Wilhelmina C. "Billie" Weezenaar collection

Collection — Container: 09.0156 - Box 1

Identifier: 09.0156

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection relates to Wilhelmina C. "Billie" Weezenaar who served as a U.S. Army Nurse during World War II in the United States, Oran, Algeria, and England. The collection contains a photograph album with pictures and captions, a letter of commendation and other war documents, foreign currency, unit patches, rank insignia, and newspaper articles. Also included in the collection are documents related to war service and nursing, a personell list of the 151st Station Hospital, an autograph book, personal letters, primarily from patients and colleagues, photographs, and a portrait.

Dates

1942-1946
Other: Date acquired: 2009-10-21
Other: Date accessioned: 2019-10-16

Creator

Weezenaar, Wilhelmina C. "Billie", July 3, 1905-July 23, 1996 (Creator, Person)

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to all researchers.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to quote, publish, broadcast or otherwise reproduce from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Associate Dean for Special Collections & Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Florida State University Libraries as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.

Biographical or Historical Information

Wilhelmina C. "Billie" Weezenaar was born on July 13, 1905, in Holland and emigrated to the United States with her family at the age of 5, settling in Kingston, New York. Weezenaar graduate from Vassar College with a degree in nursing and began working for a doctor. She recieved her New York state nursing license in 1928. She entered the United States Army Nurse Corps on May 1, 1942, and she would receive the rank of First Lieutenant. Her duties included serving as a General Duty Nurse while working at the 151st Station Hospital in England during the Blitz. Beginning in 1943, she spent eighteen months as an Administrative Nurse in Oran, Algeria; she was posted to Lasenia Air Base. Wilhelmina Weezenaar was discharged on August 19, 1946. After leaving the military, she cared for her sick mother before becoming ill herself. At the recommendation of her doctor, she moved to Florida and was certified as a nurse in Florida on May 15, 1952. She died July 23, 1996, in Florida after a brief illness.

Extent

.5 Linear Feet (1 half box containing documents, ephemera, letters, news, photographs, and a scrapbook.)

Additional Description

Custodial History

Collection was donated by Marie Flaherty, friend and caretaker of Wilhelmina C. "Billie" Weezenaar. The Institute on World War II and the Human Experience took possession of the collection on November 13, 2019.