World War I Collections

2014-2019 marks the centennial Anniversary of World War I. To commemorate this event the Special Collections and Archives of Wright State University has gathered materials related to World War I from its collections. This series contains many letters, diaries, photographs, and other ephemera from Ohio natives. The creators of these materials give the user a glimpse at the impact of World War I from a unique and individual perspective. Though these materials often record factual data, a closer inspection will often reveal content of a more personal nature.

The World War I Collections include materials from the following series:

Dayton-Wright Airplane Company Photographs (MS-152)

The 91st Observation Squadron Photographs (MS-293)

Palmer Coombs WWI Materials: Diaries and Papers (MS-293)

Fred F. Marshall Papers (MS-53)

World War I Diary (SC-225)

World War I Glass Plate Stereoviews (MS-457)

World War I Letter (SC-30)

War Camp Community Service Song Sheet (SC-174)

For more information on these collections, please visit Wright State University Special Collections and Archives.

For more information about the Centennial Anniversary of World War I please visit The United States World War One Centennial Commission.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

Aerial view of neighborhood and bridges

Aerial view of a river and the neighborhood that lines it.
Aerial view of river and roads

Aerial view of a river, roads, and some buildings along the river.
Aerial view of ruins

Aerial view of ruins of buildings.
Airplane burning

Multiple airplanes burning in a field.
Airplane burning

Two piles of airplanes and machinery burning in a field.
Airplane pile on field

Multiple wrecked airplanes in several piles.
Airplane pile on field

Multiple wrecked airplanes in a pile.
Dismantled airplanes in field

View of dismantled airplanes in a field.
Men with engines and propellers

Men posing with engines and propellers.
Sgt. Kelly and Sgt. Scott in front of airplane

Sargent Kelly and Sargent Scott in front the left hand side of an airplane. Note on back "1- Sgt. Kelly, 2. Al. Scott Sgt of Command."
Letter, 1972 March 30, Fred F. Marshall to Editor Pitkin

Fred F. Marshall

A letter written by Fred Marshall to Editor Pitkin of The American Legion Magazine. In this letter Marshall is writing in respond to an article by Harvey Ardman where he recounts his time in basic training at Madison Barracks in Sackets Harbor on Lake Ontario. He also writes about receiving photography training and eventually being placed in the Hague at the Military Attache headquarters.
Large group of soldiers waiting

Large group of soldiers waiting with their guns near train tracks. This image is believed to have been taken between 1929.
View of a harbor

View of a harbor taken by the Signal Corps. This image is believed to have been taken between 1914 and 1918.
91st Squadron

The 91st Squadron posing for a photograph. Note on back "John received his cross wings."
Aerial view of Airdrome, Karthouse, Coblenz looking NE

Aerial view of Airdrome, Karthouse, Coblenz looking northeast. Several airplanes are arranged in a rectangle on the field.
Aerial view of damage to Étraye

Aerial view of bombing damage in Étraye, France.
Aerial view of damage to Reville

Aerial view of bombing damage in Réville, France.
Aerial view of damage to Sirvy-sur-Meuse

Aerial view of bombing damage to Sirvy-sur-Meuse, France.
Aerial view of fields SW of Dierdorf, Germany

Aerial view of fields southwest of Dierdorf, Germany.
Aerial view of Sinzig Castle looking North

Aerial view of Sinzig Castle, in Germany, looking North.
Aerial view, SW of Bendorf, Germany

Aerial view, southwest of Bendorf, Germany.
Avillers, France

Aerial view of bombing damage in Avillers, France.
Damvillers, France

Aerial view of bombing damage in Damvillers, France.
Fred Marshall holding girl

Fred Marshall holding a little in his arms in front of a pile of tulip blossoms at the "Bolenlands" bulb fields in Holland.
Letter, 1919 November 20, Unknown to Marshall [Fred F. Marshall]

Letter from unknown sender to Fred Marshall. In the letter the sender relates about looking and not finding the some of Marshall's "private papers." In the remainder of the letter the sender reports on changes in Fred's former office, and asks how Fred is doing.