Guide to the World War II Joke and Humor Collection

Special Collections & Archives
University Library
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8326
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Contributing Institution: Special Collections & Archives
Title: World War II Joke and Humor Collection
Identifier/Call Number: SC.WWJH
Extent: 0.21 linear feet
Date (inclusive): ca. 1941-ca. 1945
Abstract: The World War II Joke and Humor Collection consists of jokes, poems, rhymes, letters, cartoons, and other humorous materials read by and exchanged between soldiers serving in World War II. Common topics are sex, women, military life, commanding officers, and Hitler. Most items are hand-written, though some possibly copied out of magazines and other publications as there are multiple copies in different hands. A few items are type written, or small pamphlet publications.
Language of Material: English

Scope and Contents

The World War II Joke and Humor Collection consists of jokes, poems, rhymes, letters, cartoons, and other humorous materials read by and exchanged between soldiers serving in World War II. Common topics are sex, women, military life, commanding officers, and Hitler, most notably a lengthy rhyme titled "Hitler's Dream" in which the Nazi leader finds himself unable to enter Hell because the Devil does not want him to corrupt the "good morals" of his evil minions. Most items are hand-written, though some were probably copied out of magazines and other publications as there are multiple copies in different hands. A few small pamphlet publications, type written, or clipped from newspapers. Some items are mildly pornographic, and the collection also includes a few nude photographs. It is filed alphabetically by format.

Conditions Governing Access:

The collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use:

Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection has not been transferred to California State University, Northridge. Copyright status for other materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchase, 10/01/2013

General

Other Information:
This collection was purchased with funds generously donated by Gus and Erika Manders.

Preferred Citation:

For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style manual, or see the Citing Archival Materials  guide.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Ephemera
Documents
Photographs

Box 1, Folder 1

Drawings

Box 1, Folder 2

Ephemera

Box 1, Folder 3

Extended Metaphors in Prose

Box 1, Folder 4

Jokes

Box 1, Folder 5

Letters

Box 1, Folder 6

Loose Envelopes

Box 1, Folder 7

Photographs

Box 1, Folder 8

Poems and Rhymes

Box 1, Folder 9

Song

Box 1, Folder 10

Stories

Box 1, Folder 11

Valentine