Join us in celebrating Archives Month and America's 250 with a series of free, virtual Lunch and Learn talks related to the different peoples of North Carolina, and the roles they have played in the country's history, and how we preserve related records. Our first talk will be next Wednesday!

SNCA Archives Month Lunch and Learns

October 1st, 12-1pm, Promise and Peril of Handwritten Text Recognition & Artificial Intelligence in Archives

Ben and Sara Brumfield, creators of From the Page, will be speaking about using AI for transcription of archival documents. Not all transcription is the same. Documents transcribed by humans or different kinds of AI have different strengths and weaknesses that affect how archives can use them responsibly. We'll go deep into three transcription methods: human transcription by staff or volunteers, handwritten text recognition via tools like Transkribus, and generative text from large language models like ChatGPT. Then we'll talk about where AI works and where it fails. Finally, we'll look at two ways we are trying to implement responsible AI to help humans -- both volunteers and staff -- in FromThePage.

Meeting Link: https://ecu.webex.com/ecu/j.php?MTID=ma67f0fae4834aa872bb38159719c7012 

Meeting number: 2863 354 7342

Meeting password: JSixBswm342

October 8th, 12-1pm, Show-and-Tell Panel

• Zachary Tumlin, Project Archivist for the Duke Family Papers, Duke University, speaking about Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans and his project to process her family papers 

• David Gwynn, Digitization Coordinator and Associate Professor, UNC-Greensboro, speaking about a LGTBQ oral history project

• Karina Burbank, Special Collections Research Center Student Exhibit Curator, North Carolina State University, speaking about NC State Fair collection

Meeting link: https://ecu.webex.com/ecu/j.php?MTID=m4ced025702ab75834a7c414f25b8f02d

Meeting number: 2865 211 5631

Meeting password: 7MxjYmYPr37

October 29th, 12-1 pm, Archives Influencing Art

Winston-Salem based artist Sauda Mitchel will speak about her work utilizing printmaking and QR code technology as a creative non-traditional access method linking viewers to archival repositories, curated exhibitions, and aggregated data.

Meeting link: https://ecu.webex.com/ecu/j.php?MTID=m75148041e64ccd4aa1ada69317fd972b 

Meeting number: 2633 436 2260

Password: GupstPgd369 

Dear SNCA Members,

After careful research and thoughtful discussion, the SNCA Board has made the decision to adjust our annual membership dues. This change will allow us to continue offering high-quality educational programs, support the annual conference, and sustain the overall health of our organization.

Beginning with your next membership renewal, the new rates will be as follows:

• Regular Membership: $30 (previously $25)
• Student Membership: $10 (previously $12.50)

We believe this adjustment will not only help maintain the quality of programming our members expect but also make student membership more accessible, with the hope of encouraging greater student involvement in SNCA.

This decision was not made lightly, and we remain committed to transparency with our membership. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out directly to Patrick Cash, President, at cashpa18@ecu.edu or Randall Bowman, Membership Chair, at rbowman@elon.edu.

Thank you for your continued support of SNCA and for the vital role you play in strengthening our community of current and future archivists across North Carolina.

Sincerely,

Patrick Cash, President

Randall Bowman, Membership Chair

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library Special Collections has been highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. See also the 1st and 2nd and 3rd and 4th and 5th and 6th and 7th and 8th and 9th and 10th and 11th and 12th and 13th and 14th and 15th and 16th and 17th posts. The following post was contributed by Patrick Cash. 

Warning: The following content features accounts of war and human suffering. Content may be upsetting to some.

As World War II neared its end in Europe in early 1945, Allied forces advancing from both the east and west encountered one of the most harrowing aspects of Nazi brutality—the concentration and extermination camps.¹ These camps, designed to imprison, exploit, and ultimately exterminate millions of people, primarily Jews but also political prisoners, Romani people, and other persecuted groups, were discovered in various stages of operation or abandonment.² The liberators, including American, British, Soviet, and Canadian troops, discovered skeletal survivors, mass graves, and evidence of systematic genocide.³ The liberation of these camps marked not only the end of the Holocaust but also the beginning of a long and painful recovery process for the survivors.⁴ Additionally, the evidence found during the liberation of the camps would play an important role in prosecuting Nazi soldiers at the Nuremberg Trials.⁵

Entrance to Gusen I Concentration Camp, near Mauthausen, Austria, after being cleaned up by U.S. Army, 1945. Image from Alvis Mewborn Papers (#1159), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

The Liberation of the Camps

The first major camp to be liberated was Majdanek, located near Lublin, Poland, in July 1944. The rapid Soviet advance caught the Nazis off guard, and much of the camp remained intact, providing clear evidence of mass murder.⁶ Auschwitz, the largest and most infamous extermination camp, was liberated by the Red Army on January 27, 1945. Soviet troops found approximately 7,000 survivors, along with vast amounts of evidence—gas chambers, crematoria, and warehouses filled with the personal belongings of the victims.⁷ As the Western Allies advanced through Germany in the spring of 1945, they uncovered additional concentration camps.⁸ The U.S. Army liberated Buchenwald (April 11), Dora-Mittelbau (April 11), and Dachau (April 29), among others.⁹ British forces reached Bergen-Belsen on April 15, finding over 60,000 prisoners suffering from starvation and disease.¹⁰ The horrors witnessed in these camps left deep impressions on the liberators, some of whom documented their experiences to ensure that the world would never forget.¹¹

The Humanitarian Crisis

Liberation did not mean immediate relief for survivors.¹² Many were too weak to eat solid food, and disease spread rapidly in the overcrowded, unsanitary conditions.¹³ Allied medical personnel faced enormous challenges in treating thousands of malnourished and diseased individuals.¹⁴ Typhus outbreaks, in particular, claimed many lives even after liberation.¹⁵ Military doctors, nurses, and relief organizations worked tirelessly to save as many lives as possible.¹⁶ For many survivors, freedom came with the realization that they had lost their entire families.¹⁷ Displaced persons camps were established to provide temporary shelter and international efforts were made to help survivors rebuild their lives.¹⁸ The United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) played a crucial role in assisting displaced persons, though many faced continued hardships and struggled to find permanent homes.¹⁹

Survivors of Gusen I Concentration Camp receiving medical care, 1945. Image from Alvis Mewborn Papers (#1159), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

The Liberation of Mauthausen and the Role of the 131st Evacuation Hospital

One of the last major concentration camps to be liberated was Mauthausen, located in Austria.²⁰ Unlike the infamous camps of Auschwitz or Bergen-Belsen, Mauthausen was classified as a “Category III” camp, meaning the camp would only hold prisoners whom the Reichssicherheitshauptamt, or Reich Main Office for Security (RSHA) deemed “severely incriminated, especially previously convicted criminals and those that were deemed to be associated with criminals.²¹ It housed political prisoners, resistance fighters, Jewish citizens, and other groups deemed enemies of the Nazi regime.²²

Mauthausen was established in 1938 following the Anschluss (Germany’s annexation of Austria) and became the center of a network of subcamps.²³ The camp was notorious for its brutality, particularly in the Wiener Graben quarry, where prisoners were forced to carry heavy stones up the “Stairs of Death.”²⁴ Many prisoners were worked to exhaustion, beaten, or outright executed.²⁵ As the Allies closed in, the Nazis attempted to destroy evidence of their crimes, forcing prisoners on death marches and evacuating records.²⁶ However, thousands of prisoners remained in the camp when the 11th Armored Division of the U.S. Third Army arrived on May 5, 1945.²⁷

The 11th Armored Division’s Role

The 11th Armored Division, part of General George S. Patton’s Third Army, played a critical role in the liberation of Mauthausen.²⁸ As they moved into Austria, soldiers encountered refugees and heard reports of atrocities at the camp.²⁹ Upon arrival, they found thousands of emaciated prisoners, many too weak to walk.³⁰ The initial response of the liberators was a mix of shock and swift action.³¹ Soldiers provided food and medical care to survivors, although some initially overfed prisoners, unintentionally causing harm to their fragile digestive systems.³² Military personnel documented the conditions with photographs and testimonies, ensuring that the crimes committed at Mauthausen would not be forgotten.³³

Survivor Stories from Mauthausen

Survivors of Mauthausen have provided harrowing accounts of their experiences.³⁴ One such survivor, Simon Wiesenthal, who later became a famed Nazi hunter, was among those liberated at the camp.³⁵ He had endured years of forced labor and near-starvation but survived to seek justice for those who had perished.³⁶ Another survivor, Francisco Boix, a Spanish Civil War refugee, was forced to work in the camp’s photography lab, where he secretly saved incriminating photographs of SS officers and camp conditions.³⁷ These photographs would later serve as crucial evidence in the Nuremberg Trials.³⁸ Eliezer Adler, a Jewish survivor, recalled the arrival of American troops: “I could barely lift my head, but I saw them—they looked like angels. I had not seen kindness in years, and suddenly there was warmth and hope.”³⁹ Adler’s story, like many others, highlights the shared experiences of those who suffered in Mauthausen.⁴⁰

The Work of the 131st Evacuation Hospital

The 131st Evacuation Hospital, a U.S. Army medical unit, was among the first medical teams to enter Mauthausen.⁴¹ Their primary task was to stabilize survivors, many of whom were suffering from starvation, typhus, and other diseases.⁴² The sheer scale of the crisis overwhelmed medical staff with limited supplies and personnel.⁴³ Efforts to rehydrate and nourish survivors were complicated because their bodies could not process regular food.⁴⁴ Special diets were introduced to help them regain strength, and makeshift hospitals were set up within the camp.⁴⁵ The 131st Evacuation Hospital worked alongside other medical units, including captured German doctors and nurses, to treat thousands of patients.⁴⁶

Photograph of a soldier standing beside the cemetery at Camp Gusen Concentration Camp in Gusen, Austria, taken by Alvis Mewborn during his service in the U. S. Army in World War II. Image from Alvis Mewborn Papers (#1159), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

The Persecution of Nazi Soldiers

Following the war, many of the Nazi soldiers and camp officials responsible for the atrocities at Mauthausen were prosecuted.⁴⁷ The Mauthausen-Gusen Trials, held between 1946 and 1947, convicted numerous SS officers, guards, and collaborators of war crimes.⁴⁸ Some, such as Franz Ziereis, Mauthausen’s commandant, were killed or committed suicide before they could stand trial.⁴⁹ Others were executed or sentenced to long prison terms.⁵⁰ The trials were instrumental in setting legal precedents for crimes against humanity and reinforcing the importance of justice for the victims of the Holocaust.⁵¹ However, many perpetrators managed to escape justice, blending into post-war society or fleeing to other countries.⁵² 

Alvis Mewborn and His Service

One of the soldiers serving in the 131st Evacuation Hospital was Alvis Whitted Mewborn, a North Carolina native who enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 21, 1941.⁵³ Mewborn served as a Master Sergeant and was stationed at Camp Gusen I, a subcamp of Mauthausen, from April to November 1945.⁵⁴ During his time at the camp, Mewborn helped provide medical care, food, clothing, and proper burials for those who perished.⁵⁵ The 131st Evacuation Hospital built a cemetery and chapel as part of their efforts to bring dignity to the victims.⁵⁶ He also documented the experience, photographing the camp, its survivors, and surrounding towns such as Ulm, Enns, and even the bombed remains of Hitler’s and Goering’s residences in Berchtesgaden.⁵⁷ His photographs of the war are available in the East Carolina Manuscript Collection as part of the Alvis Mewborn Papers (#1159).⁵⁸

Conclusion

The liberation of Nazi concentration camps was a defining moment during the final months of World War II in Europe.⁵⁹ It exposed the full extent of Nazi atrocities and brought long-overdue relief to countless survivors. The evidence uncovered not only documented the unimaginable suffering endured by millions but it also served as a foundation for the pursuit of justice through the Nuremberg Trials.⁶⁰ Remembering the stories of survivors, liberators, and those who perished ensures that the lessons of the Holocaust remain a vital part of our collective memory.

For sources and notes, see https://library.ecu.edu/specialcollections/2025/05/08/the-liberation-of-nazi-concentration-camps-at-the-end-of-world-war-ii/.

Appointment: Health Sciences Librarian

Emma Barrett-Catton joins the University Libraries as a health sciences librarian, effective June 2, 2025.

Read online: https://library.unc.edu/news/appointment-health-sciences-librarian/

Photo: https://library.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Featured-Barett-Catton-2025-scaled.jpg

The University Libraries is pleased to announce the appointment of Emma Barrett-Catton as health sciences librarian, effective June 2.  

In this role, Barrett-Catton will provide information, instruction and research services for patrons at the Health Sciences Library. She will provide educational support for the health affairs schools by developing and leading workshops, course sections, and asynchronous resources. Barrett-Catton will also collaborate on and provide support for research projects with health affairs schools and the UNC Medical Center. 

Barrett-Catton previously served as a Carolina Academic Library Associate in the Health Sciences Library. She holds an M.S. in Library Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Design from the University of Montana. Barrett-Catton earned her B.S. in Bioengineering from Santa Clara University.

Joyner Library Special Collections has been highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. See also the 1st and 2nd and 3rd and 4th and 5th and 6th and 7th and 8th and 9th and 10th and 11th and 12th and 13th and 14th and 15th and 16th posts. The following post was contributed by Patrick Cash and John Dunning. 

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library will host a new exhibit, In Their Footsteps: Exploring World War II Through Archival Records, opening May 13th, 2025. Featured across the first, third, and fourth floors of the library, the exhibit aims to tell the story of the Second World War from an American perspective via photographs, records, diaries, oral histories, film, posters, and other artifacts. Through these materials, the voices of those who experienced the conflict are alive and remembered.

While the exhibit will undoubtedly feature the major battles and events of the war, such as the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Invasion of Normandy, or D-Day, portions of the exhibit will also be devoted to less-covered aspects and events. These include topics such as propaganda, rationing, life on the home front in Eastern North Carolina, the experience of minority service members, the internment of Japanese Americans, the Holocaust and its survivors, and the trials faced by prisoners of war. The stories of soldiers and sailors on the frontlines who served in the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps will be heavily featured through materials documenting action in the European and Pacific Theatres of War, while also highlighting the service of women and volunteers who served at home and abroad in WAVES, SPARs, and the American Red Cross. Over 100 physical and digital items from the East Carolina Manuscript Collection will be displayed, with over 600 additional items related to World War II featured in our Digital Collections repository.

In Their Footsteps, curated by Patrick Cash, Manuscripts Curator, and John Dunning, Digital Archivist, will be on display until December 2025. For more information about the exhibit or to arrange special tours, please email specialcollections@ecu.edu. Can’t wait until then? Check out our blog series Remembrance and Records: World War II Through Archival Collections.

Learn more about each by visiting their websites at the links below:

• Archival Methods - https://www.archivalmethods.com/
• Aviary Platform - https://www.aviaryplatform.com/
• ECU College of Education Master of Library Science Program - https://education.ecu.edu/idp/library-science-masters/
• From the Page - https://www.fromthepage.com/landing
• Hollinger Metal Edge - https://www.hollingermetaledge.com/
• NC LIVE - https://www.nclive.org/
• University Products - https://www.universityproducts.com/
• Z. Smith Reynolds Library, Wake Forest University - https://zsr.wfu.edu/

Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library Special Collections will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. See also the 1st and 2nd and 3rd and 4th and 5th and 6th and 7th and 8th and 9th and 10th and 11th and 12th and 13th and 14th and 15th posts. The following post was contributed by Patrick Cash. 

During World War II, as men were deployed to combat roles, the United States faced an urgent need for personnel to support the war effort on the home front and overseas. To address this issue, the U.S. Coast Guard established the Women’s Reserve, commonly known as SPARs. This all-female unit played a significant role in ensuring the efficiency of the Coast Guard’s operations and paved the way for greater integration of women in the military.

The Origins of SPARs

The name “SPAR” was derived from the Coast Guard’s motto, “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready). The establishment of SPARs was authorized on November 23, 1942, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Public Law 773, allowing for the creation of a women’s reserve in the Coast Guard. This move followed the example set by the Navy’s WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) and the Women’s Army Corps (WAC).

Captain Dorothy C. Stratton, formerly the Dean of Women at Purdue University and an officer in the WAVES, was appointed as the first director of SPARs. Under her leadership, SPARs recruited thousands of women eager to serve their country.

November 1943 issue of Topside. Topside was a monthly publication of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, 4th Naval District. Item from U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Records (#559), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Recruitment and Training

Women who joined SPARs underwent similar rigorous training as their male counterparts. Initially, recruits trained at Hunter College in New York before moving to specialized training schools at various locations across the country. SPAR officers were trained at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, marking the first time women were permitted to train at a U.S. military service academy.

To join SPARs, women had to be U.S. citizens between the ages of 20 and 36, have completed at least two years of high school (though most had more education), and pass strict physical requirements. The Coast Guard sought women with professional and technical skills, including those with experience in clerical work, communications, engineering, and maritime-related fields.

Roles and Contributions

SPARs were assigned to various duties that freed up male servicemembers for combat roles. They took on administrative, clerical, and operational responsibilities, including:

• Radio Operations and Communications: Many SPARs worked as radio operators, deciphering and transmitting critical messages.
• Storekeeping and Supply Chain Management: They ensured that supplies and equipment were effectively distributed to support Coast Guard operations.
• Yeoman Duties: SPARs served as secretaries, typists, and clerks, handling essential paperwork and logistical tasks.
• Health and Medical Services: Some women served as pharmacists, hospital aides, and dental technicians.
• Intelligence and Cryptography: A select group worked in intelligence, assisting with codebreaking and other classified operations.

The presence of SPARs was particularly important in keeping domestic stations operational. Many were stationed at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C., and at district offices and training centers across the United States. While they did not serve in combat, their work was crucial to maintaining the efficiency and security of Coast Guard activities.

Spotlight on Dorothy Kurtz

One notable member of SPARs was Dorothy E. Kurtz. Born in the Bronx, New York, in 1922, Kurtz enlisted in the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve in 1943 at age 21. She served until 1946, taking on various roles that were essential to the Coast Guard’s mission during the war. Her dedication exemplified the commitment and patriotism of women who joined SPARs.

After her active service, Kurtz remained deeply connected to the Coast Guard community. She was an active member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, contributing her time and expertise to support ongoing missions. Her involvement extended to the Dolphins Women’s Veterans Organization, where she served as chaplain and historian, preserving the legacy of women veterans.

Kurtz’s commitment to service was evident in her volunteer work beyond the Coast Guard. She dedicated 25 years to the Senior Friendship Center and volunteered with the Red Cross during times of tragedy in Florida. Her life of service left a lasting impact on her community and the Coast Guard family.

Dorothy Kurtz passed away on September 12, 2016, at the age of 93. Her funeral was attended by Coast Guard Auxiliary and active-duty members, who gathered to honor her contributions and legacy. Captain Holly Najarian, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, remarked, “Ms. Kurtz was a trailblazer in not only her words but in her actions. Her dedication to the Coast Guard was evident in her tenacity to spread the word to scores of young up-and-coming service members.”

To see an oral history film, visit https://library.ecu.edu/specialcollections/2025/03/20/spars-the-women-who-served-in-the-u-s-coast-guard-during-world-war-ii/

Overcoming Challenges and Breaking Barriers

Despite their contributions, SPARs faced challenges stemming from societal expectations. Many in the military were skeptical of women’s capabilities in traditionally male-dominated roles. Nevertheless, SPARs proved their value through their dedication and competence. By the end of the war, they had firmly established themselves as an essential component of the Coast Guard.

One of the most significant barriers broken by SPARs was their presence at the Coast Guard Academy. Though women were only admitted as reservists at the time, their success set the stage for the permanent admission of female cadets decades later.

The Legacy of SPARs

By the time SPARs was officially disbanded in July 1947, over 11,000 women had served in the organization. SPARs veterans, like Dorothy Kurtz, continued to contribute to their communities and the Coast Guard Auxiliary, leveraging their wartime experience in new and impactful ways.

SPARs’ legacy continued long after World War II. In 1973, women were officially integrated into the active-duty Coast Guard, building on the precedent set by SPARs. Today, women serve in all capacities in the Coast Guard, including command and combat roles, a testament to the pioneering contributions of SPARs.

Conclusion

SPARs were more than just a wartime necessity; they paved the way for greater opportunities for women in the U.S. military. Their service during World War II proved that women were fully capable of handling critical military responsibilities, helping to pave the way for future generations of female service members. As we reflect on their contributions, we recognize SPARs as an integral part of American military history, embodying the Coast Guard’s motto—”Semper Paratus, Always Ready.”

Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library Special Collections will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. See also the 1st and 2nd and 3rd and 4th and 5th and 6th and 7th and 8th and 9th and 10th and 11th and 12th and 13th and 14th posts. The following post was contributed by Patrick Cash. 

During World War II, the United States military recognized the need for additional personnel to support the war effort. With thousands of men deployed overseas, the armed forces turned to women to fill essential roles. One of the most significant contributions of women to the war effort came through establishing the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, commonly referred to as WAVES, program in the U.S. Navy. This initiative not only provided crucial support during the war but also paved the way for the expanded role of women in the military in the decades that followed.

Origins and Formation of WAVES

Before the United States entered World War II, women had limited opportunities to serve in the military outside of nursing roles. However, as the war intensified and manpower shortages became evident, the government began to explore ways to integrate women into the armed forces. The success of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in early 1942 demonstrated that women could play a vital role in military operations.

The WAVES program was formally established on July 30, 1942, with the signing of the Navy Women’s Reserve Act by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This act allowed women to serve in the U.S. Navy in non-combat roles. Under the leadership of Mildred H. McAfee, the first director of WAVES and the first woman commissioned as a naval officer, the program quickly took shape and began recruiting women across the country.

Recruitment and Training

The WAVES program sought educated and skilled women to fill a wide range of roles. Initially, eligibility requirements stipulated that women had to be between the ages of 20 and 49, hold U.S. citizenship and possess at least two years of college education for officer candidates. Enlisted women must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Training for WAVES officers took place at Smith College in Massachusetts, where women underwent rigorous instruction in naval procedures, leadership, and specialized technical skills. Enlisted women trained at various naval stations across the country, including the Bronx campus of Hunter College in New York. The training regimen was designed to prepare women for service in administrative, medical, aviation, communications, intelligence, and logistical support roles.

Activities of the Waves, Spars and the MCWR at the Naval Reserve Midshipmen’s School Northampton, Mass, 1943-1944. Item from Ellen Zukunft McGrew Papers (#723), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Roles and Contributions

WAVES personnel took on a wide range of responsibilities within the Navy, proving their capabilities across many professional fields. Some of the most common roles included:

• Clerical and Administrative Work: Many WAVES served as yeomen, handling paperwork, managing personnel records, and ensuring efficient office operations.
• Communications and Intelligence: Women played key roles as cryptographers, radio operators, and translators, helping to decode enemy messages and maintain secure naval communications.
• Medical and Scientific Roles: WAVES nurses, pharmacists, and lab technicians provided essential healthcare services to wounded sailors and conducted medical research.
• Aviation Support: Women worked as aerographers, air traffic controllers, and aircraft mechanics, supporting naval aviation efforts.
• Educational and Training Roles: Some WAVES served as instructors, training naval personnel in various skills, including navigation, gunnery, and engineering.

Despite their valuable contributions, WAVES members were restricted to non-combat roles and were not permitted to serve aboard combat ships or aircraft. However, their work freed up thousands of men for frontline duty, significantly bolstering the Navy’s operational capacity.

WAVES Records in the East Carolina Manuscript Collection

The East Carolina Manuscript Collection has a number of collections pertaining to remarkable women who served in WAVES. One such collection is the Ellen Zukunft McGrew Papers (ECMC #0723). Born in 1919 in Portland, Maine, Ellen Zukunft McGrew completed three years of college and worked as an x-ray technician before joining WAVES in 1942. She underwent naval training in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland from 1942 to 1943.

In 1943, McGrew was commissioned as an ensign and was assigned to the 6th United States Naval Reserve District Headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina. She later served at the Naval Training Center in Sampson, New York. McGrew resigned her commission in 1946 but remained in the Naval Reserves until 1957, continuing to contribute to military readiness and medical services. Her dedication and service exemplify the essential roles WAVES members played in supporting the war effort and the post-war Navy.

Another notable collection related to the WAVES organization is the Martha Evelyn Donaldson Papers (ECMC #0517). Martha Evelyn Donaldson was born in 1900 in Lima, Ohio, and raised in Jackson, Michigan. The daughter of a U.S. Army veteran, Donaldson pursued higher education at Oberlin College and later at Columbia University, earning multiple degrees. Before joining the Navy, Donaldson worked as a children’s and reference librarian, taught English and history, and served as a Red Cross Volunteer Motor Corps driver.

Portrait of Ellen Zukunft McGrew as a United States Naval Reserve (USNR) Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) officer, 1942-1946. Image from the Ellen Zukunft McGrew Papers (#723), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Determined to contribute to the war effort, Donaldson enlisted in WAVES on August 22, 1942, just before her 42nd birthday. She received a commission as a Lieutenant Junior Grade and trained at Smith College with the first group of twenty-seven WAVES. She began her service at the Naval Training School at Indiana University before transferring to Glynco, Georgia, where she served as Assistant Supply Officer and Assistant Ships Service Officer and established a 3,000-volume library.

From July 1943 to June 1945, Donaldson was stationed at the Headquarters of the Third Naval District in New York, serving as an assistant to the Commander for Operations and later in the Office of the Port Director. After the war, she was honorably released from active duty in January 1946 but continued her service in the Naval Reserves. Over the years, she worked to establish training programs for Inactive Volunteer Reservists, commanded a Volunteer Composite Unit, and participated in various Mobilization Drill Teams. Donaldson rose through the ranks, earning promotions to Lieutenant Commander in 1948 and Commander in 1955.

Challenges and Overcoming Barriers

Although WAVES was a groundbreaking program, it was not without challenges. Women in the Navy faced skepticism and resistance from some male colleagues who doubted their abilities, forcing women to work twice as hard to prove themselves in their roles.

Additionally, restrictive policies limited the opportunities available to women of color. Initially, WAVES was an all-white organization due to segregationist policies. It was not until 1944, following pressure from civil rights organizations and advocates, that the Navy began accepting African American women into the program. Despite these obstacles, those who joined WAVES performed their duties with distinction.

Impact and Legacy

By the end of World War II, more than 86,000 women had served in WAVES, making an indelible impact on the U.S. Navy and the broader war effort. Their service proved that women were fully capable of performing military duties outside of traditional nursing roles, challenging long-standing norms.

The success of WAVES contributed to the eventual integration of women into the regular armed forces. In 1948, the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act allowed women to serve as permanent, regular members of the military, rather than only in emergency wartime capacities. This legislation was a direct result of the contributions made by WAVES and other women’s service organizations during World War II.

Conclusion

The WAVES program was a revolutionary step in the history of women’s military service. Through their dedication, professionalism, and hard work, the women of WAVES not only helped the U.S. Navy achieve victory in World War II but also laid the foundation for future generations of women in the military. Their legacy continues to inspire women serving in the armed forces today.

Sources:

• Ellen Zukunft McGrew Papers (#723), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
• Martha E. Donaldson Papers (#517), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
• Johnetta Webb Spilman Oral History Interview (#OH0012), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
• National Archives. “WAVES: It’s a Woman’s War, Too!” Prologue: Pieces of History (Blog), March 6, 2024. https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2024/03/06/waves-its-a-womans-war-too/.
• Smith, Mildred H. Correspondence and Reports on WAVES Recruitment and Training, 1942-1945. National Archives, Washington, D.C.
• United States Navy. Women in the Navy: WAVES During World War II. National Archives and Records Administration. Accessed January 2025 https://www.archives.gov/research/military/navy/waves-wwii.

Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library Special Collections will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. See also the 1st and 2nd and 3rd and 4th and 5th and 6th and 7th and 8th and 9th and 10th and 11th and 12th and 13th posts. The following post was contributed by Madison Howlett and Patrick Cash.

Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library Special Collections will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served.

During World War II, the U.S. Navy B-1 Band made history as the first African Americans to serve in the modern Navy at ranks higher than a messman. Comprising primarily students and graduates from North Carolina A&T College, this ensemble not only showcased exceptional musical talent but also played a pivotal role in challenging racial segregation within the U.S. military.

Formation and Early Challenges 

Profile of the members of the B-1 U.S. Navy Band of World War II, 1942-2001. Item from the Calvin F. Morrow Collection (#908), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

In 1942, the Navy sought to expand roles for African Americans beyond custodial positions. Recognizing an opportunity, a group of talented musicians from North Carolina A&T College, along with nine students from Dudley High School, enlisted to form what would become the B-1 Band. James B. Parsons, the band director at Dudley High School, was appointed as the band’s leader after A&T’s director, Bernard Mason, was unable to pass the required physical examination.

Despite their qualifications, the band members faced systemic racism, including exclusion from the Navy’s School of Music, which did not admit Black students at the time. Instead, they relied on their training and cohesion to prepare for service. After enlisting, they were sent to Norfolk, Virginia, for basic training. Instead of focusing on music, their early days consisted of physical conditioning, drills, and vaccinations. One band member recalled that they “did everything but get up and exercise in the morning” when it came to musical preparation. 

The band members also encountered racism at every turn. Despite being enlisted as musicians, they were not treated as equals to their white counterparts. They were often housed separately, subjected to menial tasks, and denied access to the Navy School of Music. Instead, they had to train among themselves, forging their path in an institution that had not yet recognized their full potential. 

Service in Chapel Hill: The Pre-Flight School Band 

From August 1942 to May 1944, the B-1 Band was stationed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where they served as the official band for the Navy’s Pre-Flight School. Their presence at a white university in the Jim Crow South was groundbreaking. While they were not allowed to live on campus, they were given a separate building and provided music for official events, including daily marches and ceremonies. 

Despite their recognized musical talent, the band members continued to encounter segregation and exclusion. A master’s thesis about the Pre-Flight School at UNC-Chapel Hill mentioned a “colored band from A&T” but incorrectly stated that no members could be located for interviews. This is despite many oral histories with members of the B-1 Navy Band available to researchers in the East Carolina Manuscript Collection. This is just one example of how the band members and their contributions have been erased from the official historical records, whether intentionally or by accident.

B-1 Navy Band group photograph from the United States Navy Pre-Flight School Band yearbook, 1944. Item from the Wray Raphael Herring Collection (#810), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Deployment to Pearl Harbor 

In May 1944, the band was transferred to Manana Barracks at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the largest posting of African American service members during the war. There, they continued their musical duties, performing for troops and participating in parades. Despite being far from home, the band maintained high morale and professionalism, contributing to the war effort through their performances. Notably, after the original members began mustering out in October 1945, their replacements included saxophonist John Coltrane, who would later become a jazz legend. 

Upon arriving in Hawaii, they quickly realized they were once again in an environment where the Navy did not know how to utilize them. They were placed in deplorable living conditions, housed between two segregated units, and denied their instruments for an extended period. Some were even assigned non-musical duties, such as painting and cutting bamboo for a theater. One member recalled that the band was “out of place” and that the Navy “didn’t know what to do with us.” 

Even in these trying circumstances, the band members found ways to maintain their musical excellence. They performed for hospital ships, officers’ dances, and military ceremonies, proving their worth despite the systemic racism they faced. The band was divided into three musical groups: a full concert band, a dance orchestra, and a show band that performed skits and comedic performances. 

One of the key figures in organizing entertainment was Otto Harris, a talented musician and natural comedian who played multiple instruments. He not only contributed musically but also gave many band members their nicknames, fostering camaraderie within the group. 

The Fight for Recognition 

One of the most striking aspects of the B-1 Navy Band’s history is the lack of recognition they received both during and after their service. Despite being the first all-Black Navy band, their contributions were largely omitted from official records. 

During their time in Norfolk, Navy officials even staged a disturbing event where Black mess attendants were given instruments and instructed to pose as the B-1 Band for photographs—an act that further marginalized the actual musicians and obscured their contributions. Decades later, the band members and historians had to painstakingly gather documentation and personal accounts to prove their existence and service. As stated in the U. S. Navy B-1 Band Group Oral History Interview from the East Carolina Manuscript Collection, “The Navy had no evidence we were there. We were there, but nobody knew we were.” 

[If audio player does not work, you can listen to the interview HERE]

Despite these challenges, the legacy of the B-1 Navy Band endures. Their service paved the way for future generations of Black musicians in the military. They were pioneers in a segregated institution, and their persistence helped break down racial barriers within the armed forces. 

Post-War Legacy and Impact

After World War II, many members of the B-1 Band returned to North Carolina and pursued higher education at North Carolina A&T College. A considerable number became educators, influencing future generations through their dedication to music and teaching. Some members formed the “Rhythm Vets,” a regional band that gained popularity in Greensboro and performed the soundtrack for the 1947 black-cast musical comedy featurette Pitch a Boogie Woogie. This film, shot in Greenville, North Carolina, has been preserved and is included in the 1988 documentary Boogie in Black and White. 

The contributions of the B-1 Band were formally recognized on May 27, 2017, with the installation of a historic marker in Chapel Hill. This date marked the 75th anniversary of their enlistment and honored their role in integrating the U.S. Navy and their impact on civil rights. 

The story of the B-1 Navy Band exemplifies courage, resilience, and the pursuit of equality. Their legacy continues to inspire and serve as a testament to the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have in challenging and transforming institutionalized discrimination. 

Their contributions remind us of the importance of preserving and telling the stories of those who paved the way for progress. Thanks to the efforts of historians and the band members themselves, their legacy is now being properly acknowledged, ensuring that their place in history is never forgotten. 

The B-1 Navy Band may have been overlooked for decades, but their story is now rightfully being recognized as a crucial chapter in the history of the U.S. Navy and the fight for racial equality. 

Visit the Ship’s Log, as well as Joyner Library’s social media channels, to learn more about materials related to World War II that are a part of the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection’s holdings. Joyner Library Special Collections will be displaying an exhibit of items and individual stories related to World War II during the summer and fall of 2025.

Sources:

• Abe Thurman Oral History Interview (#OH0216), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
• Calvin F. Morrow Collection (#908), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
• John Gilmer Oral History Interview (#OH0214), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
• R.A. Fountain. “U.S. Navy B-1 Band – R.A. Fountain,” July 28, 2022. https://rafountain.com/navy/overview/.
• Roy Lake Oral History Interview (#OH0231), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
• Simeon O. Holloway Oral History Interview (#OH0215), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
• U. S. Navy B-1 Band Reunion Collection (#0971) East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
• U. S. Navy B-1 Band Group Oral History Interview (#OH0213), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
• Wray Raphael Herring Collection (#810), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library Special Collections will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. See also the 1st and 2nd and 3rd and 4th and 5th and 6th and 7th and 8th and 9th and 10th and 11th and 12th posts. The following post was contributed by Patrick Cash. 

During World War II, communication between soldiers and their families was a vital morale booster, yet logistical challenges made traditional mail delivery difficult. To address this issue, the U.S. military introduced Victory Mail, or V-Mail as it is often referred to, a secure, efficient, and space-saving method of correspondence that revolutionized wartime communication.

The Need for a New Mail System

Before the adoption of Victory Mail, sending and receiving letters between the battlefield and the home front was a slow and cumbersome process. Traditional letters required significant cargo space, and with millions of soldiers stationed overseas, the volume of mail became overwhelming. The military faced a dilemma: how to ensure troops could stay connected with their loved ones without overburdening supply chains already stretched by the war effort.

Additionally, security was a concern. Mail could be lost, stolen, or intercepted by enemy forces. The need for a faster, more reliable, and more secure method of correspondence led to the implementation of Victory Mail in 1942.

V-mail letter dated April 28, 1944, from Walter Paas to his mother, M. A. Paas in Bronx, New York, N.Y. Item from Walter Paas Papers (#705), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

How Victory Mail Worked

Victory Mail was based on microfilm technology, a process that drastically reduced the physical volume of mail. Here is how it worked:

1. Writing the Letter—The sender would write a letter on a specially designed Victory Mail form, an 8.5 x 11-inch sheet that included space for the address, message, and return address. Due to space constraints, the letters were limited to about 700 words.
2. Microfilming – Once written, the letters were sent to a processing center where they were photographed onto 16mm microfilm. A single roll of film could contain over 1,500 letters, significantly reducing the weight and volume compared to traditional mail.
3. Shipment & Reproduction—The microfilm rolls were then transported to the recipient’s location, whether an overseas military post or a domestic processing center. Upon arrival, the letters were enlarged and printed onto small, 4.25 x 5-inch sheets of paper and then delivered to the recipient.

This system saved valuable cargo space, allowing military planes and ships to prioritize transporting troops, weapons, and medical supplies instead of bags of letters.

The Advantages of Victory Mail

Victory Mail offered several advantages over traditional mail:

• Efficiency & Speed – The reduction in physical bulk allowed letters to travel faster. A full sack of regular mail weighing over 50 pounds could be replaced with just a few pounds of microfilm.
• Security – Each letter was censored before filming to prevent sensitive military information from being disclosed. This reduced the risk of espionage or intercepted intelligence.
• Reliability – Victory Mail minimized the chances of letters being lost in transit, ensuring that messages reached their intended recipients.

Although Victory Mail was widely used, it did have some limitations. The strict formatting requirements and word limits frustrated some letter-writers, and the lack of handwritten personal touches made the messages feel impersonal.

Impact on Morale

Despite its limitations, Victory Mail played an essential role in maintaining morale among both soldiers and civilians. Letters from home provided comfort and motivation, reminding troops of what they were fighting for. Similarly, families on the home front found solace in receiving updates from their loved ones, even if the messages were brief.

The U.S. military and the postal service worked hard to promote the use of Victory Mail, and it became a widely accepted part of wartime life. More than a billion Victory Mail letters were sent between 1942 and 1945, demonstrating their effectiveness in keeping communication lines open during a time of global conflict.

A V-mail Easter greeting dated April 7, 1943, from Staff Sgt. Jack W. Mitchell to his wife in Bedford, Va. Item from Saunders Family Collection (#964), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Victory Mail Present in the East Carolina Manuscript Collection

The East Carolina Manuscript Collection has several examples of Victory Mail found throughout several World War II related collections. These pieces of wartime correspondence include a Happy Easter card dated April 7, 1943, sent by Staff Sgt. Jack W. Mitchell to his wife in Bedford, Virginia. Staff Sgt. Mitchell was stationed in England at the time he sent this Victory Mail card. Additional examples of Victory Mail can be found in collection #189: Fairfax Kirkwood Dillon Papers and collection #705: Walter Paas Papers. Patrons interested in reading examples of this wartime correspondence between servicemembers and their loved ones can schedule an appointment to see the physical item by visiting our website at https://library.ecu.edu/specialcollections/ or view digital scans in our Digital Collections repository.

Legacy of Victory Mail

Although Victory Mail was phased out after World War II, it paved the way for advancements in secure and efficient military correspondence. The use of microfilm technology in mailing documents inspired later innovations in document storage and digital communication.

Today, historians and cultural heritage repositories treasure surviving Victory Mail letters as poignant artifacts of wartime history. These documents offer valuable insights into the thoughts and emotions of soldiers and civilians alike, preserving a personal side of World War II that might otherwise have been lost. Victory Mail remains a fascinating example of how technological ingenuity and logistical innovation can solve real-world challenges, even in the most difficult circumstances.