New Hampshire College's World War I Training Camp: An Archaeological Investigation

Author

Jillian M. Price, University of New Hampshire - Main CampusFollow

Date of Award

Spring 2013

Project Type

Senior Honors Thesis

College or School

COLA

Department

Anthropology

Program or Major

Anthropology

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

First Advisor

Meghan Howey

Abstract

In May 1918, New Hampshire College received the first of five detachments of World War I draftees to their newly-established training camp. Under a War Department program that converted colleges to vocational training centers, these men trained as army carpenters, engineers, electricians, and mechanics. During their stay on campus, these men built two barracks to serve as their own housing. In the summer of 2012, and archaeological investigation uncovered the remains of these barracks, recovering architectural materials and evidence of soldiers' leisure activities. This paper discusses the history of the vocational training camp program, analyzes its impact on local communities and national ideologies, and utilizes the excavation's findings to investigate soldiers' camp life.

Recommended Citation

Price, Jillian M., "New Hampshire College's World War I Training Camp: An Archaeological Investigation" (2013). Honors Theses and Capstones. 145.
https://scholars.unh.edu/honors/145