DescriptionThe collection consists of manuscripts, printed ephemera, press clippings, photographs and realia, most of which relate directly or indirectly to Camp Merritt, the World War I military camp that was located principally in Dumont and Cresskill, Bergen County, New Jersey.
The manuscripts primarily consist of 14 letters sent to relatives and friends by soldiers at Camp Merritt, but also include two letters that were sent to men stationed at the camp. In addition, there are several completed forms (such as military passes and a promotion certificate), two very small groups of soldiers’ papers (with content mostly not related to the camp) and one much later letter about Camp Merritt and its newspaper.
The printed ephemera includes pamphlets, event programs, a broadside, a commemorative envelope relating to airmail, a map of Camp Merritt, invitations (to dances and to a building dedication) and admission tickets (also for a dance). The pamphlets relate either to Camp Merritt or to returning soldiers, or else include a man’s handwritten name with a Camp Merritt address. The event programs, in addition to a theater program for the Broadway production of "Good Luck Sam," relate to a Camp Merritt commemorative monument dedicated in 1924 and to several later memorial events held at the monument. The broadside details the travels in France of the New Jersey National Guard's 104th Engineer Regiment while in federal service.
Included among the press clippings are a lengthy history of Camp Merritt, a list of the servicemen and servicewomen who died at the site and an article describing a large fire at the former camp.
The photographs consist of images reproduced in accordion-style printed viewbooks, together with both vintage and facsimile prints of soldiers or Camp Merritt scenes, some of which are in the form of panoramas. Included among the images are the contents of a small photo album kept by a soldier who was apparently based at Camp Merritt.
The items comprising the realia include pillow shams, pennants, an overseas cap, a souvenir spoon, long playing records (for learning French), a contractor's identification button and a copy of a medal that was presented to area schoolchildren.
CollectionSpecial Collections and University Archives Legacy Finding Aids
Organization NameRutgers University. Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives
Organization NameRutgers University. Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives
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