Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Irene and Hugh Currin papers, 1942-2004
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Currin, Hugh D.; Currin, Irene (Irene M. Davis); Currin, Hugh B.
- Title
- Irene and Hugh Currin papers
- Dates
- 1942-2004 (inclusive)19422004
- Quantity
- .4 linear feet
- Collection Number
- 2018-018
- Summary
- Irene and Hugh Currin served abroad together as nurse and doctor, respectively, with the 46th General Hospital from Portland during World War II in both North Africa and France. This collection contains military documentation, photographs, postcards, memoirs and obituary, diaries, World War II era ephemera from their tours, newspaper clippings, and letters detailing their story.
- Repository
-
Oregon Health & Science University, Historical Collections & Archives
OHSU Historical Collections & Archives
Oregon Health & Science University
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd. MC:LIB
Portland, OR
97239
Telephone: 5034945587
hcaref@ohsu.edu - Access Restrictions
-
There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open to the public.
- Languages
- English
Biographical NoteReturn to Top
Irene M. Currin (née Davis) was born in Klamath Falls, OR in 1912. After attending nursing school in Pasco, WA, she went on to work as a nurse in both Portland and San Francisco. During World War II, she served abroad with the 46th General Hospital accompanied by her soon to be husband, Dr. Hugh B. Currin (a graduate of the University of Oregon Medical School), in both North Africa and France before returning home.
Post war, the couple enjoyed skiing, trail riding, and eventually learned to pilot gliders in their 60s. Hugh passed away at the age of 80 in 1988 and Irene at the age of 101 in 2013.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The Irene and Hugh Currin papers houses the personal papers of Hugh and Irene Currin. The collection, which dates from 1942 to 2004, consists of military documentation, photographs, postcards, memoirs and obituaries, diaries, World War II era ephemera from France, newspaper clippings, and letters telling the story of medical professionals in the 46th General Hospital during World War II.
While this collection is named the Irene and Hugh Currin papers, it primarily showcases the war through the eyes of Irene Currin (née Davis) as a nurse in the 46th General Hospital from Portland, Oregon. Her story, told here, spans the years 1942 to 1945 while deployed in both North Africa and France through the close of the European campaign. Photographs alongside a diary and scrapbook detail her military life from enlistment and training, through multiple campaigns, and finally to her return to Portland, Oregon. This collection is an incredible look into the everyday life of a nurse during the war and of interest to anyone looking to learn more about Oregon's medical history.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Restrictions on Use
OHSU Historical Collections & Archives (HC&A) is the owner of the original materials and digitized images in our collections, however, the collection may contain materials for which copyright is not held. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials. Consult with HC&A to determine if we can provide permission for use.
Preferred Citation
Irene and Hugh Currin papers, Collection Number 2018-018, Oregon Health & Science University, Historical Collections & Archives
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 1 | 1 | Irene M. Davis (Currin) military orders | 1942-1945, undated |
| 1 | 2 | Leave passes, personal supply orders, Veteran's Administration correspondence, immunization records, pay and insurance orders | 1942, 1943, 1945, 1947 |
| 1 | 3 | Hugh B. Currin letters of recommendation | 1942, 1945, 1947 |
| 1 | 4 | Newspaper clippings | 1942-1944, 1973, 1982, 2004 |
| 1 | 5 | "My Dog Tag and Me" poem, opera booklet and ticket, V-mail, German "lights out" bulletin, tourism cards and brochures, dinner menu, French requisition letter | 1943-1945, undated |
| 1 | 6 | Certificate of merit, 30th anniversary 46th General Hospital roster, 46th General Hospital directory of nurses | 1972, undated |
| 1 | 7 | Hugh B. Currin and Irene M. Currin memoirs, Irene Currin obituary, memoirs of the 46th General Hospital | undated |
| 1 | 8 | Irene M. Davis (Currin) diary and scrapbook | 1942-1946 |
| 1 | 9 | Photograph and postcard album: 46th General Hospital (North Africa and post war) | 1942, 1943. 1944, 1961, 1972 |
| 1 | 10 | Photograph and postcard album: 46th General Hospital (France and post war) | 1944, 1945, 1960, 1962, 2004 |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Urology
- World War (1939-1945)
Corporate Names
- United States. Army. General Hospital No. 46
- University of Oregon. Medical School
Geographical Names
- Africa, North
- France
- Oregon
Form or Genre Terms
- Photograph albums
- photographs
Occupations
- Nursing
- Physicians
Other Creators
-
Personal Names
- Currin, Hugh D. (fmo)
