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Civilian Public Service publications

 Collection
Identifier: HC.MC-1236

Scope and Contents

This collection consists primarily of the publications of conscientious objectors (COs) working at Civilian Public Service (CPS) camps during World War II, performing "work of national importance" in lieu of combat. Camps documented in this collection were established for various purposes, from firefighting in the rural West to caring for mental patients and the elderly. The publications cover areas across the United States, although they are focused in the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and California. There are publications from Puerto Rico and a vague "Latin American Unit." These publications range from the very basic (a single sheet of typewritten paper announcing the week's events) to the elaborate (50-page magazines on glossy paper with black-and-white photographs) and cover all aspects of the lives of COs-- the mundane as well as the profound. Many publications intermittently published tables of all men who were in that specific camp at the time, or of all men who had passed through the camp. Publication frequency ranged from weekly to quarterly. A few other publications are also included, which were not directly published by COs but which share pacifist leanings or are otherwise related.

Dates

  • Creation: 1941-1946

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research use.

Use Restrictions

Standard Federal Copyright Laws Apply (U.S. Title 17).

Biographical / Historical

Civilian Public Service camps, which provided men with an alternative to traditional military service during World War II, began to form as soon as the military began drafting soldiers in 1941, and some remained open until 1947. The camps were run by groups affiliated with the so-called 'peace churches'-- the Church of the Brethren, the Religious Society of Friends, and the Mennonites. However, men of all denominations, of other faiths, and of no organized faith, are recorded in these publications.

Extent

1.5 Linear Feet (6 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection consists primarily of the publications of conscientious objectors (COs) working at Civilian Public Service (CPS) camps in the United States during World War II, performing "work of national importance" in lieu of combat. Camps were established for various purposes, from firefighting in the rural West to caring for mental patients and the elderly. The publications cover areas across the United States, although are focused in the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and California. Two publications appear to be from outside the United States. Publications range from the basic to the elaborate and cover all aspects of the lives of COs-- the mundane as well as the profound. Many publications intermittently published tables of all men who were in that specific camp at the time, or of all men who had passed through the camp. Publication frequency ranged from weekly to quarterly. A few other publications are also included, which were not directly published by COs but which share pacifist leanings or are otherwise related.

Custodial History

Most of these publications appear to have been sent to Special Collections at the time of their original publication.

Related Materials

Some documents have duplicates in PG3, Friends Civilian Public Service.

Processing Information

Processed by Jon Sweitzer-Lamme.

Title
Civilian Public Service publications, 1941-1946
Status
Completed
Author
Jon Sweitzer-Lamme
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Find It at the Library

Most of the materials in this catalog are not digitized and can only be accessed in person. Please see our website for more information about visiting or requesting repoductions from Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections Library

Contact:
370 Lancaster Ave
Haverford PA 19041 USA US