Another special "Central High history" episode!
This episode focuses on Omaha Central Hall of Famer Marion G. Crandell from the Omaha High School Class of 1889.
Marion, who was a French language teacher, volunteered to go to France during The Great War in 1918 to help soldiers behind the lines recuperate from combat. Marion was killed during the German offensive in March of 1918 and is believed to be the first American woman killed at the front during WWI.
"Time will not dim the glory of their deeds."
-US General John J. Pershing, Nov. 1921
We have two great guests on this episode:
Peter Bock (CHS 2010) he researched Marion's life for his AP US History project during his senior year. Peter's work brought her story to our community...and beyond.
and
Marie Caron is an outstanding interpretive guide for the American Battle Monuments Commission at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in eastern France, where Marion is interred. Marie has welcomed visits from Central High multiple times, and she will tell us more about Marion and also what it is like working at the cemetery.
(2:37) Peter talks about "the project" from 2009-10
(7:07) researching Marion in Davenport, IA
(13:47) Marion and the CHS Hall of Fame
(16:30) Marion's legacy today at CHS
(23:45) mission and history of the ABMC
(25:40) Marion Crandell and the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery
(29:58) history of the cemetery
(32:00) Why does Marion have 'California' on her marker?
(32:54) daily efforts of Marie and the ABMC staff overseas
Special thanks also to the ABMC Public Affairs staff for helping greenlight our interview with Marie, notably to Anna Morelock and her office in Arlington, VA. Anna is an Omaha Northwest HS graduate! OPS!
Host: Scott Wilson
Art: Beth Wilson
Music: Drew Ruchti
Thanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining "Generation C"
