World War I: Stark County, Ohio

Stark County in the Great War

“Where in all history, sacred or secular, and where in all this wide land is there any evidence of greater patriotism than was shown by Stark County, Ohio?”
(Honor Roll of Ohio 1917-1918, Stark County Edition)

Exhibition in Main Gallery & Second Floor On exhibit June 10 – November 12, 2017 This exhibit will commemorate the centennial of America's involvement in World War I, featuring artifacts from the permanent collection, and community members, celebrating those who served from Stark County, Ohio.

Massillon's own "Company K," later Company A of the 136th The men posed in front of city hall, 1917. Gift of Dan Douglass (90.25.211) Collection Massillon Museum

Upcoming Related Events

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 • 2:00 PM • FREE
World War I: A Theatrical Review (click for more information)
Lincoln Theatre, 156 Lincoln Way East, Massillon

Experience the human hardships and triumphs of World War I in a patriotic program which includes poetry, a dramatic play Dear Mother by Sandra Perlman based on the WWI letters of Charles Vernon Brown and his family, music, a reunion, and more.

MassMu galleries will be open before and after the performance, 1:00-5:00pm. Complements the Stark County in the Great War which closes following the performance.

Whippet tank in Navarre, Ohio, August 13, 1919. Photograph by William L. Bennett
Gift of William L. Bennett (BC 1871.2)
Collection Massillon Museum

Information on Stark County in the Great War:

Units from Stark County that served in World War I:

• Alliance- Company K, 146th Infantry
• Massillon and Minerva- Company A, 136th Machine Gun Battalion
• Massillon- Company K, 10th Ohio Infantry (incorporated into Company A of the 136th)
• Canton- 145th Ambulance Company
• Stark County- 332nd Infantry

Genealogy information for the Great War:

There are World War I draft card research databases available through some Ohio historical societies, and the National Archives. Click here to conduct a search for soldiers who served across the United States in World War I.

Documentary Film: (30 minutes)
Massillon in the Great War: Voices from the Archives

Stark County World War I Archives online:

	World War I Stark County, Ohio Honor Roll More than 580 pages of information about soldiers (including biographical information and photographs), full details of Regimental biography, information and photographs of businesses from Stark County, and service organizations. Collection of the Massillon Museum (81.8.5) Edited and published by The Liberty Publishing Company, Canton, Ohio, 1919
	Podcast: Oral History Interviews with World War I soldiers Enjoy audio interviews with a variety of subjects. Perspectives of the conflict include Marine and Army soldiers, a 9-year-old boy, a Swiss immigrant, and a group of soldiers sharing their experiences.
	Propaganda Posters The Massillon Museum preserves more than 50 World War I propaganda posters in the archives. Some use scare tactics, some tug at the heart strings, and some remind Americans that everyone must play a role.
	The American Red Cross in Stark County Upon America’s entry into the First World War, the American Red Cross underwent rapid growth as a humanitarian organization.  Stark County’s chapters—Canton, Alliance, and Massillon—reflect the vigor of this period.  The chapters performed activities such as creating bandages and comfort bags. Read more about Stark County's contributions and see photographs from Massillon's chapter.
	Charles Vernon Brown Letters, photographs, and postcards from Brown's personal collection Dear Mother and All, a play by Sandra Perlman based on Brown's letters Information about the play, including downloadable PDF of the script Video of the original performance in 1989 at the Lions Lincoln Theatre: Act I and Act II
	Captain Harry O. Curley Documents and photographs from the personal collection of Captain Harry O. Curley, commander of 10th Ohio Infantry Company K of Massillon
	World War I Returning Soldiers pamphlet
	Charles F. Breckel's soldier photo album 1917-1919

Previous Related Events

SATURDAY, JUNE 10 • 7:00–9:00 PM • 6:00 PM MEMBER PREVIEW • FREE
Exhibition Opening: Stark County in the Great War
The overseas and homefront efforts of Stark Countians
Reception: Paintings and Drawings by John W. Carlson
Studio M exhibition continues through June 25

SATURDAY, JULY 15 • 10:00 AM • FREE (LUNCH FEE ONLY)
Fun, Fitness & the First Garden (History, Health, and the Environment)
At The National First Ladies’ Library, in partnership with Stark Parks and MassMu—family fun event
Required reservations: 330.452.0876 x307

TUESDAY, JULY 25 • 12:10–12:50 PM • FREE
Brown Bag Lunch—Dr. Leslie Heaphy Presents: “Women in World War I”
Bring or buy lunch, coffee and cookie provided, no reservations required

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 5:30 PM • FREE
History Happy Hour with Dr. Molly Sergi
Social time and a half-hour presentation about memories and war • Purchase wine and beer

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 • 12:00 PM • $35
Laura Loew—“Women on the Move: Fashions from the Great War Era”
World War I Fashion display, luncheon, and presentation at MAPS Museum
Fundraiser for MassMu’s Capital Campaign • Tickets at massillonmuseum.org

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16 • 11:00 AM • FREE
Author Elaine F. Weiss Presents: “Fruits of Victory: The Womanʼs Land Army of America in the Great War”
At The National First Ladies’ Library—required reservations: 330.452.0876 x307