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Corkboard Event
through
August '08
THE WORLD AT WAR: Memories of World War I & World War II
The World at War: Memories of World War I and World War II is now on display
at the Rosenberg Library. This exhibition explores the causes and effects of
WWI and WWII, and it also highlights Galveston’s role during both global
conflicts. Many residents of Galveston may not be aware that there were
military training bases right here on the island. During WWII, one of
these—Fort Crockett—even served as a prisoner of war camp.
Visitors can view dozens of military uniforms, weapons, medals, photographic
images, and other artifacts from the war. One of the most unusual items on
display is a German gas mask from World War I. The mask was collected by Lt.
Charles N. Barrow of Galveston. It was found on the field after the German
retreat at Cierges, France on August 2, 1918.
The exhibit includes a variety of helmets from both wars. Among the most
striking is a WWI German pickelhaube, or spiked helmet. These helmets were
used by police and military officials from 1842 until the time of WWI. It
was discovered during the First World War that the leather helmets were not
suitable for trench warfare. These offered virtually no protection against
head wounds from exploding shells and shrapnel. By 1916, durable steel
helmets, called stahlhelm, replaced the pickelhauben.
A stunning 20-piece presentation silver service is also displayed in the
gallery. The set was a gift from the citizens of Galveston to the crew of
USS Galveston, a naval vessel commissioned in 1904. Galveston served in the
Asiatic Fleet during WWI. She transported troops and supplies between the
Philippines and ports in Japan and China.
An assortment of honorary medals, sleeve insignia, and other military
decorations from WWI and WWII are on exhibit. Especially notable are items
that belonged to Maurius Chataignon, a veteran of WWI and WWII, and the
pastor of Galveston’s Sacred Heart Church from 1924-1957. Monsignor
Chataignon served as a military chaplain, and his Bronze Star, Legion of
Merit, and dog tags—with religious medals attached—are on exhibit.
Visitors may be surprised to see photographs of troops being trained at Fort
Crockett during WWII. The military installation was located near 53rd Street
and Seawall, the present-day location of the San Luis Resort. There are
additional photographs of Fort San Jacinto on the northeastern tip of
Galveston Island and of Fort Travis on Bolivar Peninsula.
People of all ages will enjoy taking a step back into the past and examining
relics from two of the most significant events in world history. The World
at War: Memories of World War I and World War II is located in the Hutchings
Gallery on the third floor of Rosenberg Library. It is open to the public
Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is free of charge. For
more information, please contact Eleanor Clark or Nikkie Ferre at
409-763-8854. PHOTO: Artifacts from World War I
include a United States Army officer’s uniform, a German pickelhaube (spiked
helmet) and a German stahlhelm (steel helmet).
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