September 2015 will be the 75th anniversary of the commissioning of Camp Bowie in Brown County, Texas by the United States War Department in 1940. To mark the anniversary, Tarleton State University will join with Howard Payne University and the Brown County Museum of History to offer a symposium from September 16-18 on the Howard Payne campus in Brownwood.

One of the US Army’s largest training facilities in Texas during World War II, the base operated from 1940-1946, and more than a quarter-million soldiers trained at the base. It also housed a German POW camp. In addition to having a major impact on the region, the camp facilities, land and roads have continued to serve the residents and businesses of the area as well as the Texas National Guard and US Army.

The symposium will offer presentations on Camp Bowie, the history of military installations in Texas, the legacy and contributions of those who served in WWII from the region, and other related topics. The event will bring together faculty and students from both universities, as well as military scholars, researchers, and local dignitaries and residents.

The event will be coordinated with the opening of a new exhibit at the Brown County Museum of History, “A Tribute to Those Who Served.” The exhibit will highlight Camp Bowie, the role of the 36th Division in WWII, area veterans and the regional contribution to the war effort.

Additional related events being planned include a concert by the 36th Division Infantry Band on Sept. 12, a WWII reenactment on the weekend of Sept. 18, a memorial event at Camp Bowie, and participation in these events and the Brownwood Reunion parade by the ROTC Texan Battalion from Tarleton.

Sponsorships for the Symposium are available as the event will include a tour of the new museum exhibit, “A Tribute to Those Who Served”, a social event for conference participants, bus tours of the Camp Bowie area, and a proposed banquet for community, state, military and university leaders in honor of the anniversary. All donations and sponsorships will help underwrite the event and support the ongoing preservation of this unique history by the Brown County Museum.

The event is already attracting attention around the region and the state, and will be a forum for faculty, students, military scholars, researchers, dignitaries and residents.  CLICK HERE to register for the event or call or call (325) 649-8409.

The Symposium will offer presentations on Camp Bowie, the history of military installations in Texas, the legacy and contributions of those who served in WWII from the region, and other related topics.  The event will be coordinated with the opening of a new exhibit at the Brown County Museum titled Other related events include a concert by the 36th Division Memorial Band on September 12, and a Living History Camp, Reenactments and Veteran’s Memorial commemoration on the weekend of September 18-20.  Below is a schedule of events.

Wednesday, September 16

7:30 p.m. – Opening Reception – Foyer, Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center, Howard Payne University

Thursday, September 17

8:30 a.m. – Registration/tour sign up – Foyer, Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center, Howard Payne University

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Opening Session, Jackson Room, Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center

Introduction and Camp Bowie History, Dr. Eric V. Morrow – Tarleton State University

Preserving Camp Bowie History, Ms. Alexia Riggs – Dean of Libraries – Howard Payne University; Board Member – Brown County Museum of History

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Session 2, Jackson Room, Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center; Camp Bowie tour available – preregistration online or by phone.

A Soldier’s View of Life at Camp Bowie – Reflections from the letters and journal of Harold W. Hooper stationed at Camp Bowie 1939-1941, Mr. James Hooper

Noon – Luncheon (pre-registration online or by phone), Bullion Suites, Mabee University Center – Howard Payne University

Keynote, Mr. Jeff Hunt – Director, Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry in Austin

1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – Session 3, Jackson Room, Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center; Camp Bowie tour available – preregistration online or by phone.

POWs at Camp Bowie: A Brief History and the Ethics of POW Treatment During WWII, Dr. Matthew Hallgarth and Ms. Michelle Loyd – Tarleton State University

Strength Has Many Faces – The story of POW Henry Spalding and the Lost Battalion during three and a half years of captivity, Ms. Marcia Glasgow – Comanche, Texas

3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. – Session 4, Jackson Room, Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center

Video presentation of interviews from area residents and those who served at Camp Bowie

5:00 p.m. – Exhibit Viewing, Brown County Museum of History

6:30 p.m. – Banquet, Bullion Suites, Mabee University Center (pre-registration online or by phone)

Friday, September 18

9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Session 5, Jackson Room, Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center

The Landing at Salerno: the 36th Division’s First Fight, Mr. Jeff Hunt – Director, Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry in Austin

Visions of Peace: How Texans Imagined Post-War Life at the Conclusion of World War II, Dr. Eric V. Morrow – Tarleton State University

Resolutions Passed by the Texas Legislature

During the 84th Session of the Texas Legislature, resolutions were passed by both the House and Senate honoring the anniversary of the establishment of Camp Bowie and recognizing this commemorative event.

The event is also connected to the Brownwood Reunion which will be held on September 18-20 (http://www.celebratebrownwood.com/). On Saturday, September 19, the Museum will sponsor a Living History camp and re-enactments from WWII, tours of the new exhibit, and a memorial at Camp Bowie.