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Conditions Governing Access:

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Preferred Citation:

Max R. Decker Diaries, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.

Acquisition Information:

Purchase.

Biographical Information:

Max R. Dexter was a long-time railroad worker. His brothers were Carl and Ivan Decker. Max Decker lived in various locales during the Great Depression and World War II including Kansas and Arkansas. Decker joined Civilian Conservation Camp # 743 in the Ozark National Forest. The final diary describes his days in the 302nd Battalion of Artillery at Fort Meade, Maryland, Camp A. P. Hill, Virginia and Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. Further information about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki: .

Scope and Contents

Six diaries, 1930-1943 (with gaps) of Max R. Decker describing his life during the Great Depression and World War II. Decker is located in Buffalo, Kansas, but he and his brothers hop freight trains traveling through Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Kansas and Iowa. The diaries also describe the family searching for work and camping at various locations. The family ends up in Gaither, Arkansas. Decker joined Civilian Conservation Camp # 743 in the Ozark National Forest. The final diary describes his days in the 302nd Battalion of Artillery at Fort Meade, Maryland, Camp A. P. Hill, Virginia and Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Civilian Conservation Corps (U.S.)
• Diaries
• Great Depression
• World War, 1939-1945