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George E. Parker manuscript collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS 2215

Abstract

This collection focuses on George E. Parker’s (1881-1975) military service in World War I.

Dates

  • 1858-1964
  • Majority of material found in 1918-1932

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.

Biographical Note

George Everett Parker, Jr. served in World War I and received several commendations for his service. He was born in 1881 and was raised in Baltimore. He was active in rowing and competed with the Arundel Boat Club. He joined the army in 1917, where he reached the rank of corporal before being transferred to the Army Officers Training School. He fought across Europe, often on the front lines, with the 9th Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Division. He was apart of the occupation forces in Germany and was discharged in 1919. He attained the rank of major by the end of the war.

Parker was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, three Purple Hearts, the Croix de Guerre with Palm and Star, and the Polish Order of the White Falcon. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross for continuing to fight after he was gassed repeatedly despite having his gas mask and pistol clip shot off of his belt in battle near Medeah Ferme, France. In the same incursion, Parker also assumed command of troops in his battalion when his commanding officer was cut off by enemy forces. He and his soldiers were able to gain and hold land and fend off several enemy attacks. After the war, Parker founded the Parker Neckware Company in Baltimore.

Parker married Emma Giles, 1882-1959, the daughter of Emma Hall and E. Walter Giles. In 1887, at the age of five, Giles gained local fame when she christened her namesake, the S. S. Emma Giles, a Tolchester Company steamer which sailed from Baltimore to points on the Chesapeake Bay. Like Parker, Giles was active in many organizations, including the American Legion Auxiliary. In 1946, she ran for State Senate. She and Parker had one child, W. Giles Parker. Parker died in 1975.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet (1 box )

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Related Materials

MS 2413, Maryland Servicemen clipping file, 1950-1970

Scope and Contents

The collection primarily focuses on George E. Parker’s military service in World War I. This includes a diary documenting Parker’s time with occupation forces marching from France to Germany, copies of orders and memos regarding the war effort, and photographs of places he traveled to while in the service. Some letters from the Giles family also make up the collection, as well as newspaper clippings on the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Caulk’s Field during the War of 1812.

Title
Guide to the George E. Parker manuscript collection
Status
Under Revision
Author
Lara Westwood
Date
2014-11
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Revision Statements

  • 2020-01-28: Manually entered into ArchivesSpace by Sandra Glascock

Repository Details

Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository

Contact:
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750