Register of the Church of the Brethren, Brethren Service Commission, Civilian Public Service records
Finding aid prepared by Danielle Lopez
Hoover Institution Library and Archives
© 2008, 2015
434 Galvez Mall
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003
hoover-library-archives@stanford.edu
Title: Church of the Brethren, Brethren Service Commission, Civilian Public Service records
Date (bulk): 1943-1945
Collection Number: 69029
Contributing Institution: Hoover Institution Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
6 manuscript boxes
(2.4 Linear Feet)
Abstract: Collection includes memoranda, bulletins, newsletters, and reports relating to compulsory non-military public service, conscientious
objectors, and the work of the Church of the Brethren, Brethren Service Commission in the United States during World War II.
Creator:
Church of Brethren. Brethren Service Commission. Civilian Public Service
Physical Location: Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Access
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.
Use
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Acquisition Information
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in 1969.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Church of the Brethren, Brethren Service Commission, Civilian Public Service records, [Box no.,
Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Historical Note
The Church of the Brethren is a Christian denomination whose beliefs are guided by the New Testament, with an emphasis on
peace, simplicity, and involvement in the relief of suffering and charitable work. The Brethren Service Commission (originally
known as the Brethren Service Committee and later renamed the Brethren Volunteer Service), which was originally formed to
work on humanitarian relief projects, helped oversee the operation of Civilian Public Service (CPS) camps from 1941 to 1947
for conscientious objectors drafted during World War II.
In a joint operation between the three historic peace churches (the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonites, and the Society
of Friends/Quakers) and the government, the CPS camps operated as compulsory non-military public service for conscientious
objectors, fulfilling the Selective Service and Training Act of 1940's requirement that those rejecting military service complete
other national service in the form of "work of national importance."
The National Service Board of Religious Objectors (created by the three historic peace churches to serve as a liaison with
the government) and the Selective Service worked together to select CPS camp sites and identify service project ideas, which
included serving specific government technical agencies in areas such as forestry, soil conservation, public health, fish
and wildlife, and agriculture, and helping to provide social and mental health services. Over 12,000 conscientious objectors
lived in CPS camps and performed various lines of work for no wages; camp operations continued up to nineteen months after
the end of World War II. Ultimately the CPS camps and the work of the conscientious objectors led to significant contributions
in areas such as forest fire prevention, medical science, and the mental health system.
Scope and Content of Collection
Collection includes memoranda, bulletins, newsletters, and reports relating to compulsory non-military public service, conscientious
objectors, and the work of the Brethren Service Commission in the United States during World War II from 1941 to 1946. The
first series,
Civilian Public Service Camps File, provides a glimpse into the Civilian Public Service camps through newsletters and bulletins written by the conscientious
objectors living and working in the camps. The second series,
Brethern Service Commission File, consists of memoranda and papers from the Brethren Service Commission and the National Board of Religious Objectors.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Peace
World War, 1939-1945 -- United States
Conscientious objectors -- United States
World War, 1939-1945 -- Conscientious objectors
Service, Compulsory non-military -- United States
Civilian Public Service Camps File
1941-1946
Scope and Contents
Materials include newsletters, bulletins, and memos on the Civilian Public Service camps. Newsletters and bulletins are comprised
of camp news, rosters, upcoming activities, and editorials. The conscientious objectors living within the camps wrote and
assembled the materials. Titles include
The Columbian, Salamonie Peace Pipe, Manana, CrestViews, The Tide, Second Mile, View Point, Camp Walhalla News Kane Pennsylvania, and
Dairy Diary. The series is arranged by camp number.
box 1, folder 1
No. 6 Largo, Indiana
1942-1946
box 1, folder 2
No. 7 Magnolia, Arkansas
1941-1943
box 1, folder 3
No. 16 Kane, Pennsylvania
1942-1943
box 1, folder 4
No. 21 Cascade Locks, Oregon
1942
box 1, folder 5
No. 24 New Windsor, Maryland
undated
box 1, folder 7
No. 29 Lyndhurst, Virginia
1943
box 2, folder 1
No. 30 Wellston, Michigan
1942-1943
box 2, folder 2
No. 36 Santa Barbara, California
1942-1944
box 2, folder 3
No. 42 Wellston, Michigan
1943-1944
box 2, folder 4
No. 43 Adjuntas, Puerto Rico,
1942-1946
box 2, folder 5
No. 47 Sykesville, Maryland
1945
box 2, folder 6
No. 48 Marienville, Pennsylvania
1943
box 2, folder 7
No. 51 Ft. Steilacoom, Washington,
1944-1945
box 2, folder 8
No. 56 Waldport, Oregon
1942-1944
box 2, folder 10
No. 80 Lyons, New Jersey
1945
box 3, folder 1
Columbia University CPS Unit
1943
box 3, folder 2-4
Elgin, Illinois camp
1942-1945
box 3, folder 5
Various camp newsletters
1943-1945
Brethren Service Commission File
1942-1946
Scope and Contents
Consists of memoranda, pamphlets, reports, and papers related to the Brethren Service Commission (BSC) and highlighting its
activities. National Service Board for Religious Objectors memos spanning from 1943 to 1945 can also be found within this
series. Memos written by Harold Row, BSC executive secretary, to camp directors addressing various administrative topics are
included as well. Materials are arranged by subject and format.
box 4, folder 1-2
National Service Board for Religious Objectors memoranda,
1943-1945
