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Harold John Kraut - Modern Era
Harold "Boge" Kraut, who was 102 at the time of this interview, hails from Calhoun County. Early in his life Boge worked at an ice storage facility. He also worked shocking wheat, pruning apple trees, hauling apples to landings on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers for shipment to St. Louis, breaking ground with a team of horses, working in a rock quarry, owning a gas station in East St. Louis, and driving trucks. Following his service in the Navy during WW II, he returned to the farm, and also worked for the Soil Conservation Service, a division of the United States Department of Agriculture, all while raising seven children. His enthusiasm for life has resulted in a very full life.
Interview Links
Abstract
Interview Session (Audio)
Photos
Caption
Grandfather John Kraut, 1834-1904, was born in Germany.
Where:
Germany
When:
Circa 1834-1904
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
Grandmother Mariah “Maria” Kraut, 1846-1942, originally hailed from Mascoutah, Illinois.
Where:
Mascoutah, Illinois
When:
Circa 1846-1942
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
This home was built in 1905 by Albert Herman Kraut. Harold was born in this home in 1913.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1905
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
One year old Harold “Boge” Kraut. He was born on May 24, 1913. He acquired the nickname “Boge” at a very early age.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Circa 1914
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
The Kraut children were photographed in early 1920’s. From left to right are Charles Levi, Irene Nevada, Herman Edward,
Where:
Unknown
When:
early 1920's
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
Harold “Boge” Kraut as a young man working in the apple orchard in Calhoun County in the 1930’s.
Where:
Calhoun County
When:
1930's
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
The Hardin Bridge over the Illinois River (with lift up) opened in July, 1931. It allowed for much easier access to the St. Louis markets. Harold marks it as one of his most memorable moments. This is the original approach from Hardin, looking east.
Where:
Illinois
When:
Circa July, 1931
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
The building nestled under a double rainbow is the school house located on Harold “Boge” Kraut’s farm in Calhoun County. (
Where:
Calhoun County, Illinois
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo)
Caption
Harold Kraut in his U.S. Navy uniform following his enlistment in 1943. “Boge” was assigned to the mine sweeper/sub chaser USS Invadeon station off the east coast of the United States.
Where:
Savannah, Ga
When:
1943
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
“Boge” saved this invitation to the September, 1944 commissioning ceremony for the USS Invade, the ship on which he served during the war.
Where:
Savannah, Ga
When:
September, 1944
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Harold’s parents, Herman and Florence Kraut, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on the farm in 1955.
Where:
Calhoun County, Illinois
When:
1955
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
Harold “Boge” Kraut, wife Helen and their children: Front row: James, Deborah, June and John. Back row: Linda, Sue, and Mike.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo