his doctorate in teaching -Coached a track team at Lake Michigan College and worked as their athletics director -Developed "Dump Your Plump," an international weight loss program -Team based, goal oriented, competitive program (01:43:38) Lest We Forget -Part of Lest We Forget -Patriotic organization -Collects the stories of veterans -Have collected the stories of 300 to 350 veterans -Educates people about American military engagements -Conducts war reenactments for World War Two, Korean War, and Vietnam War � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Veterans History Project Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. History Department Description An account of the resource The Library of Congress established the Veterans History Project in 2001 to collect memories, accounts, and documents of U.S. war veterans from World War II and the Korean War, Vietnam War, and conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, and to preserve these stories for future generations. The GVSU History Department interviews are part of this work-in-progress, and may contain videos and audio recordings, transcripts and interview outlines, and related documents and photographs. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1914- Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Afghan War, 2001--Personal narratives, American Iran Hostage Crisis, 1979-1981--Personal narratives, American Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, American Michigan--History, Military Oral history Persian Gulf War, 1991--Personal narratives, American United States--History, Military United States. Air Force United States. Army United States. Navy Veterans Video recordings Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James Boring, Frank Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-27 Language A language of the resource eng Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project interviews (RHC-27)</a> Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-27_AlsbroD1899V Title A name given to the resource Alsbro, Donald E (Interview outline and video), 2015 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2015-11-17 Description An account of the resource Don Alsbro was born on May 20, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. In 1958 he attended Western Michigan University and enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, received his commission in January 1963 and graduated in June 1963. He received Infantry Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia and was stationed at Larson Barracks in Kitzingen, Germany from 1963 to 1966 working as the athletics and recreation officer of the 3rd Infantry Division. In February 1966 he received orders for Vietnam and in summer 1966 he deployed to Vietnam. He served as the Civil Affairs Officer in the 11th Aviation Group of the 1st Cavalry Division at An Khe promoting the welfare of the Vietnamese civilians in the area. He left Vietnam in June 1967 and received Adjutant General training at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana and served at Fort Sheridan, Illinois for two years. In August 1970 he returned to Vietnam for a second tour where he served with the 4th Infantry Division at An Khe and the Americal Division at Chu Lai. He returned to the U.S. and served at Fort Bliss, Texas until his active duty ended in April 1972. He continued to serve in the Army Reserve in Kalamazoo, Michigan Fort Sheridan, Illinois Camp Ripley, Minnesota and Camp Grayling, Michigan. Don served for 30 years and attained the rank of colonel. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alsbro, Donald E. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James (Interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Veterans Video recordings Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American United States. Army Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Moving Image Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project collection, (RHC-27)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Libraries. Allendale, Michigan Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/x-m4v application/pdf https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/df347d05dd301a1bf08da11f90b38062.pdf af667850dc8f9149e2add8fe5fa26ab5 PDF Text Text Day by Day Diary of Camelia Alten Demmon Daughter of Mathias Alten January 5, 1917-July 2, 1917 Friday, January 5 I am rather late as usual so I am starting this little tale of woe to-day, instead of last Monday. I went to school to-day as I do once in a while and managed to get through everything somehow or other. Mike [girlfriend] came up to school after me and we walked home together and stopped to buy some cream puffs and cakes. There was a Beta spread at Mrs. Wagner’s to-night and after that Roberta Cassidy, Frances VanLeeuwen, Mary Alice Wren and I went to the Majestic Gardens. Norm Jones called for Ella and is down stairs now. 11:30 PM. Saturday, January 6 I am writing this Sunday morning about ten o’clock in bed. I washed my hair S[unday] morning with egg and lemon. L[emon] makes it a dandy color but I’m thinking that if it doesn’t stop coming out pretty soon, I won’t have any left. Frances VanLeeuwen, Mike, Kathryn [Katheryn] Baert, Donna Baert, Harriet McKeon and I all went to see “Twin Beds” yesterday afternoon. This was supposed to be a Gallery party but seeing as though they didn’t open the Gallery we sat in 35-cent seats in the balcony. On my way to Schroeders afterwards I met Russell Burr and he asked to come. He came but I suppose I will get killed Monday if Mildred finds it out. I wish I knew whether it is wrong for me to let him come out. Sunday, January 7 This morning Mamma and Ella went to church. In the afternoon Lucille and I went to the Majestic to see Mary Pickford in “The Pride of the Clan.” I cried all during the show, and after I came out, we met John Stacey and I was still crying. We met Dick Miller and Norman Jones across the street and they came over for lunch. Mary Alice and Ray called up and wanted us to go coasting Wednesday night. Monday, January 8 I didn’t have a single lesson this morning so I skipped my first hour class to study. I went over to LaVanche’s [LaVanche Vinkemulder] after school and played on her Weja [Ouija] board after we had stopped at the little bakery. Gee their stuff is good. The model didn’t come, so I poised [posed] for the class and earned $1.50. Papa just finished an awfully cute picture of me in my pink dress. Tuesday, January 9 I got up at six this morning to study, but I must say I don’t like the idea very much. I walked down to school with Mike and went to J.F.E. meeting after school. Harriet McKeon and I walked home together and stopped at the bakery as usual. Mr. and Mrs. Cusick went to St. Joseph to-day to see if they would like it. I got a new skirt that E[lla] finished for me to-day in exchange for some Christmas waist material. 1 �Wednesday, January 10 I am writing this up the next Sunday instead of last Wednesday so I will test my memory. It seems to me we were going to have a tobogganing party to-night, but the [weather] wasn’t suitable so Dick Miller and Norm Jones just came up. We had a pretty good time, but I imagine I would like Dick better if I understood him more. He asked me to go to “Civilization” next Tuesday night and here’s hoping I don’t cry and make a hag out of myself. Thursday, January 11 School After school I took Ella down to the station for she went to Detroit, and Papa told me we were going to get our Ford Sat[urday], hooray!!! I got home about six and Papa told me I would have to pose again, so I hurried and got dressed and went down there. I don’t remember, but I don’t think I stayed up to study that night. Friday, January 12 School Friday night after school I went down town with Mike and we bought two awfully cute dresses for her, seeing she is going away to school the first of February. I stayed over there for supper and then came home and tried to read the whole of “Crawford” but a fourth was as much as I could stay awake for that night. Saturday, January 13 This morning Viola had an appointment with Dr. Beeman at nine o’clock to have her eyes tested so I took her down. I wasn’t well anyway and after I had been there an hour, I got sicker and sicker until they lay me on a couch and I got as white as a ghost. I don’t remember ever feeling worse, but about 12:30 I felt better and went home. This afternoon, 7 of us went to Powers [Theatre] to see “Fair and Warmer.” And on the way home I stopped in at the library to get my book review. Sunday, January 14 This morning I got up at 8 and read till 12, but I finished “Crawford.” From two until 4, I took a lesson at driving the Ford. It certainly is the best looking little car you can imagine. It is upholstered in gray and is awfully cute I am just crazy about it. Hugh came up then and stayed until lunch. While I was gone, Dick and Russell Burr called up. Tonight I wrote my book review, got my German, physics and now I guess I’ll read the funny paper. Mamma, Papa & Mr. and Mrs. Cusick have gone to the Empress. Monday, January 15 I haven’t written in this in over a week so I don’t remember much that happened. I went to school as usual and Lucille and I stopped and got a pie on the way home, and came over here to eat it. Mrs. Serarach was here from Minneapolis and told us all about “Billy Boy” [the adopted son of Mrs. Alten’s younger brother Frank Schwind]. She says he is the cutest kid one can imagine. After supper I went down to the class to pose. 2 �Tuesday, January 16 School After school I went down to the studio and Papa and I had another lesson in driving. Tuesday night I went to see “Civilization” with Dick Miller. Wednesday, January 17 School After school I went to K.E.E. meeting [Central High club], Lucille and I went coasting that night. Thursday, January 18 Thursday morning I took my German exam and I certainly never saw a harder exam in my life. Thursday afternoon Lucille and I thought we would start the machine, but didn’t know where to pour the hot water and somehow or another we froze the thing all up. Friday, January 19 Friday morning John Stacey came over at 9:30 and we tried our level best to start the machine but couldn’t so called Mr. Eckberg and he came up and started it. Then John and I went around town and did some errands. About 12:30 we went to Ada and ate cookies outside the hotel (Coach Stop Hotel) for our dinner. When we came back, we got Lucille and drove to Plainfield. The rest of the day was spent on looking for skates for me but we couldn’t find any. Saturday, January 20 Saturday Mr. Eckberg came up and started the machine and I took mamma out riding. She had been real sick for a couple of days. Saturday night I studied for my physics exam. Sunday, January 21 Sunday morning mamma was sick in bed and Papa was just about as bad. I studied all morning and in the afternoon, Hugh Utley, Lucille Cusick, and John Stacey came over. Monday, January 22 Monday morning I took my English exam and then Frances Carr and I went to the Monroe. The picture lasted so long that we couldn’t get any lunch and had to run all the way up the hill. At 1, I took my physics exam. Frances VanLeeuwen, Kathryn Baert, H[elen] McKeon and I went to the Strand and Jandorf’s [bakery]. Aunt Louise was here. Russell called me up that night. Tuesday, January 23 Tuesday morning Mamma was sick and I went down town. Mr. Nelson took the machine out for me and in the afternoon I went down with Lucille, Kathryn, and Harriet and then Lucille and I served at the German Coffee. When we got out we couldn’t get started so a man pushed us a little way and then we coasted down the hill until the engine started. Thursday night I didn’t do much of anything. Ella wrote and said she would be back in a 3 �couple days. Tuesday night M. Utley, L. Cusick and I took Nute [the car] and went coasting over at John Ball. Wednesday, January 24 This morning I was down at school making up art until 1:30. This afternoon I went to the Empress with Hugh. Thursday, January 25 This morning mamma and I went down town. I got some blue taffeta for a Russian blouse. And some shoe hockies. This afternoon, Frances Carr went skating over at Wilcox [Park]. And then came home and had some hot chocolate and cake. Thursday night Russell Burr came over and we had a dandy time They brought the machine home from the garage at about 10:30, and then Russell and I went down to Sweet’s [Sweetland’s?]. Friday, January 26 This morning Lucille, Frances and I went down to Dean and Hicks[?] and poised [posed] for some furniture pictures. On my way home just as I left the girls, I met Russell and he took me over to the car. After dinner I went down to school for a while and Hugh was helping decorate for the Sock and Buskin party [Central High club], but I wasn’t invited. Then I went down to Papa’s studio for a while. To-night I went skating with H[elen] Wren, and met Joe Osgood, I skated with him all the time and then he took me home. Pretty nice. Saturday, January 27 Saturday morning I cleaned up the house. We got a letter from Ella saying she was in Sturgis. Saturday afternoon we bought some skates for Viola, and then met Frances Carr, L[ucille] Cusick, Kathryn Baert, Harriet McKeon and we all went to the Orpheum. “The Toughest Show in Town.” Saturday night I went skating. Sunday, January 28 Sunday morning I washed my hair. In the afternoon we took Nute [the car] and went to the Strand. We met John Stacey in front of the Empress, and he took [us] up. We saw Ella Hall in “The Souls Inspiration.” Dick call[ed] up when I was gone but that didn’t do me much good. Hugh took Louise Fay to the Sock and Buskin party. Papa and I have been trying to get the machine in for an hour and at present he has gone for some gas. Monday, January 29 This is the first day of the new term I have Mr. [Burton E.] Smith for S[cience]. Miss Christ for G[eography], Mrs. [Cornelia] Hulst for E[nglish], Miss [Dorothy] Crosby for interior decoration. 2,3,4, 6. Ray Gregory was elected Pres[ident]. Helen Bloomer (Betty Ford’s mother) Vice Pres[ident], Betty Rood Sec[retary], Laurance Frost Treasurer. Hugh has been acting awfully funny so I sent his pin back to him to-day. Dick called up three times yesterday, but as usual I wasn’t at home. He called up again to-night and asked me to go on a sleigh ride Sat., and to the Maj[estic]. Wed. 4 �Tuesday, January 30 School After school Mildred Matheson (Russell’s girl) came over. We intended to get the machine and have our fortunes told but mamma didn’t like the idea so we went to the Strand. After supper we had Beta meeting at Eleanor Stinchcomb’s and I took Nute [the car]. Somehow I didn’t have any trouble with him and it certainly was encouraging. Wednesday, January 31 School I was excused at 3:00 and a bunch of us went to see John Drew in “Pendennis” at Powers. Lucille came home with me then to say goodbye because she was going to school the next day and I wouldn’t have another chance to see her. After dinner I went to see “The Crisis” at the Maj. with Dick Miller. Memoranda [Humor later published in yearbook] H. Wren: I’m learning so much in cooking. L. Vinkemulder: What did you learn? H. Wren: I don’t know I put it on a piece of paper. L.V.: I guess that’s why you can wear such small hats. There is something I don’t like about you, I guess it’s your face. Stop your swearing, not that I care a damn, but it sounds like hell to strangers. Thursday, February 1 Lucille went this morning at 7 o’clock, but I didn’t see her off. Mamma has been sick all day, and couldn’t even get out of bed. I came right home from school and tried to start the machine, but couldn’t so I called the man up. I never had a worse time in my life. I had to have someone come and crank it twice and then I could hardly get it home. I get it half way up the drive and it stopped. But I was so blamed mad at the darn thing that I’m going to have to leave it out all night. Friday, February 2 School After school the “Sock and Buskin” club gave a little play, and I stayed for it. We got a letter from Ella to-day saying that she was coming home either to-night or tomorrow and bring Esther with her. [Esther and Elsie were relatives on Mrs. Alten’s side of the family. They lived with their parents in Sturgis] I intended going skating to-night, but it’s so dreadfully cold that I changed my mind. I got a card from Lucille from Jackson to-day that she had written on the train. Dick called up and said the sleigh ride was all off, but asked me to go to the Empress. 5 �Saturday, February 3 This is Frances Carr’s birthday and she gave a 1 o’clock luncheon. We had an awfully good time and afterwards I went down to the library to get a monologue. I met the Peet girls and they didn’t recognize me at first. Saturday night Esther came home with Ella. The girls went to the Empress together and I went with Dick. I like him allright, but I wish he were more exciting. Maybe it’s just me. Sunday, February 4 Sunday morning Ella, Esther and I went to the Methodist Church. It certainly is pretty, but the old man made me feel like a sinner. Sunday afternoon I stayed home all alone with Grosmama [German for grandmother] & studied. I don’t know yet just what the trouble was. Later on I made some dandy fudge with walnuts in it. Sunday night Dick came over and we had a lot of fun. Monday, February 5 Monday morning I got down as far as VanWestenverg’s when I found I had forgotten my theme and came way back after it. After school I came home and read and studied, and Norm and Ella went to the Empress in the afternoon and then had a little lunch over here. Norm has been awfully sick and he certainly is thin. I never saw a person change so much, but still he is the same old Norm. I went skating with Russell Monday night. Tuesday, February 6 School I got my first letter from Lucille to-day and find that she can only write on Sundays and Thursdays. She said she cried quite a bit at first, but was beginning to like it better now. Tuesday night Harriet McKeon went skating up at Cherry and Eastern[?] and we certainly had a dandy time. We met Norm Schuldt, and Dave Mendols[?] and skated with them all the time. Wednesday, February 7 School After school we had a K.E.E. meeting and Donna Baert was taken in. I studied after supper. Thursday, February 8 School After school we had J.F.E. meeting over here and planned a stag party for a week from Saturday. All that bothers me is where I am going to get some clothes. After supper I went skating with Harriet and Ella and wrote my theme. Howard Sneide[?] is working over at the drug store now and it was his night off so he showed us a pretty good time. Friday February 9 School 6 �Instead of coming home after school and trying on my blouse I went to the Maj. with Francis VanLeeuwen, and saw “Wallace Reid.” Wonderful man! When I came home I found that my blouse had been started, but far from finished. H. McKeon and I went skating to-night and picked up Dave, Norm, Jack Pluene. I can’t say that I think much of Jack. Dick called up before I left and asked me to go to the Empress Sat. night, and to come up Sunday night. Saturday, February 10 This morning I helped around the house part of the time and Ella went to see some people about pictures. About 10:30, I started to sew on my blouse and sewed steady until supper time, but I finished my blouse. Saturday night I went to the Empress with Dick and sat right in back of Leon Petsch. There was a little Jew named George Washington Cohen who had never told a lie and wanted to be President of the U.S. One day he was forced to tell one good then he said, “Now I am such a dam liar that I can never be President of the U.S. but then, Secretary of State isn’t such a bad job either. Sunday, February 11 This morning I was surely going to church, but my hair needed washing so badly and I had so much studying to do that I didn’t go, but Mamma and Ella went. Sunday afternoon, I reread a book that I had to review in school the next day, and did the rest of my studying. Ella went to Githa’s (the girl that is going out west with us) and had my mandolin strung. Now if I could play it. Sunday night, Norm and Dick came up, and Dick froze his ear too, by the way, it was 23 below zero Sunday night. Monday, February 12 I wore my new blouse to school this morning and told my story in English. I didn’t even get scared, that’s something wonderful for me. This afternoon Harriet, Katheryn, Frances VanLeeuwen, and myself went to the Strand. Harriet and I were going [to the Strand crossed out] skating to-night but it is so dreadfully cold that I backed out. I got a letter from Lucille to-day and also answered it. Tuesday, February 13 School I stayed at school until about four o’clock to-night fooling with H. and K. I got a letter from Lucille and it looks as though she was beginning to like it. After supper H., Helen W., and I went skating at the Lake [Reeds]. It was just great and they even had music. Wednesday, February 14 This is Valentine’s day and I only got one valentine from Viola. Hugh gave me my ring but not my pin so I asked for it and he said he would bring it to-morrow. I came home from school with Helen and LaVanche and we bought an angel food cake and divided it into three pieces and ate it on the way home. A lady talked to us to-day about being patriotic but it appears to me that if there was less patriotism, we wouldn’t have war. 7 �I went skating with H. McKeon again to-night and Paul Tansley[?] asked to take me home but H. and I always come home together. Thursday, February 15 School Ella met me after school and we went to see Githa’s baby. It certainly is a wonderful baby! We got home awfully late so we just took a bite and ran all the way down to the car because we wanted to see the soldier boys come in. We just missed the Lyon car so we ran all the way over to the change and missed that but just caught the Wealthy. We saw Avery in the lines and shook hand with him when they were marching past. Afterwards, we went to the Majestic with the Degans. Friday, February 16 School There was a “Good Cheer Vaudeville” after school that certainly was good. After that Frances VanLeeuwen, Ella, and I went down town. Ella had some shopping to do so Fran and I came home to-gether. Avery came up to see Ella to-night. Harriet and I had intended to go skating to-night, but it’s so warm that everything (ice) has melted. Saturday, February 17 Everything went along as usual as it usually does on Saturday. They brought the Ford back and supposing all was well and we were going to take it out this afternoon. We cranked and cranked and cranked some more and then the d--- thing wouldn’t go. Papa certainly did some cussing that I never heard before. This afternoon Frances Carr and I went to the Maj. and saw the “Wax Model.” To-night I cranked at that thing again, but in vain. It’s giving me muscle and it is increasing my vocabulary. There was a Kitchen Shower for Gladys Zink to-night at Eleanor Stinchcomb’s and we just had a picnic. Turned somersaults and slid down the banister and everything! Sunday, February 18 I am several days behind again so it will be rather hard for me to remember just what happened. Sunday morning we had the man come to start the machine and in the meantime he blew off the muffler so that it made so much noise everyone stared at us. I took the folks to church and then was afraid that it wouldn’t start if I left it outside so I rode around until they came out. About four o’clock Avery Gilleo and Duke Ferguson came over to have lunch and spend the evening with us. We drove over to Bernice’s about five o’clock and brought them home with us. We danced and had a lot of fun. Monday, February 19 I can’t remember much as to what just did happen to-day. After school Dorothy Cowin and I went downtown and I bought some rubbers ($1.00) It just poured when we started, 8 �but before long it hailed and then snowed. We stopped in at Jandorf’s and got some pie a la mode. Gee! I love it. I guess we got some candy too and then walked all the way home. I think Hugh gave my pin to me to-day. Tuesday, February 20 School LaVanche and I came home from school today and on the way a perfectly strange fellow in a big machine asked us to go out Friday, but we didn’t go. LaVanche wouldn’t. Ella and I entertained for Gladys Zink to-night and got her an electric toaster. We just had a peach of a time. We danced, roasted marshmellows [marshmallows], ate, and Helen Wren, Katheryn Baert, and Vera Forshund even smoked. We gave them some real strong cigarettes that these fellows brought from Mexico It didn’t even make them sick. Wednesday, February 21 School There was a K.E.E. meeting tonight and I had a peachy time. We danced afterwards and I am some leader. It’s lots of fun to dance with girls if you just have sense enough to realize it and put those fool boys out of your head. They’re not half good enough for girls anyway and then we lose our heads over them. The machine was brought back today and it starts (can you imagine that). Thursday, February 22 This is Washington’s birthday and we celebrated by going to see Annette Kellerman in the “Daughter of the Gods.” Eight of us went together and sat in the 11th row of the balcony. She certainly has a wonderful body and isn’t bashful about showing it. Mama says I take after her in the latter. I hadn’t written to Lucille for a long time so I wrote her a nice long letter. I took the machine out this morning and it was pretty good. Friday, February 23 School After school I went over to Frances Carr’s and told her everything that I didn’t want to. I took the car from there down town and bought some silk net for my party dress and then went home. Avery and Duke came up Friday night to bring their soldier suits for the party. We tried them on which they [?] have and I’m just wild about them. They look awfully cute and I hope we can get some like them for out west. Saturday, February 24 We called for Helen W. and Hazel Clark in Nute [the car] and took them to the wedding this afternoon. Gladys looked awfully sweet but deliver me! When they were getting into the taxi they slipped and the groom sprained his ankle and was unconscious and Gladys fainted. Tonight we had a stag party and I never laughed more. Some of the girls were dressed so funny that I thought I would split and others were real good looking boys. I had Duke Ferguson’s soldier suit on and I never saw anything I liked better, it looks awfully cute. We had soft drinks, weenies, sandwitches (sandwiches), salad, pickles, olives, pie a la mode and loads of everything. 9 �Sunday, February 25 I hope everyone doesn’t feel as badly as I do after a stag party. I never felt worse. I’m sick-- such a cold. I can’t even think, say nothing about breathing, talking, smelling etc. It’s 1 o’clock and we just left the supper table but I guess I’ll go to bed. Monday, February 26 I never realized how time flew until I started this diary. It has been almost a week since I wrote in this last and it seems only yesterday. I did not go to school today. I guess the effects of the stag party and wedding were too much. I had the worst cold I ever had, ever hope I have. Right after dinner I went down town [following text crossed out] [and had the best] & bought some films and then Ella and I took some pictures of each other in our soldier suits. Tuesday, February 27 Nothing important. Wednesday, February 28 School I came home right after and studied for an English test that we were going to have Thursday. After supper Duke and Ave[ry] came over and we had a lot of fun as usual. Ave brought some new dance records up so that we could have a little change. Thursday, February 29 School Fran VanLeeuwen and I were going down town to-night but Miss James had Fran’s coat so I sneaked in the office and got it. Then we went to the Isis and saw Carlyle Blackwell some Man! Afterwards we went to Jandorf’s and got some pie a la mode. I wonder if I will ever get sick of it. Memoranda This is Friday and I am caught up at last. We had our first class meeting to-night and it certainly didn’t lack any pep. Govett’s orchestra even played for us. Some orchestra. I came home with Harriet and was surprised to see that Ella had already made my sandwitches. Harriet met me at Carlton and we went to Anna Broene’s for a K.E.E. spread. We initiated some girls, danced, and had lots of fun. Saturday, March 1 Saturday started out fine, but Oh how it ended. I got sick about 10 o’clock and I was the sickest I ever came to be. I didn’t get up until about 5:00 and was feeling pretty good. That is better. Russell called up and wanted to come up, but I didn’t feel quite that well. Norm came up and I went to bed at 8 o’clock. 10 �Sunday, March 2 I really intended to go to church Sunday morning but when I was all ready I thought I would finish up by putting at little toilet water on my hair and the cork flew out and part nigh drowned me. Avery, Dona, Don Mussen[?], and Duke came over for lunch. We had loads of fun dancing etc. and I think something pretty good has started. Monday, March 3 School I don’t remember if anything in particular happened during the afternoon. Monday night there was a little informal dance at the All Soul’s Church and Ave, Ella, I went in Newt [the car]. I had lots of fun as usual and afterwards we went to Sweets. Tuesday, March 4 I received 2 letters from Mike [written above the date] School I was informed of the fact, Monday night that I was to give a little speech in K.E.E. on an Alten exhibition at the Pantland [Pantlind] so I went down Tuesday afternoon and looked at the Pictures. It is a mighty good bunch of pictures and I enjoyed it ever so much. Tuesday night Russell came up and I made him that long promised candy. By the way this is Duke’s 20th birthday. Wednesday, March 5 School We [had a] K.E.E. meeting today and I gave my little talk. As it happened I didn’t get a bit fussed and was quite pleased with myself. Conceited! We served Marqueritas and cocoa. Umm! Wednesday night Ave, Duke, Ella and I went to the Empress in Newt [the car]. Thursday, March 6 This is Thursday and I am caught up again. I got our marks to-day E.G.G.G. Isn’t that great. After school LaVanche, Dorothy and I bumed [bummed] around downtown and got some pie a la mode. I wonder if I’ll ever get sick of it. Friday, March 7 It has been just exactly one week since I have written anything in this so I guess it will be rather brief for a few days. It seems as though we planned a hike to Sparta Saturday but seeing this weather was so bad we didn’t go. Duke called up Friday night and I probably would have gone Sat. if I hadn’t thought I was going on this hike. Saturday, March 8 I helped around the house Sat morning until about 10:30 and then went down town with Ella. I picked out a suit I liked in the Royal and bought a black hat. If I remember rightly we went down quite a few times and spent the day bumming. I didn’t do much of anything Sat night. 11 �Sunday, March 9 Sunday morning was an awfully busy time but I can’t recollect just what we did Sunday afternoon Duke and Ave came over and we went out in this barn and shot. The boys stayed for lunch and then we went to the Maj. and saw Marguerite Clarke. I lost my muffler in the meantime, but I don’t know how it happened unless it was kicked out of Newt [the car]. Monday, March 10 I had 2 subjects and a theme to write before school so I got there rather early. I can’t remember just what did happen the rest of the day. It was so long ago and my memory is terribly poor. Tuesday, March 11 We had a J.F.E. meeting after school at Ester Attwood’s. We discussed having a house party spring vacation, but somehow or other it fell through. I received a nice long letter from Lucille but I’ll bet she’s fibbing when she says she likes it. Duke called up about 7:15. Went to see Allyn Stinchcomb. Wednesday, March 12 Dorothy Cowin came home with me after school and we put the chains on Newt [the car] and went down to Allyn’s. She is going to the Sanatorium next Monday, but I must say she has just as much pep as ever. We drove out to the Boat club, etc. I had just loads of studying to do until Duke called up and wanted to come over. Ave came up too and we spent most of the time playing poker. Thursday, March 13 I just became aware of the fact that my days and dates don’t jibe, but it’ll be all the same a year from now. Went down town after school & bought a sealing wax set for Mike. When I got home at five, I found out that Mama expected me right home and had wanted me to take her away. Went to Fannie’s to take my material over. Went to South High to see an entertainment. Viola danced there. [March 14 – 16 left blank to correct dates] Saturday, March 17 Mrs. Hoffman [who lived on the corner of Fulton and Baynton] died this morning [written above the date] Made a stab at cleaning up the house. Fran VanLeeuwen, Fran Carr, and Dorothy all called me up and asked me to go to the Maj. so we had a regular party. We saw Mary Miles Minter in the “Innocence of Lizette.” We giggled, laughed, and made perfect fools of ourselves all afternoon but we certainly had a dandy time. You know you can have lots of fun doing nothing if you have the company. Monday is Lucille’s birthday so I made and sent her a box of candy with a sealing wax set. 12 �Sunday, March 18 This morning Ella, Newt [the car], and I went to the All Soul’s Church. After dinner I took Viola to Kathleen’s, Mamma & Papa to Kindels, and Grosmama over on the west side. Dorothy went along and then I stopped in there a few minutes on the way home. When I got home Duke & Ave were here and Duke brought me a dandy bag of candy. We rode out to the Boat Club but it was all closed up so we took some pictures and came back. Had lunch and went to the Maj. Monday, March 19 Mike’s birthday School After school the senior Sorosis [Central High club] gave a party for all the senior girls. Had a good time & came home with LaVanche and Harriet. After supper Ella, Viola, and I went over to F & M’s to lengthen my suit. The machine was only running on 2 cylinders but it went like hele [hell]. Tuesday, March 20 School I went downtown with the bunch, if I remember rightly. After supper Avery came over and then he and Ella took me over on the West side so that I could have my suit fitted. It’s dark brown, but dreadfully good looking. On the way back we stopped for Duke at the armory and then came up here. I called for the folks at Kutsche’s and went to bed at about 12. Wednesday, March 21 This is the first day of spring and it certainly is wonderful. Ella was going to Alma this noon, but the pictures hadn’t gone she waited until Thursday morning. There was K.E. E. meeting after school and of course I had a good time. I believe I could have a good time doing anything. Harriet and I watched the boys practice for “Hip-Hip-Hooray” and then went home together. I went to bed at 7:45. Thursday, March 22 Ella took the six fifty train to Alma this morning and Ave went down to the station. Talk about your good kids. I took Newt [the car] and went down to get the lining for my suit this afternoon. I bought some awfully good looking gold skinners satin and then took it over. Duke, Donna, Dan and I went to the Empress to-night and sat in the box. We had Newt [the car] and stopped in at Sweet’s. I’m afraid I bust [bussed] Duke. Friday, March 23 School There was a J.F.E. spread at Roberta Cassidy’s to-night and we took Virginia Campbell and Katherine Spencer in. They all went to the Maj. afterward but [I] was going to a dance at the Armory so I didn’t go. Helen called up and said that there was such a jam that they couldn’t all get in so we went to the movies instead. Don, Donna, Duke and I. Donna and Don went home afterwards and Duke and I went up to the Chop Suey. Some life! 13 �Saturday, March 24 Dorothy, Mama, and I went down town in the afternoon and I got 2 awfully cute waists (blouses). Saturday night Ave came up and Duke and I went to see “Hip-Hip-Hooray” with Newt [the car]. I[t] certainly was good. Sunday, March 25 Ella and I really were going to church this morning, but the machine got stuck out in back and by the time we got it out it was too late. That’s a fact. Ave and Duke came up in the afternoon and we went out to the club. It hadn’t been opened up yet so we came back home over lunch and then I took Ave and Ella to the Maj. and then we went to Donna’s. Monday, March 26 I went down town this morning and met Norm Chamberlain at the Studio. Gee! I like him. Then I made an appointment with the dentist and Ella and I took Lessa and the baby out for a little ride. Dorothy and I had our pictures taken in the afternoon and then I came home and took Grosmama, Mama, and Ella down town. Tuesday, March 27 I took Mama down town this morning and she bought a hat. This afternoon Dorothy and I went down together and got some stuff for a black net hat. We left the machine on downtown and when we came back there was a little slip pasted on the windshield, stating that I should appear at the police station at 9 in the morning. What am I coming to next!? I stayed over at Dorothy’s for supper and we sewed on our hats. Wednesday, March 28 Wednesday morning I went down to the police station the first thing. Seeing I had never been pinched before he said he would let me off this time but I would have to pay double ($20) next time. This is the first appearance I have ever made in the police court. Finish[ed] my hat and sewed in the afternoon, cute hat. Went to Beta meeting and Duke called for me. Thursday, March 29 This afternoon I went to the Maj. with Dorothy and I had an appointment with the Dentist at 1 o’clock afterward we all went to a peace meeting at the Theater. Dr. Freeman was chairman of the meeting and he is a wonderful broadminded man. They wouldn’t let them have it at the Armory and Mrs. Bellman was even threatened for giving them the Theatre. Theater for peace. I am for peace heart & soul but it looks like war now. Friday, March 30 Fran VanLeeuwen called for me to go to Fran Carr’s this morning. They have a dandy new Hudson Super Six. We stayed at Carr’s for lunch and went to the Maj. in the afternoon. Ave, Ella, Duke and I went to the Empress that night. I got my suit today. 14 �Saturday, March 31 Sat morning I cleaned up the house and washed a couple of waists. In the afternoon I took Grosmama to Powers Theater, came home and took Mama and then Ella and I went out to the boat club but it started to rain as soon as we got out there so we came right back. We had a terrible rain and hail storm on the way home. Sunday, April 1 Memoranda [skipped date and corrected it on the 12th] Sunday morning Mama, Ella and I went in the All Souls Church. As soon as Mr. Freeman finished his sermon he hurried away to catch a train for Washington to tell them that a great many of us were for peace. Friday afternoon I went to see Mr. Beneker’s [Gerrit Beneker] pictures and to a Socialist meeting at Power’s and if I ever get to vote I hope I know enough to vote Socialist. Mr. Debs spoke. Sunday night Duke came over. Monday, April 2 [written on page for April 1] School Almost everyone is certain that war is going to be declared when congress meets tomorrow and Hugh is glad as anything. Duke wants war too and somehow there seems to be something brutish or wrong about people like that and I won’t have anything to do with them no matter how nice they are otherwise. Ella and I went to a Samaritan meeting Monday night and Avery called for us. Tuesday, April 3 [written on page for April 2] Hugh came up and said goodbye to everybody this morning and thought sure that they were going to Chicago by train. I went down to the dentist after school and had a nerve taken out. Duke came up after supper and we were going to the armory but it got too late so we went to the Strand instead. Wednesday, April 4 [written on page for April 3] Hugh was back at school today and can’t go to until war is declared. Too bad! We had K.E.E. meeting to-night and then I went down town to meet mama and had to wait 2 hours. Ella and Ave went to the Empress to-night. I guess Duke is broke, as usual. Thursday, April 5 [written on page for April 4] I went to the dentist after school and then met the girls. Went to a church supper and then saw Jack Pickford in “The Dummy” at the Idlehour with Donna. Friday, April 6 [written on page for April 5] Came home after school and made Mama’s hat. Friday night we all went to a dance at the All Soul’s Church and had lots of fun. I went with Duke but there were a lot of extra fellows so they had “robber” dances. Great. Friday’s news. [written on page for April 6] This is good friday and war with Germany was also declared today. Saturday, April 7 [written on page for April 6] 15 �Went down to the K.E.E. pictures taken this morning. Stayed down for lunch with Dorothy and then and bought some blue pajama cloth. Cut some one piece pajamas out at Dorothy’s and started them. Cutest things I ever saw. Sunday, April 8 [written on page for April 7] Sunday morning Easter, by the way, Papa, Ella & I went to church. Mr. Freeman talked on war and peace and certainly had a fine sermon. I think I could get an education hearing him talk. Duke sent me some beautiful sweet peas and roses. Didn’t do much of anything Sunday afternoon and Sunday night Duke came up without even calling up. Monday, April 9 [written on page for April 8] I haven’t written in this for a week and don’t remember what I did do. Monday, April 10 [written on page for April 9] Same as Monday Wednesday, April 11 [written on page for April 10] Lester Newman asked me to the Central Hop but I said that I was going to a theatre party. Pervairikator (liar). [prevaricator] Thursday, April 12 [written on page for April 11] School Got excused at 12:30 and took Mama to a funeral. Got a flat tire in front of Aunt Julia’s [Mrs. Alten’s twin sister] but I hadn’t anymore than thought about it when I [a] young man came across the street and fixed it for me. Lucky girl. April 12 Must have skipped a day [April 1 was skipped]. Friday, April 13 [dates are now correct] School After school, Dorothy, Fran VanLeeuwen and I went to the Empress. We bought 10-cent seats and the man let us sit down stairs and we marched way down in front. More luck and nerve. Went to the Sock and Buskin play Friday night with Duke. He also asked me to go to the Central Hop. Saturday, April 14 This morning Mama & I burned the dry grass on the side of the house. Went down to get some shoes later on but they didn’t have their oxfords in yet. Saturday night Fran Carr and I went down to the Liberty. Sunday, April 15 Papa, Ella and I went to church this morning and Mr. Freeman talked about the new Russian Republic. He seems to think that it is a wonderful thing. Dorothy and I went to the Lib. this afternoon. She came over for lunch and Ella, Ave, Dorothy and I went to the Strand. 16 �Monday, April 16 [this entry continues from April 16-April 19 although she wrote in the day next to the date on each page] Came right home intending to make a waist but no one was home to cut it so I studied. Went down town later in the afternoon and brought the folks home. Went to Samaritan meeting at 7:30 but it was postponed. All you hear around hear [here] is war and I never had more enemies in my life, because I am a pacifist and more over of German descent. Almost every boy in school has enlisted and there [written on page for Tuesday, April 17] are very few girls that are not [moving?] or doing some relief work. I don’t know whether I am wrong or not but I haven’t done anything of that sort yet. I see where there is going to be a terrible winter before us and I guess the best any of us can do is to raise as much food as possible. I guess our Western trip is knocked in the head. Emma, Frank [younger brother of Mrs. Alten], and Billy [Frank’s adopted son] are going to move to Houston Texas and [written on page for Wednesday, April 18] are going to get in here Sat. We had patriotic assembly today and it certainly aroused all the patriotism there is in one. It just made me sick. I can’t see enough reason for war and I think it is terrible for us to get mixed up in this terrible slaughter too. The boys are enlisting and do farm work now and they look a little better to me. At K.E.E. meeting several of the girls gave talks on the war and I certainly had to bite my lip more [written on page for Thursday, April 19] than once. They don’t seem to think that the Germans are even human and all they want to do is killem. I never saw such narrow-mindedness or insanity. Ave proposed to Ella last night. She hasn’t been feeling well for quite a while and today Dr. Wells said that he had to go to bed for a week. Nervous and poor heart. Poor Kid she wants to be healthy like I am. [April 20 – April 21 left blank] Sunday, April 22 Frank, Emma, & Billy came. [April 23 – April 27 left blank] Saturday, April 28 Saturday went down town & did a little shopping. Sat. afternoon Em, Billy and I went over on the West Side. Saturday night Duke and I went to the Art club party. Letter from Lucille. Sunday, April 29 Got up at 9:30 & Mama, Ella and I went to church. They are even urging the girls to drill so you can see the feeling around here. Quite a few of the boys have already gone on 17 �farms. The conscription bill has been passed including all men between 19 & 40. Duke and Ave came up in the afternoon. Ave traded in our old car & $25 and got a Hupmobile. Duke & I went to the Strand and then the Sweets shop. Monday, April 30 School I found out that there is going to be a Helios party next Sat. and now I have to ask somebody again. Billy is running around in his diaper and shirt and now is too cute for words. It’s only 8 but I ‘m tired so I guess I’ll go to bed. Tuesday, May 1 [written on Memoranda page] School I asked Thorn[e] Brown to the Helios party this morning and he accepted. He acted awfully glad too. There was a J.F.E. meeting after school at Ruth Chamberlains and we planned a picnic up the river in several weeks. Duke called up and asked me to go to the Maj. and I went. I like him a lot better than I used to and he’s awfully nice to me. Duke asked me to go to Miss Hollister’s party at the Pantlind the same night as the Helios party so I guess I won’t be able to go. [May 1 left blank] Wednesday, May 2 School Special K.E.E. meeting. Hugh was up at school with his uniform on and he certainly looked dandy but I feel awfully sorry for the poor kid I don’t understand him. I wish I knew how he felt toward me. Dorothy came over after school & we talked war. Her brother is going to enlist. I took Mama over on the west side and then the whole bunch went over to Cusick's. I am here with Viola taking care of Billy. Thursday, May 3 School This afternoon Dorothy and I went to the Empress and sat in the 10-cent seats. It was one of the best bills I’ve ever seen there. We bought an awfully cute combination suit pattern together and some material on a sale. Mr. Jandorf has been accused of being a German spy several times and everyone is boycotting him. He found a yellow paper on his machine the other day, representing a yellow streak. I wonder what will happen next. [Saturday crossed out] May 4, Friday School Went downtown with Dorothy and then came home and took Emmy on the west side. Went to the Maj. with Julia, Emma, Viola, and saw Pauline Fredrick. Saturday, May 5 18 �I was down at school all Monday decorating for the Helios Party. In the afternoon Ella and I stopped in school for a minute and met Duke and Jack. We went down town, did some shopping. I then came home. Went to the party Saturday night with Thorn[e]e Brown. After this party we went to Miss Hollister’s party at the Pantlind and danced until 12. Had a peach of a time. Sunday, May 6 Sunday morning Harriet and I broke into the school with a skeleton K.E.E. and took our junk home. Duke and Ave came up in the afternoon and seeing as it was raining we didn’t go up the river. Duke and I had a sort of fight, at any rate I had a perfectly rotten time. Learned a little about cribbage Sunday night. Monday, May 7 School A wonderful case started on Thorn[e]’s side and that’s all I’ve heard all day. Saturday he asked me to the Senior Play and a Masonic party Friday night. Saw Marguerite Clark this afternoon. Cut a combination and started it to-night. Tuesday, May 8 School I came right home after school and picked up a little and did my studying. After supper I took the folks out to Blanchard’s and then when I got home Harriet, Jack Fowler, Duke and Ave were over. We had a lot of fun. Wednesday, May 9 School There was a K.E.E. meeting after school to-night and I gave a little article on world citizenship. Took Billy out for a while and then went over on the west side with the folks. Thursday, May 10 School Skipped 3rd hr. and Thorn[e] and I went down to Sweet’s and then out to the Lake. We caught a little mud turtle and brought it to school. After school Mrs. Utley, Harriet McKeon, and I went up the river. I paddled about 4 miles and sure am some strong girl. It was just wonderful. Flower [flour] is $19 a barrel. Friday, May 11 School Well, I’ve found someone to sympathize with me at last. Thorn[e]e is strongly proGerman, but about the only person I know of that is and it certainly is encouraging. Friday night Ella, Ave, Thorn[e] and I went to the Empress and it certainly was good. I sat right next to Louis Edison too, my 6’6” friend. Saturday, May 12 19 �I accomplished an awful lot to-day. I did a lot around the house this morning and then washed the machine. Went down town this afternoon and to a K.E.E. entertainment tonight. Received a letter from Lucille sent through her mother and it seems to me as though she were in little less than a prison. Has been quarantined for months & can only write 1 letter a week. Sunday, May 13 Went to church this morning & so did Thorn[e], Mama and Papa drove to Greenville with the Kutches. Ave, Ella, Thorn[e] and I went up the river this afternoon. Duke called up and asked me to go up but I had allready planned on going with Thorn[e]. Duke asked me to the opening party providing he was still here. Monday, May 14 School. Played tennis for the first time at Thorn[e]’s the fifth hour today. I am some player. An English woman [spoke] to us in assembly to-day and she certainly did picture the Prussians as heartless Brutes. No wonder the people over here are so one sided. We never hear any truth. Went to the Maj. to-night and saw a picture in which they made fun of the pacifists. Tuesday, May 15 I had a sore foot to-day and didn’t go to school, but more fun why I never had a better time. I intended to go in the afternoon, but the bunch was over at Tom’s court and we all decided to skip. J. Stacy Harriet McKeon Thorn[e] and I went out to the lake & fiddled around in an old row boat with a couple of boards. Came back & went to mock elections & little party afterwards with Thorn[e]. Sweets. Played at playgrounds at Lincoln Park. Wonderful time. Wednesday, May 16 School Played tenis 5th hour. Thorn[e] asked me to Rifle Club party. Went over to Dorothy’s and planned house party. Thorn[e] asked to come up. Duke & Ave came up. Thursday, May 17 School Came home after school and took the machine down to the garage. Took the folks out riding. Duke came up to-night. The mock elections were as follows. K. Barton – smallest girl Harriet McKeon – wittiest girl Helen Bloomer – most popular girl. etc. [complete list is published in yearbook] Friday, May 18 School 20 �Went out to the Boat Club and played tenis with Margaret Utley, Ruth Minor and Katheryn Baert. I sure am some rotten player. Went to the Senior Play with Thorn[e]. Saturday, May 19 Skipped third hour and saw the parade. Played tennis 5th hour. Took folks out riding after school. Duke came up after supper. [Box around following text] Harriet is going to leave school and go down on the farm Sat. Shoot it!! [end of box] I guess I’m mixed up. Did my smock. Went out to the Imp. with Duke, Dorothy, Jack. Sunday, May 20 Washed the machine. Took Emma and Ella to church. afternoon Went up the river with Duke and Jack. Came home and fried winnies [weenies]. Monday, May 21 School Rain. Majestic with Thorn[e], Eva Prince, and Jack Pluene. Tuesday, May 22 School J.F.E. meeting at Helen Bloomer’s. Planned House party at Macatawa for next weekend. Duke came up. Told him I was coming down the river with Thorn[e]. Wednesday, May 23 School Thorn[e] took me downtown. Met Mrs. Cusick & bought some clothes for Lucille. Wrote to Lucille. Went out to Dorothy’s. Thursday, May 24 School Dorothy came home with me and asked Thorn[e] down on the house party. Took Emma & Bills over on the west end to say goodbye. Got some clothes ready to take to the house party. Emma and Billy left on the 11:55 train and I took them down. Friday, May 25 School Skipped after the 3rd hr. and came home to get ready for the house party. Dorothy and Helen Bradford rode down with the Cassidy’s and Fran Carr, Fran VanLeeuwen, Donna and I went down on the 3 o’clock car. The weather just cleared up at about noon Friday and it sure was great. Roberta, K. Baert, and I left together the first night. Saturday, May 26 Well, I should judge we went to bed at about 3 o’clock last night, or rather this morning. Taffy Spence came down on the eight o’clock car and we certainly did chum up. I’m just wild about her. Had a peach of a time Sat. went to Holland etc. The $50,000 cement walk that was built there last year is almost all washed down & if the water doesn’t stop 21 �coming up there won’t be any Mac. [Macatawa] in a couple of years. Taffy and I lay down and the swing with our clothes on and stayed awake all night. Never slept a wink. Sunday, May 27 The boys came down Sunday. K. Baert – John Stacey D. Baert – Bob MacKinsey [Mackenzie] Ella – Ave Dorothy – Thorn[e] Brown Fran Carr – Jack Fowler Roberta – Mac Marshall Taffy – Doug McCall Doug is a peach Monday, May 28 We just had a peach of a time Sunday. Had a big wennie [weenie] roast and went home on the 8 o’clock car. I heard that Duke & Jack got drunk Sat. night and that rather spoiled it for me. It makes me disgusted and I wish I knew what to do. I had a peach of a time with Douglas & Taffy though so that rather made up for it. Tuesday, May 29 School Monday night was the big opening party at the boat club and I went with Duke. I was rather lame[?] after the house party but I soon forgot that and had a peachy time. I am as strong as an ox, nothing phases [fazes] me. After school I went over to Roberta’s for a while and Taffy was there. Took Mama to the cemetery and then put up our lunch for the Lowell Trip. Wednesday, May 30 Decoration day. Thorn[e], Ave, Ella & I left on the 6:35 train this morning with the boat club bunch. We paddled down from there, about 38 miles, Paddled up the Thorneapple on the way and went to Ada. Got back to the club at about 7 and Duke & Jack were up on the porch to greet us. On the way home our street car & a machine bumped & had an awful smash up. [May 31 left blank] Friday, June 1 [written on Memoranda page] School Night Roberta, Judy Muir, Taffy, John Hancock, Doug and I went out to Ramona and [rode] on the Derby about a dozen times. I like Doug awfully well. [June 1 left blank] Saturday, June 2 22 �Downtown twice bought the best looking blueish [bluish] green sikls [silk] for a sport suit I ever saw. Fran Carr, Duke & Jack came up Sat night. Doug called up and asked to come up Wednesday. Sunday, June 3 I went to church and there sure was some excitement. Some wanted Mr. Freeman to talk about the convention he attended in N.Y. for terms of peace and some didn’t. Everyone talked and a lot [swore] in the church right there. Papa included. Fran Carr and I went out to the G.R.Golf club and played tennis. Monday, June 4 Came home & helped sew on my graduation dress. It was decided to only have one dress instead of three this year on account of the war. My dress is white net with while taffeta bodice. I’ve gotten two cards from Malcolm and from what he says I guess he’s awfully lonesome. He is [at] Great Lake Training Camp in Chicago at present. Tuesday, June 5 To-day we had to practically make my dress & we sure did do some tall hustling. Was out riding in the afternoon as it happened it was raining and Ella and I didn’t have any coats or hats when the machine busted & we had to borrow Papa’s and Ave’s coat & walk home. Tuesday night was class night & now I suppose I’m almost grown up, who knows. I don’t. Wednesday, June 6 Sprained my ankle & didn’t go to school today. Went on a H.G.L. Winnie [weenie] roast tonight with Doug Mcoll[?] Mr. Freeman spoke at Powers on the convention on terms of peace and the repealing of the child labor act that he attended in New York. I think that some of the people are beginning to appreciate him, but not nearly enough. Thursday, June 7 School rained & has been raining every day for just ages. Taffy and I went over to Roberta’s after school & made candy. I sure am crazy about Taffy. I wrote 4 letters Thursday night. One to Harriet, Lucille, and Malcolm. Friday, June 8 School After school Taffy & I went over to Dorothy’s & acted silly. My but I had a good time. Made my sandwiches over there & then went to a Kee [K.E.E.] spread at Alta Thomas’. Went to a meeting at church to vote whether to keep Mr. Freeman or not. Duke came up afterwards & we walked home together. Saturday, June 9 We got the news this morning that Mr. Freeman and quite a few others had been arrested. It’s makes me sick, he’s the most wonderful man I know. Took Mama over on the west side & went out riding. Went on the Derby Sat night & out riding with Taffy, Tubhy Muir, Alworth Christian, and Dwight Coulter. 23 �Sunday, June 10 Went to church and got Fran to go with us. Never spent a bluer Sunday in my life. Duke asked me to go up the river but I couldn’t go. Went over to Taffy’s instead. Duke may have had a rotten reputation once but I think he’s alright now. Mama doesn’t want me to talk with him or have him up so I’ll have to do the next best thing. Some people are unreasonable but we must humor them. Monday, June 11 School Duke wrote a letter to me in care of Gladys Goldsborough Tuesday. I pretty nearly got canned out of school to-day. John Stacey and I were playing tennis and we got caught going back. Miss Daniels took me to Miss James and talked to me for 35 minutes but it all just seemed like a joke to me at the time and I didn’t care a bit. Tuesday, June 12 Still Tuesday Pounded square into her on the way back and didn’t know what else to do so I ran and she sent John after me but I snook [snuck] where he couldn’t get me, in the girlsroom. It was really loads of fun. Went over to Allyn Stinchcomb’s, she just got back from a sanitarium but is looking fine. Mighty pretty. Wednesday, June 13 Had a dreadful headache today and didn’t go to school. Mama[?] and Julia sewed on my silk suit. Lucille came in on the 1 o’clock train & I went down to meet her. London[?] was [?] so Mr. Cusick couldn’t go. She’s looking great and is [a] pretty girl. Took Allyn, Lucille, Roberta & Taffy over on the West side with me. [June 14 through June 30 skipped] Sunday, July 1 I got so sick of writing in this old diary that I thought I would take a little rest. Sunday morning Avery, Ella and I left G.R. for Sturgis at 9:30. We took a bunch of pictures along and went on business. It was raining a little when we started and before long we had an awful rain storm. It soon cleared up and everything was dandy. We came down straight through Kalamazoo and the roads as a whole were good, but there were a few awful pieces. We didn’t have a bit of trouble with Newt [the car] and arrived at 4:30. There wasn’t any train out that night so Ave stayed and took the 3:46 A.M. train. Monday, July 2 Monday morning I washed the machine [car] and then carted Ella around. Did the same Monday afternoon & writing a bunch of cards. [last entry in diary] 24 �25 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Mathias J. Alten Collection Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Description An account of the resource Digitized photographs, artworks, and diary transcript from the papers of West Michigan painter, Mathias J. Alten (1871-1938) represent one of the most important collections in the holdings of both the University Library's Special Collections and the University Art Gallery. Alten, a German native who came to Grand Rapids as a youth, is a celebrated American regionalist often referred to as the Dean of Michigan Painters. The photographs and papers document his family life and career and support the collection of Alten paintings owned by the University. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers (RHC-28)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1893 - 1929 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers, RHC-28</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28_MAlten_Diary_of_Camelia_Alten Title A name given to the resource Diary of Camelia Alten Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, Camelia Description An account of the resource Diary kept by Camelia Alten, daughter of artist Mathias Alten, during her senior year at Central High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan from January 1, 1917 through July 2, 1917. In it she chronicles the details of her school, family, and social life. Camelia discusses the sentiments and activities in Grand Rapids during the days before and after World War I was declared. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) World War, 1914-1918 Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1917 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/2b6ea2737f96f4ed62aa6e224831f463.jpg 518f59aec4feaaf88b1b6a1345d18c2a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Mathias J. Alten Collection Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Description An account of the resource Digitized photographs, artworks, and diary transcript from the papers of West Michigan painter, Mathias J. Alten (1871-1938) represent one of the most important collections in the holdings of both the University Library's Special Collections and the University Art Gallery. Alten, a German native who came to Grand Rapids as a youth, is a celebrated American regionalist often referred to as the Dean of Michigan Painters. The photographs and papers document his family life and career and support the collection of Alten paintings owned by the University. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers (RHC-28)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1893 - 1929 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers, RHC-28</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28_MAlten_00035 Title A name given to the resource Stained glass window designed by Mathias Alten for his home in Grand Rapids Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Description An account of the resource Stained glass window designed by Mathias Alten for his home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives Subject The topic of the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/24519754835fedc5216426c51f879850.jpg 46d4e7cf252fff08232758e565c44907 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Mathias J. Alten Collection Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Description An account of the resource Digitized photographs, artworks, and diary transcript from the papers of West Michigan painter, Mathias J. Alten (1871-1938) represent one of the most important collections in the holdings of both the University Library's Special Collections and the University Art Gallery. Alten, a German native who came to Grand Rapids as a youth, is a celebrated American regionalist often referred to as the Dean of Michigan Painters. The photographs and papers document his family life and career and support the collection of Alten paintings owned by the University. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers (RHC-28)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1893 - 1929 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers, RHC-28</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28_MAlten_00036a Title A name given to the resource Cover of Commonwealth magazine painted by Mathias Alten Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Description An account of the resource Muskiteeto and Modern Home Heating May 1921 cover illustrating an article in The Commonwealth: A magazine for workers painted by Mathias Alten. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives Subject The topic of the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1921 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/9c205b28433f6e8180218dde300ca550.jpg 6145a3a500e3abf7563355eb464dcc7a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Mathias J. Alten Collection Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Description An account of the resource Digitized photographs, artworks, and diary transcript from the papers of West Michigan painter, Mathias J. Alten (1871-1938) represent one of the most important collections in the holdings of both the University Library's Special Collections and the University Art Gallery. Alten, a German native who came to Grand Rapids as a youth, is a celebrated American regionalist often referred to as the Dean of Michigan Painters. The photographs and papers document his family life and career and support the collection of Alten paintings owned by the University. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers (RHC-28)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1893 - 1929 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers, RHC-28</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28_MAlten_00037 Title A name given to the resource Illustration from The Commonwealth magazine painted by Mathias Alten Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Description An account of the resource Illustration of scene from Wolverine Brass Works in Grand Rapids Michigan from February 1921 cover of The Commonwealth: A magazine for workers, painted by Mathias Alten. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives Subject The topic of the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1921 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/21288a764917a6a33625db6488cd51cb.jpg 22e7a95f82e6f5c8e387f2faa892fc2d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Mathias J. Alten Collection Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Description An account of the resource Digitized photographs, artworks, and diary transcript from the papers of West Michigan painter, Mathias J. Alten (1871-1938) represent one of the most important collections in the holdings of both the University Library's Special Collections and the University Art Gallery. Alten, a German native who came to Grand Rapids as a youth, is a celebrated American regionalist often referred to as the Dean of Michigan Painters. The photographs and papers document his family life and career and support the collection of Alten paintings owned by the University. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers (RHC-28)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1893 - 1929 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers, RHC-28</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28_MAlten_00038a Title A name given to the resource Cover of Commonwealth magazine painted by Mathias Alten Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Description An account of the resource Man repairing machine, December 1920 cover illustrating an article in The Commonwealth: A magazine for workers painted by Mathias Alten. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives Subject The topic of the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1920 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/85db49d66ef09b3e41a97fcec1c829a3.jpg 209efff4b8c70df405512bb493c5305e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Mathias J. Alten Collection Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Description An account of the resource Digitized photographs, artworks, and diary transcript from the papers of West Michigan painter, Mathias J. Alten (1871-1938) represent one of the most important collections in the holdings of both the University Library's Special Collections and the University Art Gallery. Alten, a German native who came to Grand Rapids as a youth, is a celebrated American regionalist often referred to as the Dean of Michigan Painters. The photographs and papers document his family life and career and support the collection of Alten paintings owned by the University. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers (RHC-28)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1893 - 1929 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers, RHC-28</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28_MAlten_00039a Title A name given to the resource Cover of Commonwealth magazine painted by Mathias Alten Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Description An account of the resource What I get out of Making School Desks September 1921 cover illustrating an article in The Commonwealth: A magazine for workers painted by Mathias Alten. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives Subject The topic of the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1921 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/28c94d7573073538fd426d1fc171881b.jpg 281522296f1e257766d99210e16985ae Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Mathias J. Alten Collection Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Description An account of the resource Digitized photographs, artworks, and diary transcript from the papers of West Michigan painter, Mathias J. Alten (1871-1938) represent one of the most important collections in the holdings of both the University Library's Special Collections and the University Art Gallery. Alten, a German native who came to Grand Rapids as a youth, is a celebrated American regionalist often referred to as the Dean of Michigan Painters. The photographs and papers document his family life and career and support the collection of Alten paintings owned by the University. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers (RHC-28)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1893 - 1929 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers, RHC-28</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28_MAlten_00040a Title A name given to the resource Cover of Commonwealth magazine painted by Mathias Alten Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Description An account of the resource John Segar, cabinet maker Grand Rapids Chair Co. October 1921 cover illustrating an article in The Commonwealth: a magazine for workers painted by Mathias Alten Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives Subject The topic of the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1921 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a85d2a2ce3175bc9427f2221f5961968.jpg 3a215663e2a831b9e0ffbb7406c1f47f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Mathias J. Alten Collection Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Description An account of the resource Digitized photographs, artworks, and diary transcript from the papers of West Michigan painter, Mathias J. Alten (1871-1938) represent one of the most important collections in the holdings of both the University Library's Special Collections and the University Art Gallery. Alten, a German native who came to Grand Rapids as a youth, is a celebrated American regionalist often referred to as the Dean of Michigan Painters. The photographs and papers document his family life and career and support the collection of Alten paintings owned by the University. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers (RHC-28)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1893 - 1929 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers, RHC-28</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28_MAlten_00041a Title A name given to the resource Cover of Commonwealth magazine painted by Mathias Alten Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Description An account of the resource The making of automobile tires August 1921 cover illustrating an article in The Commonwealth: A magazine for workers painted by Mathias Alten. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives Subject The topic of the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1921 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/5550253ea229c56b92669d5ce5af2bea.jpg 23ed0b65e9c78f3caaa098a79ef2e0cf Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Mathias J. Alten Collection Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Description An account of the resource Digitized photographs, artworks, and diary transcript from the papers of West Michigan painter, Mathias J. Alten (1871-1938) represent one of the most important collections in the holdings of both the University Library's Special Collections and the University Art Gallery. Alten, a German native who came to Grand Rapids as a youth, is a celebrated American regionalist often referred to as the Dean of Michigan Painters. The photographs and papers document his family life and career and support the collection of Alten paintings owned by the University. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers (RHC-28)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1893 - 1929 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers, RHC-28</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28_MAlten_00043a Title A name given to the resource Cover of Commonwealth magazine painted by Mathias Alten Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Description An account of the resource Scene in Wolverine Brass Works Grand Rapids, Michigan, February 1921 cover illustrating an article in The Commonwealth: A magazine for workers painted by Mathias Alten. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives Subject The topic of the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1921 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/099aef73b51075a510c9b677b5d19b17.jpg 79005379d6ac10a9ada7b901b2a44195 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Mathias J. Alten Collection Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Description An account of the resource Digitized photographs, artworks, and diary transcript from the papers of West Michigan painter, Mathias J. Alten (1871-1938) represent one of the most important collections in the holdings of both the University Library's Special Collections and the University Art Gallery. Alten, a German native who came to Grand Rapids as a youth, is a celebrated American regionalist often referred to as the Dean of Michigan Painters. The photographs and papers document his family life and career and support the collection of Alten paintings owned by the University. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers (RHC-28)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1893 - 1929 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers, RHC-28</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28_MAlten_00044a Title A name given to the resource Cover of Commonwealth magazine painted by Mathias Alten Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Description An account of the resource Wheels--The world's oldest, greatest and simplest invention"" April 1921 cover illustrating an article in The Commonwealth: A magazine for workers painted by Mathias Alten. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives Subject The topic of the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1921 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/63300c646c1a1d5d8370ebd3186c51d0.jpg 4243441508d204f383a8bb91ef123385 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Mathias J. Alten Collection Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Description An account of the resource Digitized photographs, artworks, and diary transcript from the papers of West Michigan painter, Mathias J. Alten (1871-1938) represent one of the most important collections in the holdings of both the University Library's Special Collections and the University Art Gallery. Alten, a German native who came to Grand Rapids as a youth, is a celebrated American regionalist often referred to as the Dean of Michigan Painters. The photographs and papers document his family life and career and support the collection of Alten paintings owned by the University. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers (RHC-28)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1893 - 1929 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/456">Mathias J. Alten papers, RHC-28</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-28_MAlten_00046 Title A name given to the resource Sketch of drawing class by Mathias Alten Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Description An account of the resource Sketch of drawing class by Mathias Alten. captioned ""Mr. Alten's life class at work, with well draped model posing, from a sketch by Alten."" Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives Subject The topic of the resource Alten, M. (Mathias), 1871-1938 Grand Rapids (Mich.) Artists--Michigan Painters Photographs Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/d477cace4c921d4510e4efadbd528cda.mp4 3e5ddfe5e742e923d514965f803035fb https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/bce3383305a62b5fcf9e0bcc37987aca.pdf bd2cb2d49f8b6915351d41814a15ba1e PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University All American Girls Professional Baseball League Veterans History Project Interviewee’s Name: Isabel (Lefty) Alvarez Length of Interview: (00:37:11) Interviewed by: James Smither, Transcribed by: Joan Raymer, June 30, 2010 Interviewer: “Can you begin to tell us a little bit about your background? To start with, where and when were you born?” I was born on October 31, 1933 in Havana, Cuba. Interviewer: “What did your father do for a living or what did your family do?” Well, my father was in the marines and then in the police force for fifty years. Interviewer: “So he had a regular job. How many children were in your family?” My brother and myself only Interviewer: “When did you start playing baseball?” I think very—my mother was all sport orientated and she knew it was healthy, so baseball they played in the street you know and she let me do the sports, but she didn’t let me do any other things. 1:14 Interviewer: “What other sports did you play besides baseball?” Fencing, soccer and baseball most of all Interviewer: “Now, when you played these games, were you mostly playing with boys or were there a lot of girls too?” In the fencing there was women, it was well organized and directing the fencing was people from the government. Interviewer: “Did you have fencing tournaments and did you travel around?” At the time, in fifty-- it was the time, I can’t remember the exact day, but we were going to go to Europe for fencing and I had to make up my mind if I wanted to go to Europe or come to the United States to play baseball, so I decided to come here and I would like to know the date, I can’t remember. 2:09 Interviewer: “Well, when did you first have contact with American baseball? When did you start playing either with or against American teams?” 1 �In 1947 when they went to spring training and we had an exhibition game and to let you know, I pitched that one game. Interviewer: “How old were you when you pitched in this exhibition game?” I was fourteen years old. In 1947, now I figure it out. Interviewer: “If it was in the spring of 1947, you were probably thirteen.” Thirteen, I can’t imagine. Interviewer: “How did you do?” I did very well, that’s what my mother told me. She was at the game and that’s the first time my mother saw me play. 2:54 Interviewer: “How did they get the team together? How did you wind up on the team?” The owner of our Cuban team was a—he was the owner of a wine distillery and he had a lot of connects with tourists and how he get to know Max Carey and the commissioners of the league, I don’t have any idea, but he had a lot of good connections and a lot of money and we had a place to go and train. I love it you know because we even stayed on weekends and had food and everything. 3:33 Interviewer: “And do you remember at all what happened in that game that you pitched against the Americans? Your mother told you, you did well.” Well that’s when they decided they were going to bring four Cubans to the United States and the President came to my house to my mother and said I wasn’t old enough to come to the United States, you had to be fifteen, so I waited until 1949, I was fifteen then. Interviewer: “You really knew from 1947, that you wanted to go.” Yeah, the manager said, the Cuban manager, “you’re going to be next”, so I knew and it was anxiety you know. 4:16 Interviewer: “So then when it gets to 1949 and you’re going to go to America, how did they get you over to the states and where did you go first? Do you remember about going over?” The first time I step here in the United States to go to play for—it was Chicago and I— coming fresh from Cuba at that age, I didn’t even know I was in Chicago. Interviewer: “How did you get from Cuba up to Chicago?” By—how did I get over there? A plane to Miami and then drive to Chicago. Interviewer: “You drove to Chicago?” 2 �No, I didn’t drive—how did I get over there? That’s a funny thing, how did I get to Chicago?” 5:08 We fly, we had to fly. We flew yes. Interviewer: “Now, were you all by yourself when you did this or did you have someone with you?” There were three Cubans with me. Interviewer: “So, a group of four Cubans go together?” Yes, together, that’s how we first started in 1949. Interviewer: “So, the time you came to the United States did you speak any English yet?” Not very much, my mother was tutoring me with words and works and everything because my mother was right, to learn English. There was a professor in Cuba, a neighbor, he was supposed to learn, to teach English and my mother sent me to him for a week . He thought I could learn English in a week. I don’t know, so then my brother, when I came over here he said, “well you knew English when you came to the United States”, and I said, “I did not know the English much in a week”. 6:09 Interviewer: “What happened once you got to Chicago? What did they do with you then? What did you do?” They assigned us to a team and I was assigned to the Chicago Colleens. Interviewer: “Did the team make any provision to help—were you the only Cuban player they had or did all of you go together?” No, there were four of us. Interviewer: “All four of you to one team?” Yes, two, there were two teams, the Chicago Colleens and the Springfield Sallies. Interviewer: “So two went to each team?” Yes. 6:45 Interviewer: “You had somebody else there from Cuba.” Yes, those years, Madelia, the older one. She was the one who helped a lot with the language because she knew pretty good English when she came. Interviewer: “How well did you get along with the other players on the team?” 3 �I had no problem with getting along because I was happy to be here and I knew that I had to get along because my mother was right there and she wanted me here in the United States, so I better—I don’t know, it was something natural. I was trained to like the United States from my mother and I think it’s good. 7:36 Interviewer: “At this point you were a pitcher?” Yes Interviewer: “Primarily pitching, all right, now was the game you were playing here any different from the game you played in Cuba in terms of the style of play or the equipment used or anything like that?” The ball was a little bigger, but I don’t really—I got adjusted so well, I feel, that I don’t have any knowledge about it that I had trouble because I was here to play ball and that’s what my mother wanted me to do. Interviewer: “Ok, and how successful were you as a player at that point? Did you Pitch well and win games?” Well, I don’t –all those years back, they got some scores—I got some baseball cards, but my records, they don’t show that I was a real, real great ball player. 8:41 I don’t consider myself that great. Interviewer: “How long did you play in the American baseball league?” Six years. Interviewer: “Six years, you stayed in the league all that time?” Yeah Interviewer: “So you were apparently good enough to do that?” Right, and I had the chance when the Colleens folded, I had a chance to go to Fort Wayne, they picked me up to go to Fort Wayne and that’s the biggest opportunity I had. Interviewer: “Did you like playing in Fort Wayne better than Chicago or was it about the same?” Well, we were in a group and we would ride the bus all together, everything was all together, but when I went to Fort Wayne I was just on my own and it took me a little longer time to start getting use to it, but it wasn’t anything that I disliked. You’re just in a strange place all by yourself. After coming from a group and going to Fort Wayne you didn’t know anybody and they were older. The girls in Fort Wayne that were playing, they were older than I was. 9:59 I got along and I think I did very well. 4 �Interviewer: “Tell me a little bit about the experience of just kind of traveling around with these teams. When you’re going to play how did you get from one game to another? What did they do? Did they put you on busses or trains?” Yes, busses and oh yeah, we had more fun and I sat in the front, in the front seat, so I could have the big window in the bus and then I can read the signs where we were going and the manager was sitting in the other side and he was a mixed Cuban. I would read a sign and he helped me to pronounce it better. 10:46 Interviewer: “Who was your manager at this time? What was his mane?” Mitch Skupien, I might not be pronouncing it right, but he was really, really nice. Interviewer: “When you were playing at these games, did you get a lot of fans who would come to the games in Fort Wayne or Chicago?” Yes, and I always had a lot of good—a lot of fans, they liked me, but everybody was always nice. I have a lot of respect for the people here, but I was brought up that way. Interviewer: “The league had a lot of rules for how the players were to dress and act and all that kind of thing, was it easy for you to follow those rules or did it not make any sense to you?” 11:48 No, No, it was because I was raised differently. My mother you know, different, and I didn’t, my mother always pampered me a lot with lipstick and combing my hair and my dress, she just couldn’t let me out of the house without being dressed nice. I didn’t go to school there because the schooling was in 1943 and by 1949 they didn’t have those strict rules. 12:26 Interviewer: “So it wasn’t quite the same as it was when the league started by the time you got there?” It was different it was just different. Interviewer: “Were there particular friends you had on these teams or people you got to know really well and stand out in your memory?” Yes, I had a—it was more they get close to the Cubans you know and we always had that, the players being very, very nice. I had pretty good luck in that and we had fun because my English was broken and they laughed and I laughed with them because it was funny. 13:13 Interviewer: “Ok now, when you think back about the time that you spent in this league playing these games, are there particular events or things that kind of stand out in your mind or that come back to you a lot, good things that happened to you at certain points along the way?” 5 �On the touring or on the whole? Interviewer: “Anything about that whether it’s on the tour or in a game or off the field.” Well, I mean what—I’ve been lucky, I don’t know if it’s the right word because— Interviewer: “If you hadn’t had the opportunity to come to the United States to play baseball, what do you think you might have done over that period of six years instead?” You mean in Cuba? Interviewer: “If you were back in Cuba, yes.” Oh my dear, I don’t know, my mother would have been crying, but she would cry because that was her ideal, the baseball, she loved baseball. She use to—in our house she was one of those little old ladies and she would sit there and listen to the Cubans baseball playing. She was, there was a team names Allemandes, their blue, and she would light a little candle, she loved baseball. 14:38 Interviewer: “That really was her dream, that you go and do this?” Exactly, she probably would have liked to play ball herself. Interviewer: “Did she ever come up to the United States to see you play?” Never Interviewer: “Did anyone from your family come up at any point?” No, they never could because at the time it was hard to sponsor anybody. I couldn’t sponsor anybody, so it was rough. Interviewer: “So there were immigration rules and things that made it difficult to come up?” You had to have a sponsor and I was very lucky in 1953 when Mr. And Mrs. Blee, they—I met them through their daughter at a ball game. I met them, they took me home, to their home, they gave me a room and then, because they knew I was a Daisy then you see, and anybody who was a Daisy player, they had to be good people, and more or less from Cuba. 15:37 Interviewer: “So, what kind of living—did you normally live with people’s families in their home?” Yes Interviewer: “Did you do that in Chicago too?” No, we stayed in hotels. 6 �Interviewer: “So, when you got to Fort Wayne you would go and live in people’s houses?” Yes Interviewer: “So these people essentially sponsored you so you could stay in the states?” No, this was after the first year when I went to Fort Wayne in 1951. I already knew who I was going to live with, I think the league set it up. The fans would take ball players in, so I went to—with them, and this time in 1951 and in 1954 I went back to Fort Wayne and where was I staying in 1954? 16:24 Interviewer: “I was asking, how did you wind up staying in the United States?” Oh, yes Interviewer: “You talked about people sponsoring you.” In 1951, when I came on, I was rooming there for doing baseball and then in—I met someone at a ball game for some reason. It’s a long story and I don’t know if you want to hear that? Interviewer: “We’re interested, yes.” I was at the ball park watching some—I wasn’t playing ball, and there were some kids playing softball and I went to the ball park to watch them, so I was sitting there, I was very fresh from Cuba and I even had a little pocket with money that my mother always said to put it in between your bra, and for some reason, I have some pictures, and I knew I was a Daisy, so then that time I had some pictures with me and the kids were all crazy about looking at my pictures and suddenly I don’t know where everything was. 17:31 My money, the money that I had, I must have—I don’t know and the pictures, I couldn’t find nothing I was—so one of the girls from the ball team, she was the one that helped me, she called the FBI and we were going to call the police to see if these kids have taken the money and run, and guess what? That morning that was finding the police, the FBI she said and I went to the ballpark and you know I found everything, the pictures and the money, that little pocket. Somebody get scared and throw it around and I was very lucky because I had about a hundred dollars and then she took me home to meet her mom and dad and that was it. They give me a home and they applied for citizenship in 1953 because they knew I was—I was kind of lost really that year, it was in 1952. 18:47 I went there and I stayed with them and became friends and this friend, it wasn’t a friend, she was the one who helped me, she went into college and I stayed with her mom and dad and I was sleeping in her room upstairs while she was in college, so I never saw this friend, I never saw her very much. 19:16 Interviewer: “Now, the league shuts down after the 1954 season, so when that came to an end what did you do at that point?” 7 �See, in 1953, Mr. and Mrs. Blee, I applied for citizenship paper, so in 1954 I had my residence, so I didn’t go back home. Interviewer: “What did you do for a living at that point?” They give me a job I was a carhop. They call in the drive-in and he says, “I got a girl here from Cuba and she don’t speak English, but she needs a job”, and Don Holt said, “bring her over “, so they drove me in there and they give me a job and I could hardly even speak English, but they were helping me. I use to go and take the orders you know you put a tray in and sometimes I miss the tray drops and sometimes kids they laugh at you. 20:25 I go inside, take the order and go inside and call it and the manager he saw me coming and he grabbed my slip and said, “I can read it faster than you can call it”, but you know what, I never got mad at him, I thought he was great, he was a good manager. 20:50 Interviewer: “How long did you wind up working there?” I don’t know how many years, but I worked quite a bit until. Right, and then I went to—I worked on the 401 Tailoring Co. also, so I really worked all through my whole after baseball. I worked and I always had a job. Years ago you know they helped me to go and get a job, they aren’t going to support you. Interviewer: “If you look over that whole experience you had playing baseball etc. How do you think that wound up affecting you? You talked a little bit about how, and obviously your life was different because you came to America and stayed, did it change you as a person? Did you otherwise?” 21:44 No, it probably made me better because I was raised that America was a good country and you had that in your mind to respect. Interviewer: “Have you paid much attention to what has happened with women’s sports in this country over the past fifty years? You see more women on television doing different things, basketball and that kind of thing.” It is great and I think your mother and father have a lot to do with getting their son’s and daughters to start playing sports and supporting them, but the mother has to have the incentive like my mother did otherwise I wouldn’t be here because my dad said, “why are you going to go over there where it’s cold?” It would have broke my heart if they would never take me to come to the United States. 22:53 Interviewer: “Aside from just being on your own, were there aspects of just adjusting to living in the states that were a problem? Did the cold bother you or anything like that?” No, I never did complain about the weather. As a matter of fact, I didn’t complain about much of anything because I was here best and complain, ‘holly cow”. I never was that type either, but I made a lot of friendships and that’s one thing and I don’t know I’m just 8 �myself, but my friends have made my world. In Fort Wayne too, I don’t have no enemies I don’t think so. 23:53 Interviewer: “I can see why you wouldn’t. Do you have anything else that you would like to put on the record here before we close out the interview? Anything that you would like to say about the league itself or playing?” Well, I am so thankful and I have been very lucky because of all the Cubans that came. I believe that I—let me see how I’m going to say it, I just, the appreciation that I have being here. 24:48 Interviewer: “Now, were their other Cubans that came and joined the league after you did? Did you meet anybody new or were you the last group?” Yes, and there were some that came before earlier. Interviewer: “Alright, there is something I did want to get in here and ask you a little and that’s, did you normally have a spring training session of some kind? What did you do to prepare for a season from one year to the next?” When I use to go back home or here? Interviewer: “No, from one year to the next, while you were playing baseball, did you go home in the winter?” Yes Interviewer: “Ok, you go home in the winter and then you?” From 1949 until 1953 I use to go back home. Interviewer: “When you came back, did you do spring training games before the regular season?” 25:53 Yes, just a spring training practicing. Interviewer: “Where did you do the practicing? Was that wherever your team was based?” Yes, and when I was in Chicago, in the morning we use to practice and on tour, the touring team, we practiced the same and it’s a mostly in the morning we did our practicing. Interviewer: “Was it 1949 and 1950 that your team was touring?” Right, we did a lot of practice. Interviewer: “When you were touring would you play just any local teams from any community you went to?” 9 �We had two teams, the Springfield Sallies and Chicago. Interviewer: “They just toured together and played in different places.” Yes, and they would advertise in the paper that we were in town and we had the tryouts for the one, just like in the movie you know. 26:50 Interviewer: “As you were touring, how far away from Chicago did you get when you were traveling? Did you just stay in the Midwest mostly?” Yes, let me see, about—I had that written down how many places we went. I had a map and right now I just can’t tell you because I—sorry. Interviewer: “But there were a lot of different towns, not just two or three places?” Oh yes Interviewer: “Were they in a few hours of each other or did you have really long trips sometimes?” We played and we also left that same night sometimes. The traveling was heavy you know and the many towns in the states; we had quite a few, close to fifty, fifty-six I think. 27:54 Interviewer: “You said you would hold tryouts when you went to these different places?” Yes and there was one lady, one of the girls, she’s in our team and she’s here today. We pick her up in Cuba for Arkansas and she was a good pitcher and she came with us and she had to leave home and she was--said English and we became friends because she was sitting in the same seat. Can you imagine what she thought, I can’t speak English and she was from Arkansas. We got along fine and we’re still good friends now and she stayed in the league and she is really the only one we picked up that I can remember. Interviewer: “Did they recruit women to play? At some point they had to through junior teams or things like that. Did they recruit people for those teams or just—“ To play for us, yeah they had three and they had to be pretty good and she was, she was a good pitcher and we always need pitchers. Interviewer: “As far as your own playing career goes, you were a pitcher. Now, were you a starting pitcher or were you a relief pitcher or both?” 29:32 I was a starter and relief both ways. Interviewer: “And did you play any other positions?” Outfielder. 10 �Interviewer: “So it wasn’t like the baseball teams today where the pitcher only pitches and is sitting on the bench the rest of the time?” No, no and also, the pitcher never get in hitting practice very much. I can’t imagine that, so supposedly when you run the bases then they bring you your coat and that was real. The pitcher was given great care and the chaperone would message your arm. 30:24 Interviewer: “So they did try to do what they could at that point to make sure you didn’t blow out your arm or anything else like that?” Right, they were very, very good. Interviewer: “Now, did you ever get hurt while you were playing? Did you ever have an injury that kept you out of the games?” Yes, in 1954 in Fort Wayne. Interviewer: “What happened?” Trying to second base and I twisted my leg, so that was it. I went to the hospital and they put me in traction and they left me in traction for one month, can you imagine this? Interviewer: “That’s what they did back in those days.” I lay there and I didn’t know nothing you know, so I never went back in the game because I had to have surgery. 31:10 Interviewer: “Now, when you heard about the league shutting down, were you sad about that or were you planning on going back?” No, I wasn’t going back, I was just here, I was glad I had my residence. If I never would have met those people I would be back in Cuba yet. My mother would cry then, but I’m so thankful, you just can’t imagine how lucky I’ve been. I think I have been, of all the Cubans and I’m not bragging, I have been the lucky one. Interviewer: “It certainly sounds like you had a good time and you tell good stories and thank you for coming in and talking to me today.” Thank you thank you. 32:05 11 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Interviews Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. History Department Description An account of the resource The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was started by Philip Wrigley, owner of the Chicago Cubs, during World War II to fill the void left by the departure of most of the best male baseball players for military service. Players were recruited from across the country, and the league was successful enough to be able to continue on after the war. The league had teams based in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, and operated between 1943 and 1954. The 1954 season ended with only the Fort Wayne, South Bend, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Rockford teams remaining. The League gave over 600 women athletes the opportunity to play professional baseball. Many of the players went on to successful careers, and the league itself provided an important precedent for later efforts to promote women's sports. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/484">All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Collection, (RHC-58)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Sports for women World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American All-American Girls Professional Baseball League--Personal narratives Oral history Baseball players--Minnesota Baseball players--Indiana Baseball players--Wisconsin Baseball players--Michigan Baseball players--Illinois Baseball for women--United States Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI, 49401 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-58 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Language A language of the resource eng Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-10-02 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James Boring, Frank Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-58_IAlvarez Title A name given to the resource Alvarez, Isabel "Lefty" (Interview transcript and video), 2009 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alvarez, Isabel Description An account of the resource Isabel Alvarez was born in Havana, Cuba in 1933. She grew up in Havana and played baseball with the neighborhood kids and was also involved with other sports. In 1947, she pitched her first exhibition game in American baseball and was picked by the All American League and sponsored to come to the United States with three other Cubans to play baseball in 1949. She played pitcher for the Chicago Colleens from 1949 through the 1950 season. When the Chicago Colleens folded, she went on to play for the Fort Wayne Daisies during the 1951 and 1954 seasons. Upon getting her citizenship in 1953 she stayed in the United States permanently. During her six-year baseball career she also played utility outfielder and also played briefly with the Battle Creek Belles (1951); Kalamazoo Lassies (1953); and the Grand Rapids Chicks (1954). Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James (Interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) Video recordings All-American Girls Professional Baseball League--Personal narratives Baseball for women--United States Baseball Sports for women Baseball players--Illinois World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Baseball players--Indiana Baseball players--Michigan Women Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2009-09-26 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/484">All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Collection, (RHC-55)</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf video/mp4 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/8669d4646ceaf826380b8a24f3d48267.m4v 49155b33c4b2a588fc1cf1aa117ff10b https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e1a4ebebbc5e7959cb84604c1d6f1053.pdf 7d64c85d056e8d02c2ae70bda670a9d1 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans’ History Project Willard "Bill" Alverson Korean War & Vietnam War 1 hour 55 minutes (00:00:43) Early Life -Born in 1929 in Olympia, Washington -Grew up in Olympia -Planned on living in Olympia for the rest of his life -His father worked in saw mills -His mother was a housewife -He had one brother -His father didn’t have steady work during the Great Depression -They had food and a house though, so he didn’t pay much attention to it (00:01:44) World War II -He was chopping wood when he heard the news that Pearl Harbor had been bombed -Immediately after the start of the war everyone in Washington was anxious -Believed that Japan would mount an invasion of the West Coast -Civilian Defense groups were formed -He was a bicycle messenger and took part in the drills -Remembers a Japanese family that he was close with being interned during the war -Never saw, or heard from them again -He hoped that the war would go on long enough for him to be able to fight in it -Felt that he owed something to his country (00:04:17) College & Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) -Went on to attend college at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington -It was a Land Grant School which meant he had to take at least two years of ROTC -Received leadership training and map reading courses -There was a six week summer camp that consisted of basic military training -A milder form of basic training -Received weapons training with rifles, pistols, machine guns, and mortars -This summer camp took place between his junior and senior year -There were 2500 ROTC cadets at the camp -Took place at Fort Lewis, Washington -Graduated from college in June 1951 (00:06:27) Becoming an Officer -After college he was offered a commission to become an officer in the Army -Initially declined because he just wanted to get out of the Army -He was eventually convinced to accept the commission -Told that he would be on a fast track to getting promoted -Went to Fort Benning, Georgia for an officers’ training course -Lasted four months -Consisted of more weapons training, leadership training, and navigation training -Introduced to the discipline and physical conditioning of the Army �-He tried to go to jump school (paratrooper training), but was declined (00:08:20) Deployment to Korea Pt. 1 -Left the United States in January 1952 -En route stopped in Yokohama, Japan (00:08:44) Assignment in Japan Pt. 1 -Before going to Korea new second lieutenants were assigned to a unit in Japan -Six months of learning how to command a unit before going to Korea -It was a chance to get introduced to being an officer -His assignment was on the island of Hokkaido, Japan -Attached to the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division -The commander was tough, but a good and fair man -He had served in WWII and during the 1950 march into North Korea -Focused on squad (10 soldiers) and platoon (40 soldiers) tactics -Most of the enlisted men he commanded had already seen combat -The sergeants under him taught him how to be a good and effective officer (00:11:14) Deployment to Korea Pt. 2 -In Korea he was assigned to Easy Company 15th Infantry Regiment 3rd Infantry Division -When he arrived in Korea he had a rifle, but was not given any ammunition for it (00:11:58) Assignment in Japan Pt. 2 -While he was in Japan there was a lot of training and very little downtime -Trained near the town of Sapporo, Japan -Only went into the town once while on duty -Part of courtesy patrol to pick up unruly soldiers and bring them back to base -He had little, to no contact with the Japanese civilians (00:12:49) Deployment to Korea Pt. 3 -When he arrived in Korea he saw firsthand the devastation -Poverty, poor sanitation, and pitiful people were everywhere -He was sent up to the frontline in August 1952 -Stationed near a little town called Cheorwan south of the 38th Parallel -Located in a valley about fifty to sixty miles from the coast (00:14:31) Conditions in Korea and Unit Organization -Originally there wasn’t any action when he arrived -The most fighting happened during patrols or when communist forces charged their line -Lived in foxholes and bunkers -The bunkers were sturdy and well-defended by barbed wire and landmines -Easy Company was understrength -His platoon consisted of three different groups of soldiers -Regular American GIs -South Korean soldiers -Puerto Rican soldiers from the 65th Regiment -He had an outstanding platoon sergeant while in Korea (00:17:31) Enemy Contact and Fighting in Korea -Went on patrols about once, or twice, a week -Most patrols were conducted at night -More difficult and dangerous than the daytime patrols -Objective was to gather intelligence and put pressure on the North Koreans �-Patrols were generally quite costly -A few men were taken prisoner, killed, or wounded during them -Mostly went up against Chinese soldiers -Noticed that North Korean soldiers were far more aggressive when they fought -Enemy activity increased as the war went on -Both sides were jockeying to establish the best defensive positions before the war ended -There were battles at Outpost Harry, Jackson Heights and White Horse -During fighting they held their position and the communists held their position -There was one point during the fighting where they were taking at least one casualty a day -He had access to artillery and air support -The artillery support was excellent -The air support was a little lacking especially in the area of accuracy -Chinese troops would attack in waves -The first wave had weapons, and the second wave would pick up the dropped rifles -Used a lot of fanfare while charging (whistles and trumpets) -They were persistent, dogged soldiers -They were never able to break through the American perimeter (00:23:16) End of Deployment and Miscellaneous Details -Left Korea on May 1, 1953 -A friend of his was killed, saving his life, in Korea -There was a high turnover of U.S. troops coming and going -He eventually got to know the South Koreans that he served with -Felt bad for them because they couldn’t really leave the fighting -It was their country and they were stuck there -He had a South Korean assistant machine gunner who was a good man -He called him John -During the Chinese charges they would sometimes run out of ammunition (00:26:40) Rear Duty and R&R in Korea -Generally didn’t want to go to the rear for duty -Being in the rear meant not getting combat pay -Also meant doing menial tasks like digging ditches -They would get rotated off the line occasionally -Command tried to give everyone somewhat of a break around Christmas -He got an R&R to Japan -Given three minutes to call his wife and his family -Went up to a resort near Mount Fuji -Got a chance to have some drinks and relax -He had the chance to get a few more days of R&R -Wound up declining because the regiment needed him (00:29:33) Making a Career out of the Army -His initial commitment to the Army was for three years -He fully intended to resign after his third year of service -Eventually decided to stay in and make a career out of it though -Started to think about leading soldiers as being similar to being a football coach -Before serving he had originally wanted to be a high school football coach -He began to enjoy being in the Army and wanted to strive to be a fair leader �(00:31:33) Stateside Army Career -His first assignment after coming back from Korea was at Fort Lewis, Washington -Three year assignment -Served as a rifle company commander there -He got selected to be the regimental football coach -The draft was still on while he was at Fort Lewis -They were mostly just ordinary men -Some of the draftees had been convicted of various crimes -Serving in the Army was their way out of jail -Men from a variety of backgrounds were being drafted -Learned that the key to successful leadership was having mutual respect -His next assignment was at Fort Benning, Georgia -Took the Infantry Officer Course there -Nine month course -Coincided with the normal school schedule -Allowed for his children to not get pulled out of school in the middle of it -Part of the process of getting promoted from a captain to a major -There was a lot of competition between the officers to be the best -Mostly consisted of classroom training -Also received some more weapons training and navigation training -He completed the course and went to jump school (paratrooper school) -His next assignment was being a trainer for the ROTC at Washington State University -Requested that assignment to be close to his family -His father was dying of cancer and he wanted to be near him -Three year assignment -The hours were terrible -Felt strange to be on an 8 – 5 schedule -Completed that assignment in 1960 (00:36:02) Army Ranger School -After the ROTC assignment he went to the Army Ranger School -The training was difficult -It was the only course where he was an honor graduate -Started at Fort Benning, Georgia then went into the mountains, then to swamps in Florida -Each area consisted of three weeks of training -Learned how to go on patrols in the mountains and in the swamps -Only allowed to have seven hours of sleep per week -Some men would fall asleep standing up and then fall over -Started with 225 men and only 83 men completed the course -If they were hurt, or washed out, they could not recycle and try again -Most didn’t want to try again anyway -The training required a lot of physical and mental stamina -Graduated from the Army Ranger School in the fall of 1960 (00:38:52) Assignment to Germany -Sent to Frankfurt, Germany to serve with the 3rd Armored Division -Three year assignment -Defending against a possible Soviet invasion of West Germany �-Served as a rifle company commander -Became the operations officer of one of the brigades of the division -His unit had good morale -Led by General Creighton Abrams -They were immediately put on alert during the various Cold War crises that developed -His wife and children were in Berlin when the Soviets put up the Berlin Wall -They were able to be evacuated out of Berlin without incident -His unit and the West German government reacted immediately -If there was an invasion he knew that they wouldn’t be able to hold out for long -Even with tactical nuclear weapons available to them (00:42:27) Interactions with German Civilians -The Germans held various opinions of Americans -Some were pro-American, others were not -Germans knew that American had money and spent it, which they liked -He rented a house from a German man and his wife -He and his wife got to be good friends with the couple -No German man wanted to admit that he had been in the German Army during WWII -He was just curious to see what it had been like (00:44:00) Cuban Missile Crisis and Other Alerts -The Cuban Missile Crisis was a very big deal in Germany when it happened -Checked their equipment and immediately went on alert -Some units were sent to an assembly area to prepare for a counterattack -They were better prepared than they had been during the Berlin Wall Crisis -There was not as much tension as the Berlin Wall either -For about two to three weeks they were ready for a Soviet attack -After about a month they relaxed and the routine returned to normal -They had monthly drills to check their preparedness -Always made sure to treat each drill as if it was the real thing -In a way he always kind of thought that World War III wouldn’t happen -Knew that even if it did his unit would be prepared (00:47:05) Attending the Command General Staff College -His time in Germany ended in June 1963 -He left the day that President Kennedy came to Germany -He was sent to attend the Command General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas -It was the best family assignment -Had his nights and weekends off -It was a nine month course -He was in class when President Kennedy was assassinated -Classes were cancelled and the college was shut down -Everyone behaved appropriately -Everyone was shocked that it had happened -Any planned festivities for the weekend were cancelled -No matter what a person’s political orientation was, they mourned the loss -While at the College he paid attention to the situation developing in Vietnam -Some of his classmates had already been to Vietnam -Completed the Command General Staff College in 1964 �(00:50:45) 6th Army Headquarters -Sent to 6th Army Headquarters in San Francisco, California -It was first and only time that he couldn’t get along with his boss -He worked there for a year as a staff officer -In charge of inspecting the division and evaluating them -Wound up failing them -There were politics involved and he was told to reassess and pass them -He refused which hurt his career (00:51:47) Volunteering for Vietnam -He volunteered to go to Vietnam -He was initially assigned to be a staff officer in Vietnam -Once he arrived he requested a change of assignment and was granted it -Became a Ranger Commander for a South Vietnamese Ranger unit -Went to the Military Assistance Training Advisors Course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina -Learned about the culture, language, and climate of Vietnam -Also learned about the organization of the South Vietnamese military -The MATA Course only lasted one month -He was sent to the Army Language School -Learned at least enough Vietnamese to be able to give orders in Vietnamese -It was a six week rudimentary course (00:54:40) Arrival in Vietnam -He landed at Tan Son Nhut Airbase in Saigon, South Vietnam -Tried to talk to the Vietnamese bus driver in Vietnamese -Bus driver told him, in perfect English, that he had a Hanoi accent -Hanoi being the capitol of communist North Vietnam -He flew over to Vietnam on a military aircraft -Arrived in Vietnam in early January 1966 -Kept in a hotel while he was being processed -His initial assignment was as a staff officer in Saigon before becoming the Ranger Commander -Assignment lasted three weeks -He was sent up to Pleiku to join a South Vietnamese Ranger unit there -Flew up there via helicopter -In Pleiku his job was to serve as an American advisor -This gave him access to artillery and aerial support (00:58:30) Working with the South Vietnamese and Going on Raids -They normally didn’t have time to prepare for an operation -They would just have to get up and go -The South Vietnamese officers were generally incompetent -Used their authority to abuse their power -Conducted raids against the Viet Cong -Mostly targeted Viet Cong supply depots -Also went out on missions to kill Viet Cong soldiers, or take prisoners -Operated in mountainous terrain and in some of the lowland areas -Preferred to work in the mountains and not in the swampy lowlands -Enlisted (non-officer) South Vietnamese soldiers had to provide their own food -Even in hospitals their families had to come to take care of them �-Remembers seeing in one hospital two Vietnamese soldiers in one bed -Went on raids about once a month -Spent a lot of his time trying to convince officers that they needed to constantly train -Sometimes they would be helicoptered into the mission area, other times they had to walk -Vietnamese helicopter pilots would take breaks -Even if there was a wounded man needing evacuation they wouldn’t go -American helicopter pilots would react immediately if the situation presented itself -He saw more combat than he thought he would -Remembers once during a village clearing mission they ran into an ambush -Ultimately able to maneuver out of the situation -Some of the South Vietnamese were excellent soldiers, while others weren’t -There was always the suspicion that they were Viet Cong -If you got to know South Vietnamese soldiers they were ultimately trustworthy -He wasn’t close, but was at least cordial, with the South Vietnamese Ranger Commander -There were a few close calls while he was in Vietnam -Once was during the village clearing mission -Another time was when the enemy attacked their position at Pleiku -The enemy ran out of ammunition and he had access to heavier firepower -There was resentment between the U.S. and South Vietnamese troops -The South Vietnamese wanted better equipment -Americans wanted the South Vietnamese to be better soldiers -He spent the majority of his time on the base at Pleiku -The South Vietnamese soldiers were allowed to bring their families to the base -They were also allowed to bring them with them on patrols -The Viet Cong would use that to their advantage and attack through the civilians -Prevented the South Vietnamese from returning fire (01:10:13) Opinion of War during Deployment -Felt that the American media’s portrayal of the war was grossly inaccurate -There were allegations that U.S. troops were wantonly killing civilians -Civilians did die, but they were not being specifically targeted by U.S. troops -At the time he honestly thought that the U.S. was winning the war -Didn’t know when it would end, but knew it would eventually come to an end -He feels that the politics involved is what caused the war to be lost -On the ground it seemed like the U.S. was going to push through to absolute victory (01:11:52) R&R to Hawaii -During his time in Vietnam he was given an R&R to Hawaii -Spent five days with his wife in Hawaii -Going back to Vietnam after that R&R was terrible for him -Remembers on the return trip flying across Vietnam when the airplane began to have trouble -Eventually made it back to the base at Pleiku without incident (01:13:34) Assignment to Command General Staff College -After Vietnam he was initially given a new assignment to the 11th Brigade in Hawaii -His orders were changed and he became a staff member at Command General Staff College -His specialization was to advise on how to fight in Vietnam -Three year assignment -Trained officers on how to fight in Vietnam �-Most had already been to Vietnam and offered their own input as well -At the time he was frustrated by the leadership and the country as a whole during the war -No one knew exactly what they wanted to do; fight the war, or don’t fight the war -Wondered why we stopped the bombing campaign when it was weakening North Vietnam -He wound up speaking out against the indecisiveness of the American leadership -He was promptly advised not to do that -Thought that Nixon was a good leader, but was a dishonest man -Felt that one of his redeeming qualities was his expertise of foreign policy -Felt that Abrams replacing Westmoreland was a good move -Felt that Westmoreland’s competence was deteriorating along with the war -It was interesting to discuss Vietnam with the men who had also served there -Especially those who had seen the worst years of the war -Offered different perspectives (01:20:23) Working with a Volunteer Army -There was always the expectation that he’d go back to Vietnam for a second tour -Before returning he was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina -Working as a trainer for a Special Forces Battalion -Stayed at Fort Bragg for one year -Felt that a volunteer based Army was going to have lesser quality - The Army was trying to make itself appealing for volunteers thus lowering standards -Felt that high standards should be maintained no matter what -The reason the Army lowered its standards was because volunteering was unpopular -The soldiers he worked with at Fort Bragg were more motivated than the average soldier -Felt that if anything was going to keep high standards it was the Special Forces (01:24:30) Redeployment to Vietnam -He was on the list to become a colonel -He hadn’t received an assignment when he should have -This led to him going to graduate school at Washington State University -Went into guidance counseling and graduated from that course -After finishing graduate school he was selected to be a logistician in Vienam -Assigned to be the Army Airbase Commander at Can Tho in the Mekong Delta -As the logistician he handled all the supplies for the base (gas, food, clothing, etc.) -Also oversaw the transportation of supplies and troops -On the base had access to propeller aircraft, helicopters, and classified recon aircraft -He got most of his information about the war from the recon pilots -Base was located on the edge of the city of Can Tho -The base had perimeter lights which he felt was a strategically bad idea -Allowed for the enemy to know exactly where they were -There was one incident where South Vietnamese Rangers hacked into the American generators -They were drawing electricity from the generators to feed Can Tho -He (Bill) invited the provincial chief to the base and brought him to a rooftop -Showed him that the U.S. still controlled the electricity -Did this by completely powering down, then restarting, Can Tho -Arrived in Vietnam in August 1972 -At the time of his arrival had an Air Cavalry Squadron and a South Vietnamese Division �(01:32:25) End of Vietnam War -By January 1973 more U.S. troops left as part of the drawdown -By February 1973 most of the base’s barracks were empty -One problem was that there weren’t enough troops to patrol the perimeter -Had to hire local people to maintain security -Didn’t even have South Vietnamese troops to protect the base -Troops had stripped the base of its electrical and plumbing components -As a result the South Vietnamese commander refused to take over the base -Said that the U.S. was trying to give him an incomplete base -Bill threatened to burn down the base if the commander wouldn’t take it -The commander eventually cooperated -Remembers when the Four Powers Peace Commission came in for negotiations -There were Canadians and Indonesians representing the U.S. and South Vietnam -There were Hungarians and Poles representing North Vietnam -One of his jobs was to set up housing for the officers from those countries -The Hungarians and Poles had to get approval from the Soviet Union -Remembers arm wrestling with the communist Hungarian colonel -At the end of the war there was very little enemy activity -They would receive a mortar round from time to time -The last mortar fired on their base was a dud -The Air Cavalry would still go out on missions to support U.S. troops in the field (01:37:24) Discipline and Morale Problems -He didn’t see any drug problems during his second tour in Vietnam -Knew that it was more of a problem for support units, not for combat units -Combat units just simply didn’t have the time to get high -The soldiers knew that the end was near which caused some problems -The primary focus became getting home and not so much the war -Only had to court martial one officer for dereliction of duty though -Soldiers still followed the orders they were given (01:39:35) Ceasefire Incident -During the ceasefire a U.S. helicopter was shot down -Resulted in seventeen U.S. servicemen being killed in action -He was responsible for getting a team together to go out and recover the bodies -He had trouble getting the necessary personnel organized -Simply didn’t have enough of the right people to do the job -Once they were out there they started receiving fire from an enemy ground force -Led to having to send out troops to protect the recovery personnel -Ran into a reporter on the base that had written a false article about the incident -Said that U.S. troops were refusing to follow orders and recover dead soldiers -Had the reporter thrown off the base (01:42:52) Race Relations in the Army -In Can Tho there was a mixed population on the base -Never saw any major race problems -Knew that if there were issues they were on a small level and dealt with -One of the finest soldiers he served with was a black soldier in Korea -Most men just wanted to work with each other to have the war end on a decent note �(01:45:10) Leaving Vietnam -When it came time to leave he had to make sure that all U.S. personnel were accounted for -Had a head count every day -By the last day there were only thirty three U.S. troops left on the base -They all flew up together to Saigon -When they arrived Saigon was chaotic as U.S. troops collected in the city -He still has the last U.S. flag to fly over the base at Can Tho -The evacuation went smoother than he thought it would -Left Vietnam in 1973 (01:47:04) End of Army Career -Stayed in the Army for five more years -During those last five years he was promoted to the rank of colonel -He was offered three assignments: -Work at the Pentagon, command Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, or ROTC duty -He chose the ROTC duty -He wanted to have a positive effect on young, new officers -Sent to Pocatello, Idaho to serve at Idaho State University -There was a large anti-war movement there -Resulted in not having enough ROTC volunteers -There were good junior officers that had a great work ethic in the ROTC there -While at Idaho State University had a run-in with a hippie -He was accused of killing civilians and words were exchanged -Always embarrassed for having even engaged the protestor -The ROTC cadets did face some harassment from protestors -It was an overall enjoyable assignment though -After completing his duty at Idaho State University he retired from the Army (01:50:57) Life after the Army -He drove a school bus -First time that someone talked back to him which was a surprise after being a colonel -Sold light airplanes for a while -Worked for a credit company based out of Denver, Colorado -Helped establish credit collection bureaus in small towns -Became a team chief and worked with his wife -He was eventually placed in charge of maintenance for a school district in Olympia, WA -One of his sons got married to a girl in Michigan, had two children, then retired -Bill and his wife moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan to be closer to the grandchildren (01:53:15) Reflections on Service -Feels that his service in the Army made him more conservative than when he began -Made him appreciate some of the problems that politicians have to deal with -In a way it made him a more tolerant person -Taught him how to work with people, especially young people � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Veterans History Project Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. History Department Description An account of the resource The Library of Congress established the Veterans History Project in 2001 to collect memories, accounts, and documents of U.S. war veterans from World War II and the Korean War, Vietnam War, and conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, and to preserve these stories for future generations. The GVSU History Department interviews are part of this work-in-progress, and may contain videos and audio recordings, transcripts and interview outlines, and related documents and photographs. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1914- Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Afghan War, 2001--Personal narratives, American Iran Hostage Crisis, 1979-1981--Personal narratives, American Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, American Michigan--History, Military Oral history Persian Gulf War, 1991--Personal narratives, American United States--History, Military United States. Air Force United States. Army United States. Navy Veterans Video recordings Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James Boring, Frank Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-27 Language A language of the resource eng Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project interviews (RHC-27)</a> Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-27_AlversonW1675V Title A name given to the resource Alverson, Willard (Interview outline and video), 2014 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2014-10-02 Description An account of the resource Bill Alverson was born in 1929 in Olympia, Washington and grew up there. He completed ROTC training in college and was commissioned in the Army in 1951. He went to Japan in January, 1952 and trained for service in Korea. He served as a platoon leader in E Company, 15th Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division in Korea during the last year of the war. He left Korea on May 1, 1953 and began a career in the Army serving at Fort Lewis, Washington Fort Benning, Georgia completing paratrooper training, being a trainer for the ROTC at Washington State University, and completing Army Ranger School in the fall of 1960. He served in Germany during the time of the Berlin Wall and Cuban Missile crises and studied at the Command General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In 1965 he volunteered to go to Vietnam and was sent over in January 1966 to be an Army Ranger advisor for the South Vietnamese Rangers in Pleiku, South Vietnam. He helped carry out raids against the Viet Cong during his time there. After his deployment to Vietnam he returned to the United States and served at the Command General Staff College and at Fort Bragg, North Carolina helping train Special Forces. In 1972 he was redeployed to Vietnam and arrived there in August 1972. He was assigned to the Army Airbase near Can Tho in the Mekong Delta commanding the Air Cavalry Squadron and South Vietnamese Division there. The second tour ended in March 1973. He returned to the U.S. and served as an ROTC instructor at Idaho State University until his retirement in 1978 retiring with the rank of colonel. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alverson, Willard Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James (Interviewer) WKTV (Wyoming, Mich.) Subject The topic of the resource Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, American Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American Other veterans & civilians--Personal narratives, American United States. Army Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Moving Image Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project collection, (RHC-27)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Libraries. Allendale, Michigan Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/x-m4v application/pdf https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a89dd6b819e6b8b148eb23f2c8c55c21.pdf f1dc026ad90ccd9489f0c97bc1fb7194 PDF Text Text � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Incunabula Description An account of the resource The term incunabula refers to books printed between 1450 and 1500, approximately the first fifty years following the invention, by Johann Gutenberg of Mainz, of printing from moveable type. Our collection includes over 200 volumes and numerous unbound leaves from books printed during this period. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1450/1500 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Incunabula Collection (DC-03) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United </a> Subject The topic of the resource Incunabula Printing 1450-1500 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-03 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource text Language A language of the resource eng it la nl de Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Epistolae [folium 2] Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-03_002Saxoferrato1490 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ambrose, Saint, Bishop of Milan, -397 Description An account of the resource One leaf of Epistolae by S. Ambrosius, with additions by Georgius Cribellus. Printed in Milan by Leonardus Pachel on December 18, 1490. [GW 1600; ISTC ia00552000] Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Milan : Leonardus Pachel Subject The topic of the resource Incunabula Printing 1450-1500 Ambrose, Saint, Bishop of Milan, -397 Language A language of the resource la Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1490 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books Collection Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Cribellus, Georgius (additions) Type The nature or genre of the resource Text https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b46df14b4b13d4523402b92406294764.mp4 2d13c540054f3cdd7e2d00df9f75eced https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/08818f8aa62e7ae9d3f6d1a82b774eb4.pdf 0a91e2a98ca64eb36da350fb9bf780f9 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Title: Ambrose, Thomas (Interview outline and video), 2010 Subject: Korean War, 1950-1953-–Personal narratives, American; United States. Marine Corps Description: Thomas Ambrose joined the Navy in 1948. He trained for the Medical Corps, and initially did hospital duty, but then transferred to the Marines and was sent to Korea to serve as a corpsman with a line company. His unit fought a series of engagements on the Imjin River and in the Punchbowl. He learned to use field radios and transferred to a signal company, and at the end of his tour he served near Panmunjom. Creator: Ambrose, Thomas Contributor (Interviewer/Affiliation): Montney, Bobby (Interviewer); Caledonia High School (Caledonia, Mich.) Date: 2010-06-05 Digital Identification: TAmbrose � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Veterans History Project Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. History Department Description An account of the resource The Library of Congress established the Veterans History Project in 2001 to collect memories, accounts, and documents of U.S. war veterans from World War II and the Korean War, Vietnam War, and conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, and to preserve these stories for future generations. The GVSU History Department interviews are part of this work-in-progress, and may contain videos and audio recordings, transcripts and interview outlines, and related documents and photographs. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1914- Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Afghan War, 2001--Personal narratives, American Iran Hostage Crisis, 1979-1981--Personal narratives, American Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, American Michigan--History, Military Oral history Persian Gulf War, 1991--Personal narratives, American United States--History, Military United States. Air Force United States. Army United States. Navy Veterans Video recordings Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James Boring, Frank Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-27 Language A language of the resource eng Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project interviews (RHC-27)</a> Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Ambrose, Thomas (Interview outline and video), 2010 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ambrose, Thomas Description An account of the resource Thomas Ambrose joined the Navy in 1948. He trained for the Medical Corps, and initially did hospital duty, but then transferred to the Marines and was sent to Korea to serve as a corpsman with a line company. His unit fought a series of engagements on the Imjin River and in the Punchbowl. He learned to use field radios and transferred to a signal company, and at the end of his tour he served near Panmunjom. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Montney, Bobby (Interviewer) Caledonia High School (Caledonia, Mich.) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Veterans Video recordings Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, American United States. Marine Corps Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-06-05 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context AmbroseT Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project collection, (RHC-27)</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf video/mp4 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/4fc490e3f32075c06f126c4c4f4e7922.pdf b76ffb93d5dea3c5874c384f25c3bf95 PDF Text Text ~t- ; ; : AMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITIES LEADERSHIP COUNCIL 2nd Annual ALL INDIAN STATE FAIR WHEN: September 16, 17, 18, 1983 WHERE: Oakland Community College Highland Lakes Campus ~oC>ley Lake Rd. Union Lake, Ml - :--· ·:-: ~-=¥ ..,;, .-....,,~ ~ AGENDA: FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY Exhibit Set-up Games Sqcial Gathering Traders Bingo Exhibit Viewing Games Contests Traders Bingo Live Entertainment Pow-Wow Prizes and Awards Auction Traders HOSTED BY: American Indian Communities Leadership Council CONTACTS: Jeanette Allison 756-1350 PROCEEDS: Indian Scholarship Fund ,o" Ou ("Y'\\ ss 5 'l~S. t l) r\Q e.. r - - ~T""e~ Sharon Kata 364-8370 Public Invited lo - \ S 'i rs . - - 9 \ ,QQ 0 Se('\ \o, C -\~\2-ef".S __U> \ , ~ o" "'-Y- \ S 'J rs. - .. .s ~ .'9--9- �b AMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITIES LEADERSHIP COUNCIL August 10, 1983 AIL INDIAN STATE FAIR INFORMATION The All Indian State Fair will be held at Oakland Coomunity College; Highland Lakes Campus; Cooley Lake Road; Union Lake, Michigan. The dates are September 16th, 17th, and 18th, 1983. Enclosed you will find a flyer on the Fair. All exhibits must be canpleted within this past year, (September 1982-September 1983). Exhibits will be displayed in a building which will be locked when not being viewed or judged. There will also be open exhibits. If anyone is interested in having their Indian outfit or handicrafts open for viewing, but not judged, you must go under "open exhibits." Fair booklets are available for $1. 00 and may be ordered when remitting pre-registration forms. There . .:w ill:. be ,a SOC .registration charge for each exhibit. ,., All pre-registration forms must be sent to: Ramona Jackson, 1302 Cypress St. , Port Huron, MI 48060 DEADLINE: September 10, 1983 For additional infonna.tion about the fair, please contact: Jeanette Allison, (313) 756-1350 Sharon Kota, (313) 364-8370 Ramona Jackson, ((313) 982-3997 (for exhibits only) We hope to see you there! + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + EXHIBI'IDR REGISTRATION Name ----------------Address ---------------CLASS DESCRIPTION Phone- - - - - - - - Age - - - - -Tribal Affiliation ------------ NUMBER VALUE � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Native American Publication Collection Subject The topic of the resource Native Americans Indians of North America Anthropology Indians of North America -- Michigan -- Periodicals Michigan Description An account of the resource Selected digital surrogates of published and unpublished materials from the Edward V. Gillis Native American publication collection dealing with different aspects of human culture and anthropology, with an emphasis on Native American people, events, organizations, and activities in Michigan. Includes newsletters, event programs, flyers, posters and other printed materials. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gillis, Edward V. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/446">Edward V. Gillis Native American Publication Collection (RHC-14)</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-02-21 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Relation A related resource Gi-gikinomaage-min Project (Kutsche Office of Local History) Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-14 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1958-2000 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/446">Edward V. Gillis Native American publication collection, RHC-14</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-14_all-indian-state-fair_1983-09 Title A name given to the resource Annual All Indian State Fair, September 1983 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1983-09 Description An account of the resource Annual All Indian State Fair flyer, Union Lake MI, September 16-18, 1983, collected by Edward Gillis included as part of his Native American publication collection. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource American Indian Communities Leadership Council Subject The topic of the resource Indians of North America -- Michigan -- Periodicals Indians of North America Michigan Michigan -- Grand Rapids Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/fd36a5f99e6429e8e9644e6347f5dcf5.pdf 7d33b86ee7a763c605e51e05fe7ae54c PDF Text Text Public Invited ONCE AGAIN, in the beautiful north country, land of the million dollar sunset, in the heart of the Indian Country, time is turned back for two wonder-filled days as Indians from many tribes get together and stage their All-State Indian Pow-Wow. You will see actual descendants of famous Indian Nations come together to perform many authentic and colorful dances handed down from generation to generation. Authentic Indian foods and Indian arts and crafts will be for sale during these two days. Plan now to attend this remarkable All-Indian Pow-Wow where you will see the original Americans revive the glorious traditions of the past. LOCATION: Bordering 1-75 Expressway and behind Holiday Inn with front of Museum just north of the Silver-Blue Water Tower. Main St. First Light e L GAYLORD ..... Alpine Plaza O .t: t: z0 in r:- AMERICAN INDIAN MUSEUM I ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - -.. N ~ c -~ W-+-E s 0 1,l ~ en • Silver-Blue Water Tower AMERICAN INDIAN MUSEUM GAYLORD, MICHIGAN I975 First Annual Gaylord All-State Indian Pow-Wow MAY 31 · JUNE I AT AMERICAN INDIAN MUSEUM &AYLORD, MICHIGAN �First Annual Gaylord All-State Indian Pow-Wow 2 & 7 P.M. SAT., 2 P.M. SUN. MAY 31 • JUNE I Ottawa, Chippewa, Potowatomie, Sioux, Winnebago, Mohawk, Cree and other Indians in Authentic Tribal Costumes. CONTEST DANCING Indian Dancers Only MEN .......... $100.00 WOMEN ........ $ 75.00 BOYS 12-16 .... $ 10.00 $75.00 $50.00 $ 5.00 $50.00 $25.00 $ 3.00 GIRLS 12-16 .... $ 10.00 BOYS 11 under .. $ 5.00 GIRLS 11 under .. $ 5.00 $ 5.00 $ 3.00 $ 3.00 $ 3.00 $ 2.00 $ 2.00 Trophies Awarded DANCE TIME _ 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday CONTESTANTS MUST BE REGISTERED AND PARTICIPATING IN ALL PERFORMANCES TO BE ELIGIBLE CREE UNITY INDIAN DRUM, Saskatchewan, Canada - Open Drum - Jim Eagle Master of Cermonies ONE MEAL SERVED SATURDAY & ONE MEAL SUNDAY (dancers and singers bring silverware for meals) INDIAN TRADERS WELCOME -$5.00 per day registration fee. NO IMPORTS PLEASE! Bring your own camping gear & tables FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL(517) 732·4942 Public Invited ADMISSION: $2.00 Adults $1.25 Students 12 Yrs.and under Age 5 yrs. and under free. See I. THREE PRESENTATIONS OF AUTHENTIC TRIBAL DANCES 2. INDIAN FOODS AND INDIAN ARTS & CRAFTS FOR SALE. NO ALCHOLIC BEVERAGES � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Native American Publication Collection Subject The topic of the resource Native Americans Indians of North America Anthropology Indians of North America -- Michigan -- Periodicals Michigan Description An account of the resource Selected digital surrogates of published and unpublished materials from the Edward V. Gillis Native American publication collection dealing with different aspects of human culture and anthropology, with an emphasis on Native American people, events, organizations, and activities in Michigan. Includes newsletters, event programs, flyers, posters and other printed materials. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gillis, Edward V. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/446">Edward V. Gillis Native American Publication Collection (RHC-14)</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-02-21 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Relation A related resource Gi-gikinomaage-min Project (Kutsche Office of Local History) Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-14 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1958-2000 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/446">Edward V. Gillis Native American publication collection, RHC-14</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-14_gaylord-all-state-indian-pow-wow_1975-05 Title A name given to the resource Gaylord All-State Indian Pow-Wow, May 1975 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1975-05 Description An account of the resource Gaylord All-State Indian Pow-Wow flyer, Gaylord MI, May 31-June 1, 1975, collected by Edward Gillis included as part of his Native American publication collection. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource American Indian Museum Subject The topic of the resource Indians of North America -- Michigan -- Periodicals Indians of North America Michigan Michigan -- Grand Rapids Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/367d4ae3817d6247b224e77e19440421.pdf 4f6d8994f00fc86c09ec50eb9894ab37 PDF Text Text THE ____ RICAN LEGION BOAT & CANOE CLUB GRAND RAPIDS COUNCIL NORTH PARK Telephone 7 -4114 GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN • May 22,1943. , ·Hon. Geo. W. Welsh,"" Mayor, For the past two years the American Lagion Council has occupied _the old Boat and Canoe Olub property at North Park 1,ndar a three yea:r lease fr-0m the city of Grand Rapids and an agreement to repair and improve the premises. To date approximately $7500 has been spent in this manner, an amount which probably equals the value of the p~operty at the time we began the repairs. ' At present the contemplated improvements which we have in . mind involve considerable expense which we do not feel is warrented without a more sec11re position in regards to the property~ . Therefore is it possible to obtain legal title· to this property for · a nominal s11m plus other valuable considerations~ among these being the large sums already invested in repairs and improvements, and the agreement to keep the building in repair and ••entually make a place where the veterane of the World Wars may congregate and which the whole city will View with pr .. A.a• " Ver, truly yo11rs, • ·--·· e:. Pres. ·o ' • --.,-- -- - ·- ., - - of th"". 79987. File 79974. request ~ · American Legion Council to acquire · the old Boat and Canoe Club prop. • erty at North Park. This property ·... was leased to them some two years : ago. The property at the time was in bad condition and· the value was ,,,,,_., ..__.. ·. . fixed at not more than $10.000.00. · · The American Legion Council has invested and will be required to In.· :vest a total of approximate I~.· 1 $9,000.00 in order to rehabilitate the ~ . property. . : - We recommend that the Boat :: and Canoe Club property be sold :_ to the American Legion Council for •: the sum of $1.000.00 and the Mayor ·~-- be authorized to execute a Quit~- Claim deed in behalf of the city fo1· :~: the sale of said property. : .. · Joseph A. Kozak. Perry W .:::. Greene. Committee on Finance: ~~ .. Walter H. Sack. City Manager. . t ~: ·: Adopted. ;•·: ·' Yeas Corns. Foley. Greene. Ko~-" zak. Vanden Berg. Wagemaker. • :t° '1"11.. ... "'1' /f,,. ....... - C! "'-T ..., • .... n :J ·1 j � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Grand Rapids Boat and Canoe Club collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Rapids Boat and Canoe Club Description An account of the resource Scrapbooks of newsclippings, photographs, postcards, and ephemera of the Grand Rapids Boat and Canoe Club. Photos were taken at regattas on Reeds Lake; the Grand River; Peoria, Illinois; and in Chicago of club members, and events. Historical articles, reports of regatta events, and articles featuring members Charles McQuewan and Jack Corbett are included. Programs include the First Grand Regatta on Great Salt Lake 1888, and Peoria Rowing Festival, and banquet and music programs and the GR Log, a publication of the Grand Rapids Boat and Canoe Club. Materials from the Central States Amater Rowing Association, and the National Association of Amateur Oarsmen are also included. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource circa 1980s to 1940s Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/481">Grand Rapids Boat and Canoe Club scrapbooks, (RHC-54)</a> Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) Outdoor recreation Boats and boating Racing shells Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Libraries Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-54 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-54_Ephemera-GRRC_F102 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource American legion Boat and Canoe Club, Jack Schader Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-05-22 Title A name given to the resource Letter of property interest to Grand Rapids Mayor Description An account of the resource A letter written to the Grand Rapids mayor, Geo. W. Welsh, stating that the American Legion Boat and Canoe Club has been renting from the city of Grand Rapids for three years, and that due to the expenses of imporovements they plan to make, that they are interested in purchasing the property. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Grand Rapids Rowing Club Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) Outdoor recreation Boats and boating Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/481">Grand Rapids Boat and Canoe Club scrapbooks (RHC-54)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/836a13c38e936443effbf5034abd889f.mp4 e2af5c96a3d378d8ac6f7a99f8896749 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/20900ff7830055b61eb8f83574a068d6.pdf d872b7f0104e225c1a62d6bfc9606994 PDF Text Text Living with PFAS Interviewer: Danielle DeVasto Interviewee: Andrea Amico Date of Interview: 2023-02-10 Danielle DeVasto: I'm Dani DeVasto. And today, February 10, 2023. I have the pleasure of chatting with Andrea Amico. Hi Andrea. Andrea Amico: Hi, Danielle DeVasto: Andrea, can you tell me about where you're from and where you currently live? Andrea Amico: Sure. Um, I grew up in central Massachusetts, uh, Leominster, Mass, but I currently live in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Danielle DeVasto: How long have you lived there? Andrea Amico: I moved to Portsmouth New Hampshire in 2007 when my husband took a job up this way, it brought us from Massachusetts to New Hampshire. And we have been here since. Danielle DeVasto: Can you tell me a story please? About your experience with PFA S or with PFAS in your community? Andrea Amico: Sure. So I like to say in May of 2014, my life changed forever. I read a newspaper article that had said they found high levels of PFAS in the drinking water wells at the Pease Tradeport, uh, which is imports with New Hampshire, where I live. And it is home to a former Air Force base that had been shut down in 1991. So many years before I had moved to the area and really knew a lot about the prior Air Force base and the fact that it was a super fun site. I didn't know that, but why it was important to me and devastating to me, frankly, when I learned that there was contamination, there was because my husband was working for a company at the Pease Tradeport. And my two children were attending a daycare center located at the Tradeport, and all three of them were drinking the water every day. And so when I read that article that they had found high levels of PFAS, and they had to shut down a large drinking water well, because the contamination was significant. Um, my heart sank, you know, because I was like, whoa, I don't know what these chemicals are, but my family's drinking that water. My kids are drinking that water. Like, what is this? What does this mean? So that's how I became introduced to PFAS back in 2014. Danielle DeVasto: And then what happened after that point for you? So you found out, you read the article and then, and then what? Andrea Amico: Yeah. So I started attending community meetings that were being hosted by our city and our state, and I just started trying to learn as much as I could about these chemicals. And, you know, back then in 2014, there wasn't a lot of information. Honestly, I, you know, searched the internet and I could find stuff about the C8 health project and C8 health study in Parkersburg, West Virginia. I found some EPA documents that were like 800 pages long and really hard to make sense of, but PFAS was not, uh, known and given the, you know, attention in the media and, uh, frankly like the scientific studies and resources that it is today. Um, and so I attended some community meetings and tried to do my, do my best to educate myself. And, um, the first thing I really started advocating for was blood testing for my community, because I knew that these chemicals built up in the body, and they stayed there for a long time. And I knew that you could have a blood test to determine how much was in your body. Um, even Page 1 �though we don't really know what that means, but you know, or at the time we didn't really know what it meant, but, so that was like one of the first things I did was advocate for blood testing. And then I formed a community action group with two other moms whose children also went to the daycare center, and we formed a group called Testing for Pease. And our first big, big push was that blood testing program. Hence, the testing part of Testing for Pease. Danielle DeVasto: And how did that go? Andrea Amico: Um, so we were successful. It took a lot of pressure, um, but we were able to get our State health department to offer a PFAS blood testing program to our, to the community at the Pease Tradeport, um, between 2015 and 2018 of almost 2000 people participated in that program. And it did reveal elevated levels of PFAS in the blood when compared to the, you know, general population. We know everybody has some detectable levels of PFAS in their blood, but the levels at the Pease Tradeport were elevated when compared to, you know, the general population. And with that information, we were able to advocate for filtration of the drinking water and the Air Force paid for that. Uh, we were also able to advocate for health studies for the community, and we were successful in getting two PFAS health studies for our community. One was with the ATSDR, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. They're a kind of like a sister branch of the CDC. They're a federal health agency that works with communities who have dealt with environmental contamination. Um, so we did have a large health study done, uh, that actually wrapped up about a year ago, and we're still awaiting our community results. And we have another health study that's ongoing today, um, called the PFAS reach study and that's funded by the NIEHS, and that is, um, looking at children of mothers who drink water at Pease, um, and looking at their, the child's PFAS levels and their immune function, 'cause we know PFAS can impact vaccines and vaccine effectiveness and the immune function of children. So, um, so we've been really successful here, you know, that blood testing program that we initially advocated for, I think opened up a lot of opportunities for advocating for remediation filtration and additional health studies. Danielle DeVasto: Wow. That's great that you guys have been so successful. What do you attribute that to? 'Cause I don't think that's the story everywhere. Andrea Amico: Yeah, I completely agree. I think there's a couple things. I think we were one of the first communities to really grapple with this. I know there were some others, but um, we were one of the first back in 2014, like I said, you know, Parkersburg, West Virginia was kind of on the radar with the CA health study there. But, um, and I know that, uh, the Wurtsmith Air Force Base had found their contamination as well. But I think us being one of the first, uh, communities to have a really significant contamination, uh, especially to a trad port of, you know, about 10,000 people were coming to this tradeport to work every day. Um, so I think timing being one of the first and really pushing when there wasn't a hundred other communities asking for the same thing, we were kind of the first ones. Um, I also think, like I said, we were a tradeport. Um, our forma military base was closed under what's called the bra program. It was the first BRAC site with DOD base realignment closure. Um, that program was really that program focuses on taking former bases and redeveloping them. And so I know Pease was considered a Page 2 �very big success story to the Air Force. The fact that they took this old base, redeveloped it into this large industrial park with 250 businesses, 10,000 employees like there's, you know, community colleges, restaurants, a golf course, um, all kinds of businesses, medical office buildings, restaurants, like this was a highly successful place for New Hampshire as well as a large economic hub for New Hampshire. You know, so they really, we, no one could just really walk away from this community. You know, I mean this was a, a significant resource and asset to New Hampshire. So I think that was part of it as well. Um, and I also think we were very successful in establishing relationships very early on with our congressional delegation and our elected officials and a lot of the efforts that happened at Pease, where as a result of, you know, our Senator from New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen, who's been a PFAS leader in the U.S. Senate, uh, making sure we have funding for the health study, the at ATSDR Health Study, really pushing for the air force to clean up and filter the water. And, um, we also had an EPA order from region one that ordered the E uh, Air Force to clean up the contamination. And again, I think part of that was timing of being one of the first, but also just, I feel like it was a lot of things that came together, you know, timing quick, organizing on the community part, asking for things, being one of the first and having strong relationships with congressional leaders who were able to really, um, put legislation in place to give us action. So I attribute all of our successes to a combination of those things. Danielle DeVasto: Prior to all of this beginning, were you, um, did you have a background in community organization advocacy work? Andrea Amico: No, I get asked that a lot. No, I didn't. [LAUGHTER[ Um, so by training, I'm an occupational therapist. I work in the world of rehabilitation, neuro adult rehab. Um, and so yeah, no, I didn't have any knowledge. Like I was never an envi-. I wouldn't, you know, didn't think a whole lot, lot about the environment, you know, like this just never politically active. Um, it just wasn't, it just wasn't something I ever did or was never part of my life, even my family, you know, it just wasn't something I was raised to do. So it honestly took this happening to my family and my community to kind of spark a fire inside of me and say like, all right, like we gotta do something here, you know? And I think that's what was so shocking to me in the beginning when like they found our contamination, they shut down the well, and, you know, at first we were asking for blood testing, and it was like, we weren't getting, making a lot of progress on that. And it just, it kind of like, it shocked me that like a large amount of people could have been exposed, you know, were exposed to high levels of contaminants and drinking water. And at the time they were calling them emerging contaminants and our State health department was like, we don't really know the health effects. Like we're just not really sure. And it seemed like everyone was okay with just not being sure as a reason to not do anything. And that just, I couldn't accept that, you know, and like, I can't accept the unknown as a good enough answer not to do anything. Like if you don't know, you have to find out, you have to do health studies, you have to do blood testing. Like you can't just leave us all to carry on with our lives and not know if we're gonna get sick from this over time or, you know, so, um, yeah, sorry. That was a long winded answer, but, uh, no, I didn't have any prior experience and in a way I Page 3 �feel like that was a benefit. 'Cause I just came at this like trying to use common sense and be like, okay, you have to do more like, it's like not acceptable to just accept the unknown. Danielle DeVasto: So you're continuing right now with your advocacy work, correct? Andrea Amico: Yes. Danielle DeVasto: Like it's not, it's not done. Andrea Amico: Oh, it's definitely not done. I, I tell people it's, it's like a lifetime. I have set my mind up that this will be a lifetime of work for me in some way or another, you know? Um, I do a lot of work at the national level now, so I'm part of the national PFAS contamination coalition. I helped found that in 2017, and we're a large group of community, community leaders like me from all over the country, um, who are also dealing with this issue, whether it's at former military bases like mine, whether it's at industrial sites, like Saint Galvan um, that's contaminated, Miramac New Hampshire, Husick Falls, uh, Husick Falls, New York, uh, lots of firefighters who also are concerned about PFAS. Um, so yeah, we're a real, you know, broad group of people and working at the national level to try to get better EPA regulations, you know, hold polluters accountable so they are forced to clean up this mess. They're forced to fund health studies and, and make people whole again, you know, um, it's, it's incredibly wrong what has happened with PFAS in this country? You know, the fact that manufacturers hid the health effects for so many years, they were just allowed to manufacture so many PFAS, put them out into our environment. They're in our bodies, um, with no regulations with no consequences. And even now what we know, we're still, we still aren't at a point where they're regulated at a federal level. I mean, we're getting there, but, um, it's, it's, it's absolutely horrific to me how this is all played out in our country. And I hope it's an example of like how we need to do so much better as a country and as a society and how we treat chemicals and what we're willing to expose people to. And, um, because these chemicals are never going away. And so anyways, I see my work as something that will go on forever. I really do. As, as long as I'm living, there will be something to work on with PFAS. Um, and, and I'm committed to that. You know, I, I gave a, a TEDx talk in my community a few years ago, and I ended, I ended the line, like, I'll see people, and they're like, oh, you're still doing that water stuff. And I'm like, yeah. And I, I ended my talk saying like, you know, I, I'm never gonna stop because I'm just as per persistent as PFAS, you know, like, I'm, [LAUGHTER] I'm just as persistent as PFAS. So like, yeah, it's, my work will evolve over time, but like I have committed my mind to a lifetime of work on PFAS to some degree Danielle DeVasto: In the move that you've made from kind of focusing on just the local to the national, um, like what, what has that shift been like for you, or what have you noticed in making those shifts? Andrea Amico: Um, well the I've noticed that I'm not alone., [LAUGHTER] um, we're not alone, you know, as frustrating as it feels to be. Sometimes you can feel siloed in your own community and how everything happens. Um, I've realized that there's a lot of other people out there just like us who have experienced the same things, um, who want the same things. And all of our stories are different. You know, our polluters are different. Our sources of PFAS are different in some cases, but like, we all want the same things. Like we don't wanna be exposed to chemicals that we didn't volunteer or sign up for, you Page 4 �know? Um, and so I've, I feel a sense of collaboration and I feel a sense of validation with a larger group of people that it's not just us, it's not just New Hampshire, it's not just Portsmouth. Um, and I also feel a bigger sense of responsibility. The more people that join our coalition and the more stories I hear, I feel more of a sense of responsibility of why I need to keep going, because if I stop and look at like everything we've gotten in my community, I'm really proud of that. And I'm really happy. And I feel like I could just be like, Hey, we have our, you know, the Air Force is cleaning it up. They're filtering our water. We're getting our health studies. We've had our blood testing like good, you know, like I could just, but I, I feel a bigger sense of like, like you said, that's not the norm in most communities. Like people are fighting tooth and nail for blood testing and health studies and filtration and, um, and the numbers of communities discovering this contamination continue to grow. So I just, I feel a bigger sense of responsibility to something bigger than just my community and trying to use the knowledge and the experience I have to move the needle even further. Like we have to stop exposing people to PFAS. We do. Um, and, and we have to study the people who have been exposed, and we have to make the people who have been exposed and are harmed, we have to make them whole again, you know? And so, um, so there's yeah, a lot more to do. And it's bigger than just here. Danielle DeVasto: Mm-hmm, mm-hmm what concerns do you have about PFAS contamination moving forward? Andrea Amico: Well, I, I am concerned that a, a few things I'm concerned that we can't even detect all of them, you know? So the current testing, we have lacks the ability to really know what's, you know, uh, when something is said to be PFAS free, or we're gonna, you know, stop using PFAS, like my antenna immediately goes up, like, what does that mean? Is that mean just 20 of 'em, you know, PFAS is a class of, I've heard 12,000, 15,000, the number keeps growing. So it concerns me that we can't even detect all of them or truly know what we're being exposed to. Um, it concerns me that we don't have any federal regulations at this point. We have health advisories. Um, I know the EPA is working on that, but, you know, we've known for a long time that PFAS are bad. And the fact that we don't have regulations yet to stop exposure is unacceptable. You know. Um, another challenge that I think people are facing, and one that I've spent a lot of effort on is the fact that health, the healthcare community doesn't know what PFAS are. And, um, I mean, even in my own community, people got blood testing done, and they bring the results to their doctor, and their doctor was like, I don't, I don't know what this is. I don't know how to read these blood tests. I don't, I don't know what to do with this information. And so, you know, that's another thing as more communities become exposed. I mean, one of the first things that pops into your mind when you learn you're exposed for at least for me, it was, is my family gonna be okay? Like, are they gonna get sick? Like, what do I need to do to monitor their health? Like, what should I do now? I can't undo the exposure. I can't take the PFAS out of their body any faster. So now what, and then you, you know, go to your doctor, which seems like a very appropriate step. And, and they're, they're just, you know, they're uneducated about it. And, um, and it's not, it's not their fault, the physician's fault, it's that they don't get environmental health training. They're not given guidance on PFAS. They don't even know Page 5 �how to order PFAS blood tests, you know? So, um, I think there's a lot more that needs to be done too, on the healthcare side of things. So like, you know, I think when, when you think about lead exposure in kids, like doctors know that that's not good, and there's a level in the blood that you wanna be below. And if a kid has lead, there's steps, you can take, you know, to help them. I hope someday with PFAS, we can be there too with the healthcare community. They're gonna know how to test for it in the blood. They're gonna know what levels are concerning. And if you have an elevated level, they're gonna know what tests to run and steps to take, to monitor your health and try to keep you healthy, you know? And we have, we've seen some progress on that for sure. But that's another area I think, need that needs a lot of work. Danielle DeVasto: Before we wrap up today, is there anything else that you would like to add that we haven't touched on today or anything that you'd like to go back to and say more about? Andrea Amico: Um, I just think, I think a few thoughts, or just, I'll kind of elaborate on a few things I've said, um, it's infuriating to me how far this PFAS issue has become, um, how far it's gotten out of hand, I should say in the sense that the chemical companies that made these chemicals decades ago knew, knew the harms of them. Um, they hid that information, and they continued to make these chemicals profit off of them. And, and frankly, they continued to do that today. And I just, I, I really struggle with that. You know, I really struggle that a company, uh, can do something like that to our entire society and yet face no real consequences. Um, it's crazy to me that the people that have been harmed by these chemicals the most are the ones that have to like stand up and fight tooth and nail, uh, while these chemicals were, these companies were just allowed to profit off of them. And I, I think, I think our government and our society should make a very strong example of these companies. And I think they need to be criminally held responsible, uh, for what they've done. And, um, and I hope that we'll, I'll hope I'll see that in my lifetime because they absolutely need to be held responsible. Um, I will also say that, you know, as a mom, like this has been like one of the most emotional things for me as a mother, you know? Um, I think as a mom, you, you try to do everything right. You know, when I was pregnant with my kids, I like took my prenatal vitamins. I went to all my appointments, um, when, when I was looking for daycares for them, like, I, you know, toward the daycares, I asked so many questions. Like, are you first aid certified? What's your curriculum? What's your teacher to child ratio? Never once. Did I question the quality of the water? Never once. Um, that's like something that just eats me up inside as a mom that like, unbeknownst to me, I sent my children to a daycare center that had highly contaminated water. Um, and the daycare didn't know either, you know, so even if I had asked the question, they wouldn't have known, but I can't tell you like what that's done to me emotionally, that I made a choice that put my kids in harm's way and that, you know, that's honestly, the reason why I fight so hard is for them, like, I can't undo, what's been done in the past, but like, if I can do everything I can to make this better in the future, I will. And if I can do anything, I can to prevent this from happening to another mom or family, like I will. Um, but it's really robbed me of a lot of my happiness. And it's really like taken a lot away from me as a person. Um, and that's like something I don't think people truly understand like emotionally and psychologically, what contamination does to a family or an individual or, uh, to a community. You know, it's just, it's just, Page 6 �it's just absolutely devastating. It feels like the ultimate betrayal, honestly. Um, and so, you know, I guess I just, you know, talking about the human side of things and, you know, it's easy to be like with, I advocated for this, and we got this and like, you know, I'm so proud of those things. Those things bring me a lot of pride and joy that I've been lucky to work with community members, and we've accomplished so much, but I, I just want people to know that it's not easy, and it's, it's life changing, and it's not for the better, so I guess that's what all, but I guess, and one other thing just like, what keeps me going though, and I'll just end with this is that we have seen progress, you know, a lot. Um, not only in awareness, like I told you, no one knew what PFAS were or even heard of 'em before. Like the amount of legislation that's passed the amount of resources. I mean, there was $10 billion put billion with a B put in the infrastructure bill to address PFAS. Like that's huge, you know, um, a lot of money, a lot of attention, a lot of awareness, a lot of science going on. Um, that's what gives me hope. And I just, um, wanna just keep moving forward. Like I said, just if we can prevent this from ever happening again, make a strong example of what's already happened and help the people who have been harmed like that. That's what we need to do. Danielle DeVasto: So I suspect that you can never, you mentioned before being, you know, you want to work to help communities and people feel whole again. Um, and I suspect that after the kind of, you know, you say betrayal that you felt and, um, the other, you know, just all the ramifications of finding out something like this happened to your community, that you can never maybe a hundred percent be as you were mm-hmm, but I'm just, I was curious for you or for your community, um, or people that you work with, what do you think could be done to make you feel as whole as possible? Like what, what would that look like for you? Andrea Amico: I think it's a few different things. So it's having like an established medical monitoring program that allows people to have access to healthcare, so they can monitor their health and catch any health effects early. Like right now we don't have that. It's very fragmented. Um, so having a system in place that will help people monitor their health, that they don't have to pay for that, you know, and if people do suffer health effects as a result of that, they of their contamination, they should be compensated. I think if people have lost property values, because they live in a, in an area that's contaminated and people don't wanna buy their house now, or live there, they should be compensated for that. Um, I think holding the polluters accountable, you know, like criminally, um, is so important, you know, like, no, one's no one's ever apologized. Like, no one's ever said, like, we're sorry, this happened to you. You know, like I think owning the mistakes of the past are so important. Like as much as I like to look forward to the future and like, how do we change this and make this better? Like that past is so important and acknowledging the mistakes, apologizing to the communities and like taking full accountability is also another part of it. Um, absolutely cleaning up the contamination. Like it shouldn't be left in our water in our soil and, and that's even trickier. Like it's everywhere now, it's in our food, it's in our plants, it's in our fish, it's in the air, it's in rainwater. Like, you know, so I think being whole, again means a lot of different things, but it comes down to like accountability, cleaning it up, um, and not putting the burden of paying for all of Page 7 �this stuff on the communities, you know? Um, and, and whether that's paying for filtration of their water or paying to go to see the doctor, 'cause they might have health issues or losing, you know, some folks like in New Hampshire, um, you know, their property values went down like that's their retirement, you know what I mean? Their home, the value of their home. Um, it's just, it touches on so many issues. And so I think there's a lot that needs to be done to make us whole, but those are just some that pop off pop to the top of my mind. Danielle DeVasto: Mm-hmm those would all be excellent places to start. Mm-hmm mm-hmm even if, maybe it's not, you know, ultimately you can't undo what, what has been done as you've said mm-hmm so, Andrea Amico: Yeah, and I, I just hope too, like the technology advances on how to get rid of PFAS, you know, 'cause even at this point we can't destroy it. We can't like even incineration there's concerns with it there. So it's like in some ways too, I'm so grateful in my community, they're filtering it from the water, and you know, they concentrate it and right now they send it to a landfill aligned landfill, and I'm grateful that it's leaving my community, but in the back of my mind, I'm like, we're just like taking this pollution and moving it somewhere else. Like we're making it somebody else's problem someday. And that seems wrong too. You know, it's like we don't even have, and then I wonder like then why do we approve new PFAS on the market? We can't even handle the PFAS. We have, we don't even have a good understanding of the health impacts of all the PFAS that are on the market. Like why would we add more into the environment? You know? Um, so again, I'm just hopeful with the resources and the awareness and the scientific interest in PFAS that we will see more advances on remediation, technology and destruction. Um, so we're not just like picking up the pollution and moving it around instead of actually getting rid of it. But again, all the reason we probably should have never made this stuff in the first place 'cause we can't get rid of it, you know? Um, so yeah. Danielle DeVasto: Well thank you Andrea for taking the time to share your story today. Thank you. Andrea Amico: Yeah. Thanks for talking with me. Page 8 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Living with PFAS Interviews Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Devasto, Danielle Description An account of the resource Beginning in 2021, the Living with PFAS interviews were recorded to gather the personal stories of individuals impacted by PFAS contamination. PFAS, or per- and polyflourinated substances, are a large group of human-made chemicals used widely since the 1940s to make coatings and products resistant to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. They can be found in countless household items, including food packaging, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant furniture, and water-resistant clothing. These chemicals are often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily, can move through soils and contaminate drinking water sources, and build up in animals, plants, and people. PFAS have been linked to increased incidences of various cancers, increased cholesterol, decreased fertility, birth defects, kidney and liver disease, and immune system suppression, and thyroid dysfunction. It is estimated that PFAS are in the drinking water of more than 200 million Americans (Andrews & Naidenko, 2020). In Michigan alone, over 280 sites have PFAS contamination exceeding maximum contamination levels for groundwater (MPART, 2024). Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2021 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Living with PFAS (project) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In copyright Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Personal narrative PFAs (Perfluorinated chemicals) Groundwater--Pollution Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-11 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf audio/mp3 Type The nature or genre of the resource Motion Picture Text Sound Language A language of the resource eng Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context PFAS0036 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Amico, Andrea Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2023-02-10 Title A name given to the resource Andrea Amico, 2023 (Interview video and transcript) Description An account of the resource Andrea Amico lives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire where she moved in 2007. In this interview, Andrea discusses her activism and advocacy about PFAS contamination after learning about the superfund site at the Pease Tradeport, where her husband worked and children attended daycare. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource DeVasto, Danielle (interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Personal narrative PFAs (Perfluorinated chemicals) Groundwater--Pollution Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Living with PFAS (project) Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/9791825c9f4d33c809d504735184521a.mp4 4f33d3a87181a932d68234f4a43553de https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/6312dfd72f5f38d472a64189b9922835.pdf e85d2fdc3d683db146c22b8ce957b222 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Name of Interviewee: Mitch Amlotte Name of War: Vietnam Length of Interview: (00:39:18) (00:21) Alpena Michigan  Born July 13 1950  Hillman is his hometown. His grandfather settled the town  He played in the woods as a kid. He remembers as a kid, stripping a girl naked and painting her red with barn paint  (2:22) His first day at school his teacher was a large lady and she spent most of the day pulling his ears. It was a one room school that use to be a garage. There was about 18-19 kindergarteners in the building.  Mitch says he was the class clown. He was in trouble a lot. He used to sneak critters into school. One time he fell backwards and hit his head on a chair and got stitches.  He went to a new school built for K-12th grade.  He walked to school  (5:30) Remembers having a crush on his teacher  Figures he didn’t ask for studies so he didn’t care for them  He was the first person in his family to graduate from high school  (7:30) Mitch started playing percussion in sixth grade thru high school  Was involved in sports during school. Baseball, Basketball, and football  Went to U of M for games and played there  His father worked for Besser’s in a factory and mother was a homemaker and eventually went to work in a factory when Mitch was in fifth grade  He has two older brother, younger brother and a sister  (10:13) Mitch had no plans after school so since other guys were getting drafted he figured he would too so he volunteered for the Army  Visited a recruiter with his cousin on the buddy plan. Wanted to join the military police and was told they qualified. Signed up for 4 year hitches (11:17) Fort Wayne Michigan to Fort Knox Kentucky  Basic training  When it came time to get their AIT orders he went to Fort Polk, Louisiana, which was the gateway to Vietnam. A military personnel seen he was guaranteed MP upon entry into the military so instead of sending him to Fort Polk, they sent him to Fort Benjamin Harrison Indiana to postal school. Graduated and was sent to Germany �    During training he was hit with a Pugal stick and blew his eardrum out. Pugal sticks look like big Q-tips used to practice for bayonet training Went to Louisville on a weekend pass and slept in a hotel for two days and two nights. It was his first contact with black people and he was scared and tired. (14:50) Said he could never live in a big city. He said his company was not happy that he was back and looked at him as a coward. He said he had no problems going but send him to MP school first and then send him to Vietnam (16:40) Germany-Rheine-Main Airbase  He flew over there. It was his first time on an airplane. He was brave at one point and looked out over Ireland and said it was beautiful. Flew over to Rhein-Main Airbase  Two guys met him there in the middle of the night and took him to Heidelberg to the 4th Base Post Office Heidelberg 4th Base Post Office  Was here for a year  He sorted mail and payroll checks for all of the European theatre  On off time he bar hopped  Went to Frankfurt and was offered a chance to go to Rome, Italy. Went to the Catholic Chaplain and got administrative leave and nobody could countermand it except for the Attorney General of the Military. Mitch took 120 days of administrative leave. He would take children of military personnel on field trips.  (20:00) He got to travel quite a bit and two weeks at a time. Went to Czechoslovakia, Scandinavia, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, and Switzerland  Met two girls while in Czechoslovakia who were in an AFC club and wanted to go home and see their parents. The guys took them to the border and hid the car and walked 4 ½ miles to her home town. On the way back they were being tracked and ran 1 mile and outran their pursuers.  Mitch said he didn’t chase women too much. He likes history so he spent time at Museums and seeing castles while he was overseas.  He went to Neuschwanstein Castle. Walt Disney designed his castle after this. He went to Hindenburg Castle  (22:45) Went to France trying to do a family tree. Found names but never met any of the people  Mitch said civilians were very standoffish. The men he found hated them and he lost rank a few times for getting into physical fights with them. He ended up in German jails for fighting  Mitch said Commanding Officers just wanted to know if he won or not. Took a stripe �  away and told him he would get it back shortly that it was just a formality. (24:40) Mitch spent a little over 2 years in Germany His enlistment was cut from 4 years to 3 years since they didn’t get to go into MP’s (25:00)Came Home  Mitch thought about re-enlisting in the military but Dad talked him out of it seeing that his next tour of duty would be Vietnam  His father promised to get him a job at the factory he worked at and since it was the best paying job in the town he thought that was a good idea  His dad never got him the job  Mitch went on a drunk binge for a few months  His dad died at 93 and his mom at 76. They died one year apart from each other.  (28:00) He married an old friend. Went from job to job. He had two kids and Divorced in 1988  Married a new girl. Had custody of his kids at this time. Married for 12 years this time.  January last year he talked to a friend and was asked how he was handling the news of getting divorced. He had no idea he was getting divorce. Both his kids were grown at this time.  He found out he was suffering from severe depression dating back to his first marriage  He packed up and headed to Philadelphia where his daughter lived. She eventually kicked her husband out and separated so in May he headed back up to Michigan to live with his sister  (33:09) Moved to Farwell to live with sister  Mitch had nowhere to go when he sister told him his time was up and nobody else would let him live with them.  August he moved to the Veterans Home in Grand Rapids. He does not like being there and feels they don’t treat him well but with his medical problems he can’t get a job  He says that the military made a man out of him but it was thrown away when he got out and couldn’t get a job. He states in the interview that his second biggest regret was not staying in the military.  He is being treated for depression and says he rarely sees his family � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Veterans History Project Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. History Department Description An account of the resource The Library of Congress established the Veterans History Project in 2001 to collect memories, accounts, and documents of U.S. war veterans from World War II and the Korean War, Vietnam War, and conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, and to preserve these stories for future generations. The GVSU History Department interviews are part of this work-in-progress, and may contain videos and audio recordings, transcripts and interview outlines, and related documents and photographs. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1914- Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Afghan War, 2001--Personal narratives, American Iran Hostage Crisis, 1979-1981--Personal narratives, American Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, American Michigan--History, Military Oral history Persian Gulf War, 1991--Personal narratives, American United States--History, Military United States. Air Force United States. Army United States. Navy Veterans Video recordings Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James Boring, Frank Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-27 Language A language of the resource eng Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project interviews (RHC-27)</a> Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Amlotte, Mitch (Interview outline and video), 2007 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Amlotte, Mitch Description An account of the resource Mitch Amlotte volunteered for the Army in 1968 to escape a bad home life. He was sent to postal school and then to Germany. He volunteered to travel with the children of military men on field trips and spent much of his time seeing different countries. He was released from the military after 3 years would have re-enlisted except that he did not want to go to Vietnam. He encountered an assortment of personal and medical problems after his discharge, which he discusses at some length. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Collins Sr., Charles E. (Interviewer) Collins, Carol (Interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Veterans Video recordings Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American United States. Army Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2007-05-22 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context AmlotteM Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project collection, (RHC-27)</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf video/mp4 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/eeddeb170e06b32c61363fb953eefc1a.pdf 3c69f21e1334e9dcbf0bf183ee02d51d PDF Text Text Letter From Denmark – Final Draft Griffin Amrein WRT 365 As of today, the United States has experienced over ten-million cases of coronavirus infection, and many individuals have died as a result of the rampant spread. As we walk through the public streets, once filled with care-free groups of people, now populated only by spaced out individuals wearing monotonous masks, many of us begin to question if things will ever return to normal, or what normal may even look like. For many countries, the coronavirus was background news until it was too late. Nobody in the crowds could foresee what was to come, and it was shocking. Some people, however, did see at the beginning what was in store for us, and were able to prepare accordingly. Perhaps if only certain small factors were changed, there would be a drastic change, and the infection rates could have been slowed enough for the rest of the lockdown to be mild in comparison to what it is now, and lives could be saved before ever being put at risk. Well, hindsight is always 20/20, especially in the year 2020, and now tens of millions around the globe are feeling the consequences of a pandemic. However, there is a place in Europe that boasts remarkably low statistics compared to most other countries. Although the peninsula mainland of Jutland lies just above Germany, the Kingdom of Denmark stretches its dominion across hundreds of northern islands of Scandinavia and the Atlantic, even including Iceland and Greenland. It is home to over 5.8 million people, about half of whom inhabit the island of Zealand. The coastal capital city of Copenhagen is slightly smaller in population than Detroit and is zig-zagged by bustling canals and characterized by centuries- �old architecture surrounded by colorful apartments often no taller than 4 stories. It is a very welloff nation with a uniquely modern infrastructure that is built upon about one thousand years of rich cultural history, in fact it isn’t an uncommon sight to see a brand-new Tesla parked down the street from a Medieval castle. Denmark is a relatively homogenous yet accepting country with a reputation of being one of the most enjoyable places to live. The citizens are patriotic and proud, but are knowledgeable of world affairs, mostly fluent in English and other foreign languages, and enjoy the ability to travel across Europe with ease. The country’s geography makes for polarized weather with the pleasant summer days experiencing frequent alternations between rain and sun, and the cold winters seeing extra-long nights. When the weather is good, the natural beauty of the landscape is highlighted, and the citizens take advantage of this by enjoying the forests, rivers, and grasslands which are often closely blended into urban areas. The Danish love the outdoors and use their bicycles as a method of transportation just as much as they use cars. The natives of Denmark are relatively healthy and have a stereotype for being blonde haired and tall with slender bodies and, despite being huge consumers of sweets (which are likely more licoricebased than most Americans are used to), this stereotype is largely based in reality. Despite technically being one of the few remaining monarchies in Europe, there is a parliamentary system of representative democracy which puts political power mostly in the hands of the people’s vote and elected officials. Denmark has been referenced a lot in American politics as an ideal of democratic-socialists such as Bernie Sanders, and with a high tax rate that is used to fund public education, healthcare, and welfare, as well as great concern for carbon emissions and recycling, the country certainly has a “one-for-all” mentality. �With this in mind, it should be no surprise that Danish citizens were quick to react to the threat of a global pandemic. As the virus spread through the world, Denmark was one of the first countries in Europe to initiate quarantine measures. In early March, 2020, most people around the world would have thought that closing down schools, universities, borders, and public gatherings was an extreme over-reaction, but shortly after it became clear that the rest of the world would have to follow in the footsteps of countries such as Denmark. In addition, Denmark has a government funded health care system which allows a higher number of people to seek free help if they believe they may be infected. In the United States, finances are something one typically must consider if they believe they may be infected, so this is likely a discouraging factor for many Americans to get a test, especially if they are unsure about their symptoms. As is the same for any case study, however, only time will tell how successful any of the quarantine measures will be in the long term. With so many factors at play, it is hard to paint a full picture of how widespread the effects of the Coronavirus are, have been, and will be. Despite this, looking at the data can help us get some context of our current situation. What we can learn from the data as of November 12, is that there are/have been 10,708,728 cases of Coronavirus infection in the United States, and four percent of these cases were fatal for the afflicted. Germany, the second most populated country in Europe and Denmark’s southern neighbor, has accounted for 726,176 cases of infection, with three percent of the cases ending fatally. In relatively small Denmark, the number of Coronavirus cases reaches 57,952 with only two percent (753) of them ending fatally. The number of active cases per day in both Germany and Denmark follow a somewhat similar curve when graphed over time with a sudden spike over the last few months, but while Germany’s curve has begun to wane in recent weeks, Denmark’s is �actually dropping. Compared to both, the United States has seen a steadier increase in the number of active cases, going up with a slight wave motion (Worldometer). Despite having access to this information, it is a more complicated endeavor to make sense of it in a real-world context. Numbers can often times mislead, and when it comes to COVID-19, Denmark might seem safer than other countries. It is important to remember that there are more factors than one can possibly think of that determine the infection rate of a disease like this. Learning from a first-hand source may help to clear the fog. Lars Zeiger is a Swedish-born citizen of Denmark whose named I made up for the sake of privacy. He is an educated, middle aged and middle-class single father who lives in an apartment with his teenage son and daughter in a small urban town about 30 minutes away from Copenhagen. A former professional swimmer, he’s energetic and jubilant, and has his family speak English around the house every Sunday to strengthen their fluency. Contrary to the data, Lars takes the virus very seriously. On a scale from one to ten, he described the threat of infection to be around eight or nine worldwide, and a solid nine in his country, although it reacted quickly. Perhaps he gives the danger such a high estimate because he knows the potential for infection in a country with so little open space. Like anywhere else, the Danes made many sacrifices for quarantine measures. Business has taken a similar hit to the United States, with many businesses closing down or having employees work from home. The recent growth in their tourism industry was projected to continue increasing in 2020, so when the virus made its appearance, the economy had already begun to shift in the direction of accommodations for overseas visitors. Many brand-new hotels were never inhabited and money was quickly drained away. The government is extending financial support to companies, but only if they had good earnings in recent years. To keep �people from crowding, only one person per family may enter certain shops at a time, however education seems to have been prioritized as much more essential with schools operating relatively unchanged. Lars remains a positive man during this and says that life in Denmark is still pretty good. Perhaps this type of satisfaction is one reason why the populous was so willing to comply with governmental restrictions. “Our government has been very keen on having an honest and good dialog with the press.” Lars insists, “The people here in [Denmark] are very pro the government in how they act.” He states that press conferences are regular with a number of important officials and health experts, allowing for a more open dialogue directly with the country. Lars points out that Sweden, which is another country known for its higher than average rates of happiness, chose the path of less restrictions. To consult the data again, Sweden has less than twice the population of Denmark but accounts for more than eight times the number of infected citizens (Worldometer). Until a day comes when things can settle back into a sense of new normalcy, people just like Lars across the world can only wait. Although there is room for differing opinions on how to proceed, we cannot pretend the crisis is over, or that it does not exist. To do so would circumvent the problem rather than defeating it. It is impossible for a single opinion to prevail over a global disease, and this is why the world must unite. Amidst divisions seeming to widen in the United States and in the world, we must remain vigilant of the fact that it is not person versus person; it is people versus the Coronavirus problem. What can we do about a problem but live in sacrifice for the good of others? From Copenhagen, to Wuhan, to New York, all people must work together in this challenging time. �Works Cited “Denmark.” Worldometer, 12 Nov. 2020, www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/denmark/. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource COVID-19 Journals Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. University Libraries Description An account of the resource This collection of journals and personal narratives was solicited from the GVSU community by archivists of the University Libraries during the events of the 2020 COVID-19 global pandemic. During this unprecedented crisis the university closed suddenly, following federal and state guidelines of social distancing to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. The university closed its campuses on March 12, 2020, and quickly moved students out of campus housing. Faculty swiftly transitioned to fully-online teaching for the remainder of the Winter 2020 semester, and all campus events, including commencement, were cancelled. The purpose of the COVID-19 Journaling Project was to document the individual and personal experiences of GVSU’s students, staff, faculty, and the wider community during this time of international crisis. Some project participants were university student employees who were compensated for their journaling. Other participants were granted stipends or extra credit for submitting entries to the archives. Still others participated without any compensation or credit. The University Archives remains grateful to all who submitted journals, for helping us to understand the impact of this crisis on our community. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived University Archives. COVID-19 Journaling Project Subject The topic of the resource Epidemics Grand Valley State University College students Personal narratives COVID-19 pandemic, 2019-2020 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context COVID-19_2021-01-14_AmreinGriffin Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Amrein, Griffin Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2021-01-14 Title A name given to the resource Letter From Denmark Description An account of the resource A news article by GVSU student Griffin Amrein about the situation of COVID-19 in Denmark contrasted with other worldwide countries. Subject The topic of the resource COVID-19 pandemic, 2019-2020 Epidemics Grand Valley State University College students Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived University Archives. COVID-19 Journaling Project Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ed0f96cf47e9b5ca788cca10e0b0382b.pdf 1b6623b89142bcdf675ef592a7d9b351 PDF Text Text amstore 1657 GETTY STREET, MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN 49443 (616) 722-6681 TELEX 228-444 November 12, 1973 MUSKEGON JEWISll COMMUNITY Dear Fellow Congregants : I would like to share with you my positive feelings about a number of our significant, although divergent recent accomplishments. ' .... We collected and transmitted to Israel over $60,000. Most ', of this money was given in addition to contributions to the · United Jewish Ap p eal for 1973 and 1974 . The prayers f or p eac e of f ered by the Rabbi at the special daily services durin g the war appear to have been answered. The Community respon se wa s exc e llent . The celebra t ion of the 25th Anniversary of the Temple was beautifully h a n d led by Al an Opp enh e imer, his committee and other volunteers . It wa s a we ll attended, meaningful event. We American Jews represent the center of Jewish population, culture and wea l th i n this era . I am proud that we in Muskegon reco gn i ze t h i s and accept our responsibilities. Sincerely, RFK/sea USA Israel USSR France Argentina Gr. Britain Canada Brazil s. Africa Romania Other TOTAL WORLD JEWISH POPULATION 1971 EST. 5, 870,000 NOTE: 3,012,000 2 ,620, 000 Au s tria 535,000 Czech. 500,000 Germany 450,000 Poland 280, 000 150 , 000 116,000 100, 000 903,000 14 ,436,000 AMERICAN STORE EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 8,000 15,000 30,000 �I amstore 1657 GETTY STREET, MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN 49443 RICHARD F. KAUFMAN PRESIDENT (616) 722-6681 November 8, 1973 Mr. Charles Zlotogura Dear Charles: This letter will confirm our understanding which was arrived at in Jordan's absence. We will adhere to the following procedures until I change them in writing. Meanwhile, I'm asking those receiving a copy of this letter to comment and to agree or to recommend changes: Work of the Custodians: ~- You are outlining their duties in writing and will indicate what jobs have to be done and at what time. You will personally see that they are doing t~e job properly. In general, they will do all normal work required by the Temple which includes special functions. They will be paid additional amounts for work done for private functions. You are the only one au~horized to give them official instructions. In your absence, I may authorize them to do things upon request. However, we expect them to be cooperative when informally asked to do things that reasonably fall within their duties. Payment to Custodians - Authorization of Purchases The custodians will be paid $50 weekly. All other payments to them must be approved by you in writing. Requests for reimbursement to you or to the custodians will be accompanied by written support of the expenditure and approved by you in writing. No one but you may authorize additional work done or items purchased by the custodians or anyone else. This must be approved by you, or in your absence, by me. This includes work or gifts to be paid for by the donor . \ AMERICAN STORE EQUIPMENT CORPORATION �y , Page 2 Let's plan to include the above in the agenda of the Temple Board Meeting on November 19th. Sincerely, RFK/sea cc: All Temple Board Members Mary Allen .-" � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Temple B'nai Israel Collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Temple B'nai Israel (Muskegon, Mich.) Description An account of the resource Collection of photographs, scrapbooks, programs, minutes, and other records of the Temple B'nai Israel in Muskegon, Michigan. The collection was created as part of the L'dor V'dor project directed by Dr. Marilyn Preston, and was supported by grants from the Kutsche Office of Local History and Michigan Humanities Council. Original materials were digitized by the University Libraries and returned to the synagogue. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Digital objects were contributed by Temple B'nai Israel as part of the L'dor V'dor project. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Jews--United States Muskegon (Mich.) Scrapbooks Synagogues Women--Societies and clubs Minutes (Records) Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Allendale, Michigan Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Preston, Marilyn Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives Relation A related resource L'dor V'dor (project) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-08 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Text Type The nature or genre of the resource image/jpeg application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Circa 1920s-2018 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-08_BI-AmstoreLetters_1973 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Amstore letter Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1973 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Dick Kaufman of Amstore to the Muskegon Jewish Community Description An account of the resource Letter from Dick Kaufman of Amstore to the Muskegon Jewish Community about their collective contributions to Israel for the years 1973 and 1974. Subject The topic of the resource Jews--United States Muskegon (Mich.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Digital file contributed by the B'nai Israel Temple as part of the L'dor V'dor project. Relation A related resource L'dor V'dor (project) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives