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Finding aid for the Work Around the World Educational Club for International Police records 0112
0112  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
Scrapbook, share certificates, and other documents relating to the founding of Work Around the World Educational Club for International Police (WAWEC), by Captain Walter Wanderwell in 1932, to monitor world disarmament and provide educational opportunities overseas.
Background
Walter Wanderwell, born Valerian Johannes Pieczynski, was born in Poland in either 1893 or 1897. An international traveler and soldier of fortune, he explored Siberia, the Amazon, and the Sahara, and ended up in the United States, where he changed his name to something Americans could pronounce. He was jailed during World War I by American authorities who suspected him of being a German spy. Often referred to as "Captain", he never served in any country's military. In 1918, after being released from prison in Atlanta, he married Nell Miller, a Broadway chrous girl, and the two founded the Work Around the World Educational Club for International Police (WAWEC). WAWEC was founded to ostensibly support the new League of Nations through imposition of law, not war. The FBI branded the organization a private army with potential for subversive activities.
Extent
1 Linear Feet 1 box
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Availability
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE: Advance notice required for access.