Donated World War I Era Photos & Family Histories
Images are show as thumbnails. Click for Full image.
Check back often for updates.
Explore the photos below to see the artifacts that were on display at the library for the WWI Project. While the display is no longer in place, you can continue to view the artifacts here!
A WWI Veteran window banner presented to Oscar Peterson for his service. Artifact provided by Paul Mark, nephew of Oscar Peterson.
Read more about Oscar Peterson
Puttees (leg wrappings) worn by Oscar Peterson. Puttees were worn by soldiers to provide support and to protect their legs and feet from the wet and muddy trenches. Artifact provided by Paul Mark.
Read more about Oscar Peterson
A souvenir handkerchief given to Oscar Peterson’s sister. Artifact provided by Paul Mark, nephew of Oscar Peterson.
Read more about Oscar Peterson
Iron doughboy helmet, worn by Oscar Peterson in the 28th Infantry Division. The insignia on the helmet, representative of Oscar’s Division, was added after the war. Artifact provided by Paul Mark.
Read more about Oscar Peterson
Gas Mask and haversack. Chemical warfare was a major part of World War I and gas masks were introduced to try and protect against them. This mask was worn by Oscar Peterson and includes a small instruction booklet about how to best wear and use the mask. Soldiers would wear the haversack around their necks when they needed quick access to the mask, or otherwise on their hip when traveling. Artifact provided by Paul Mark.
Read more about Oscar Peterson
Oscar Peterson’s dog tag and French Médaille militaire (Military Medal) given to Oscar for his acts of bravery. It is the third highest award given by the French Republic. Also seen here are Oscar’s Ordnance Department Buttons and collar disks. The collar disks represent his service in the National Guard as well as his service in the 110th Regiment, Company C Field Artillery. Artifacts provided by Paul Mark, nephew of Oscar Peterson.
Read more about Oscar Peterson
U.S. Navy Ensign’s uniform cap. An Ensign was the rank of a naval officer just below the rank of Lieutenant. Artifact provided by Bill Christen.
Read more about Bill Christen’s grandfather, Harry Fox
A naval man’s dress cap. Often referred to as a “Donald Duck” cap for its shape, these were worn for more formal occasions. Artifact provided by Bill Christen
Read more about Bill Christen’s grandfather, Harry Fox
Doughboy iron helmet belonging to James S. Taylor of the Texas National Guard. Soldiers would cover their helmets in sawdust and paint in order to prevent the sun reflecting on the metal and giving away their position. Artifact provided by Charlie Taylor, grandson of James S. Taylor.
Read more about James Taylor
U.S. Officer Parade Saber, used in service by James S. Taylor. Artifact provided by Charlie Taylor, grandson of James Taylor.
Read more about James Taylor
Observation binoculars belonging to James S. Taylor of the Texas National Guard. Artifact provided by Charlie Taylor, grandson of James S. Taylor.
Read more about James Taylor
Ross Stofflet’s Purple Heart and Victory Medal and pin. After the war every U.S. soldier was presented with a Victory Medal and pin. Silver pins were given to soldiers who were wounded in battle and bronze pins to soldiers who were not injured. Ross Stofflet was injured twice while serving overseas and received the Purple Heart and oak leaf pin. The second Purple Heart was given to Ross as a replacement when Ross thought he lost his original. Artifact provided by Ross Stofflet III, grandson of Ross Stofflet.
Read more about Ross Stofflet
Frank O’Connor’s collar disks and Victory Pin. The collar disks represent Frank’s service in the US Army as a part of Battery D, 328th Field Artillery. The Victory pin was given to every returning US soldier at the end of the war. Artifacts provided by Erma O’Connor, daughter-in-law of Frank O’Connor.
Read more about Frank O’Connor
An Officer’s canteen. Artifact provided by the Grass Lake Historical Society’s Michigan Military Heritage Museum.
A handkerchief case given to Anna Marie by her son, Roy Taylor. Roy was a businessman in Grass Lake before enlisting in the army. Provided by Grass Lake Historical Society’s Michigan Military Heritage Museum
Son in Service Window Flag. The blue and gold stars represent sons who served in the war. The gold star represents a son who was killed in action. Provided by Grass Lake Historical Society’s Michigan Military Heritage Museum
American Legion Garrison Cap. The American Legion formed in 1919 just after the war ended. This was one of the first styles of garrison caps used by the Legion. Provided by Grass Lake Historical Society’s Michigan Military Heritage Museum
Officer’s engraved pillowcase. Provided by Grass Lake Historical Society’s Michigan Military Heritage Museum
A letter sent to every US soldier from King George V thanking them for their service in the Great War. This letter was sent to George McKinley Cowden of Grass Lake. Artifact provided by Grass Lake Historical Society’s Michigan Military Heritage Museum
Officer’s mess kit. Artifact provided by Grass Lake Historical Society’s Michigan Military Heritage Museum
The History of the 32nd Division book. Artifact provided by Grass Lake Historical Society’s Michigan Military Heritage Museum
Pages from the History of the 32nd Division book. The 32nd Division was made up entirely of Michigan and Wisconsin men. The Division was known for their strength and ability to cut through the German lines when no other division could. Artifact provided by Grass Lake Historical Society’s Michigan Military Heritage Museum
George McKinley Cowden of Grass Lake. George was trained at the U of M Student Army Training Corp (S.A.T.C.) This photo taken on Dec 15, 1918 in France. Artifact provided by The Grass Lake Historical Society’s Michigan Military Heritage Museum
The Jackson Citizen Patriot from November 11, 1918 announcing the end of the war. Artifact provided by The Grass Lake Historical Society’s Michigan Military Heritage Museum
Photos from the Pictorial History of the 32nd Division. The 32nd, or “Red Arrow” Division was made entirely of Wisconsin and Michigan men and was known for their ability to cut through the German defenses. Artifact provided by The Grass Lake Historical Society’s Michigan Military Heritage Museum
Photos from the Pictorial History of the 32nd Division. The 32nd, or “Red Arrow” Division was made entirely of Wisconsin and Michigan men and was known for their ability to cut through the German defenses. Artifact provided by The Grass Lake Historical Society’s Michigan Military Heritage Museum
Toy metal soldiers. Artifacts provided by Toni Keim and Dan Gaunt.
Read more about Edwin Gaunt, grandfather of Dan Gaunt
Toy metal soldiers. Artifacts provided by Toni Keim and Dan Gaunt.
Read more about Edwin Gaunt, grandfather of Dan Gaunt
Toy metal soldiers. Artifacts provided by Toni Keim and Dan Gaunt.
Read more about Edwin Gaunt, grandfather of Dan Gaunt
Toy metal soldiers. Artifacts provided by Toni Keim and Dan Gaunt.
Read more about Edwin Gaunt, grandfather of Dan Gaunt
A small tapestry with the flags of Allied countries. Presented to Julius Wagner to honor his service in the war. Artifact provided by Mary and Larry Galligan, granddaughter and grandson-in-law of Julius Wagner.
Read more about Julius Wagner
Julius Wagner’s personal journal that he kept while serving in the war. Artifact provided by Mary and Larry Galligan.
Read more about Julius Wagner, grandfather of Mary Galligan
The first page of Julius Wagner’s journal. Artifact provided by Mary and Larry Galligan, granddaughter and grandson-in-law of Julius Wagner.
Read more about Julius Wagner
The Official History of the 82nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces. This book belonged to Julius Wagner. Artifact provided by Mary and Larry Galligan.
Read more about Julius Wagner, grandfather of Mary Galligan
James Lehey’s victory medal. Every US soldier returning home was given a victory medal for their service. James was a corporal during the war. His medal was found with Dorthy Eismann’s estate in Chelsea. Dorthy was James Lehey’s cousin. Artifacts provided by Mark Brennan.
James Lehey’s service chevron. The two brown chevron represent he served two terms overseas. James Lehey received the red chevron after he was wounded and returned to service. Artifacts provided by Mark Brennan.
James Lehey in uniform. James served as a Corporal and was wounded once during his service in the war. Artifact provided by Mark Brennan.
Sleeve insignia representing the Advanced Sector, worn by soldiers in the Quartermaster Corps. This patch belonged to Thomas Brimson Holmes. Artifact provided by Mark Brennan.
A booklet describing the insignia of General Pershing’s Army. This booklet belonged to Thomas Brimson Holmes. Before service, Thomas ran a dairy farm for many years. Artifact provided by Mark Brennan.
Pages from the booklet describing different patches used in General Pershing’s Army. Different divisions and sections in the army had their own patch or insignia to distinguish themselves. Artifact provided by Mark Brennan.
Khaki Komedy, a book of jokes for soldiers on the front. This book belonged to Thomas Brimson Holmes. Artifact provided by Mark Brennan.
Pages from Khaki Komedy. Joke books like this were common to help keep spirits up among soldiers. Artifact provided by Mark Brennan.
Pages from Khaki Komedy. Joke books like this were common to help keep spirits up among soldiers. Artifact provided by Mark Brennan.
Pages from Khaki Komedy. Joke books like this were common to help keep spirits up among soldiers. Artifact provided by Mark Brennan.
WWI bayonet found with the estate of Russell Altstaetter. Artifact provided by Mark Brennan, grandson of Russell Altstaetter. While Russel was too young to have served during WWI, this bayonet belonged to Russell’s father.
Shoulder insignia patch, believed to be from a quartermaster’s corp. This patch was never sewn onto a uniform, but could have possibly been traded among soldiers as a sign of friendship among Allied troops. Artifact provided by Mark Brennan.
George Alfred Lindauer’s trunk and uniform from his service in WWI. The Trunk includes his canteen, gas mask, iron helmet, and various other items George kept with him during the war. Artifact provided by Jason Lindauer, grandson of George Alfred Lindauer.
Read more about George Alfred Lindauer
A tapestry from Camp MacArthur along with George Alfred’s Victory Medal and medal from his service in the 32nd (“Red Arrow”) Division. Artifacts provided by Jason Lindauer.
Read more about George Alfred Lindauer
Various items from George Alfred Lindauer’s trunk, including: buttons, pins, a knife, a postcard and canteen. Artifacts provided by Jason Lindauer.
Read more about George Alfred Lindauer
More items from George Alfred Lindauer’s trunk, including his gas mask, shoulder patches, a belt buckle, and a German spoon and fork set. Artifacts provided by Jason Lindauer.
Read more about George Alfred Lindauer
Another look at the items found in George Alfred Lindauer’s trunk. Artifacts provided by Jason Lindauer, grandson of George Alfred Lindauer.
Read more about George Alfred Lindauer
George Alfred Lindauer’s Victory Medal and Medal for service in the 32nd (“Red Arrow”) Division. The Victory Medal includes medal clasps with the names of major battles that George Alfred participated in. Artifacts provided by Jason Lindauer.
Read more about George Alfred Lindauer
Shoulder patches on George Alfred Lindauer’s uniform that represent his service in the 32nd “Red Arrow” Division and the Army of Occupation. The Army of Occupation served in Germany, Austria and Hungary after the war from November 12, 1918 to July 11, 1923. George served in Germany while with the Army of Occupation. Artifact provided by Jason Lindauer.
Read more about George Alfred Lindauer
George Alfred Lindauer’s garrison caps, which were worn when an iron helmet was not needed. Artifact provided by Jason Lindauer.
Read more about George Alfred Lindauer
Buttons collected during George’s service in WWI. Artifacts provided by Jason Lindauer.
Read more about George Alfred Lindauer
A spoon and fork set taken from a German mess kit. It was common for soldiers to take small “souvenirs” such as this to take home with them. Artifact provided by Jason Lindauer.
Read more about George Alfred Lindauer
Another “souvenir” taken from a German soldier. The insignia on these shoulder patches represent a soldier who served in the German infantry. Artifact provided by Jason Lindauer.
Read more about George Alfred Lindauer
A commemorative button given to George Alfred Lindauer for his service in the “Red Arrow” Division. Artifact provided by Jason Lindauer.
Read more about George Alfred Lindauer
George Alfred Lindauer’s dog tags. Artifacts provided by Jason Lindauer, grandson of George Alfred Lindauer.
Read more about George Alfred Lindauer
George Alfred Lindauer’s canteen. Artifact provided by Jason Lindauer.
Read more about George Alfred Lindauer