In-Depth View of the "Back Home" Wall - Veterans' Memorial Room - Zeeland Historical Society

In-Depth View of the "Back Home" Wall - Veterans' Memorial Room

During World War One and World War Two, it was a time of national sacrifice that involved both the combatants themselves and their loved ones back home.

Our BACK HOME WALL depicts events during and after WWI and WWII. These events demonstrate the sacrifices made by Zeeland soldiers, sailors and the community.

Written by Susan Norder, webmaster - September 2018

W O R L D W A R ONE

WELCOME HOME Soldiers and Sailors of World War One!

WWI Service Victory Medals were presented to each soldier in attendance at the Memorial Services

The WWI Service Victory Medal was PRESENTED BY THE CITY OF ZEELAND MICHIGAN JULY 4TH 1919

This is the original charter for the Zeeland Barracks No. 474, issued on April 30, 1956. Listed, are the 32 charter members of this veteran's organization.

Veterans of World War One of the U.S.A. - Barracks 474

World War One Veterans - May 30, 1924

"HONOR ROLL" Published Weekly 1918-1919 :: KILLED in Action, WOUNDED in Action, GASSED in Action, DIED of Disease

World War One War Board - Zeeland, MI

WORLD WAR ONE ARTIFACTS

World War One

W O R L D W A R TWO

World War Two rationing on the U.S. home front

THERE'S A WAR ON, YOU KNOW! If you did not have a ration stamp for an item you wanted, you were not allowed to purchase it.

"Junk Rally" in Zeeland, Michigan

Teachers join the military.

1943 Zeeland High School calendar of events

Letter from Eleanor Roosevelt to Mrs. Lester Lampen whose husband was missing in action.

Families would hang a Service Flag in the window with a star for each family member serving their country during World War Two.

Gold Star Mothers were honored in the 2002 Memorial Day Parade.

Trial "Air Raid" in Zeeland, Michigan

This U.S. Navy Rescue Boat was made possible by the people of Zeeland, Michigan.

Medal of Recognition to Margery Topp (mother of Wilma (Topp) Veldeer, Zeeland, Michigan)

This picture hung in the window of Mother Wildschut while her son, Jelle "James", served in the Army Air Corps during World War Two.

The community honored those families who had a family member serving in the military.

BENNETT LUMBER, DeBRUYN PRODUCE, HERMAN MILLER and H. L. HUBBELL FURNITURE COMPANY repurpose for the war effort.

HOWARD MILLER CLOCKS, L. G. STALLKAMP - EGG EXCHANGE, and SLIGH-LOWRY FURNITURE COMPANY support the war effort.

World War Two coinage with steel cents, shell case cents and silver war nickels

WORLD WAR TWO ARTIFACTS

** THE END **

To learn more about World War II rationing, click here.

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External Links

The Zeeland Record (1893-2006) - requires a Howard Miller library card

Family histories at Calvin College

Zeeland Cemetery - findagrave