John Guy Strohm scrapbook: Base Hospital 46

Collection

Identifier: 2004-026

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of a scrapbook, which contains primarily newspaper clippings collected by Strohm as well as a photograph, a booklet, correspondence, and other documents. Some of the correspondence and documents pertain to state funding of the Marquam Hill campus at the University of Oregon Medical School as well as biographical information on Strohm and a certificate awarded to Strohm from the Albert Pike Lodge No. 162.

Some of the news articles are from The Sunday Oregonian from 1926. The articles consist of the “History of the Gallant 91st: A Narrative of the ‘Wild West Division.' Heavily officered by Oregon Men, dedicated to the 2000 Heroes who never returned” by Major-General William H. Johnston. The story was written at the request of veterans of the 91st Division. It was based on Major Johnston’s diary during his service with the 91st Division, copies of division orders, operation reports, and the letters from commanders of various units. The story was written for the commemoration of the two thousand soldiers in the 91st Division who were killed in battle in France and Belgium during the years 1917-1919. William H. Johnston’s story was published in The Sunday Oregonian beginning June 1926. He finished the story in 21 installments. He submitted weekly articles; however, the exact dates are unknown.

Dates

Creation: 1917-1944
Creation: Majority of material found within 1917-1927

Creator

Strohm, John Guy (Collector, Person)

Language of Materials

The majority of the collection is in English but includes one item of correspondence in French and one newspaper article in Italian.

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open to the public.

Conditions Governing Use

OHSU Historical Collections & Archives (HC&A) is the owner of the original materials and digitized images in our collections, however, the collection may contain materials for which copyright is not held. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials. Consult with HC&A to determine if we can provide permission for use.

Biographical Note

Dr. John Guy Strohm was born on October 28, 1885, in Endicott, Nebraska. He attended the University of Nebraska. He undertook a pre-medical program at the University of Michigan and graduated from the Rush Medical College in 1910. After a Cook County internship from 1910 to 1911, Dr. Strohm did post-graduate work in Vienna, Austria.

He came to Oregon shortly before World War I, organized the first Army unit to leave Portland and was in the original nucleus of the 91st division. He attained the rank of colonel and was the division surgeon. Upon his return he organized the 46th General Hospital sponsored by the University of Oregon Medical School. The hospital unit under the command of Dr. Strohm in World War II was rated one of the finest general hospitals in the African and European theaters.

John Guy Strohm died July 1972.

Memberships: The Masonic Lodge, Phi Kappa Phi fraternity, The Portland Medical Society, The University Club Honors: The Croix de guerre (French government), The Legion d’ Honneur (French government), The 91st Infantry Division (nicknamed the "Pine Tree Division" or "Wild West Division"):

"Constituted on August 5, 1917 at Camp Lewis, Washington, near Tacoma, the division soon thereafter departed for England in the summer of 1918. In September 1918, the division's first operation was in the St. Mihiel Offensive in France. Serving under the U.S. Army's V Corps, the division fought in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and successfully helped to destroy the German First Guard Division and continued to smash through three successive enemy lines.

"Twelve days before the end of WWI, the division, as part of the VII Corps, helped drive the Germans east across the Escaut River. The division was awarded separate campaign streamers for its active role in the Lorraine, Meuse-Argonne and Ypres-Lys campaigns.

"In 1919, the 91st was deactivated at the Presidio of San Francisco. After being reconstituted in 1921 as part of the Organized Reserves, the division then served as an administrative control center for the next 21 years." [Wikipedia; October 22, 2009]

Extent

1.5 Linear Feet (1 half-sized document box and 1 oversized box)

Additional Description

Abstract

Dr. John Guy Strohm came to Oregon shortly before World War I, organized the first army unit to leave Portland, and was in the original nucleus of the 91st division. He also organized the 46th General Hospital sponsored by the University of Oregon Medical School. The scrapbook contains primarily collected newspaper clippings as well as a photograph, booklet, correspondence, and other documents.