This was an interview conducted on July 19, 1989 by David Overy. Dean H. Aarvig was born on October 15, 1920 in Wilmar, Minnesota. He graduated from high school in 1937 and was drafted into the Army in 1942. After completing basic training, Aarvig went to Officer Candidate School (OCS) and joined the 9th Armored Division in France as a platoon leader that conducted intelligence & reconnaissance missions. During his service, Aarvig participated in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Remagen. After the wars end, Aarvig returned to Minnesota, where he and his wife ran a newspaper in Grand Meadow, as well as farmed. In November of 1950, Aarvig was recalled into the service and served with the 25th Infantry Division as a Company Commander in Korea. He talked about his thoughts on those in Vietnam burning their draft cards and going to Canada. Aarvig was married and had two children. He passed away on July 2, 1998.
In an oral history conducted by John Carter on October 7, 1991, Edward V. Anderson discussed his experiences both in training and combat as a B-24 pilot in the European Theater during World War II. Born and raised in Illinois, Anderson enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1942. In this interview, Anderson described his training experiences to become a B-24 pilot and flying several missions to bomb German oil storage tanks. Lastly, Anderson details what the final days of the war were like and briefly describes his life post-war, which included his wife, Lucy and their five children: David, Howard, Carol, Joyce and Timothy. Anderson was born on April 14, 1923, and passed away on March 13, 2011.
This was an interview conducted on February 11, 1990 by Richard Olsen. Donald E. Anderson was born on April 5, 1922 in Milaca, Minnesota. He joined the National Guard in 1939 at the age of 16. Anderson entered World War II assigned to the 34th Division Field Artillery and spent most of his service in North Africa and Italy. Anderson discussed his frustration with ninety-day wonders. Anderson also experienced taking German prisoners, as well as interacted with civilians in Italy. He was also present when the body of Mussolini was hanging from a building. After being discharged from service in 1945, Anderson opened a restaurant as well as worked as a postal worker. Anderson passed away on August 29, 1999 at the age of 77.
Letter dated March 4, 1929 from C. M. Babcock, Commissioner of Highways to Hon. August H. Andresen, House of Representatives thanking him for his aid in securing the passage of Public Law No. 740.
Letter dated September 29, 1924 from Minnesota Commissioner of Highways C. M. Babcock to Mayor Coffeen requesting formal resolution from Stillwater City Council regarding maintenance of bridge.
Letter dated July 23, 1924 from Minnesota Commissioner of Highways C. M. Babcock to Mayor R. J. Coffeen declaring that no action taken on permanent designation of route to include interstate bridge.
Vernon A. Bigalke was born in Little Falls, Minnesota, on February 18, 1917. Before the war, he served in the Minnesota National Guard and then was drafted into the Army in 1941. For the first years of the war, Bigalke was part of an anti-aircraft artillery unit that guarded American shores. He was reassigned to the 259th Infantry in Mississippi and sent to Le Harve, France in December 1944 as part of the 65th Infantry Division. While at the Seigfried Line he was captured by the Germans in January 1945 and held as a prisoner until the end of the war. He described his treatment by the Germans, his survival mechanisms, and his experiences as a POW until liberation, which included a brief stop at Dachau concentration camp. After the war, Mr. Bigalke became a farmer and raised a family. He died in Little Falls, Minnesota, on November 22, 2007.
This was an interview conducted on January 19, 1992 by Karen Wenz. Stanley Biniek was born in Raczyce, Poland on November 3, 1912. Biniek and his family were separated in 1939 into concentration camps by the German Army. Biniek recalled witnessing prisoners being sent to killing chambers and the side effects of those on the camps water supply. Biniek spent over three years in Buchenwald before escaping with two other prisoners. After 72 days of travel, Biniek made it safely to Luxembourg, where he married his wife Victoria Adaszak in 1948. Biniek and his wife moved to Minnesota in 1952, and he worked for Woodcraft Industries and St. Regis Paper Mill. He had two daughters and one son. Biniek passed away on June 7, 2008 in Foley, Minnesota.
This was an interview conducted on April 7, 1990 by David Overy. Herbert Blad was born on January 12, 1920. He joined the Army on March 22, 1942 and served as a 60mm mortarman in the 32nd Infantry, 7th Division. Blad primarily spent World War II in the Pacific theater, where he participated in the Aleutians, Kwajalein, Leyte, and Okinawa campaigns. One of the most shocking things Blad witnessed was the treatment of native civilians by the Japanese military which included mass slaughter and use of civilians for bayonet practice. Blad described an incident when a kamikaze pilot struck the ship he was on, sending one man overboard. World War II concluded with Blad stationed on Okinawa, but he was sent to Pusan, Korea to police the area until the Japanese troops left. He was discharged on November 15, 1945. Blad concluded the interview with his thoughts on those draft-dodging Vietnam, and how he felt they did not appreciate America by their actions. Blad passed away on December 27, 1997.
Resolution dated December 17, 1929 authorizing the City of Stillwater to make and deliver a release of certain property for highway purpose to St. Croix County, Wisconsin.
Letter dated January 9, 1925 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Hon. George Sullivan regarding correspondence to and from Wisconsin Highway Commission regarding interstate bridge.
Letter dated January 9, 1925 from Sillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Wisconsin Highway Commission regarding errors mad by the Maintenance engineer about the length of the bridge and the percent of bridge located within Minnesota boundary.
Letter dated July 17, 1925 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington Thomas Mohn, City Attorney of Red Wing enclosing and clarifying bridge resolution.
Letter dated February 5, 1930 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Charles Lammers, Stillwater City Clerk enclosing original forms of Conveyance of Lands for Highway Purposes from the City of Stillwater.
Letter dated May 8, 1925 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Charles Lammers,Stillwater City Clerk instructing him to enter and record Order 4476.
Letter dated August 14, 1929 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to H. J. Hoffman, Minnesota State Highway Department regarding change in the location of the bridge.
Letter dated February 9, 1929 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Hon. August Andresen, House of Representatives thanking the Congressman for his support in putting the bill through.
Letter dated January 21, 1929 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Hon. August Andresen, House of Representatives expressing his happiness that the H. R. 13502 is anticipated to pass the Senate.
Letter dated January 21, 1929 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Hon. August Andresen, House of Representatives requesting a copy of the bill recently passed authorizing a new bridge across Lake St. Croix at Stillwater.
Letter dated January 21, 1925 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Hon. George Sullivan enclosing correspondence from Wisconsin Highway Commission.
Letter dated March 13, 1925 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Hon. George Sullivan regarding correspondence from the Wisconsin Highway Commission and the continued of legislation in Minnesota and Wisconsin regarding the interstate bridge.
Letter dated February 8, 1930 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Mrs. Grace Maunsell, Stillwater City Treasurer, enclosing payment of $1.00 from St. Croix County for the release of deed which the City of Stillwater gave to St. Croix County.
Letter dated February 8, 1930 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to N. C. Varnum, Hudson, Wisconsinen enclosing an order for $1.00 payable to the City of Stillwater for consideration for release deed given to St. Croix County for the land to be used for the approach to the new bridge across Lake St. Croix.
Letter dated February 5, 1930 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to N. O. Varnum, City Attorney of Hudson,Wisconsin enclosing original forms of Conveyance of Lands for Highway Purposes from the City of Stillwater.
Letter dated March 27, 1928 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to N. ). Varnum, of Hudson, Wisconsin, chairman of the Highway Committee of the County Board of St. Croix County, regarding the address to citizens ofSt. Joseph Township regarding the interstate bridge.
Letter dated March 27, 1928 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Senator Henrik Shipstead, asking for federal aid in building the interstate bridge at Stillwater.
Letter dated May 7, 1928 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Senator Henrik Shipstead, asking for his help in passing an amendment with regards to making federal funds available to municipalities with population over 2500 persons.
Letter dated April 2, 1924 from City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Stillwater Mayor R. J. Coffeen regarding the proposed financing of the free interstate bridge.
Letter dated August 4, 1925 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Wisconsin Highway Commission for update on copy of bridge legislation as well as questions about Wisconsin ownership of the portion of the bridge in Wisconsin.
Letter dated December 27, 1924 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Wisconsin Highway Commission asking describing the interstate bridge at Stillwater and wondering whether the state of Wisconsin is authorized to take over the portion of the bridge lying within the State of Wisconsin.
Letter dated February 16, 1925 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Wisconsin Highway Commission regarding joint ownership of interstate bridge.
Letter dated February 18, 1925 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Wisconsin Highway Commission regarding progress of legislation in Minnesota regarding interstate bridge.
Letter dated January 21, 1925 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Wisconsin Highway Commissionen regarding joint resolution passed in Minnesota and proposed bill authorizing the Wisconsin State Highway Commission to construct, re-construct, repair, maintain and operate inter-state bridges.
Letter dated January 26, 1925 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Wisconsin Highway Commission regarding drafted bill and desire to build a bridge as soon as possible.
Letter dated January 1, 1928 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Wisconsin Highway Commission for update on progress of proposed interstate bridge at Stillwater.
Letter dated July 13, 1925 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Wisconsin Highway Commission requesting copy of bridge legislation that passed in Wisconsin.
Letter dated March 13, 1925 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to Wisconsin Highway Commission regarding the continuing progress of legislation in Minnesota and Wisconsin regarding the interstate bridge.
Letter dated May 16, 1925 from Stillwater City AttorneyEdwin D. Buffington to Wisconsin Highway Commission regarding the progress of legislation in Wisconsin pertaining to the interstate bridge.
Letter dated March 27, 1928 from Stillwater City Attorney Edwin D. Buffington to W. J. Madden, Stillwater Association of Public and Business Affairs regarding Hudson Mayor N. C. Varnum's address to citizens of St. Joseph Township regarding the interstate bridge.
In an oral history conducted by David Lewis on April 18, 1991, Richard L. Carroll discussed his experiences in training, combat and as a prisoner of war as a heavy bomber pilot in the European Theater during World War II. Born and raised in Rosemount, Minnesota, Carroll enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942 and was called to active duty in 1943. In this interview, Carroll described his training to become a bomber pilot and his combat missions, including his fifteenth when he had to bail-out of his airplane only to be shot and captured by Hungarian civilians. Carroll described his experiences as a prisoner of war with a bullet lodged in the muscle of his heart, including his medical complications and multiple prisoner transfers. Lastly, Carroll describes his liberation and being used in prisoner negotiations between the Soviet Union and the United States as well as a brief mention of getting married, being placed on disability, and retiring from military service, all while the bullet remained lodged in his heart. Carroll was born on October 19, 1920, in Rosemount, Minnesota.
William Cheeseman was born in Little Falls, Minnesota, on April 22, 1918. He enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in 1938 and was called to active duty in 1941. Mr. Cheeseman was part of a transportation company that was attached to the 34th Infantry Division when it was deployed to Ireland for training. Sent to North Africa in 1943, he participated in the North African campaign including the retreat at Kasserine Pass. Cheeseman was given a field promotion and was the supply officer with the headquarters battalion when it moved to Italy in mid-1943. There he experienced frequent artillery bombardments and served on the court martial board. Cheeseman made several comments about the various nationalities he came into contact with including international allies, German and Italian opposition, and civilian population in Ireland, Italy, and Africa. He also made observations about the quality and efforts of the Nisei Regiment and the African American 92nd division. As a junior member of the court martial board, Mr. Cheeseman speculated about the motivations of the many offenders that were tried, the severity and effectiveness of their punishment, and shared some notable cases. He observed the action at Monte Cassino before being shipped home in 1944. He remained with the National Guard and eventually rose to the rank of general. Mr. Cheeseman married and raised a family in St. Paul before retiring to Little Falls. He died in Little Falls, Minnesota, on February 4, 2014.
In an oral history conducted by David Overy on December 17, 1990, William "Bill" Chirhart discussed his experiences as an infantryman in Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II. In 1939, Chirhart joined the Minnesota National Guard and called into active duty by the United States Army in 1941. In this interview, Chirhart discussed his training in anti-aircraft defense, searchlight, and automatic tracking. Once deployed to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, he spent time on and near the islands of the Philippines, New Guinea, Bougainville, and Cebu. Chirhart's division often spent time on ships, doing patrols while on sea duty. He detailed difficulties of living in a tropical climate, the water restrictions, food shortages, body rashes, and interactions with scorpions and beetles. In 1949, he married his wife, Alice Pierkskalla, the couple had four children. Shortly after returning from World War II, Chirhart was deployed as a reconnaissance platoon sergeant during the Korean Conflict. Chirhart concluded that his military experience as a positive one, it gave him discipline that made him the man he needed to be, and allowed him an easy transition into police work in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Chirhart died on September 11, 2008 at the age of 85.
Letter dated April 3, 1924 from Stillwater Mayor R. J. Coffeen to C. M. Babcock, Commissioner of Highways regarding ownership of the bridge, Chapter 323 of laws of 1921 and the role of the state highway commission.
