Classics from the Collection
The pieces in this exhibit were chosen by staff of the library as some of the most representative of our current collection. These books, original artworks, posters, and artifacts span the breadth of the history of Citizen Soldiers in the United States and support a central theme: that of the Citizen Soldier.
Whether it’s the iconic Uncle Sam or a Christy Girl, an exhortation to join the WAVES or buy a war bond, each item shows the importance of the Citizen Soldier in the preservation of democracy. Also evident in the items is the duty of civilians to support our citizen soldiers; everyone can do something to support the United States, its history, and its future. Some of the artists devoted a great deal of time and work to support the country in times of war. In one case, the artist himself died in defense of the country. The striking images, bold colors, and timeless words all work together to show and tell the rich history of this country, and the stories of these Citizen Soldiers that we don’t want to forget.
McBarron, H. Charles (1902-1992)
The Doughboy
Oil on canvas
Ross, Art (1913-1981)
Attention!
Gouache on illustration paper
This poster image was created a year before the artist, McClelland Barclay, died while serving as a lieutenant commander aboard LST 342.
This poster exemplifies Howard Chandler Christy’s works which focused on historical scenes.
Painted in 1944, the original portrait from which this poster was created features U.S. Army Air Forces Captain Thomas Wakeman Jr.
A prolific illustrator and painter, Bernard Perlin’s images were published in Life and Fortune magazines during World War II.
This poster is representative of the adaptation of Howard Chandler Christy’s “Christy Girl” for use in a U.S. recruiting poster.
The American Legion was chartered as a patriotic veterans’ organization in 1919 by the U.S. Congress.
Three of the first five U.S. Army divisions to enter combat in World War I came from the National Guard. The National Guard made up 40% of the U.S. combat divisions fighting in France in that war.
In 1942, Jes Wilhelm Schlaikjer, a World War I veteran, became an art consultant for the U.S. War Department.
This image was originally published as the cover of the July 6, 1917 issue of Leslie’s Weekly. Over four million copies of the poster were printed for World War I.
Arthur Medworth Ferguson was one of only a handful of servicemen to receive both of this country’s two highest military citations: the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross.
Between World War I and World War II the U.S. Marine Corps aviators saw combat in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Nicaragua.
Stivers, Donald (1926-2009)
The Black Rattlers
Oil on masonite
