Tagged: World War II

New Finding Aid | William Henry Fluhrer papers

Special Collections and University Archives is pleased to announce a new finding aid published for the William Henry Fluhrer papers (Ax 035). The finding aid is available on Archives West.

Portrait
[Portrait, William Henry Fluhrer papers, Ax 035, Box 1 Folder 1, Special Collections & University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, Eugene, Oregon.]
William H. Fluhrer, (1899-1948) known to friends and family as “Heinie,” was a prominent Medford, Oregon resident, and a veteran of both World War I and II. He was born on the Oregon Trail in 1899. His parents were German immigrants and established the Fluhrer Bakery in Medford Oregon, which William later ran. Fluhrer served in the Air Force in both World Wars. During his service in World War II he raised to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was stationed in South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia during his service. Upon his return to the United States, Fluhrer ran for state office in Oregon in 1948. Fluhrer died in a plane crash before the election along with two state representatives and a representative nominee, whom Fluhrer was hosting at Lake of the Woods near Medford. Newspaper articles reporting on Fuhrer’s death included in the collection exemplify the significant presence he had in his community.

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New Collection | Wartime Posters

“You are Needed Now!” “Keep the Wheels Turning!” “Food Will Win the War!” “Books Wanted For Our Men!” These and other slogans are showcased in the newly processed Wartime Posters Collection (Coll 467), available for use in Special Collections and University Archives (Knight Library, 2nd floor North).

Spanning over four decades, the 550 posters in the collection represent ephemeral propaganda from 13 countries, illustrating the uses to which print media was put in the war effort. Often designed by leading artists of the time, the language and imagery in each poster combine to create persuasive emotional responses, and suggest the appropriate action or remedy. Moreover, the posters in this collection document the changes, both social and economic, that resulted from these conflicts (e.g. the changing roles of women, the introduction and influence of new technologies, etc.).

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World War II and the National Japanese American Student Relocation Council

“I just can’t find sufficient words to describe my gratitude for all that your office has done for me and other Niseis. In our darkest hour you brought forth your loving hands and gave us new hopes and inspiration. Surely Democracy can not and will not die as long as such groups like yours and Colleges that uphold the true ideals of Democracy exist…”

— anonymous words of a Japanese-American student upon receiving clearance to continue university study in 1942

 

ua9_box2_folder14_Page_02The entry of the United States into World War II after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, had serious impacts on approximately 110,000 Nisei (American citizens of Japanese descent) living in Oregon and throughout the west coast. After the creation of the War Relocation Administration on March 18, 1942, families from California, Washington, Oregon, and Arizona were uprooted to internment camps for the duration of the war. The evacuations and internment disrupted the normal rhythms of life for all 70,000 Japanese-American citizens and the 40,000 resident aliens on American soil. In addition to removing Japanese-Americans from the workforce and shuttering businesses, the evacuation orders also impacted students of Japanese descent at colleges and universities throughout the Pacific region, who were left with uncertainties about the potential for continuing their education.

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