Michigan POW Camps in World War II

by Gregory D. Sumner

During World War II, Michigan became a temporary home to six thousand German and Italian POWs.
At a time of homefront labor shortages, they picked fruit in Berrien County, harvested sugar beets in the Thumb, cut pulpwood in the Upper Peninsula and maintained parks and other public spaces in Detroit. The work programs were not flawless and not all of the prisoners were cooperative, but many of the men established enduring friendships with their captors. Author Gregory Sumner tells the story of these detainees and the ordinary Americans who embodied our highest ideals, even amid a global war.

Genres: Nonfiction, Historical

160 pages, Paperback

Published November 5, 2018

Reviews

[Claudia Cheyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had passed my 70th birthday when I discovered there had been a camp where POW's from WWII were held captive not too far from where I grew up. What surprised me most about it was that a seemingly noteworthy part of history had been forgotten in our small Allegan county community. Gregory Sumner does an amazing job of bringing those camps that existed throughout Michigan back to life. The chapters cover a variety of topics answering questions that came to my mind in such a way that I found it difficult to put the book down. He offers lots of quotes from firsthand experiences of people who were there. He tells the stories in a clear and concise manner that made it interesting and easy to read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Michigan history.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories of the POW camps in Michigan during WWII. The soldiers are a mixed group but turned out to earn their keep by working in fields and companies which had lost most of their workers to the war effort. Very interesting and quite a contrast to the prisoner of war camps in Europe at the same time. These prisoners were the lucky ones. Written by a professor of history at the University of Detroit/Mercy.

[Barbara Kade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sumner describes the life and relationships of mostly German and Italian POWs in Michigan camps. He details how these men lived in camps and worked in a variety of situations as the war had created a labor shortage. The reader gains insight into the work programs and the conditions inside the camps as well as the relationships between different groups in the camps as well as between the citizens near the camps and the POWs.

[Mariah Oleszkowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

quick read about pow camps in Michigan. I wanted more about Freeland, but there is a cute anecdote about Lyle Lecronier which is neat.

"Whatever the program's practical effects, and in the face of harsh criticism from some quarters, officials at the War Department held firm to the idea that exercising humanity toward the captive enemy was simply the right thing to do for a nation committed the dignity of the individual." p42

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great overview of POWs in Michigan during WWII. It covers a nice variety of topics and isn't overly heavy. It's nicely placed and engaging with a lot of personal stories and fascinating local history. I really enjoyed it and feel like it's a great representation of the POW experience in the US during WWII as a whole.

[Mj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of the subject. I personally knew one of the POW's and found his stories included in the book. Working near Fort Custer, the book also helps draw a picture of the working camp it once was.

[Emily B · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my WW2 class taught by Dr. Sumner. I learned an incredible amount from this book. It was a very easy read but FULL of information on the Prisoner of War camps in Michigan.

Highly recommend for any history buff!!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a part of history that I never knew. POWs from Europe were kept in many parts of the United States. They picked crops, built roads and other manual labor jobs that would have been done by the men that were fighting in the war. An enlightening book about the past.

[Sandie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting book; was not aware that 6,000 German and Italian POWS were housed in Michigan during WWII. They filled in for labor shortages around the state (and country).

Worthwhile read.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interest aspect of WW2 in Michigan

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that constantly had me saying, "who knew?!". It's a quick and easy read if you are looking for a non-fiction Michigan history book.

[Elizabeth Hoffbauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great look at local history, a little textbook style but great graphics to support layout.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book -- and Greg's guidance -- was vital to my research as I wrote Enemies in the Orchard. Thankful for this book and stories and memories it preserves.

[Nathan Schuckman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting topic but told in a lackluster way. The author repeats his points a lot so you get the gist of his writing fairly quickly.