Benjamin Lee May interviewed by Gregory L. Owen, 1999
- Creator:
- May, Benjamin Lee, 1938- and Owen, Gregory L.
- Scope and content:
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Records the recollections of Benjamin May during the three-month period in 1944 when German POWs were interned in a camp near Timberville, Virginia These men were used primarily as a labor force for harvesting crops in the area. May was six years old when the Timberville Camp was erected adjacent to his farm. Mentions the Geneva convention and general positive treatment of POWs by guards and the community: Recalls the reactions of towns people and POWs towards each other: At first some fear and resentment by locals, followed by acceptance by the community when the POWs proved to be friendly and hard working. The group at the Timberville Camp were young teenagers who enjoyed singing and were skilled mechanics and carpenters. (One group carved an altar and made benches for the St. John's Lutheran Chapel in town)
Access and use
- Location of collection:
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Second Floor Room 203, MSC 1704Carrier LibraryJames Madison University880 Madison DriveHarrisonburg, VA 22807
- Contact for questions and access:
- POC: Tiffany ColeEmail: coletw@jmu.eduPhone: (540) 568-3444Email: library-special@jmu.eduPhone: (540) 568-3612Fax: (540) 568-3405
- Parent restrictions:
- Collection open to research. Access to original audiocassettes is restricted pending reformatting. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.
- Parent terms of access:
- The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).