Citizen Military Training Camp at Camp Custer- Extensive Photo Album Memory Book, Michigan 1920's

Military Training Camp , Photo Album

Photo Album

Memory book of Kenneth W. Thomson of Jacksonville, Illinois. Most of the album dates from the mid 1920s. The album contains approximately 300 photos along with newspaper clippings, dance cards, programs, pamphlets, school report cards, invitations, postcards and University of Illinois ephemera. Album covers measure 10” x 13”; photos measure between 2 ¾” x 4 ½” and 7” x 10” with most measuring on the smaller side. Overall good. Black album covers have light wear and soiling; about half of the album leaves are detached from the binding and have moderate chipping; some of photos are detached from leaves; photos have light to moderate soiling and wear, ephemera has moderate to heavy wear and soiling. This photo album/scrapbook belonged to Kenneth Willard Thomson who lived in Jacksonville, Illinois during the time this album was created. There are approximately 35 photos of Thomson attending Camp Custer in 1924. The Fort Custer Citizen Military Training Camp is located between Augusta and Battle Creek, Michigan. It was established in 1917 and is still used by the military today. The object of the Citizen Military Training Camp was to bring together young men from across the country, “to promote the most patriotism and Americanism and, through expert physical direction, athletic coaching and military training to benefit the young men individually and lead them to a better realization of their obligations to their country. ” Photos depict C. M. T. C. Students Company L 1st Regiment, a bird’s-eye view of the Camp, Company Street depicting rows of tents, the mess hall, guard house, Camp Custer Restaurant, and travels to nearby Kalamazoo. Approximately 37 photos depict a large winter storm that passed through Illinois and left ice and snow, blew down trees and leveled houses. These images could be associated with the Tri-State Tornado outbreak that took place on March 18, 1925; this storm would fit within the dates and location of the album. Approximately 30 images depict California where the family lived temporarily. There are also school portraits and group shots, family photos and photos from travels.

Item #17586

Price: $1,400.00