Edwin L. Arkins diary and scrapbook, 1918-1922

Summary

Creator:

Arkins, Edwin L.

Abstract:

Soldier from Hart, Mich., member of Co. C, 339th U.S. Infantry who served in the Allied intervention in Russia, 1918-1920, the "Polar Bear Expedition." Collection includes shorthand diary with newspaper clippings attached concerning the activities of the Polar Bear Expedition.

Extent:

1 volume

Language:

English.

Call Number:

86517 AA

Authors:

Finding aid prepared by: Len Coombs

Background

Scope and Content:

The diary consists of a shorthand original, July 1918-July 1919, and a typescript transcription by the author, and describes fighting at Seltso, Sept. 1918, work at battalion headquarters at Shenkursk, a YMCA Christmas program, the evacuation of Shenkursk, Jan. 1919, and fighting at Vistafka, Jan.-Feb. 1919. The scrapbook includes a clipping from a Shelby, Mich., newspaper containing a letter from Arkins describing his journey from the United States to Russia, the food, and the Russian people; poems about the campaign; a flyer defending British war aims in Russia; and three American Legion Weekly magazines, 1922, containing articles about the campaign by Daniel H. Steele.

Biographical / Historical:

Resident of Hart, Mich., served as a private in Co. C, 339th Infantry.

Acquisition Information:

The collection was donated by Edwin L. Arkins, of Hart, Michigan, in 1968 (Donor no.: 4611 ).

Subjects

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Subjects:

World War, 1914-1918.
Polar Bear Expedition.

Names:

Arkins, Edwin L.

Places:

Soviet Union -- History -- Allied intervention, 1918-1920.