Images(3)

Geta

Object number2015.76.3 a,b

Date1944-1946

Possible OriginJapan

Possible OriginPhilippines

MediumWood, fabric, paper, metal

Credit LineGift of Diane Peebles

DescriptionPair of oval-shaped sandals or geta with fabric toe covering. Base/sole is made out of unfinished wood with the top covered in a blue and white patterned material with green and red floral design. White piping along the edge of the toe covering. On bottom of sole near the center is a cut out in the shape of a butterfly.Dimensionsa,b) 6" L, 3.5" W, 1.125" H
Historical NotesPart of a collection of objects sent back from the Philippines and Japan by donor Diane Peeble’s father William W. Laird, Jr., while stationed there during and shortly after WWII. William W. Laird, Jr. of Greenville, Pennsylvania, was drafted into WWII in 1944. During the course of his service he worked as a rifleman, photographer, and technician with the 3rd Engineer Combat Battalion in the Pacific Theater. He participated in the liberation of the Philippines. In his role as a photographer, Laird documented Japanese military instillations shortly after WWII ended. He was stationed at Nagoya Base in Japan and was instructed to also photo document work at the base and base personnel. He was discharged in October of 1946. He became a certified electrician after the war and worked for the Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad as an electrician. In 1940 Laird had married Edith Whitman and they had two children, Diane and David. He sent the donated items back to his wife and daughter while he was stationed in both Japan and the Philippines.

Related person William W. Laird Jr.

Related institution 3rd Engineer Combat Battalion

Related institution Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad

Related person Edith Whitman

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