Waukesha World War II Heritage Trail
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Description
A heritage trail comprised of original research by Carroll University history majors, in partnership with the Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum
1. The life of seaman Sigmund Farkas before and after war.
Though a soldier is known for their time serving, Sigmund Farkas’ life began long before WWII ended long after. Sigmund Fred Farkas was born to Hungarian immigrants Stephen Farkas and Josephine Szabo Farkas on Dec 21, 1924, in Sig Falls Wisconsin. As Catholics and Eastern Europeans, they were a part of the significant immigration of their 2 respective demographics that took place during this time. They likely came to America for the opportunity of a better life but, their lineage would end up serving the country bravely.
2. David A. Waite: More Than a Veteran
When we think of WWII veterans we think of people that fought overseas, or lost their lives at Pearl Harbor. What we typically forget about is the soldiers who stayed on American Soil. David A. Waite was the middle child of three brothers fought in the war. David joined the war effort in 1942, at the age of 19 as a member of the Air Corps. David would not go overseas during the war. However, that does not mean that his time in the military was uneventful and meaningless. David's life after the war is just as interesting as his life during. David was not an average WWII veteran, the more you read I'm sure you will have to agree.
3. Two blue, One gold
With 3 blue stars, it is surely a tragedy when one turns gold. This nightmare, that every mother has, happened to Mary Ann Jaquest. Their home in Waukesha, on 135 S. James St, was like any other home, unassuming and patriotic. With 2 blue stars they were doing their duty. Their other son Thomas was working at Diamond T Motor - they all contributed. This home, where such dedication was, no one could ask it for more. Yet, Thomas was called to make the ultimate sacrifice.
4. The Story of Roy Lansinger
At 716 West College Avenue stands the childhood home of Roy Lansinger, an army veteran from Waukesha, Wisconsin. The Second World War engulfed the globe in conflict that touched every corner of the planet. The gentle town of Waukesha was no different and the people who lived there were just like anyone else in the world at that time. For this Wisconsinite, World War II would bring him not only the greatest adventure of his life but bring an end to that life in 1945.
5. The Home of Elwin I Whaley, WWII Veteran and Korean war POW/ Silver Star Recipient
When Corporal Whaley set out on October 22, 1940, he might not have known it yet, but he was embarking on a career that would make him a hero of the forgotten war. Elwin I Whaley, a resident of Waukesha, WI, would work his way from Corporal in the National Guard to a Major in the Active Army Airborne. He would go from being a General Industry Clerk to an elite Airborne Infantry Officer trained to jump from planes, assault beaches, survive in the jungle, and lead men into battle. Elwin Whaley is an American hero.
6. Francis N. Barney
While researching the history of World War II, our class found a couple United States veterans that served in the military, air force, marines, etc. Francis Barney was a man from Waukesha, WI. Francis N. Barney was born on April 24th, 1916, in Waukesha. He attended Waukesha High School but never got a higher education than his high school diploma. Before Barney went to the Pacific with the United States Air Force, he was a truck driver for Emerson Oil Company. It is argued that Barney's field of work was invaluable to the war effort, however his work kept the U.S. war machine operating behind the scenes.
7. The Patrinos Brothers - Honor and Tragedy in WW2
World War 2 was a frightening time for the American people, as many watched their children either enlist or be drafted to join the war effort against the Axis powers. Tragically, many American soldiers never made it home, as one family located in this small house in Waukesha, Wisconsin Would come to find. Little did the Patrinos family living there know that during the war, their two sons Frederick and Carl would both fight valiantly in the name of democracy - but only one of them would ever return home. Frederick was drafted into the air force on December 18, 1943, at the age of 19 while Carl enlisted into the infantry on October 15, 1940, at the age of 21. Tragically, Frederick was killed in action assumably in Norway during a routine supply drop run. Frederick’s body was never found. While both brothers were awarded purple hearts for their efforts, it couldn't even come close to amount to losing a son or brother.
8. Veterans' Park
A 15 ft. tall sundial, made of concrete, limestone and metal, dominates this small site on the western end of Waukesha's Main Street. Created and installed by Ken Saiki Design in 1998, the functioning sundial overlooks the Fox River. In addition to honoring Waukesha's veterans, the park marks the western end of the city's riverwalk, a mulit-use leisure trail that connects several recreation areas in downtown Waukesha.
