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Guide to the Ryan Park POW Camp Collection

 Collection — Box: 697
Identifier: H2005-68

Scope and Content

Reminiscences of Meryle R. Hansen regarding the timber industry at various locations in Wyoming including the Dubois area and Ryan Park (Carbon County). Hansen was an employee of the Wyoming Tie and Timber Company.

The bluk of the collection pertains to Hansen's memories of the activities at the Ryan Park POW camp (formerly a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp) and the German, Italian, and Austrian prisoners held there during World War II. POWs were used for timber operations. Hansen served as an instructor at the camp and worked with the prisoners. In addition to Hansen’s reminiscences, the collection includes scans of three photographs of the areas mentioned, copies of articles about the camp and prisoners, a job training sheet written in German, a sketch of the camp (drawn by Hansen in 1986), and photographs of items created by the prisoners. A German prisoner of war camp near Dubois is briefly mentioned.

The reminiscences were recorded between 1986 and 1988.

Dates

  • 1930-1939
  • 1942-1945
  • 1947

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of print materials allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Historical Note

The Ryan Park POW camp, formerly a Civilian Conservation Corp camp, housed German, Italian, and Austrian prisoners held there during World War II. POWs were used for timber operations. Hansen served as an instructor at the camp and worked with the prisoners.

Extent

1 file folder

Abstract

Meryle R. Hansen's memories of the activities at the Ryan Park POW camp (formerly a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp) and the German, Italian, and Austrian prisoners held there during World War II. POWs were used for timber operations.

Acquisition Information

Dontaed in 2005

Related Material

Items created by the prisoners are located in the Wyoming State Museum.

Processing Information

Finding aid prepared in 2007 by Curtis Greubel

Title
Guide to the Ryan Park POW Camp Collection, 1930s-1947 (not inclusive)
Status
Edited Full Draft
Author
Suzi Taylor
Date
2019
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Repository Details

Part of the Wyoming State Archives, Wyoming Cultural Resources Division, Wyoming Department of State Parks & Cultural Resources Repository

Contact:
Barrett Building
2301 Central Avenue
Cheyenne Wyoming 82002 United States
(307) 777-7826