The promotional audio describes Bethel College and Seminary campuses, academic and extra-curricular opportunities, and encourages listeners to support Bethel financially.
Contributing Institution:
The History Center, Archives of Bethel University and Converge Worldwide - BGC
Interview with Betty Johnson, Joannie Hill, Margaret Cimenski, Gladys Greenwalt, Dorothy Runberg, James Lynch, and an unknown teacher. These students and teachers relate their experiences and memories of working and learning in a one-room school.
Marie Ehrenberg was living in hospice care in St. Charles and her last wish was to visit Whitewater State Park. She shares about growing up on a farm in the area and her memories of spending time at the park with her father. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Schroeder Area Historical Society, Schroeder, Minnesota
Date Created:
2007-04-17
Description:
The oral history of Burton Kreitlow and Doris Kreitlow recalls Burton's childhood in Howard, Lake Minnesota. Burton describes a pivotal moment in developing maturity as a child. Burton recalls a Swedish Lutheran church cemetery near Howard Lake, Minnesota. He recalls earning money during the Depression for his dream of a college education. Burton describes his 4-H leadership and discusses his Army experience in World War II as a mechanic crew chief of B-24 airplanes and his Army duty in Africa and Italy. Doris recalls family vacations and cabin life on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota. She describes her working life including her work as a home economist at General Mills in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This interview was conducted by Leona Scherer and videographer Judy Gregg of Schroeder Area Historical Society, Schroeder, Minnesota.
Interview with former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan C. Page on his life and his legal and judicial career. He was elected to the Minnesota Supreme Court in 1992 and retired in 2015. Subjects covered: his early life, his education and football career, the years in private practice and in the Minnesota Attorney General's office, and his time on the Minnesota Supreme Court. Interviewed by Jeff Holth, a former law clerk of Justice Page.
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on May 14, 1982, Alan Phillips provided a brief account of his educational career. Phillips received his undergraduate degree from Knox College in Illinois. Phillips attended the University of Chicago Divinity School for a year before dropping out and joining the army for two years. He then went to Michigan State where he got his master's and doctorate degrees in philosophy. He taught for one year at West Virginia University, and came to St. Cloud State in September 1966. Phillips chronicled how he became involved with the Faculty Association and collective bargaining. He devoted a great deal of time to discussing the election of 1975, a process he calls very difficult. Phillips discussed his opinions on the Inter-Faculty Organization (IFO) joining forces with the Minnesota Education Association (MEA), as well as what he considers to be the biggest differences between the IFO and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). He talked about the strengths and weaknesses of the AAUP and what may have cost it the election. Phillips talked about the effects of the IFO/MEA's victory and how successful collective bargaining in general was for St. Cloud State faculty. He was reluctant to join the IFO after the AAUP was defeated. Phillips believed that more people should be able to join voluntarily, believing that forced membership was not as effective. He believed that collective bargaining was good economically for the faculty, but not been great for local decision-making. Phillips discussed his involvement on the IFO's Academic Affairs Committee. To end, he offered some suggestions for improving the IFO and current collective bargaining situation at St. Cloud State.
This was an interview conducted on February 11, 1990 by Richard Olson. Albert Wedell was born September 29, 1911 in Milaca, Minnesota. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and trained in California. He was assigned to the repair division of the U.S.S. Louisville, on which he served in the Aleutian Islands and the South Pacific. He discussed the armaments of the ship, the conditions aboard, men he met in the crew, and some of the attacks on the ship by Japanese ships and aircraft. While in the Navy, Wedell married Velma Swenson on March 14, 1945, and was honorably discharged on October 27, 1945. After the war, he ran a dairy farm near Milaca for 45 years and served on the Chase Brook School Board, the local telephone and creamery boards, and the county ASCA. Wedell passed away on March 16, 2000 and was buried in Borgholm Cemetery in Bock, Minnesota. He was survived by his wife, two sons, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Of Norwegian descent, Aleck, his father and brother operated the H. Christiansen & Sons dealership started in 1898. His spouse's name was Minnie Wiggins Christensen. Betty (of Betty's Pies just north of Two Harbors, is Aleck Christensen's daughter. The interview was taken at H. Christiansen, Inc. Sporting Goods, in Duluth, Minnesota, by interviewer Barbara W. Sommer.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
In an oral history, Alec Ruttger discusses how his parents started a resort in Crow Wing County, how he took it over and expanded it, and that his three brothers also got involved in the resort business. As a family, they built up the very well known Ruttger empire of resort locations.
Andrea Richards and Ruth Ann Collins and their families share about their group of divorced women who have created memorable camping traditions each year at Whitewater State Park. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 28, 1982, Andrew Marlow described his family history, as well as his education and experiences at St. Cloud State. Marlow discussed his father, who was a member of the Sisseton Sioux Nation, as well as the story of how his parents met during World War II, marrying, and then moving to St. Paul. He explained his reasons to attend St. Cloud State after he graduated from high school in 1962, where he initially hoped to triple major in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. He later found those subjects too demanding and formed an interest in radio and television, which were only offered through the Speech department. Marlow decided to major in Speech but specialize in radio and television and had a hand in the founding of KVSC in 1967. Marlow chronicled his college career. He discussed professors such as E. Bryce Scott, who taught in the Speech department. He recalled certain things about life in St. Cloud, including students from the Iron Range who called themselves the "Rangers." Marlow explained his reasons for transferring to the University of Minnesota in 1964. He joined the National Guard as a medic to avoid the draft and was court-martialed for refusing to carry a weapon. Marlow returned to St. Cloud State in 1965. He discussed involvement in anti-war demonstrations, including when he and his friends threatened to burn a dog alive with napalm to illustrate its effects. He also included some general thoughts on how the Vietnam War affected the college and the city of St. Cloud. Marlow graduated in 1969. Marlow focused post-college career, including life in International Falls and his employment at the KUOM radio station. Marlow added thoughts about events that caused tension during his time at St. Cloud State, such as when some black students took over President Robert Wick's office. Marlow credited his time at St. Cloud State for forming him into the person he became.
Angie Berg shares about living near Whitewater State Park and spending time at the park with her two children. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Arash Shambayati is an Iranian refugee who discovered trout fishing at Whitewater State Park in the 1970s. He shares how the park has changed. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 7, 1986, Arnold Schneider detailed his family and educational background. He was born in 1909. He attended high school in Wisconsin, and after graduation went to work for the Great Northern Railroad in Allouez, Wisconsin. He continued to work for the railroad while he put himself through junior college in Duluth, Minnesota, which he finished in two years. He then attended the Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he majored in Business Education. He graduated in 1932. After graduation, he went to Madison, South Dakota, where he taught at Eastern State College. He later worked as Junior Analyst for Merrill Lynch in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and also as an accountant for Ford Motor Company. That variety of work experience, Schneider claimed, made him very versatile and aware of the many different aspects of the business world. After receiving his master's degree from the University of Iowa in 1937, he was offered a position at St. Cloud State to begin a Business Education program. Schneider described how he came to work in Business Education at St. Cloud State. Schneider said that Minnesota had no program to prepare Business teachers until St. Cloud State president George Selke convinced the State University Board to allow St. Cloud to establish one. Schneider was contacted while he was working on his doctorate in Iowa, and jumped at the opportunity to come to St. Cloud. While the program officially began spring semester of 1938, it really took off that following fall. Schneider described the early days of the department, as well as the two other faculty members involved, Clair Dagget and Mary Ferro. Schneider remained in St. Cloud State until 1942, when he joined the Navy. After World War II, he returned the university for a year before obtaining a position at Western Michigan University, where he started a College of Business program. He retired in 1974. Schneider reflected on some of his other experiences, including that of working with World War II veterans. He believed that the GI Bill, which allowed veterans to attend college, had a huge effect on education in the United States. He greatly admired veterans as students, and believed they made his classroom a much more dynamic place than it had been before. He felt that state universities became the ""common man's school."" Schneider also talked about some of St. Cloud State faculty he remembers, such as Clifford Bemis, Herbert Clugston, and Roland Torgerson.
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on March 31, 1982, Arthur Grachek discussed his background, detailed his education, and his return to St. Cloud State University. Grachek graduated from Foley High School in 1958. He chose to attend St. Cloud State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Speech and Social Studies in 1962 and a master's degree in 1964. He taught at St. John's University in Minnesota, as well as at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where he also received his doctorate. Grachek returned to St. Cloud State University in 1971, where he eventually became very involved in the Inter-Faculty Organization (IFO). He discussed how he became interested in collective bargaining and unions, crediting his family involvement with labor unions. Grachek said Ruth Cadwell, whose house he lived in for five years while attending St. Cloud State University, introduced him to the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Grachek chronicled his first years at St. Cloud State and how he became heavily involved with the IFO. He discussed the idea that the IFO needed a political force to accompany it, which is why they found the Minnesota Education Association (MEA), which offered them tremendous support to establish a labor union for St. Cloud State faculty. Grachek described the work he did to educate people about the IFO-MEA, as well as his thoughts on why it was able to achieve victory, despite some initial resistance to the MEA. Grachek described hi ideas about the successes the IFO has achieved at St. Cloud State, including the fringe benefits it helped faculty obtain. He also discussed what he feels are problems with collective bargaining organizations, stating that some small local colleges lose their autonomy, which is something he hoped at the time would be remedied in the future.
Ben Gessner is a Collections Associate for the Minnesota Historical Society. His work focuses on American Indian and Fine Arts Collections. He shares about his work and the process of repatriating artifacts. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
In an oral history, Bill Van Essen talks about his family's restaurant, Van's Cafe, which was a Brainerd landmark. He also discusses other lone-gone Brainerd restaurants, and how eating out and the business community has evolved.
In an oral interview conducted by Mike McDonald on September 6, 1993, Robert "Bob" Duoos discussed his training and service during World War II as a member of the 80th Infantry Division in Europe. Duoos was born on January 15, 1923 and was raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. Duoos was drafted in to the U.S. Army in December of 1942. In this interview, Duoos described his experiences in the European Theater, including his interactions with the foreign civilians and the time he spent in England, France, Germany, Luxemburg, and Czechoslovakia. In this interview, Duoos discussed his participation in the liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp near Weimar, Germany. He described the horrors of "The Beast of Buchenwald" from his own experiences and recounts the stories he heard from survivors of the camp. Duoos voiced his opinions on the leadership of General Patton and General Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Pacific Theater of World War II.
In this interview, Brenda Boyer talks about being a student at Wilson Campus School after the changes that took place in 1968, her favorite memories, and what she did after she graduated from Wilson. This oral history interview was conducted as part of the Wilson Campus School Oral History Project conducted by the Southern Minnesota Historical Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Wilson Campus School was a lab school for the college.
Contributing Institution:
University Archives and Southern Minnesota Historical Center, Memorial Library, Minnesota State University, Mankato
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on October 18, 1982, Brendan and LaVerne McDonald described their family history and early education. Born in 1930 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Brendan chronicled his family history, who came to Canada from Ireland shortly before he was born. He discussed reasons for wanting to attend college in America rather than Canada. After graduation from Balfour High School in Regina in 1949, Brendan arrived at St. Cloud State. His wife, LaVerne (Bangston), was born in 1932 in Willmar, Minnesota. After her 1950 high school graduation, she attended St. Cloud State. LaVerne said she wanted to teach because teachers were so in demand at the time. Brendan and LaVerne described experiences at St. Cloud State, from dorm life to the teachers that stood out to them. They claimed that President George Budd was personal with students and very involved with student life. LaVerne discussed life in Lawrence Hall and Shoemaker Hall. They described where most students came from, as well as whether or not students worked while attending school. They remembered the feeling of camaraderie among the students as well as their perceived relationship between the city of St. Cloud and the university. Brendan received his bachelor's degree in physical science and physical education in 1954, then went immediately to the University of Minnesota to get a master's degree in education. Shortly after graduation from the University of Minnesota, his student visa expired, forcing them to return to Canada for a year. The McDonalds chronicled life after graduating from St. Cloud State, including his stint in the university's registrar's office. They mentioned the international events that affected campus life when they attended St. Cloud State. They mentioned the Korean War, which they claimed worried many students, as well as Joe McCarthy's hunt for Communists as somewhat shocking, especially to Brendan, who was used to a more private Canadian government. LaVerne described the idea that the Third World was just starting to open at this time, being the beginning of international students coming to America. That, they believed, helped to change the perspective many Americans possessed for people living in Africa and other parts of the world.
Bucky Flores shares information about his American Indian heritage and the importance of connecting chidren to the outdoors. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
In an oral history, Carl Byers describes his early work as a lumberjack, working for the WPA during the depression, his dealings with Indians, and returning to the logging industry.
In an oral history conducted by David Overy on November 17, 1990, Carl E. Erickson discussed his experiences as a lawyer before being called to duty as a training officer and Civil Affairs officer in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Born and raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Erickson had joined the National Guard ROTC while studying law at the University of Minnesota. In this interview, Erickson described his experiences that led him to being assigned as part of General Douglass MacArthur's staff, and how he contributed to the rebuilding of the Pacific communities destroyed by the war. Lastly, Erickson detailed being reassigned from going into service in Korea to continue being a lawyer in Tokyo while the Army engineers rebuilt the area. Erickson was born on June 22, 1911 and is believed to have passed away on January 13, 1992.
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 28, 1981, Carl Buckman discussed his parents and their years working at the St. Cloud State Normal School. Buckman detailed his father John's work as Superintendent of Building and Grounds, as well as information about many of the school presidents and teachers, such as President Waite Shoemaker, who were influential to the school and the city. He also chronicled his schooling, which was interrupted both by the necessity to work as well as a stint in the Navy during World War I. In addition, Buckman provided insight into school teachers, such as Albertina Anderson and Darius Steward, personalities, teaching styles, and anecdotes. He touched on extracurricular activities at the Normal School, from sports (mainly football) to the drama club, of which he was a part. In addition, he discussed the relationship between the school and the St. Cloud community, claiming the school was the lifeline of the city. Buckman graduated in 1922. After graduation in 1922, Buckman detailed his teaching and educational experiences. He taught 20 years at South and Edison High Schools in Minneapolis before he and his wife Benita moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he stumbled upon a teaching position at the University of Arizona. He also discussed the effectiveness of the teachers at Normal School in preparing him and other students for the future, especially in terms of disciplinary matters. After 14 years in Arizona, Buckman returned to Minnesota.
In this oral history by David H. Overy, Carl F. VanderHaar details his service experiences in the Minnesota National Guard and U.S. Army from 1931 to 1952. VonderHaar was born in Albertville, Minnesota on June 21, 1913, and was raised in Little Falls where he spent his adult life. His service includes early surveying and construction at Camp Ripley, motor repair during World War II, and later quartermaster duties in both World War 2 and Korea. VonderHaar served overseas in Ireland, Africa, France, and the Philippines. In Minnesota, he ran several successful businesses between his terms of military service. VonderHaar also discusses Japanese internment, Vietnam and the Gulf War. The father of four he died on April 27, 2014, at the age of 100 in Little Falls, Minnesota.
In this interview, Cathy Colby talks about attending Wilson Campus School, the activities she was involved in, and what she has done since Wilson closed in 1977. This oral history interview was conducted as part of the Wilson Campus School Oral History Project conducted by the Southern Minnesota Historical Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Wilson Campus School was a lab school for the college.
Contributing Institution:
University Archives and Southern Minnesota Historical Center, Memorial Library, Minnesota State University, Mankato
In an oral history conducted by Daniel Lewis on May 18, 1991, Charles Arnold discussed his experience as a baker and typist in the United States Air Force during World War II. Raised in Preston, Minnesota, he was drafted into the Army in 1941, but enlisted in the Air Force and became a baker. In this interview, Arnold described day to day life living and working in the Matagorda Island Air Force Base in Texas. In 1945, Arnold was transferred to Fresno, California to attend typist school. In addition, he discussed his thoughts and feelings about his time in the Air Force and the several military bases he served on. In 1944, Arnold married his wife, Audrey, and had six children. Lastly, Arnold discussed life after the Air Force, becoming a farmer and raising his children. He died on December 9, 2009.
Schroeder Area Historical Society, Schroeder, Minnesota
Date Created:
1999-10-20
Description:
The oral history of Charles "Chuck" Magney describes Naniboujou history, his father Judge Clarence Reinhold Magney (father of Minnesota State Parks), Erie Mining Company, Finland, Minnesota, Radar Station, Cathedral of Pines Camp, Caribou Lake, Cook County, Minnesota, canoeing and fishing in the 1940s and 1950s.
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on July 22, 1981, Charles Graham discussed his family background and his educational history. He shared an anecdote about an ancestor who fought at the Battle of Waterloo. Graham discussed his college career and the internship he obtained in Washington, D.C., which gave him valuable political experience and sparked his interest in administration. Graham chronicled his years teaching in Wisconsin, including at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and at Whitewater, as well as his time working with Wisconsin senator William Proxmire. He detailed his impressions of Whitewater, a town he described as tumultuous and heavily affected by the turmoil of the 1960s. Graham touched on his appointment to a New Mexico college that he eventually turned down. The appointment was controversial since Graham was not of Spanish origin in a community that was almost entirely Spanish. He saw St. Cloud State as a change of scenery as well as a good step for his career. Graham discussed his presidency at St. Cloud State (serving from 1971 to 1981), the changes he implemented, and general observations about the faculty and students. He focused on the advent of collective bargaining, discussing how it affected the faculty. Graham also gave attention to his goal to develop and polish more career-oriented programs outside of teaching. He also discussed his attempts to make students more internationally aware, as well as his goal to unify the campus physically after the rapid expansion of campus during the 1960s. Graham discussed the idea of consolidation, meaning he had attempted to take all these new programs that had been added to improve the academic quality to benefit the students.
Charles Loggins was the first African American District Conservationist in Minnesota. In this interview he shares about his work with the Soil Conservation Service and working with farmers in Winona County. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 28, 1980, Charles Martin described his early life. He was born in 1909 in Randall, Minnesota. His mother died in 1922, and he was an only child, so he and his father lived together until he graduated high school in Little Falls in 1927. Martin spoke of his decision to attend college to become a teacher. He shared several anecdotes about his time there, including how he met and became friends with St. Cloud State president George Selke, as well as his friendship with Miss Evelyn Pribble. He also recalled how his devotion to school plays and his job at the Royal Cafe distracted him from his studies and eventually made him sick, forcing him to miss a year of school. Martin mentioned the struggles he had returning to school during a time of such financial hardship. He recounted the story of how he was able to obtain a position directing school plays at the school, which allowed him to stay and receive his bachelor's degree in 1932. Martin chronicled his post-St. Cloud State life, as well as how terrified he was to student teach. He recalled the difficulty in obtaining work after graduation, but that he eventually found a good position in Sauk Rapids and, later, in Little Falls.
In an oral history, Charles Warnberg, a former sheriff of Crow Wing County, talks about the the old jail/sheriff's residence, the state of law enforcement when he was in office, and some the crimes that were committed.
Chester Judd was born on Apr 2, 1916 and served as a first lieutenant in the Air Force during World War II. . He was stationed in England from September 1944 to late 1945 and was a B-17 copilot on 35 missions. Judd described camp life, including food and lodging, and explains how the planes were organized for actual missions. He described several combat experiences and how pilots and crew dealt with the strain, particularly flying his final mission. He returned to the United States and flew C-47 cargo planes to transport wounded veterans to hospitals across the country. After the war he became a farmer. He died on November 15, 1995.
Christopher Tormundsen was of Norwegian descent. His spouse was Mateld Smith Tormondsen. Mr. Tormondsen was 90 years old at the time of this interview. The interviewed was taken at Mr. Tormondsen's home a mile and a half north of Tofte, Minnesota, by interviewer Barbara W. Sommer.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 28, 1987, Clair Dagget discussed his educational and family background. He was born in Wisconsin in 1909. His family farmed in Omro, Wisconsin, where Dagget graduated from high school in 1927. Dagget then attended college in Whitewater, Wisconsin, where he received a bachelor's degree in Commercial Education, which would today be called Business Education. He detailed some roadblocks he encountered in his education due to family issues and accreditation problems between Iowa and Wisconsin universities. After stints teaching high school in Menominee and Kenosha, Wisconsin, Dagget pursued a master's degree at the University of Iowa. Dagget arrived at St. Cloud State University in 1939. He discussed his arrival to St. Cloud and his early years teaching at the university. Dagget detailed how small the Business Department initially was with only three faculty. In addition, he discussed his time in the Air Force during World War II, and how the G.I. Bill allowed him to obtain his doctorate when he returned from service. Dagget taught many veterans after his return, who were older than most students. Dagget focused on the changes at St. Cloud State, and in his own department, experienced during his 35 years at the university. For example, the Business department grew from three faculty to 50 at the time of the interview. Here, Dagget also discussed the different St. Cloud State presidents and their administration. He claimed that president George Budd discouraged university employees' involvement in downtown social clubs because Budd desired to be the sole connection between downtown and St. Cloud State. Dagget retired in 1974.
In an oral interview conducted by David Overy on September 4, 1992, Clair A. Dziuk discussed his experiences in the construction of the Alcan Highway, from 1941 to 1943. Dziuk was born April 5, 1907 in Benton County, Minnesota, where he was raised. In this interview Dziuk describes the day to day life of building the Alcan Highway, from working with Canadians and the Army, camp life, and the wildlife of Canada.
In this interview, Claire Faust talks about the changes he observed at Wilson Campus School from 1962-1977, different students that went through Wilson, and what he did after his time at Wilson. This oral history interview was conducted as part of the Wilson Campus School Oral History Project conducted by the Southern Minnesota Historical Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Wilson Campus School was a lab school for the college.
Contributing Institution:
University Archives and Southern Minnesota Historical Center, Memorial Library, Minnesota State University, Mankato
In an oral history conducted by David H. Overy on June 3, 1991, Claude Menzhuber discussed his experiences both in combat and post-war as a combat engineer and supply sergeant in the European Theater during World War II. Born and raised in Minnesota, Menzhuber was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. In this interview, Menzhuber described his training experiences as a combat engineer, both in basic and combat, as well as participating in the invasion of Sicily. He described the civilian's attitudes towards the American soldiers and briefly his conversations with German solider prisoners of war. Lastly, Menzhuber discussed his feelings about the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. He married his wife, Marian, in 1943 and they had two children, Carole and Lowell. Menzhuber was born on May 12, 1909, in Spring Hill, Minnesota, and passed away on March 21, 2005, in Sartell, Minnesota.
Clem Miller was born on May 5, 1922 in Duluth, MN. He joined the Minnesota National Guard in 1939 and was inducted into the Army in 1941. He and his unit, the 125th Field Artillery in the 34th Infantry Division, were sent to the European theater, and he saw action in North Africa and Italy. Miller directed artillery fire on the battlefield as a surveyor had a wide variety of combat experiences including artillery barrages, air raids, sniper fire, minefields, and friendly fire. In North Africa he patrolled the battlefield after the Allied victory and guarded POWs. In Italy, he served with the 100th Infantry Division and the 92nd Infantry (segregated units of Japanese Americans and African Americans, respectively). Throughout the interview, Miller gave his opinions on the quality of American troops as well as the German and Italian soldiers, their respective armaments, and the civilians he encountered. Miller wrote about his military experiences in a book entitled Some Things You Never Forget. He died on August 27, 2008 in Hermantown, MN.
Schroeder Area Historical Society, Schroeder, Minnesota
Date Created:
1999-08-12
Description:
The oral history of Clifford Smith describes cabin life on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Schroeder, Minnesota, 4th of July celebration, home-made ice cream and the history of Shining Rocks Cabins, Schroeder, Minnesota.
