Squadron Commanders and guidons 319th Bomb Group in formation to receive Awards. Photograph from the B-26 Marauder Archives, 319th Bombardment Group Reunion Association, Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron
On July 5, 1944, the 319th Bombardment Group along with the squadron commanding officers and the guidon bearers (pictured) stood at attention in a newly bulldozed dirt field in Decimomannu, Sardinia (Italy) before the Commander of the 12th Army Air Force, Major General John K. Cannon, to receive two Distinguished Unit Citations. The citations were awarded for successful rail yard raids in Rome and Florence during “Operation Strangle” in an attempt to disrupt German supply lines. The B-26 Marauder bombings were performed under heavy enemy fire and hazardous weather conditions while remaining highly accurate. For a brief history of the 319th Bomb Group in World War II: http://www.uakron.edu/libraries/archives/collections/finding-aids/b26/bombgroup-detail.dot?id=1396330
This photograph is one of thousands from the newly completed collection housed in the B-26 Marauder Archives at The University of Akron, Archival Services. The 319th Bombardment Group was the only United States Army Air Force bomb group to fly in all three World War II theaters: the Mediterranean, European, and Pacific. The records of those who flew in the war along with those of the 319th Bombardment Group Reunion Association that was formed in 1974 can be found in the finding aid here:
Photograph of the 1931 Akron Sporting Goods team after a win against the Falls Merchants. Photograph by Stivas Studio, Akron, Ohio. From the Glenn V. Bosworth Collection, Archival Services University Libraries, The University of Akron
Glenn V. Bosworth Collection 1894-1979:
This collection encompasses material relating to his long career in athletics. Bosworth coached and managed teams locally from 1919 through 1952. He coached the University of Akron baseball team in 1931-1932, and was later a scout for the Cleveland Indians who honored him as “Mr. Baseball” in 1976. This collection has numerous photographs of the teams and players Bosworth managed and are of particular value to anyone interested in the Akron baseball and basketball leagues in the early 20th century. http://ead.ohiolink.edu/xtf-ead/view?docId=ead/OhAkUAS0044.xml;query=;brand=default
Some books on local baseball history available:
Industrial League Baseball and Employee Welfare Work by Jeffery E. Smith GV863.A1 S658 1991
Glory Days: The Akron Yankees of the Middle Atlantic League, 1935-1941 by Richard McBane GV875.A53 M33 1997
Akron-Canton Baseball Heritage / Thomas Maroon, Margaret Maroon, Craig Holbert GV863.O32 A47 2007
Other finding aids now available on-line:
Helen E. Arnold Papers, 1965-1975:
Helen E. Arnold (1924-2001) was an employee of the City of Akron who fought for education reform and equal rights for women and African-Americans in the Akron/Summit County area. She was the first black woman to serve on the Akron Board of Education and served in various capacities on numerous boards and organizations, including President of the Akron Branch of the NAACP. Her papers include speeches, writings, correspondence, news clippings, and subject files that document her work.
Russell S. Colley (1889-1996) was a mechanical engineer for the B. F. Goodrich Company in Akron, Ohio and later the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). His papers include photographs, patents, and printed materials documenting his work with aircraft de-icers and space suits.
Karl H. Grismer (1896-1952) was a journalist who worked in Akron, Ohio and Florida. He published several books on local history in the two states. His papers contain materials that document his life and work including his writings and a selection of his artwork as well as numerous newspaper clippings.
Technicians with Ball of Smoked Rubber in Brazilian Amazon Courtland B. Manifold Papers, Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron
Courtland B. Manifold Papers, 1921-1952:
Courtland B. Manifold (1894-1973) was a soil specialist who worked for the United States government as well as Goodyear and Firestone. He investigated land in South America, West Africa, and the Far East for the planting of rubber during the first half of the twentieth century. His papers contain both diaries and photographs that document his work and his travels.
Red Cross Staff, Belgrade 1915. Mary E. Gladwin is the center nurse in the all-white uniform. Photograph from the Mary E. Gladwin Papers, Archival Services University Libraries, The University of Akron
Mary E. Gladwin Papers, 1898-1939:
Mary E. Gladwin (1861-1939) was a Red Cross nurse who served during the Spanish-American war, Russo-Japanese war and World War I in the Balkans. Her papers consist of her memoirs, photographs, a diary, and various material concerning Gladwin’s experiences serving at various posts around the world. Mary Gladwin Hall at the University of Akron is named after her.
Susannah Chamberlain (Cole) 1849-1929, class of 1873. “Susie” entered Buchtel College the first day it opened and was one of four members of its first graduating class. After graduation, Miss Chamberlin taught English and Rhetoric at Buchtel College from 1873 until 1887 when she married Frank F. Cole.
Monday February 18th the Akron Beacon Journal had an article announcing that the Summit County Historical Society will recognize Alvin Coe Voris with the Summit Award. [ http://www.ohio.com/news/summit-historical-society-to-honor-civil-war-general-1.374092 ] That article contained excerpts from a letter Voris wrote his wife describing a visit to a field hospital at Folly Island, SC. If you are interested in reading more here is a pdf of the complete letter. Alvin Coe Voris letter July 3 1863 If you or a student you know is interested in the Civil War, the Alvin Coe Voris papers 1860-1865 are available for researchers. If reading hand writing is not your thing many of the letters were published in Professor Mushkat’s book A Citizen-Soldier’s Civil War : the letters of Brevet Major General Alvin C. Voris available in Archival Services.
