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Start Over Collection H.T. Wilbur Diary, 1942/1943

Diary, 1942/1943 Box Small Collections Box 46, Folder 1

Selected highlights from the diary: Pg. 2 – October, Richmond Virginia; Scarlet Fever prevalent in Arlington County – treated a mild case. Smallpox threat emanated from the Amish in Pennsylvania who do not believe in vaccination. Pg. 3 – Received orders from the Navy January 25th; terminated private practice. Pg. 7 – Sent to Norfolk Naval Base to await duty assignment. Pg. 12 – Descriptions of a ship's "sick bay" Pg. 16 – Description of Norfolk as a city is crowded, dirty, and overpriced on goods and services. Pg. 20 – Spent two summers as a worker at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Washington, DC. Here he developed an interest in psychological philosophy that was not available in medical school. Pg. 22-33 – Descriptions of the various emergency rooms and clinics he practiced in as a student. Pg. 45 – Describes his medical school time of the patients and processes in Obstetrics. Pg. 66 – Reported for duty on US Naval ship January 23, 1943. Set sail two days later. Detailed descriptions of the ship, his quarters, and bunk mate follow. Pg. 73 – First port of call is Puerto Rico on March 1. Pg. 78 –82 - Descriptions of San Juan, the life and people at this time during liberty in the city. Pg. 83 – Next port of call is Port of Spain, Trinidad, for official business – no sightseeing. Pg. 95-99 – Gives detailed descriptions of the living conditions aboard ship and of the other men assisting in the "sick bay" and other medical areas of this ship. Pg. 100 – Describes the long held ceremonial tradition of crossing the equator. First time equator crossing sailors were inducted into this unique "Fraternal Order." Pg. 110 – Proceeding to port of call at Bele'm, Brazil. On shore describes experience of money exchanges.

  1. College of William and Mary
  2. H.T. Wilbur Diary, 1942/1943

H.T. Wilbur Diary, 1942/1943 0.01 Linear Foot

Wilbur, H.T.

Diary of a medical doctor who served in the U.S. Navy beginning July 5, 1942, when he reported for duty at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. The name given on the front of the diary is H.T. Wilbur which suggests him as the author. Wilbur was detached for duty to the U.S.M.C. recruiting station, also Washington, D.C. He writes extensively on medical issues and cases and events encountered during his tour of duty. At the start of his diary he also reflects on his career decision and discusses qualifications and certification, etc.

  1. College of William and Mary

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