April 11, 1859. That's the date for the birth of Enoch H. Crowder. Today we commemorate this Missourian with a brief study of his life. Fill in your Happy Birthday, Missouri information sheet as you read about Crowder and his legacy. | Music Appreciation |
The Selective Service
Enoch H. Crowder was a U.S. Army general and military attorney who constructed the Selective Service Act, commonly known as “the draft,” during World War I. Boys who turn 18 years old in the United States are required by law to register with the Selective Service. Currently there is no draft for these young men, but in the event of a military emergency, some of them may be called into action. What do you wonder about this practice? Girls, on the other hand, are not required to register and will not be drafted into service. What do you wonder about this? |
Camp Crowder in Pop Culture
Camp Crowder is an interesting addition to our local history. Located in nearby Neosho, Missouri, the camp played important roles during the second world war. Carl Reiner, the creator of the show, was stationed at Camp Crowder in the 1940s. Another famous Missourian, Dick Van Dyke, had a very successful television comedy series in the 1960s. In the program, the main character, Rob Petrie (played by Van Dyke), periodically recalled his experiences when stationed in the military at Camp Crowder, including the time he met his wife, Laura, at a USO show there. | Camp Crowder on the Dick Van Dyke Show |
Mort Walker, who grew up in Kansas City and attended the University of Missouri, created a comic strip that has lived on for some 70 years. The character, Beetle Bailey, is stationed at Camp Swampy, which is based on Walker's own experiences at Camp Crowder in the 1940s. In 2010, during the strip's 60th anniversary, the Neosho Daily News ran a compelling article which included an interview with Mort Walker. Read the article for yourself. |
We often show respect to our veterans on their holiday in September, but how about the rest of the year. Whether stationed stateside or overseas, veterans often hearken to the times when they shared when they served their country.