Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast

Veteran Voices Podcast (Ep 44): James Van Keuren

The School Poisoning Tragedy in Caledonia, Ohio 

 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

On episode 44 of Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast, we talk with James Van Keuren about his book, The School Poisoning Tragedy in Caledonia, Ohio, and the tragic but little known story of what a small community in Ohio went through in the years and decades after WWII.

We’ve always understood the veteran experience in broadest terms that include the full range of issues veterans, their families, and our communities go through before, during, and after military service. Some of these issues are well known, such as post traumatic disorders or military-related illnesses known as Agent Orange, Gulf War Syndrome, or the most recent toxic burn pit exposures. Also fitting into these experiences are the social, political, and economic consequences communities endure as a result of exposures to dangerous military-industrial activities abroad and at home.

Dr. James Van Keuren’s book tells the tragic but little known story of what a small community in Ohio went through in the years and decades after WWII: “In the early 1960s, the River Valley Local School District built its middle school, its high school and its athletic fields in the former Marion Engineer Depot. During World War II, the depot had used the land for heavy equipment rehab, military artillery practice, materials storage, burial of construction debris and burning of waste materials and fuels.

“In 1997, a River Valley High School nurse grew concerned about the high rate of leukemia and other cancers in graduates. Then a stunning news report announcing a 122 percent increase in death rates over thirty years in the Marion area sparked an investigation.

“Was the land to blame? The question of what may have been known about the contaminates on the school grounds sent shock waves through the community that still linger today.”

Meanwhile, be sure to check out another conversation with Dr. Van Keuren discussing WWII POW camps in Ohio on episode 43 of Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast.

Dr. James Van Keuren is a retired professor of educational administration and dean of the Dwight Schar College of Education at Ashland University, as well as a former high school teacher, principal and superintendent. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, and his most recent book, A Tribute to the 109th Evacuation Hospital (SM), traces his father-in-law’s service during World War II. Van Keuren has been married to his wife, Pat, for forty-nine years, and they have two daughters, Michelle (Drew) Scott and Christie (Dale) Murdoch, in addition to grandchildren Hailey Scott, Weston Murdoch and Cooper Murdoch.

Buy the Book

 

ABOUT THE PODCAST

The Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast features conversations with those who tell veterans' stories in creative and interesting ways, such as oral historians, authors, poets, playwrights, and photographers. This podcast is a production of The Social Voice Project, Inc., dedicated to understanding the voices and stories of our lives through the first-hand, authentic accounts of lived experiences we call oral histories. The podcast was formerly produced by the Veteran Voices of Pittsburgh Oral History Initiative, a veteran-run, award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Host Kevin Farkas is a US Navy veteran and independent multimedia producer specializing in creative sound design and audio engineering.  He has produced several audiobooks, radio dramas, live storytelling events,

Dr. James Van Keuren

WWII POW Camps in Ohio 

 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

On episode 43 of Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast, we talk with James Van Keuren about his book, World War II POW Camps in Ohio. Drawing on first-person accounts from soldiers, former POWs and residents, as well as archival research, Dr. Van Keuren delves into the neglected history of Ohio's POW camps.

During the 1940s, more than six thousand prisoners of war resided at nine camps in Ohio. The Italian POWs arrived first, charming "the locals with their affable, easygoing natures, while their German successors often put on a serious, intractable front."

Some local residents fondly recall working alongside the prisoners and reuniting with them later in life. Others held the prisoners in disdain, feeling that they were coddled while natives struggled with day-to-day needs.

 

 

 

 

This podcast episode was recorded March 24, 2020 in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Host: Kevin Farkas.  Guest: James Van Keuren. Audiography: Kevin Farkas/The Social Voice Project. Music (available on SoundCloud.com): Raccoon Uniforms (“Silver Linings”), Amoebacrew (“Light Indie Rock”), Gianpiero Lupoli (“Rebirth”).  Addition audio (available on YouTube.com): Texas Historical Commission (“Nazi POW Camp in Texas”), TheTigerNextDoor (“Italian prisoners of war in the USA - documentary film Prisoners in Paradise”), OTIS! (“WHY YOU'RE STUPID TO NOT STUDY HISTORY”).  ©Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast/The Social Voice Project.  All rights reserved.

 

World War II POW Camps in Ohio

By Dr. James Van Keuren

During World War II, more than six thousand prisoners of war resided at Camp Perry near Port Clinton and its branch camps at Columbus, Rossford, Cambridge, Celina, Bowling Green, Defiance, Marion, Parma and Wilmington. From the start, the camps were a study in contradictions. The Italian prisoners who arrived first charmed locals with their affable, easygoing natures, while their German successors often put on a serious, intractable front. Some local residents fondly recall working alongside the prisoners and reuniting with them later in life. Others held the prisoners in disdain, feeling that they were coddled while natives struggled with day-to-day needs. Drawing on first-person accounts from soldiers, former POWs and residents, as well as archival research, Dr. Jim Van Keuren delves into the neglected history of Ohio's POW camps.

Dr. James Van Keuren is a retired professor of educational administration and dean of the Dwight Schar College of Education at Ashland University, as well as a former high school teacher, principal and superintendent. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, and his most recent book, A Tribute to the 109th Evacuation Hospital (SM), traces his father-in-law’s service during World War II. Van Keuren has been married to his wife, Pat, for forty-nine years, and they have two daughters, Michelle (Drew) Scott and Christie (Dale) Murdoch, in addition to grandchildren Hailey Scott, Weston Murdoch and Cooper Murdoch.

Buy the Book

 

 

More Resources

Nazi POW Camp in Texas by Texas Historical Commission

A former U.S. military prison guard and a former Nazi prisoner of war both describe their experiences at Camp Hearne during World War II. This video was produced for our heritage travel app, Texas Time Travel Tours.

Stefano Ballini

The Red Trickle of the Soul 

READ THE TRANSCRIPTION BELOW

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

On episode 42 of Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast, we talk with Italian filmmaker Stefano Ballini about preserving veterans stories, the moral injury of war, and his most recent documentary, The Red Trickle of the Soul--featuring Pittsburgh area veterans of WWII, Cold War, and Vietnam War.

This podcast episode was recorded June 26, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Host: Kevin Farkas.  Guest: Stefano Ballini. Audiography: Kevin Farkas/The Social Voice Project. Music (available on SoundCloud.com): Amoebacrew (“Light Indie Rock”), Gianpiero Lupoli (“Rebirth”), Kevin MacLeod (“Ambiment”). Additional Audio (available on The Social Voice Project): The Social Voice Project (Alle-Kiski Chronicle (Ep08) – Stefano Ballini | Monte Sole Landing Memories”).  Addition audio (available on YouTube.com): Stefano Ballini (“Trailer - Il Rivolo Rosso dell'Anima - The Red Trickle of the Soul"). TheLBJLibrary (“The Vietnam War Summit: One, Two, Three: What Are We Fighting For?”). ©Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast/The Social Voice Project, Inc.  All rights reserved.

 

Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast (Ep42)

Stefano Ballini – The Red Trickle of the Soul

TRANSCRIPTION

ED BLANK: Was, and am, extremely proud of my military service.

GEORGE HAUGHT: Within the first twelve hours I saw more death and destruction than most people would in a lifetime.

AL DEFAZIO: I come from a little town called, Altavilla Irpina, in the province of Avellino.

STEFANO BALLINI: This is Stefano Ballini and are you are listening to the Veteran Voices History Podcast.

CAROLE ZIPPY BRENNAN: When my dad and I were alone, he told different stories.  He told about the only regret he ever had—the regret of the boy who died in his arms.  Both of them just kids, nineteen years old. And when my dad told me that story about not being able to get the address and the names of that young man, he said to me, “I just wanted them to know that their son died in the arms of a fellow soldier.  He didn’t die out on the battle field.  He didn’t die in a muddy trench.”  And my dad, at ninety-one, started to cry.  He remembered all of those stories.  And we have to remember the stories of all the men who fought.  Stefano, there are not enough words to say thank you for keeping the memory of Frank [Gervasi], and Michael [Vernillo], and my dad [Vittorio Zippi], and my uncle [Lou], and countless others—you’re keeping them alive.  You are a witness.  Thank you, Stefano. You are a witness.

ANNOUNCER: You are listening to a production of The Social Voice Podcast Network.

KEVIN FARKAS (PODCAST HOST): We have a very special guest today from Italy. His name is Stefano Bellini. He's a filmmaker and documentarian specializing in veterans’ stories.  And Stefano is here in the United States, he’s here in Pittsburgh, to show his English version of his latest film, The Red Trickle of the Soul. Welcome Stefano, to Pittsburgh.

STEFANO BALLINI: Thank you, thank you.

This is your second time here?

Yes.

Very exciting?

Yes.

You love Pittsburgh. [laughter]

Yes, I love Pittsburgh.  I love it so much. [laughter]

Your film, The Red Trickle of the Soul, is your second documentary film.

Yes.

Before we get into talking about your film, tell us a little bit about your background, what you do in Italy, and your interest in filmmaking.

Yes, I started about 8 years ago with the first film called, Il Treno che Bucò il Fronte. In English, The Train Through the Warfront. It is the story of my father who embarked in Anzio with the allies in ...

Daniel M. Cohen | Single-Handed

The inspiring true story of Tibor “Teddy” Rubin

 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

On Episode 18 of Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast, we talk with Daniel M. Cohen, filmmaker and author of Single-Handed, the inspiring true story of Tibor “Teddy” Rubin–Holocaust survivor, Korean War hero and Medal of Honor recipient.

This podcast episode was recorded August 9, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Host: Kevin Farkas.  Guest: Daniel M. Cohen.  Audiography: Kevin Farkas.  Music available on Soundcloud.com: Moist Appointment (Is It Really So Surprising), SNX (Shooting Stars), Sergey Pismennyy (Transition), Marcel du Preez (Firepower). ©Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast/The Social Voice Project, Inc.  All rights reserved.

 

 

ABOUT THE PODCAST

The Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast features conversations with those who tell veterans' stories in creative and interesting ways, such as oral historians, authors, poets, playwrights, and photographers. This podcast is a production of The Social Voice Project, Inc., dedicated to understanding the voices and stories of our lives through the first-hand, authentic accounts of lived experiences we call oral histories. The podcast was formerly produced by the Veteran Voices of Pittsburgh Oral History Initiative, a veteran-run, award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Host Kevin Farkas is a US Navy veteran and independent multimedia producer specializing in creative sound design and audio engineering.  He has produced several audiobooks, radio dramas, live storytelling events, a podcast network, videos, as well as print and digital media publications.

 

 

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Daniel M. Cohen | Single-Handed

The inspiring true story of Tibor “Teddy” Rubin

 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

On Episode 18 of Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast, we talk with Daniel M. Cohen, filmmaker and author of Single-Handed, the inspiring true story of Tibor “Teddy” Rubin–Holocaust survivor, Korean War hero and Medal of Honor recipient.

This podcast episode was recorded August 9, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Host: Kevin Farkas.  Guest: Daniel M. Cohen.  Audiography: Kevin Farkas.  Music available on Soundcloud.com: Moist Appointment (Is It Really So Surprising), SNX (Shooting Stars), Sergey Pismennyy (Transition), Marcel du Preez (Firepower). ©Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast/The Social Voice Project, Inc.  All rights reserved.

 

 

ABOUT THE PODCAST

The Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast features conversations with those who tell veterans' stories in creative and interesting ways, such as oral historians, authors, poets, playwrights, and photographers. This podcast is a production of The Social Voice Project, Inc., dedicated to understanding the voices and stories of our lives through the first-hand, authentic accounts of lived experiences we call oral histories. The podcast was formerly produced by the Veteran Voices of Pittsburgh Oral History Initiative, a veteran-run, award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Host Kevin Farkas is a US Navy veteran and independent multimedia producer specializing in creative sound design and audio engineering.  He has produced several audiobooks, radio dramas, live storytelling events, a podcast network, videos, as well as print and digital media publications.

 

 

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Mike Lombardi | It Was Hard 

 

 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

On Episode 41 of Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast, we talk about vicarious storytelling. After veterans are gone, who will tell their stories? Our guest is army airborne veteran of the Cold War, Mike Lombardi, who shares the story of his father, Master Sergeant Archie Lombardi.

 

This podcast episode was recorded October 2, 2018 in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Host: Kevin Farkas.  Guest: Mike Lombardi. Audiography: Kevin Farkas/The Social Voice Project, Inc. Music (available on SoundCloud.com): Floxyde (“Misery,” “Hypnosis,” “Bada01”).  Addition audio (available on YouTube.com): OakRidgejet (“JFK - Remarks at West Point to the Graduating Class of the U.S. Military Academy, June 6, 1962”), Việt Tráng Sĩ  (“Green Berets Original Soundtrack Written By Miklós Rózsa”). ©Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast/The Social Voice Project, Inc.  All rights reserved.

 

 

 

ABOUT THE PODCAST

The Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast features conversations with those who tell veterans' stories in creative and interesting ways, such as oral historians, authors, poets, playwrights, and photographers. This podcast is a production of The Social Voice Project, Inc., dedicated to understanding the voices and stories of our lives through the first-hand, authentic accounts of lived experiences we call oral histories. The podcast was formerly produced by the Veteran Voices of Pittsburgh Oral History Initiative, a veteran-run, award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Host Kevin Farkas is a US Navy veteran and independent multimedia producer specializing in creative sound design and audio engineering.  He has produced several audiobooks, radio dramas, live storytelling events, a podcast network, videos, as well as print and digital media publications.

 

 

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Nick Grimes | Tell Me a Story 

(This episode contains explicit language or subject matter)

 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

On Episode 40 of Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast, we talk with Nick Grimes, army veteran of Afghanistan and director of the Veterans Breakfast Club's Post-9/11 Veterans Storytelling Project, about what defines a Post-9/11 era veteran, live storytelling events, the truth in oral history, and how best to thank today's veterans.

This episode was recorded April 9, 2017 in Homestead, Pa. Host: Kevin Farkas.  Guest: Nick Grimes. Audiography: Kevin Farkas, Bryan Chemini.  Music (available at Soundcloud.com):  David Hyde (“21st Aug 3”), les.wray (“Pretty Surfer Girl Just Rode Off on Her Motorbikel”), hxppy (“Rock1”).  Additional audio (available on YouTube.com):  The Orchard Music (Frankie Lane and Jimmy Boyd – “Tell Me a Story”).  ©Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast/The Social Voice Project, Inc.  All rights reserved.

 

 

 

ABOUT THE PODCAST

The Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast features conversations with those who tell veterans' stories in creative and interesting ways, such as oral historians, authors, poets, playwrights, and photographers. This podcast is a production of The Social Voice Project, Inc., dedicated to understanding the voices and stories of our lives through the first-hand, authentic accounts of lived experiences we call oral histories. The podcast was formerly produced by the Veteran Voices of Pittsburgh Oral History Initiative, a veteran-run, award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Host Kevin Farkas is a US Navy veteran and independent multimedia producer specializing in creative sound design and audio engineering.  He has produced several audiobooks, radio dramas, live storytelling events, a podcast network, videos, as well as print and digital media publications.

 

 

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Teresa Funke

Historical Fiction 

 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

On Episode 39 of Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast, we talk with author Teresa Funke about historical fiction, oral history, the art of conversation, and why it matters more than ever to preserve the stories of the WWII generation.

Teresa Funke is an award-winning author of numerous books based on true-life stories from the WWII era.  She is the owner of Teresa Funke & Company and Victory House Press. She is also a nationwide speaker offering keynotes and presentations and a popular writer’s coach.

This episode was recorded September 26, 2017. Host: Kevin Farkas.  Guest: Teresa Funke. Audiography: Kevin Farkas.  Music (available at Soundcloud.com): Dave Delightman (“A Whisper Across the Sand”), Spiffy Man (“Farewell, ft. Progley”), Sweetwave Audio (“Free Ambient Loop”).  ©Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast/The Social Voice Project, Inc.  All rights reserved.

 

 

 

ABOUT THE PODCAST

The Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast features conversations with those who tell veterans' stories in creative and interesting ways, such as oral historians, authors, poets, playwrights, and photographers. This podcast is a production of The Social Voice Project, Inc., dedicated to understanding the voices and stories of our lives through the first-hand, authentic accounts of lived experiences we call oral histories. The podcast was formerly produced by the Veteran Voices of Pittsburgh Oral History Initiative, a veteran-run, award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Host Kevin Farkas is a US Navy veteran and independent multimedia producer specializing in creative sound design and audio engineering.  He has produced several audiobooks, radio dramas, live storytelling events, a podcast network, videos, as well as print and digital media publications.

 

 

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Bob Dvorchak | Drive On 

On Episode 38 of Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast, we talk with Bob Dvorchak, legendary Pittsburgh sports writer, national journalist, war correspondent, and author of Drive On: The Uncensored War of Bedouin Bob and the All-Americans.

 

 

Bob Dvorchak is an award-winning author and journalist, whose career spans more than four decades from Associated Press national correspondent to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In his forties, he was asked by AP to cover the Gulf War (1990-91) and embedded with US armed forces deployed to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.  His latest book, Drive On: The Uncensored War of Bedouin Bob and the All-Americans, is a personal and historical reflection upon his life as a journalist, war correspondent, and the soldiers of the famed 82nd Airborne Infantry he came to know as "brothers" during the war.

This episode was recorded in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. It is a production of The Social Voice Podcast Network. Executive Producer and Host: Kevin Farkas. Audiography: Kevin Farkas.  Music (available at Soundcloud.com): Unknown (“Bkgrdloop”), STC Beats (“Reverb”), Pipe Choir Records (“Ancient Whispers”), Dave Delightman (“A Whisper Across the Sand”).  Additional sound (available at Youtube.com): Saeed Vahedikamal (“George Carlin- Persian Gulf War”), Keith Hughes (“The Persian Gulf War Explained: US History Review”), Jabzy (“First Gulf War | 3 Minute History”), Richard Hogan (“The Gulf War 1991”), WPSU (“Joseph Galloway: Life of a War Correspondent - Conversations from Penn State”). ©Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast/The Social Voice Project, Inc.  All rights reserved.

 

 

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Eric Rood | Veteran Aviator Oral Histories 

On Episode 37 of Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast, we talk about recording veterans oral histories in the world of aviation with Eric Rood of the Experimental Aircraft Association's Timeless Voices of Aviation project.

 

Eric Rood of Columbus, Ohio has been capturing, preserving, and sharing veterans’ stories since 2006.  In addition to recording locally, each year Eric travels to the Experimental Aviation Association’s annual convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to interview veteran aviators—on the fly, so to speak.

Being at Oshkosh working with EAA's Timeless Voices of Aviation project is a wonderful experience for any oral historian or aviation enthusiast (Eric is a pilot, himself), but it is a technical challenge to record so many interviews in such a short period of time.  But, he admits, preserving these stories is our obligation to history and a tribute to our veterans' service—especially our WWII veterans.

Producer's Note: Nick Grimes is the host of Longest War: The Post-9/11 Veterans Podcast and a combat Army veteran of Afghanistan.

This episode was recorded at the Allegheny-Kiski Valley Historical Society and Heritage Museum in Tarentum, Pennsylvania. It is a production of The Social Voice Podcast Network. Host: Kevin Farkas. Audiography: Kevin Farkas. Music (available on Soundcloud.com): John892 (“Despair”) Abbey Fiddler (“Hatchet D”), Zippo for Wisdom ("Japanese Gal Riddim"). ©Veteran Voices: The Oral History Podcast/The Social Voice Project, Inc.  All rights reserved.

 

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