Louis Schumann Oral History

Authors

St. Cloud State University

Document Type

Interview

Publication Date

8-17-1981

Abstract

Biographical Information:

Louis Schumann was born in Albion Center, Minnesota on October 15, 1912, into a family of German immigrant farmers. Much of Schumann’s early life was spent working on his parent’s farm, before economic difficulties spurred by the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression prompted him to join the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933. After his time in the CCC, Schumann was a truck driver, worked for Northwestern Airlines during World War II, owned a service station in Waite Park, and a custodian and Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He retired in 1974. He married his wife Marge on September 26, 1938, and together raised two daughters. Schumann passed away on February 9, 1993 and is buried at the Fairhaven Town Cemetery in Fairhaven, Minnesota.

Transcript Summary:

In an interview conducted on August 17, 1981, Louis Schumann discussed his time with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933-1934. Schumann mentioned that he originally started working on his parent’s farm, but was drawn to the CCC after the Dust Bowl worsened their economic situation and finding other employment difficult. Schumann noted that during his time with the CCC, he helped construct roads, care for forests, drove an ambulance. Working for the CCC wasn’t always easy and not a perfect fit for others, Schumann enjoyed his time with the CCC and appreciated its role in helping him to keep afloat financially.

Interview conducted by Calvin Gower

Comments

Image ID: 16077

See additional files below for full transcript.

Recommended Citation

St. Cloud State University, "Louis Schumann Oral History" (1981). General. 33.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/gen_oh/33