Seeking POW camp photos

Andrea Evangelist, Director of the Wayne County Historical Society, is hoping to borrow pictures of the World War II Prisoners of War camps that were in Wayne County to be included in the updated version of the student's history book, 'Wayne County Looking Back.'

During World War II, four Prisoner of War camps were established in Wayne County. The old Newark High School housed the first German prisoners who arrived in Wayne County in 1944.

The old Clyde High School and the buildings of the former Wayne County health camp, in Sodus, were renovated and adapted for use as living quarters for the POWs.

In Marion, buildings were erected at the corner of the Marion -Walworth Road. All four camps were surrounded by barbed wire and had towers, manned with armed guards.

By 1944 over 4,000 Wayne County men and women were serving in the Armed forces. The prisoners of war helped harvest the crops and worked in local canning factories. By May of 1946, all the prisoners were free to return to their homes.

If you have pictures of any Wayne County POW camps or prisoners working in Wayne County that you are willing to loan to the Society, contact the office (946.4943) Monday-Friday, 10-4. Pictures will be scanned and promptly returned to the owner.

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