Collections : [James Madison University]

Records the recollections of Albert Moreman, American enlisted POW guard at Camp 8, Lyndhurst/Sherando Lake, Virginia at the end of World War II (1944-end of '45). Recalls experiences during the war: drafted as an infantryman; and injury leading to training and assignment as a military guard in the States. Describes in particular his experiences as a guard at Camp 8, then being used as a POW stockade for German prisoners. Describes the Camp, makeup of the guard units; the German enlisted men; and general life at the Camp: transportation of prisoners; their work at camp and local farms (cutting pulpwood and working at local orchards); punishment; and entertainment (German burlesque shows). Recalls particular incidents: prisoners hiding food in stove pipes, the food strike, and giving them food; and altercation with an apple orchard owner who was cheating the government. Recalls a couple of prisoners whom he knew on a personal basis; the camp officers and their wives. In general, remembers World War II experiences as a military guard in the States and in particular at the Lyndhurst/Sherando Lake Camp.

Records the recollections of Edward Vanfossen, retired Forest Service employee, and a Civilian Conservation Corps LEM (Local Experienced Man) and enrollee at Camp 8, Lyndhurst/Sherando Lake, Virginia during the mid 1930's [no specific dates given]. Describes impact of the Depression, losing job as an auto mechanic, and efforts to pay off a $18.00 debt. Talks about employment by the CCC as a LEM, primarily working as a mechanic and general handyman around the Camp. Mentions various jobs including road building and dam construction as an equipment operator (using a trail builder, tractor and shovel); also job as a forest fire water boss. Talks about various people and stories about them: mostly those who worked around the camp such as mechanics, tool sharpeners, the Camp doctor (and his tonsil operations); Forest Service officers; the head stonemason and carpenters; and other LEMs. Recalls chaperoning CCC boys during off time and their excursions into town (Waynesboro). Describes later employment with the Forest Service; their quarters and arrangements at the Camp. In general describes life at a CCC camp that later became a part of the national forest recreation system.

Records the recollections of Hans Schages, a German prisoner of war during World War II in the United States at Camp 8, Lyndhurst/Sherando Lake, Virginia from April 1945 through January 1945. Recalls training in the German Navy as a switchboard operator and experiences at Brest, France during the Normandy invasion, June 1944; his capture by Americans in October, shipment to Cherbourg, France and German counterattack in December (Battle of the Bulge). Describes shipment to a POW camp in England and later to the United States. In particular, describes experiences in this country as a POW, primarily at Camp 8, Lyndhurst, Virginia: layout of Camp/barracks; various routines (roll call, inspections, work details (at Woodrow Wilson Hospital; working for loggers, cutting pulpwood; and farmers). Mentions entertainment and church at the compound chapel. Describes near food shortages and unsuccessful food strike. Talks about fellow prisoners, guards (Albert Moreman) and strictness of the new Captain. Recalls events leading up to and return home to Krefeld, Germany (via three months in a French camp); and learning about the deaths of six family members during a bombing raid.

Records the recollections of Jack Branch, American enlisted Sergeant of the Guard at Camp 8, Lyndhurst/Sherando Lake, Virginia at the end of World War II (1945). Recalls experiences during the war: landing at Casablanca, Africa (1943); fighting in Italy with the 36th Army Division, and the battle of San Pietro. Talks about experiences with an Army buddy, Fletcher Burks, who he first met in basic training in the States and who was with him on and off throughout his war years, including capture and prisoner of war episodes, liberation and later return to the United States. More specifically, recalls experiences crossing the Rapido River and capture by Germans on Jan. 22, 1943. Talks about box car ride to Falkensburg, Germany and forced labor on potato farms (planting and picking; cutting wood). Recalls Red Cross packages, letter writing, and types of food they ate. Mentions attempts at escape, and final days (forced marches with Russian POWs, from Feb. 7th through April 14th, 1945) before being liberated by Americans. Describes return home, moves to Florida, Fort Meade, Md. and finally, Lyndhurst, Virginia to the CCC camp then being used as a POW stockade for German prisoners. Recollects the Camp, makeup of the guard units; the German enlisted men; and general life at the Camp (food, transportation of prisoners, their work at camp and local farms; punishment; and entertainment). In general, recalls World War II experiences over three continents and memories of wartime as a soldier, prisoner of war, and guard to German prisoners in the U.S.

Records the recollections of James Blackwell, a Civilian Conservation Corps enrollee and truck driver at Camp 8, Lyndhurst/Sherando Lake, Virginia from 1935-38. Describes Depression era situation, the WPA program, and enrollment in the CCC at the age of 14 or 15 in Aug. of 1935. Mentions early days at the camp site: mixing cement; constructing buildings such as the administration building; stone masonry and the rock crusher operation (incl. picking, hauling and laying face rock to create stone walls); tree planting; and later work as a truck driver (hauling dirt and fire fighting). Talks about general living conditions; food and KP; sports (boxing) and entertainment. Reminisces about military and Forest Service personnel who helped him; CCC friends; and relations with local town (Waynesboro) residents. Mentions "Old Hen" parties and encounters with mash and whiskey; quarantine scare over polio; and discharge from the camp. In general, records his experiences and impressions of four years as a CCC participant at a camp which later became a part of the national forest recreation system.

Records the recollections of Col. John A. Betterly, Company Commander of the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp 8, Lyndhurst/Sherando Lake, Virginia from 1936 until the beginning of World War II. Briefly mentions background as a civil engineer and Army Reservist, call to duty in 1935; first assignment as the junior officer for an all black CCC unit in Hanover, Virginia and view of segregation issues as a northerner. Describes experiences as the commander of Camp NF-8: relations between enrollees, officers and townspeople (Waynesboro) and efforts to cultivate understanding between groups. Talks about the different roles of the Army (camp life) and Forest Service (work projects). Describes day-to-day administrative duties running the camp: roll call; inspections (barracks, latrine, kitchen); paperwork; paydays; discipline and hearings; and various programs run by the Army for enrollees (education and medical). Talks about his first day on the job resolving an incident between "Yankees" and "Rebels;" and experiences with specific individuals (mess sergeant and doctor). Reminisces about his family and their relation with the Camp; later work as personnel Adjutant for the District; quartermaster; Pacificism; and final days with the CCC program and 3rd Corps. In general, records his experiences and impressions of the CCC program and its impact on the lives of young people during the Depression/pre-World War II era.

Records the recollections of Karl Baumann, a German prisoner of war during World War II in the United States at Camp 8, Lyndhurst/Sherando Lake, Virginia from April through Nov. 1945. Recalls his life as a merchant mariner in his teens; experiences in the German Navy and submarine duty during the War (incl. wounding at the invasion of Normandy, June 1944, evacuation to a hospital at Brest, capture and shipment to a POW camp in England and later to the United States). Describes experiences in this country as a POW, primarily at Camp 8, Lyndhurst, Virginia: layout of Camp/barracks; various routines (roll call, cleaning, food/meals); work assignments and projects such as cutting pulpwood, working for local farmers; clothing; and the use of exchange coupons. Describes experiences with near-food shortages (strike) and an incident resulting in cell punishment. Talks about relations with fellow prisoners and American civilians (incl. a local farmer, Galen Heatwole, who later sponsored his return back to the United States); and military guards. Records events leading up to and return home to Germany in Jan. 1946. Philosophises about human rights during wartime and religious beliefs. In general, recalls conditions in Germany leading up to the War, his life as a German soldier and POW in the U.S., and reasons for returning.

Records the recollections of Larry Ballard, a Civilian Conservation Corps enrollee at Camp 8, Lyndhurst/Sherando Lake, Virginia during the Camp's first year (1933-34). Describes Depression era situation, the CCC selection process at Hopewell, Virginia, his home town; experiences with the Army at Fort Monroe and the formation of the 351st Company (170 men). Mentions early days at the camp site: constructing buildings and creating/clearing roads; i.e., clearing brush and hauling rocks. Talks about experiences learning a trade as a stone mason; his responsibilities as a squad leader in charge of twelve men (as part of the headquarters group); duties running the canteen, and working in the supply room. Talks about food, living conditions (before and after water and electricity); entertainment (minstrel shows); involvement with newspaper writing and the Camp "Spring Owl Newspaper." Reminisces about military and Forest Service personnel, CCC friends, and relations with local town (Waynesboro) residents. In general, records his experiences and impressions of thirteen months as a CCC participant at a camp which became a part of the national forest recreation system