Collection Title: Jackson Purchase Oral History Project – Black Veterans – World War II
Series Number: OH157
Interviewee: Rowlett, Arthur W., 1900-
Interviewer: Belue, Ted
Date interviewed: November 13, 1986
Processed by: Benjamin J. Drake
Date processed: November 16, 2011
Description: 1 sound disc (30 minutes)
Abstract: Arthur W. Rowlett details his brief experience as an African American soldier during the Second World War. He describes his employment prior to the war and recalls where he was when Pearl Harbor was attached. He mentions his brief spell in the United States Army, his discharge and racial issues he either witnessed or experienced. He concludes the interview with a discussion on his employment opportunities following his discharge.
Biographical / Historical note: Arthur W. Rowlett was born on August 12, 1900 in New Concord, Kentucky and relocation to Murray, Kentucky in 1909. In 1918 he was scheduled to depart for military training for the First World War, however the Armistice was signed days before he was to depart and his training was canceled. Prior to the Second World War, he worked making tobacco twists in Calloway County, Kentucky. He was drafted in 1942 and sent to the Jefferson Barracks Military Post at St. Louis, Missouri for basic training. From there he was stationed at March Field, California and was discharged in 1943 due to his age. After being discharged he returned to Murray where he worked on a farm and later as a chauffeur for a local physician.
General information: No user access to original recordings. Use audio user copies, digital derivatives, transcripts, and/or tape indexes. This collection may be protected from unauthorized copying by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code). Permission for reproduction must be requested from Murray State University.
Subject Headings / Descriptors:
Rowlett, Arthur W., 1900-
Calloway County (Ky.) – History.
New Concord (Ky.)
Murray (Ky.) – History.
Jefferson Barracks (Saint Louis, Mo.)
World War, 1939-1945 – Participation, African American.
World War, 1939-1945 – Personal narratives, American.
Tobacco industry – Kentucky – Calloway County.
