Martin D. Fetherolf '14 World War I Collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: M.C.-MSS-T-Fetherolf

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of materials relating to Martin D. Fetherolf's service in World War I.

Series I contains his war memoir, written in about 1939, and a photocopy of that memoir with accompanying biographical information, compiled by Fetherolf's granddaughter.

Series II contains three pocket journals from Fetherolf's time in the service from 1916-1919, as well as a few pieces of correspondence.

Series III contains published books.

Series IV contains miscellaneous material from Fetherolf's time in the service and while he was a student at the University of Montpellier in 1919.

Dates

Majority of material found within 1918 - 1919

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research; access by appointment.

Conditions Governing Use

Some items in this collection fall within the public domain by virtue of their age. Others remain under copyright: it is the sole responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy any claims of copyright before making use of reproductions beyond the conditions of fair use, as described by the United States Copyright Law. Contact Trexler Library archives staff for additional information.

Biographical Note

Martin D. Fetherolf (1887-1951), a member of Muhlenberg College’s Class of 1914, was a lifelong educator who spent his career in secondary education, teaching at Allentown High School (1915-1926) before moving to Philadelphia and serving at Frankford High School as a faculty member and vice-principal until his death.

Born on September 15, 1887 in Wescoesville, Pennsylvania, Martin attended the Allentown Preparatory School, which was closely affiliated with Muhlenberg College, before entering the College in the fall of 1910. He studied the classics, and was vice-president of the Sophronian Literary Society, associate editor of the Ciarla, and a member of the press club, the Woodrow Wilson Club, and the dramatic association. Martin was also an athlete, involved in football, basketball, track, and baseball.

Following his graduation in 1914 with a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) degree, Martin took a position with the Allentown High School, but his teaching was interrupted by service in the Mexican Border War in 1916-17. As a member of the Hospital Corps of the 4th Pennsylvania Infantry, he rose to the rank of sergeant. His experiences in this conflict are contained in the pocket journals that are available here.

After his service in Mexico, Sergeant Fetherolf attended Officers Training Camp at Camp Hancock, GA, in preparation for his eventual service overseas in World War I. As a second lieutenant in the Supply Company of the 110th Infantry, Martin traveled to France in 1918 and served through Armistice Day. He later chronicled his wartime experience in a memoir “written to answer questions that my children ask from time to time.”

Following the cessation of hostilities in November of 1918, Martin attended the University of Montpellier in France with other American service members. The Mistral is the yearbook of the American students.

In addition to his studies abroad, Martin also continued his education in the United States, completing coursework at Lehigh University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Temple University. He continued to serve as secretary for Muhlenberg’s Class of 1914 until his death.

Extent

.8 Linear Feet

Additional Description

Provenance

Presented in memory of Martin D. Fetherolf and Hattie Fetherolf, and their daughter, the keeper of the family history, Caroline Fetherolf Zimmerman. Gift of the Fetherolf and Taylor children and grandchildren.