From Foe to Friend: MAINE HISTORY TALK - NOVEMBER 15 at Rockland Library‏

Rockland, Maine - On Thursday NOVEMBER 15 at 6:30 PM, The Rockland Library presents a Maine History Talk by Hank Lunn.

German Prisoners of War in Maine - From Foe to Friend
A First Person presentation by Hank Lunn

In 1944, the U.S. Army Air Base in Houlton, Maine became the site of a Prisoner of War (POW) internment camp for German soldiers captured in North Africa and France.  The POW’s could not be forced to work, but could volunteer. Those who wanted to work helped the local farmers harvest peas, pick potatoes and cut wood in the forest during winter. The prisoners were paid a dollar a day in scrip that they could spend at their post exchange for toiletries, tobacco, chocolate, even beer. College course were also offered to those who wish to study.



In the fall of 1945, Hank Lunn’s father decided to request prisoners to help with the potato harvest because people usually hired were not available due to the war. Another very compelling reason for asking for help was that the Germans cost the farmers very little.

For a 13 year old boy, the arrival of German soldiers, who may have killed some of their neighbors, was fearsome. Lunn’s young mind was not too sure it was a good idea to have the “enemy” right here on their farm.

From Foe to Friend will tell the personal story of what the experience was like to have German soldiers working th Lunn family farm in Littleton, Aroostook County, Maine

Special accommodations for persons with disabilities can be made with 48 hours notice. Please call the Library at 594-0310.
This is one in a continuing Thursday series of literary, film and cultural offerings sponsored by the Rockland Public Library & The Friends of the Rockland Public Library. Admission is free.

Views expressed in public programs at the library do not necessarily reflect the views of the Rockland Public Library or its staff.