D. Ernest Weinhold Papers, 1940-2015 | Earl H. and Anita F. Hess Archives and Special Collections

The D. Ernest Weinhold Papers contain materials related to Weinhold’s life and time spent working in the Civilian Public Service program. Weinhold attended Lancaster Mennonite School (LMS) as a child. His religious beliefs were key to his identity throughout his life, especially in regard to peace. Weinhold had no desire to join the war effort, as fighting would directly contradict his values. In 1944, Weinhold was drafted, but as a conscientious objector, he joined the Civilian Public Service program.

The Civilian Public Service (CPS) program was enshrined in executive order 8675. The CPS program contained civilian run camps which served as alternatives to military service. The conditions of these camps were less than ideal. Although workers were provided with necessities like food and sleeping quarters, they were not given wages for their efforts. These factors brought dissatisfaction with the program and led to its replacement by the 1-W service program in 1947.

In 1946, the CPS camp Weinhold worked at closed, however Weinhold had not yet been discharged. Weinhold signed up for a cattle boat trip to avoid the draft. In September 1946, he boarded a boat, the Blue Island Victory. The trip went through the English Channel, into Poland. The return trip, however, was heavily impacted by the pilot strike that took place shortly after.