V-E (Victory in Europe) Day

May 8, 1945 marks V-E or VE Day, the day on which the Allied forces accepted the surrender of Nazi German forces, ending the reign Adolf Hitler's Third Reich in Europe. Many of Catawba County's World War II vets served in the European Theater. We'd like to share a few snapshots of Catawba soldiers we've had the pleasure of scanning over the past few weeks: 

  

"Hello Mom, This is me taking it easy on a spring day here in Germany. I'll be sitting on the porch at home soon. Love, Joe"

"Wanted: War stories"

The CCHA's participation in the Veterans History Project was featured on the front page of the Hickory Daily Record today. You can read the article here. Please contact the Museum of History, (828) 465-0383 or our website for more information.

WWII Interview Updates

The staff at the Catawba County Historical Association has been having a wonderful time interviewing local WWII veterans and their families. The stories we have the opportunity to hear have been just incredible. Their experiences and sacrifices are a debt that can never be repaid. It's an honor to be able to record their stories they've shared.

Often the most surprising aspects of the interviews are the artifacts, or as one veteran put it, the "trinkets," that they have kept over the years. Sometimes they arrive in grocery bags or shoe boxes, but what they contain are priceless glimpses into the past during a world-altering war. From souvenirs to insignia, we've seen a huge variety of pieces that the men and women have treasured. We'd like to post of few of things we've seen so far. Hope you enjoy as much as we have!

Valentine's Day during the 1940s

At the Catawba County Museum of History, the archives hold many decades worth of an extensive newspaper collection from the Hickory Daily Record. While recently skimming through some issues from the 1940s, I found a Valentine's Day ad from The Bisanar Company Jewelers in downtown Hickory. It's amazing to think that Bisanar's has been in business in the same building since 1896 in Union Square. 114 years later the company still provides jewelry for your sweetheart, just as it did in this WWII-era advertisement. You could buy an engagement ring for less than $50! Happy Valentine's Day!

War stories galore among county vets

War stories galore among county vets

The CCHA is beginning a project interviewing local men and women involved in WWII.

The filmed interviews will become a complementary piece of the county museum's exhibition of "Spirit, Sacrifice, and Commitment: The Catawba Soldier in WWII."

Catawba County veterans from all branches of service may volunteer by calling 828-465-0383.

Know a good nominee? Call the same number, leaving the individual's name and contact phone number. We look forward to preserving and sharing their stories.