My $3 auction find is heading to a museum

[daroofa]

I went to an auction this past weekend and bought a box of odds and ends for 3$. The only thing I was really after was a Detroit Tigers schedule token they used to give away at gas stations. I got the box home and started looking through it, found a few old road maps and other things dating back to the 60's. In the bottom of the box was a folder containing a 3 page letter which immediately caught my eye. Dated October 29, 1918, the letter turned out to be a military report on the deplorable conditions at Camp Dodge, Iowa during the Influenza Epidemic of 1918. The report goes into some detail about the number of bodies of soldiers (175) waiting to be embalmed. It talks about the lack of undertakers in the area and of servicemen being pressed into duty as embalmers.

I contacted the Iowa Gold Star Museum located at Camp Dodge via email, and got a response from their curator Mike Vogt. His reply was yes, they would like the item for their archives. I asked only that they send me a picture of the some of the museum staff with the letter and he said that would be no problem. The letter will be going out in the morning mail and I will update this when I get pictures from them. I know it is not the most exciting of subject matter, but I'm pretty happy to be able to contribute a little something regarding a big part of Camp Dodge's history.

Thanks for looking and HH.

http://1918.pandemicflu.gov/your_state/iowa.htm

 

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[bill-USA]

Really nice gesture on your part. Most folks would have e-bayed it to pocket some coin.

My hat is off to you!

I hope the museum appreciates the honor you have bestowed on them.

Again congratulations on a great gift to society.

 

[watercolor]

WOW!!. . . That was a stellar jester on your part. . . My hat's off to you
Definitely worth an HM vote

My Great Uncle was at Camp DOdge around that time before being shipped off to France.
I still have his WWI trench coat and U.S. Army pay-book.

 

[spartacus53]

That was a great find and honorable gesture on your part for sure. I am sure that once it's displayed they will have a card saying who the donor was

 

[kid iowa]

Is this the Camp Dodge in Des Moines, or Fort Dodge?

 

[allen]

great eye on noticing that old letter and its importance !!

 

[GopherDaGold]

Why do I immediately think 'basement storage' when I hear the word 'archives'? I hope your find becomes part of an actual display.
I would draw up a contract stipulating it's return to you should the display be dismantled to put into storage.

 

[spartacus53]

Something tells me that Mike gave you a good line.. It's been a month, no picture, or letter from them.. It's either in the basement to keep it protected against harmful UV rays, or Mike already got a buyer on e-bay

I would give them a follow-up call and make sure that Mike did receive the letters and ya might as ask where that photo is

 

[Cappy Z.]

I think daroofa needs to become a Charter Member....I'll tell you what I am willing to do....You become a charter member...and post it in Cappy Z's Personal Page...and I will send you a treasure chunk that will make your journey and benevolent actions a 'rewarding' endeavor. The choice is yours daroofa...but regardless... I applaud your historical sensibilities.

Cap Z.

 

[daroofa]

Something tells me that Mike gave you a good line.. It's been a month, no picture, or letter from them.. It's either in the basement to keep it protected against harmful UV rays, or Mike already got a buyer on e-bay

I would give them a follow-up call and make sure that Mike did receive the letters and ya might as ask where that photo is

It's funny this would get brought up today. I was beginning to get a little discouraged about the whole process when I got a letter via snail mail this afternoon from the museum. It included a thank-you note, a picture of Mike with the document and a Deed of Gift document to fill out and return. I will get the letter and photo scanned in the next day or two and post them.

Is this the Camp Dodge in Des Moines, or Fort Dodge?

Camp Dodge, near Des Moines

I think daroofa needs to become a Charter Member....I'll tell you what I am willing to do....You become a charter member...and post it in Cappy Z's Personal Page...and I will send you a treasure chunk that will make your journey and benevolent actions a 'rewarding' endeavor. The choice is yours daroofa...but regardless... I applaud your historical sensibilities.

Cap Z.

It's a tempting offer, I'll let ya know.

 

[daroofa]

As I mentioned the other day, I finally heard back from the museum.

 

[curbdiggercarl57]

That's nothing to sneeze at!
(Sorry in advance),
Carl