I think the WWII collection would be really fascinating to learn more about! I have always had an interests in wars and those involved in them. Their stories fascinate me. To relate this to Commerce maybe we could look at the effect that the war had on Commerce and the community members (if anyone was drafted or anyone had family involved in the war in any form or fashion).
In the earlier maps of our campus there aren’t any residence halls from what I can tell, which goes back to the idea that we were a commuter school. Also back on the old campus’ there were a lot less buildings, from this I infer two different things. One is that there were much fewer students so there didn’t need to be as many classrooms, and second is that our educational fields were not as broad as they are now.
Reading about what the actual school was like when it was first founded from an actual student is really interesting. When he was discribing what he remembered I was actually trying to picture what it was like back then.
Dudette, Allie I totally agree with you. I too looked at the World War II collection and thought that it was one of the coolest things that the special collection offered. My favorite part was probably the pictures of all of the old uniforms. I have to say I think you may be on to something with your idea of tracking World War II veterans from Commerce. Of the two oral accounts I think we both seemed to favor Mr. Jackson’s interview over Mrs. Bowman’s. My favorite part would’ve had to have been when I read about his account of chopping firewood for himself during the winter. I was just like, “Seriously?… I mean you really aren’t jokin’ there are ya pal?” Hahah, great job Allie. Keep up the good work.
By: huntj on September 24, 2009
at 5:58 am
I agree with Hunter, Allie! Be a VERY worthwhile project to take on. And an important one!
A source for you to consider, also by Deborah Brandt, is “Drafting US Literacy” (College English, 2004, I think). It’s about literacy development during and after the war.
Interested?! I am!
By: shannoncarter on September 29, 2009
at 2:24 pm
How is it that it’s my responsibilty to reply to you for this week’s “Week in Review”, when all it’s going to sound like is me repeating both Dr. Carter’s and Hunt’s responses??
Allie, I know how you feel about history, and considering both your parents’ past, I think this would be a great research proposal! You could go in a variety of directions.
I’d like to see more of “you” in your RJs, though. You talk lots about the summary of the activities, and I knowww how much you dislike writing, but I promise… make it more about you and how it relates to what you’re doing, and you will feel SO much better about the assignments!
Oh, btw… love you. =]
By: thejenanne on September 30, 2009
at 10:54 pm