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Title: Shirley Mae Stark papers
Date (bulk): 1967-1974
Collection Number: 91032
Contributing Institution: Hoover Institution Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
18 manuscript boxes, 3 oversize boxes
(11.1 Linear Feet)
Abstract: The papers of Shirley Mae Stark, wife of American prisoner of war William Stark and advocate on behalf of the American prisoners
of war (POWs) in Vietnam, consist of correspondence, newsletters, press releases, bulletins, clippings, other printed matter,
photographs, and memorabilia relating to American POWs during the Vietnam War and their families. The papers include correspondence
with and issuances of the Department of the Navy, other United States government officials, and voluntary organizations concerned
with the welfare of prisoners of war, especially the National League of Families of American Prisoners in Southeast Asia.
Also included are numerous letters from members of the public.
Creator:
Stark, Shirley Mae
Physical Location: Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Box 14, folder 3 may not be used without permission of the Archivist. The remainder of the collection is open for research;
materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual or digital media material in the
collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in 1991.
[Identification of item], Shirley Mae Stark papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
| 1930 February 28 | Shirley Mae Stark (née Gust) born in Michigan City, Indiana |
| 1930 May 28 | William Robert Stark born to George and Gladys Stark in Michigan City, Indiana |
| 1951 October 29 | Daughter Susan born |
| 1967 May 19 | William Stark shot down and captured just south of Hanoi in Vietnam |
| 1973 March 4 | William Stark released during Operation Homecoming |
| 1949 October 22 | Shirley and William Stark married in Key West, Florida |
| circa 1967-1973 | Shirley Stark worked part-time as a teller at Bank of America and volunteered with POW/MIA advocacy groups. |
Scope and Content of Collection
The Shirley Mae Stark papers, the bulk of which date from 1967 to 1974, document the experience of American POWs and their
families during the Vietnam War through correspondence, newsletters, press releases, clippings, other printed matter, photographs,
and memorabilia.
After her husband was captured in Vietnam, Shirley Stark became involved with various advocacy groups, particularly the National
League of Families of American Prisoners in Southeast Asia, that worked to raise awareness of the plight of missing and captured
American soldiers. As a member of these groups, she received correspondence and newsletters providing information about efforts
on behalf of POWs/MIAs, which can be found in the
Correspondence series, under
POW/MIA advocacy groups. She also participated in fundraising activities, which included the sale of rubber stamps, bumper stickers, and bracelets.
Examples of some of these items can be found in the
Memorabilia series.
Of particular note are the bracelets, each of which featured the name and date of capture of a POW. Individuals who purchased
the bracelets could opt to receive further information about the POW and his family, and many went on to correspond with family
members and the returned POWs. William Stark's name was on one of the bracelets, and as a result, there is a large amount
of correspondence from members of the public, particularly after his release, inquiring about his well-being and welcoming
him home. This can be found in the
Correspondence series, under
General, particularly in the folders for 1973.
Shirley Stark also received regular updates from the Department of the Navy relating to her husband's pay and benefits, instructions
for sending mail and packages to Vietnam, and the POW situation generally. These letters, many of which included informational
attachments, can be found in the
Correspondence series, under
Department of the Navy.
Other Navy and POW-related publications can be found in the
Printed Matter series, which also contains clippings collected by Shirley Stark about the experiences of the POWs and their families, the
work of the government and advocacy groups, and the return of the POWs to the United States. Some of these articles are specifically
about the Stark family. Additional clippings, as well as some correspondence, photographs, and printed matter, can be found
in the albums created by Shirley and Gladys Stark in the
Oversize Materials series.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Prisoners of war
Vietnam War, 1961-1975 -- Prisoners and prisons, North Vietnamese
United States -- Armed Forces
Navy spouses
National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia