Biographical Sketch [body heading: "Background: Edward Sekermestrovich"]

BACKGROUND: EDWARD SEKERMESTROVICH

Ida May Warner Sekermestrovich: Edward was the second of nine children born to Michael and Mary Asoda Sekermestrovich. Though both came from Vukovar, Yugoslavia, they met and married in the United States. Edward grew up and attended public schools in Akron, Ohio.

Ida May Warner Sekermestrovich: The Depression years made it difficult for young men to find work. Many were saved from idleness by formation of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Edward enrolled at the age of 19, spending his first six-month "hitch" at Camp Fairlawn just outside Akron. His second enrollment found him on a train to Oregon with a number of other Ohio boys. They were the second or third group of recruits to occupy Camp Arboretum north of Corvallis. They helped build up the camp with additional buildings and roads, plus the excavation for Cronemiller Lake. (They also gave the camp a cleaner reputation!)

Ida May Warner Sekermestrovich: Boys could sign up for various classes in wood shop, auto mechanics, forestry, etc. The name, Arboretum, indicated the main reason for the camp's location. Many species of evergreens were started from seed, then set out in long rows to develop into a size large enough to be planted as part of reforestation programs.

Ida May Warner Sekermestrovich: Many of the state park and forest signs still in use today were created in those wood shop classes. Picnic tables and benches, bench seats cut from solid logs, and plank steps down steep trails to coastal beaches are further examples of their labors. Edward was among several who fashioned their own yew wood bows and arrows for a class in archery.

Ida May Warner Sekermestrovich: His main interests were in auto mechanics and welding classes held at Oregon State College, now O.S.U. As a result he drove and maintained one of the trucks in which the fellows were transported to and from job sites, such as fighting forest fires. They helped clear the site of the old State Capitol after it burned in 1935, and aided in the construction of the present building.

Ida May Warner Sekermestrovich: As ambulance driver, he responded to calls from around the valley and along the coast. Unless a patient was deemed critical, he was delivered to Vancouver Barracks hospital in Washington State.

Ida May Warner Sekermestrovich: One afternoon Edward stopped his truck to allow two girls to cross the street in downtown Corvallis. He remarked to his passenger, "I'd like to marry that girl some day," and pointed to me. When I asked, four years later, "What took you so long?" he quipped, "I knew you were too young."

Ida May Warner Sekermestrovich: After his discharge, he was employed at the Chevrolet garage in Corvallis. We finally met while roller skating. We were married in 1942, shortly before he entered the Army Air Corps. Following basic training in Texas, he was stationed briefly at Bolling Field in Washington, D.C. where he drove mail truck. (He still brags he could stop even a presidential parade as the mail had top priority over all events.) His more permanent station was at Rosecrans Field near St. Joseph, Missouri, where I could join him. We had 1-1/2 years together before he was sent to India for the duration of World War II. I remained in St. Joseph with our brand new son to await his return and discharge.

Ida May Warner Sekermestrovich: His training and experience in mechanics and welding offered him real challenges at Karachi Air Base. He earned government citations for welding damaged fuel tanks on planes, a chore few would accept, and for aiding in the perfection and installation of a circular antenna that would remain horizontal above, but close to the fuselage. It would not snap or bend beyond use during steep dives or climbs. He taught his Indian helpers welding skills. In return, they made trinkets and souvenirs for him to send or take back to the states.

Ida May Warner Sekermestrovich: We returned to Oregon in 1946 to make our home. Several of those Ohio boys either stayed in or returned to Oregon following the war. Edward found steady employment at Corvallis Lumber Co. (at the confluence of the Marys and Willamette Rivers). After that mill closed in the early 1950's, he worked for Rex Clemens' Forest Products and Veneer plants in Philomath as head millwright until a work injury forced early retirement. We successfully raised our five children in Corvallis, and are currently enjoying the progress of eight grandchildren.

Ida May Warner Sekermestrovich: Ida May Warner Sekermestrovich Corvallis, Oregon November 3, 1990