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 Glass Plate Stereoviews (MS-457)
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.
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Men in line on field
Men in line on a field with airplanes in the background. Note on back "Roll call of officers."
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Sectional panorama of Coblenz from water tower, Airdrome
Sectional panorama of Coblenz from water tower, Airdrome.
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Soldiers in heavy coats
Four soldiers in heavy coats gathered near stone steps, posing for a photograph.
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Winning photograph of the Third Corps Horse Show in Neuwied, Germany
The winning photograph of the Third Corps Horse Show in Neuwied, Germany by the 91st Observation Squadron for the Meuse-Argonne Cup Photographic Contest
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World War I Letter
This letter was written by a soldier to his brother while he was en route home. In the letter the soldier discusses the positive accommodations on his ship, his hopes to travel and see family and friends, and commentary on black soldiers in the Army.
Attached as an additional file is a postcard that features an image of the USS Aeolus, the transport ship on which the soldier was returning to the United States. The photograph is attributed to O.W. Waterman of Hampton Virginia. There is a note on the postcard that states "U.S.S. Aeolus, formerly the German Linger Grosser Kurfurst."
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Letter, 1919 May 25, Fred F. Marshall to Dear little friend [Berthe Eller]
Fred F. Marshall
Letter from Fred Marshall to Berthe "Topsy" Eller In his letter Marshall describes the countryside and the how the children from Holland run through the countryside and are carefree. He writes about watching a festival held to pay homage to the queen and princess. Marshall also writes about memories of vacation and returning to school. He closes the letter by asking to be excused for using a typewriter.
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91st Aero Service Squadron, 1st Army Observation Group, American Expeditionary Force
The 91st Aero Service Squadron, 1st Army Observation Group, American Expeditionary Force, posing for a group photo in front of three airplanes.
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Aerial view of Carignan
Aerial view of buildings, a river, and other land. Note on the front lists "Carignan."
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Chateau Pathé
A view of an ornate building with two children and two soldiers standing in front of the surrounding wall.
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Fred Marshall in the Argonne Forest
Fred Marshall on the front lines at Soissons, France, in the Argonne Forest
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"Gefangene Amerikaner," American captives
View of a large group of American captives walking over a bridge. "Gefangene Amerikaner 20-4-18" is printed across the front of the photograph.
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John J. Pershing on horseback
Portrait of General John J. Pershing on his horse. This image is believed to have been taken between 1914 and 1918.
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Man in uniform and apron
A young man in a uniform and apron laughing in camp. This image is believed to have been taken between 1914 and 1918.
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McCook Field
Aerial view of McCook Field, Dayton, Ohio, looking south towards downtown Dayton. This image is believed to have been taken between 1917 and 1927.