BROWNWOOD – September 4, 2015 – On September 16-18, 2015, Tarleton State University, Howard Payne University and the Brown County Museum of History will sponsor a symposium in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of Camp Bowie in Brownwood. Camp Bowie, commissioned for construction in Brown County on September 19, 1940, was the first major military project in Texas during WWII. It was a major training base for the famed 36th Division, and over 250,000 troops served or trained at the facility from 1940-1946. The base also included a large German POW camp.
Read the event press release at http://www.tarleton.edu/scripts/press/display.asp?id=4639
Register for the event at https://www.hputx.edu/campbowie or call (325) 649-8409
The Symposium will offer presentations on Camp Bowie, the history of military installations in Texas, the legacy and contributions of those who served in WWII from the region, and other related topics. The event is already attracting attention around the region and the state, and will be a forum for faculty, students, military scholars, researchers, dignitaries and residents. The event will be coordinated with the opening of a new exhibit at the Brown County Museum titled “A Tribute to Those Who Served.” Other related events include a concert by the 36th Division Memorial Band on September 12, and a Living History Camp, Reenactments and Veteran’s Memorial commemoration on the weekend of September 18-20.
Wednesday, September 16
7:30 p.m. – Opening Reception – Foyer, Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center, Howard Payne University
Thursday, September 17
8:30 a.m. – Registration/tour sign up – Foyer, Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center, Howard Payne University
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Opening Session, Jackson Room, Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center
Introduction and Camp Bowie History, Dr. Eric V. Morrow – Tarleton State University
Preserving Camp Bowie History, Ms. Alexia Riggs – Dean of Libraries – Howard Payne University; Board Member – Brown County Museum of History
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Session 2, Jackson Room, Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center; Camp Bowie tour available – preregistration online or by phone.
A Soldier’s View of Life at Camp Bowie – Reflections from the letters and journal of Harold W. Hooper stationed at Camp Bowie 1939-1941, Mr. James Hooper
Noon – Luncheon (pre-registration online or by phone), Bullion Suites, Mabee University Center – Howard Payne University
Keynote, Mr. Jeff Hunt – Director, Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry in Austin
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – Session 3, Jackson Room, Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center; Camp Bowie tour available – preregistration online or by phone.
POWs at Camp Bowie: A Brief History and the Ethics of POW Treatment During WWII, Dr. Matthew Hallgarth and Ms. Michelle Loyd – Tarleton State University
Strength Has Many Faces – The story of POW Henry Spalding and the Lost Battalion during three and a half years of captivity, Ms. Marcia Glasgow – Comanche, Texas
3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. – Session 4, Jackson Room, Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center
Video presentation of interviews from area residents and those who served at Camp Bowie
5:00 p.m. – Exhibit Viewing, Brown County Museum of History
6:30 p.m. – Banquet, Bullion Suites, Mabee University Center (pre-registration online or by phone)
Friday, September 18
9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Session 5, Jackson Room, Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center
The Landing at Salerno: the 36th Division’s First Fight, Mr. Jeff Hunt – Director, Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry in Austin
Visions of Peace: How Texans Imagined Post-War Life at the Conclusion of World War II, Dr. Eric V. Morrow – Tarleton State University
Resolutions Passed by the Texas Legislature
During the 84th Session of the Texas Legislature, resolutions were passed by both the House and Senate honoring the anniversary of the establishment of Camp Bowie and recognizing this commemorative event. You can view the resolutions at the links below.
Senate – SR 800 http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=SR800
House – HR 2354
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HR2354
Camp Bowie Tours
We have arranged for tours of the Camp Bowie area to be provided during the event by City and Rural Rides. Once the website is available, registration will include the fees and times. This will provide an opportunity for a guided tour of the main area of the camp including structures still in place.
Museum Exhibit Tour and Other Events
A viewing of the new exhibit – A Tribute to Those Who Served – will be held on Thursday evening September 17 followed by a banquet commemorating the anniversary. More details on the program of these events will be forthcoming, but invitations have been extended to dignitaries to participate. The plans for the banquet include a color guard, music, a video presentation, greetings from local and state officials and more.
The event is connected to the Brownwood Reunion which will be held on September 18-20 (http://www.celebratebrownwood.com/). On Saturday, September 19, the Museum will sponsor a Living History camp and re-enactments from WWII, tours of the new exhibit, and a memorial at Camp Bowie.
For interviews and information on sponsorships and the symposium please contact the following coordinators from each institution:
Brown County Museum of History
Ms. Beverly Norris
Coordinator – “A Tribute to Those Who Served” Exhibit
horseshoe910@gmail.com
(325) 647-7879
Howard Payne University
Dr. W. Mark Tew
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
(325) 649-8042 – mtew@hputx.edu
Tarleton State University
Dr. Eric V. Morrow
Head – Department of Social Sciences
(325) 642-1340 – morrow@tarleton.edu
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