Reflecting on the Historic Camp Clarinda and Its Impact on Clarinda's Community with Milan Shaw

Milan Shaw's Farewell Presentation: Reflecting on the Historic Camp Clarinda and Its Impact on Clarinda's Community

Clarinda, August 2023 - Clarinda's population soared in late 1943 when the US War Department designated it as the location for Camp Clarinda, a Prisoner of War (POW) Camp that housed 3000 prisoners and 500 military personnel. This pivotal moment in history will be commemorated on Monday, August 14th at 6:30 pm in Clarinda, with a special farewell presentation by Milan Shaw, a retired Clarinda school teacher. Notably, this will be Shaw's final contribution to the program, marking the end of an era.

During the program, Milan Shaw will captivate the audience by sharing intriguing facts about Camp Clarinda. Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into various topics, including the selection process of Clarinda as the camp's site, the remarkable construction of the camp within a mere four months, the unwavering support of Clarinda's citizens, and the diverse range of labor performed by the German POWs, which encompassed everything from farm work to sandbagging levees along the Missouri River in 1944. Additionally, Shaw will shed light on the challenges and rumors that circulated during the establishment and operation of Camp Clarinda.

Camp Clarinda's initial group of prisoners, consisting of German POWs, arrived on January 25, 1944. Over time, the camp's population transitioned to include Japanese prisoners until its closure in October 1945. As a testament to the enduring significance of Camp Clarinda, individuals with memories of this historic period are strongly encouraged to attend the program and share their recollections during the concluding segment. For those unable to attend in person, the program will be accessible through a live Zoom session and will be recorded for later viewing.

Request the here:  Zoom link,

About Milan Shaw:

Milan Shaw, a retired Clarinda school teacher, has been a cherished source of knowledge and insight for numerous presentations on Camp Clarinda throughout the years. This upcoming event will mark Milan Shaw's final contribution to the program, concluding an era of invaluable contributions to the community. His dedication and passion have enriched the understanding and appreciation of Clarinda's unique history.