Name/Title
Stalag WisconsinDescription
Book, "Stalag Wisconsin, Inside WW II prisoner-of-war camps". Camp Waupun mentioned several times. It is personally signed by the author, Betty Cowley. 39 prisoner-of-war camps were in Wisconsin. The book tells facts about each camp and interviews with people who came in contact with prisoners-of-war. There are over 75 photos of prisoners, the camps, and items, made by prisoners-of-war, which were given as gifts to people who befriended them.
The prisoners-of-war in Camp Waupun, which 150 were German, were employed at the Waupun Canning Company, some at Canned Food Inc., some to Stokely Foods Corporation at Brandon. Chief of Police, W. L. Telzlaff, threatened disorderly conduct citations to any citizens not cooperating with the order to stay away from the camp.
One PW, Horst Wirst, was involved in an adultery charge with a local lady, Mrs. Albert Wilderman. Capt. John A. Knowles, the camp commander, also lost his position because of this incident, but later this was retracted.
Theresa Dreikosen and husband farmed near Camp Waupun and hired two prisoners - Alouis Guggemous and Frederick Stratzman. Theresa received thank yous from Frederick and she saved the stamps.
Eugene Buchholz, President of Waupun Historical Society, worked with PW's. He spoke with the author, Betty Cowley, over the telephone for an interview, which is written in the Camp Waupun portion of the book.
Chester Possin, worked with PW's on family farm near Waupun, and gave the author a telephone interview.
According to Edward Ucker of Waupun, at least one young woman reportedly got pregnant in a boxcar around Camp Fond du Lac.
The photos of Camp Waupun are courtesy of James Laird.
The actual written information about Camp Waupun in full is not copied due to copy rights indicated in the front of the book.Acquisition
Accession
2015.0021Source or Donor
Dahl ResidenceAcquisition Method
Donation
