“...and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” ABRAHAM LINCOLN TheThe VVolunteerolunteer JOURNAL OF THE VETERANS OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN BRIGADE
Vol. XXIV, No. 1 March 2002 MMimeime TTrroupoupee TTopsops BBaayy AArreaea ReunionReunion
66th Vets Reunion in New York: April 28th Photos by Richard Bermack
Bay Area Reunion, page 3 66th Vets Reunion in New York: April 28th, page 4 The Comintern in Spain, page 9 Film Review: The Devil's Backbone, page 18 Book Review: Revolutionary Memory, page 17 New Monument in Canada, page 6
ALBA Launches Website Modules, page 9 Featured Speaker Father Roy Bourgeois, founder of the School of the Americas Watch, with Vet Nate Thornton, page 3 Dear Editor, Just re-reading Paul Preston’s comments in the September SUBSCRIBE TO THE VOLUNTEER! 2001 Volunteer, some items need comment. For one thing, DEAR READERS: without knowing the exact words to which he was refer- Rising costs of publication oblige us to reduce the number ring, I can assure him that scholarly “debate” is no stranger of complimentary subscriptions to The Volunteer. Starting to “such” words as he received, especially when political with the Summer 2002 issue, ALBA Associates, Veterans of or theological implications are involved. Here, they are the Abraham Lincoln Brigade and their immediate families, both. and contributors to ALBA and VALB will continue to receive Second, research may well be expected to enable one to their subscriptions. Others readers, together with libraries understand various sides of various arguments, but not to and other organizations, should become ALBA Associates. “see,” to accept, all of them. For many, the years of research (or “study”) are simply used to reinforce the initial bias. For $25, you will receive an annual subscription to The Volunteer, as well as discounts on books and videos, plus the “They were first in the field in a war which would not end satisfaction of supporting our diverse non-profit activities. until 1945.” Wrong. It did not end in 1945. It is still going on. The dismemberment and occupation of Yugoslavia is Send your check to ALBA, Room 227, 799 Broadway, New one obvious evidence. The U.S. military brass, along with York, NY 10003. those of Britain and France, was rooting for Hitler. They kept it up until Pearl Harbor Day, and the history of the SUBSCRIBE TO THE VOLUNTEER! world since 1944 is evidence that they haven’t changed since. phlets here at Oberlin, too.If anyone has ever come across Clifton Amsbury P.P. Rogers in other sources on the SCW, ALB, or anything Richmond, California related, I’d be very grateful if you could let me know. Sebastiaan Faber, Assistant Professor of Hispanic Studies Dear Volunteer: Department of Hispanic Studies, Oberlin College I am a Spanish photographer working since 5 years ago in 50 N Professor St. a project about the International Brigades in the Spanish Oberlin, OH 44074-1091 Civil War. In 1998 I assisted in NY to the annual conven- tel. (440)775-8185 fax (440)775-6888 tion. There I took a picture of a woman (ALB veteran) email: [email protected] called Marion Seborer (Celia). I am trying to get some information about her. If you can help me please contact me at: Sofía Moro C/ Santa Isabel 28. 1º-3 28012 Madrid (España) The Volunteer Tel & fax: 34-91-5280224 Journal of the e-mail: [email protected] Veterans of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Dear Editor: I am starting a little project on Paul Patrick Rogers, a U.S. an ALBA publication Hispanist who taught Spanish literature at Oberlin College from 1929 to 1966, and who spent about a month in Spain 799 Broadway, Rm. 227 in the summer of 1937. He kept a notebook/diary of his New York, NY 10003 experiences in Spain, which is currently held with most of (212) 674-5552 his other papers at the University of Texas in Austin. After the war, Rogers kept in close contact with several SCW Editorial Board exiles in Mexico (Max Aub, among others). In the 1970s he Peter Carroll • Leonard Levenson organized an exhibit on the SCW at UT Austin, where he Fraser Ottanelli • Abe Smorodin moved after retiring from Oberlin. Rogers donated most of his SCW material to UT, though he left some 40 SCW pam- Design Production Richard Bermack Correction Editorial Assistance Nancy Van Zwalenburg In the photo captions of the School of the Americas Submission of Manuscripts Watch protests in the last issue, Bay Area Associate Ray Please send manuscripts by E-mail or on disk. McGrath was given a different first name. Sorry. E-mail: [email protected]
2 THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 Bay Area Post Commander Dave Smith addresses an enthusiastic crowd at the Bay Area Reunion. Photos by Richard Bermack Bay Area Honors Vets & “What They Stood For”
ixty-five years, almost to the day, tendencies in our government. Some Lincoln Brigade at the Embarcadero in after David Smith first heard the spoke critically of current Washington San Francisco, just across from the Swhizz of bullets in the Jarama policies in the so-called war against Ferry Building, a site literally at the Valley, he summoned the surviving terrorism, and all expressed great city’s front door. With approval by west coast vets to the stage at the pride in having volunteered to serve municipal and port agencies already annual reunion to receive a thunder- in Spain during their youth. given, the monument is now awaiting ous applause from their friends, The day’s featured speaker was completion of a design competition families, and supporters. Only a Father Roy Bourgeois, founder of the among three west coast artists. After dozen were present at the Calvin School of the Americas Watch, an formal approval of a specific design, Simmons Theater in Oakland, organization that protests the U.S. continued on page 4 California, on February 24 to answer Army’s training center for Latin the call. They ranged in age from American soldiers at Fort Benning, young 86-year-olds like Hank Rubin Georgia. Expressing gratitude for the and Milt Wolff to the oldest, 91-year- support of the Lincoln vets, he old Marion Noble. The contingent described the terrorist results of the included two women volunteers, center’s teachings and vowed to Hilda Roberts, a nurse, and Virginia increase pressure during this year to Malbin, a social worker who assisted win the closing of the school. His Spanish refugee children. indictment of government terrorism Asked to speak individually to the resonated with the earlier words of cheering audience, the vets made up the vets. for their diminishing numbers with Martha Olson Jarocki, a member of the power of their principles. Nearly the local executive committee, brought Charlotte Corbin, widow of vet Rudy all of them warned of the importance news of the campaign to erect a monu- Corbin, and Vet Hilda Roberts of remaining vigilant against fascist ment honoring the volunteers of the THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 3 SF Reunion continued from page 3
which is expected to occur this spring, construction may begin later this year. Finally, performers from the San Francisco Mime Troupe presented another powerful musical program, NY 66th Anniversary written by ALBA’s Peter Glazer and the troupe’s musical director, Bruce Barthol, titled “What They Stood For.” As Reunion Caps Weekend in past years, the audience cheered, sang, and wept, some- times all three at once. The consensus: “The best program to Honor the Vets ever!” The same production will highlight the vets’ The 66th anniversary weekend in New York starts reunion in New York on April 28. with a special guided tour through Ralph Fasanella’s America, a new traveling art exhibit at the New York Historical Society on Friday, April 26, at 2:30 p.m. Paul D’Ambrosio, curator of the show and author of the illus- trated book that accompanies it, will lead visitors through Lincoln vet Fasanella’s vividly colorful artist’s view of the world. There’s a special reduced admission price ($3) for ALBA guests.
ALBA is co-sponsoring, on Friday, April 26, at 5:30 p.m., a mini-conference on “Women in the Spanish Civil War” with NYU’s King Juan Carlos Center. Julia Newman, producer/director of Into the Fire; American Women in the Spanish Civil War, a new hour-long docu- mentary, will preview her new film. Afterward, two Vet Anthony Toney with cousin Albert and daughter Anita. scholars, Shirley Mangini (ALBA board member from California State University, Long Beach) and Gina Herrmann (Spanish professor at Colby College) will dis- cuss Spanish women and their role in the war. A wine and cheese reception will follow. Photos by Richard Bermack
The 66th Annual Reunion, titled “New York and the World,” will be held at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Haft Auditorium, on Sunday, April 28, at 1:30 p.m. The program features Juan Gonzalez, colum- nist for The New York Daily News, and author of Harvest of Empire. The San Francisco Mime Troupe will perform a show newly created by Peter Glazer and Bruce Barthol, featuring songs and quotes from the time. Henry Foner will host the affair. Refreshments will fol- low the show. (seated l-r) VALB associates Robbie Newman and Peter FOR TICKET INFORMATION: 212-674-5552 Glazer, producer of “What They Stood For,” Bobby Hall, wife of Vet Chuck Hall, and their granddaughter (standing)
4 THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 Vets Celebrate 65th Anniversary in Madrid By Robert Coale Five years after the unforgettable “homenaje” of 1996, the Asociación de Amigos de las Brigadas Internacionales again summoned vol- unteers from around the globe. From October 26 to 29, more than 50 brigadistas and 250 friends from 20 countries were reunited in Madrid for a 65th anniversary celebration. The program of events included official receptions and visits to places of historic interest. The first day began with a local choral concert in the shade of the original IB headquarters at Arganda, followed by a trip to over- look the Jarama Valley, with stops at the Arganda bridge and the IB monu- ment in Rivas. It ended with a wonderful roast lamb dinner in Morata de Tajuña, not too far, in fact, from the front line trenches of 1937. VALB’s Lou Gordon, center, stands with Austrian vet and his daughter at the Veterans who saw action there were Madrid reunion. pleased to learn of the project to turn a portion of the battlefield into a histori- luncheon hosted by the Spanish lunch, there were many special cal park. Other commemorative Communist Party. During the several reunions. excursions on succeeding days includ- courses and many bottles of Spanish Veteran Lou Gordon made the ed a guided tour of Picasso’s wine, speakers, including the secretary most emotional discovery. During “Guernica” and a wreath laying at the general of the Spanish CP, honored the World War II, Lou’s unit liberated the Fuencarral cemetery, where some of the veterans and toasted their exploits. Nazi death camp of Dachau. Little did first IB casualties were buried in 1936. On Sunday evening, the he suspect upon heading to Madrid The schedule was not, however, Monumental Theater in downtown that he would meet two family mem- exclusively for solemnities. On the Madrid was the site of a concert in bers of Internationals who were lighter side, the international visitors honor of the brigadistas. Several liberated that day. An Austrian were hosted in locales around Madrid, singer-songwriters, actors, a local woman, born two years following her including the headquarters of the choir and even sons and friends of the father’s liberation, enthusiastically Spanish Socialist Party, a luncheon at Irish contingent performed. The told everyone that were it not for Lou, the Comisiones Obreras, and a recep- evening ended with all Internationals she never would have been born. tion with the UGT to see the Amigos’ on stage to the applause of an enthusi- Spanish IB veteran Matias Arranz told traveling exhibit on the history and astic crowd. Students of the Spanish of surviving the infamous camp of legacy of the brigades. The most for- Civil War know how fitting a location Mauthausen, where many inmates mal affair was the visit on October 29 this was for a concert, as many a were Spanish republicans. These to the Regional Assembly of Madrid, “homenaje” to the Volunteers for examples illustrate that the struggle of during which the speaker of the Liberty were held within those very Internationals and Spaniards alike did majority party, none other than the walls during the war. not end in 1939, but continued until conservative Partido Popular, official- Friends of the Lincolns and veter- fascism was defeated. ly thanked the brigadistas for their ans alike know that the official Unlike scores of vets from around generous example in the defense of program is only part of the enjoyment. the globe who have attended events in freedom. In addition, Ana Perez, pres- Over the weekend, after the events of democratic Spain for some 20 years, ident of the Amigos, was offered a each day, two of the liveliest places Lincoln vet Max Shufer returned for token of appreciation for having orga- were the hotel lobby and the restau- the first time since leaving the nized the events. After the reception rant, where vets enjoyed catching up Francoist prisoner of war camp at San in the regional parliament, veterans with acquaintances from other coun- Pedro in 1939. Max was glad to see and friends were taken to the last offi- tries, rehashing old stories and cial event of the long weekend, a learning new ones. After dinner or Continued on page 8 THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 5 CC anadaanada UUnn vv eilseils MMoonn By Jules Paivio, R.L. Louto, Jules received a thunderous stand- young man, or Prometheus, raising Sharon Skup ing ovation. Then, in this United his clenched fist toward a cut-out Nations’ Year of the Volunteer, he Spanish sun. It is mounted on a con- On a sunny, mild morning, officially donated the monument to crete pedestal bearing a memorial October 20, 2001, over 300 people Marcel Beaudry, Chairman of the plaque, which reads: gathered in Canada’s national capital National Capital Commission, who “The Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion in Ottawa to honor the Canadian vet- accepted the donation. The NCC will (The Mac-Paps) erans of the International Brigades maintain the monument in perpetuity Canadian Volunteers of the International and to unveil a memorial monument for the people of Canada. Jules and Brigades, Spain, 1936-1939 to the Canadian volunteers of the the Governor General proceeded to From 1936 to 1939, 1,546 Canadians Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion of the lay a wreath on the monument and left families, jobs and country to help International Brigades of the then families and friends placed flow- the Spanish people defend democracy Republican Army of Spain. ers at the site. Everyone was invited to against the rise of fascism. The day’s ceremonies were intro- the reception program at the nearby As part of the legendary International duced by Raymonde Falco, member of Canada and the World Pavilion, Brigades, a world-wide volunteer force parliament for Laval West in where greetings were read or spoken from fifty-three countries, the Montréal, whose father was a by other organizations and individu- Canadians were organized into the brigadista in the Polish Battalion and als across Canada, Spain, and Britain, Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion. It was then went to fight in the Resistance in including Moe Fishman of VALB, the named after the leaders of the 1837 France. Canada’s Governor General, National Democratic Party of Canada, rebellions against injustice in Upper Her Excellency, the Right Honourable the National Association of Ukrainian and Lower Canada. Despite suffering Adrienne Clarkson, spoke at length Canadians, the Finnish Canadians of heavy losses, many of the survivors without notes, expressing a genuine Canada, the Workers Benevolent went on to continue the fight by serving affection and admiration for the first Fund, the Communist Party of in the Canadian armed forces in Canadians to fight fascism. She had Canada, and others. WWII.” met the Mac-Paps when there were The monument was designed by In their Promethean struggle for 100 alive. Now there are only 14, and Oryst Sawchuk, a Sudbury architect liberty, democracy and social justice, only three were able to attend. Spain’s and artist. It contains a five-meter- the Mac-Paps fought courageously for ambassador to Canada, His Excellency high sheet of corten steel out of which their ideals without thought of reward Jose Cuenca Ayana, saluted the Mac- has been cut a silhouetted figure of a or fame. Paps in three languages. Jules Paivio, Mac-Pap veteran and President of the Association of Veterans and Friends of the CCanadiananadian VVetsets BBackack MMonumenonumentt Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion, spoke The dedication of the Spanish Civil War Monument in Ottawa on eloquently, telling about the history of October 21 ignored the legal prohibition against the 1,500 soldiers who made the Mac-Paps and their motives in their way to Europe to fight on the Government side in the Spanish Civil going to war in a far-off land. War. In 1937, Prime Minister Mackenzie King had forced passage of the Especially poignant was his good-by Foreign Enlistment Act that made it a criminal offense for any Canadian to as a 19-year-old lad to his parents. fight for a country “unfriendly” to Canada. More than half of these brave vol- Jules’ father, Aku Paivio, a well- unteers never returned to Canada. Those that did were not prosecuted known Finnish Canadian poet, wrote because Justice Minister Ernest Lapointe stated that it was impossible to a poem to “My Son in Spain.” Here is determine which side was “unfriendly” to Canadians. an excerpt: As Chairman of the National Council of Veteran Associations (39 organi- A hard firm handshake, yet zations) I was proud to stand beside Governor General Adrienne Clarkson at You disappear into the wintry darkness the unveiling Saturday. There were no Government officials on hand, except I slowly into the cabin stagger, National Capital Commission Chairman Marcel Beaudry, who authorized Such contradictory emotion seethe permanent use of the Green Island Park Site. The important point is that the through me Mac-Paps (who never received a penny in pension or allowances) now have Now depressing me, then again their recognition. Many did re-enlist in the Canadian Forces in the Second such elation. World War. Pride in a son, who does not fear Sincerely, Who wants to fight for right. Cliff Chadderton, CC, O.Ont., OStJ, CLJ, CAE, DCL, LLD That feeling strengthens, inspires me. Chairman, National Council of Veteran Associations in Canada A son’s loss, a life so young... 6 THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 umumenentt ttoo MMac-Pac-Papsaps This monument was made possi- ble by the generous donations of the Canadian people through the Association of Veterans and Friends of the Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion.
The corten steel, shaped like the jagged Pyrenees and with cut-out fig- ures, will take on a permanent red patina symbolizing the blood that was spilled in the conflict and the red soil of Spain. Sunlight or lamppost light shines through the cut-out figure and attracts attention. The use of laurel bushes and olive trees in the landscap- ing of the site continues the connection with Spain, where so many of the volunteers lie buried, as well as providing a sheltered spot with two rock benches for contemplation and remembrance. Adjacent to the monument is a curving memorial wall containing 54 stainless steel panels on which have been inscribed the names of the 1,546 Canadian volunteers. They came from all walks of life, religions, political persuasions and ethnic groups, leav- ing their families, jobs, work camps and country. They fought courageous- ly though suffering heavy losses. The Mac-Pap Battalion was offi- cially formed in 1937 when there were enough Canadians to form a battalion. Other Canadians served in other brigades and in the transportation, communication and medical corps, including Dr. Norman Bethune. Bethune contributed the new idea of treating the wounded near the front, using mobile blood transfusions, and then sending stabilized wounded back Running in a band along the top And all of you will find the love and to hospitals, which enormously of the memorial wall is an excerpt gratitude of the whole Spanish people increased the survival rate. The battal- from the speech given by Dolores who, now and in the future, will cry ion was named after William Lyon Ibarruri—La Pasionaria—to the out with all their hearts: ‘Long live the Mackenzie and Louis Joseph assembled Brigadistas in Barcelona in heroes of the International Papineau, leaders of the 1837 rebellion October 1938 as the International Brigades.’….” against autocratic government in Brigades were being disbanded: “You The Department of Defense/ Upper and Lower Canada. Many who can go proudly. You are history. You Department of Veterans Affairs has returned to Canada would continue are legend. You are the heroic exam- not recognized the Mac-Pap volun- the fight into World War II by joining ple of democracy, solidarity and teers with veterans’ status as the the Canadian armed forces, even universality. We shall not forget you, government of France has done. This though they were on a government and when the olive tree of peace puts Continued on page 8 blacklist. forth its leaves again . . . come back! THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 7 Reunion Continued from page 5 that Spain had finally been given the where the city of Gijon inaugurated a Party, cancelled at the last minute. By opportunity to develop economically monument to the IB during their contrast, the minority parties, United and politically. anniversary celebrations of the Left, Catalans and Basque Following the successful four days October revolution of 1934. Nationalists, were eager to pay trib- of events in Madrid, veterans and Another contingent of visitors, ute. In fact, the most articulate defense friends headed off in several direc- both brigadistas and scholars, went to of democratic freedoms came when tions. The main body of Lincoln Albacete to attend the 2nd Iñaki Anasagasti, speaker of the veterans journeyed to Barcelona, International Forum on the Brigades Basque Nationalist Party, calmly where they were hosted by the newly organized by the Universidad de answered neo-fascist provocateurs in established branch of the Amigos. A Castilla-La Mancha and the Amigos. the audience. Parallel to the forum, the member of the Catalonian Parliament During the three-day conference, municipal museum hosted a collection from the Left Republican Party greet- many subjects were discussed, includ- of rare IB photographs culled from the ed and addressed them. They ing the omnipresent debates on the Amigos-sponsored archive and uni- participated in a ceremony at the role of the Comintern, the fighting versity holdings. David and Goliath statue dedicated to power of the Brigades, surveys of IB Articles about these various the IB and were welcomed by the documentaries, the role of the events appeared in many Spanish trade unions. Hundreds of students Interbrigade press, and veterans’ newspapers, including El Paîs, El attended a lecture at the University of memoirs. The culminating point came Mundo, ABC, La Razon, La Verdad, La Barcelona, where vets had a chance to on the last day of the conference, Tribuna, Nueva España, and El Periodico answer their many questions and when Spanish MPs discussed the de Catalonia, as well as on TV and speak with them directly. Harry place of the IB in the current political radio. Fisher made a separate visit to debate. The event was originally Robert Coale teaches Spanish at the Albacete at the invitation of the planned to include all major parties, University of Jacksonville in Florida. Moe Spanish publisher of his book, but the representatives from the Fishman contributed to this story. Comrades. The book was presented to largest opposition party, the Socialist the public for the first time and some Party, as well as the ruling Popular 200 were sold at this event. Others headed north to Burgos or to Asturias, Canada N.H. Monument Fight Continues Continued from page 7 Following last year’s successful drive to disallow the mounting of a plaque honoring the New Hampshire volunteers who fought in the Spanish Civil War placing of a monument in the nation’s from the State House walls on grounds that members of the Abraham Lincoln capital is as far as it will go. (This is Brigade were un-American, a group of legislators has sponsored a bill that the first monument placed in a would prohibit the plaque from appearing on any piece of state property and nation’s capital.) There is also a has targeted any groups they missed from having a similar opportunity. plaque from Canada’s Federal On February 5, the State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee Ministry of Heritage on the Toronto of the N.H. House of Representatives heard testimony on Rep. Russell Albert’s monument. House Bill 1444, which would prohibit “the commemoration on public proper- ty of any nation, group or individual who takes up arms against the United This monument will help serve as States’ policies, unless such a commemoration is permitted by a two-thirds vote an example to all that ordinary people in the House and Senate.” Although no vote was taken on the bill, it was can stand up for democracy, freedom, assigned to a subcommittee for further study. Privately, Albert expressed doubts and social justice in the face of fas- about the bill’s chances once it became known that committee Democrats cism. Our heartfelt thanks to all who strongly oppose the bill and a number of Republicans do not see a need for the supported this endeavor, whether as legislation. volunteers or through donations. All Senator Burt Cohen, sponsor of the move to honor the Lincoln vets at the donations were from the people and State House last year, noted, “This bill would prohibit us from honoring those non-governmental organizations and who fought ‘prematurely’ against American slavery policy.” During the plaque businesses.. flap last year, Representative Albert said, “I think Cohen and his plaque should The authors are members of the be flown over Russia and dropped from 20,000 feet without a parachute.” The Association of Veterans and Friends of plaque, meanwhile, remains locked up in a State House vault. the Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion
8 THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 The Comintern and the International Brigades
By Rémi Skoutelsky thrown together using secondary selection criteria used to choose these Translated by Marie-Joèle works that were already several documents for publication in the first Ingalls decades old. place. In spite of these two shadowy The Comintern’s own archives, as areas, however, we can still under- In his movie about the West, The well as other sources kept in Moscow, stand the essential points. Man Who Shot Liberty Valence, John enable us today to know much more Ford has one of his characters, a jour- about the role played by the The Creation of the nalist, say: “Out West, when the Comintern in the International International Brigades legend becomes fact, print the leg- Brigades. My use of the term The first foreign fighters to join end.” Unfortunately, in presenting the “Comintern” includes not only the the Republican side were already in history of the International Brigades, lead organizations and their envoys, Spain on July 18, 1936. They were legend, whether heroic or sinister, has but also the militants belonging to the mostly political refugees fleeing fascist quite often been presented as fact. various political parties. Thus, the countries, most notably German and On the communist side, legend term encompasses the whole commu- Italian anarchists. Having participated has it that the Comintern did not take nist sphere. One should note, in the street warfare of the first days of part in the creation of the however, two caveats. First, access to the fascist insurrection, they then International Brigades. For a long the original documents is not always joined the various militias set up by time, their birth was presented as granted according to usual archival political parties and labor organiza- spontaneous and autonomous. rules. Second, the questions Paul tions to try to reconquer the territory On the Franco side, the first order Preston has raised in his Volunteer lost to the control of the rebels. A few of business was proving that the [December 2001] article on the collec- athletes, who had come to participate International Brigades had preceded tions of documents that have been in the “Workers’ Olympics” held in intervention by Italy and Germany. recently published are quite pertinent: Barcelona, also joined the fight. This myth transformed the call for They target not only the quality of the Finally, in the last days of the month, help to Hitler and Mussolini into an editorial comments accompanying the Continued on page 10 act of legitimate self defense, aimed at documents, but more pointedly the thwarting foreign communist inter- vention. Thus was born the legend of ALBA LAUNCHES WEBSITE LEARNING MODULES a meeting between the Comintern and the Profintern, supposedly held in Responding to a surge of interest in ALBA’s website (www.alba- Prague on July 26, 1936—a week after valb.org)—which received over 15,000 visits during January 2002—ALBA is the generals’ putsch!—when the deci- launching a new series of multimedia internet learning packages to encour- sion to send 5,000 volunteers to assist age students and teachers to bring the story of the Lincoln Brigade and the the Spanish Republic was allegedly Spanish Civil War into the classroom. These modules make use of our made. Plagiarizing from each other, unique archival material, such as video interviews, photographs, posters, historians have spread this tale, without and unpublished letters, as well as links around the internet, to create effec- bothering to check if such a decision tive learning centers about significant historical, political, and moral issues was in line with the Comintern’s poli- for today’s students. cies at the time, or if a meeting of its The first program is titled “For Your Liberty and Ours: Jewish leading organizations had indeed taken Volunteers in the Spanish Civil War.” The module, written by Peter Carroll, place on that date. (The answer to both Fraser Ottanelli, and Israeli scholar Rajel Sperber, explores issues of anti- questions is negative.) Semitism, the presence of Jewish volunteers in the International Brigades, Sixty years have passed since the and the role of Spanish Civil War veterans during World War II and the Spanish Civil War. The communist Holocaust. The website package was designed and produced by Ben regimes have collapsed, researchers Skillman and Richard Bernardy. Funding for the project came from the have gained access to the archives of Estate of Isabel Johnson Hiss. the Eastern bloc, and today a judg- Subsequent modules will examine such topics as African Americans mental historiography is in bloom during the Spanish Civil War, U.S. women and Spanish women in struggle (again). Its goal is to denounce rather against fascism, posters and art of the Spanish Civil War, poetry and litera- than to explain. An example of such ture, legal issues, and other related topics. ALBA expects to have the second scholarship is The Black Book of module up and running this spring. Communism, which sports a few pages on the subject of repression in the To see the module, go to www.alba-valb.org and click on
“The Spanish Civil War was for ALBA by board members Peter musical performances, classroom dis- fought on farms, streets, and walls,” Carroll and Cary Nelson. The show cussions, docent tours, and other observed an art critic in Bethlehem, consists of 35 large posters and public programs. At the Meadows Pennsylvania’s Morning Call, after lithographs as well as a pictorial histo- Museum of Art in Shreveport, viewing ALBA’s poster exhibition ry of the Lincoln Brigade, including an Louisiana, and at the Art Museum of Shouts From the Wall. “Good propa- original wall newspaper and extensive the University of South Florida in gandists exaggerate; Spanish Civil wall text. After the Kansas show clos- Tampa, for instance, teachers brought War propagandists mythologized…. es in March, these items will be busloads of public school students to [M]ost of the heroes are colossal, most returned to the various lending insti- view the exhibit and introduced them of the enemies monstrous. Figures tutions (the ALBA collection at New to ALBA’s educational programs. have the sculptural and architectural York University’s Tamiment Library, Such community outreach varied might of Art Deco power plants. Brandeis University, and the considerably, but the collective effect Shadows knife; patterns engulf; colors University of Illinois) and to Cary was to introduce the story of the jolt like air-raid sirens.” Nelson. Lincoln Brigade to people of all ages. The traveling exhibition, which ALBA had talked of such an exhibi- The programs also attracted family has attracted more than 200,000 spec- tion for years, but the final catalyst members of vets, Spanish refugees, tators since its opening at the Puffin emerged when the Puffin Foundation, local scholars, and ordinary buffs who Gallery in New York in April 1996, Ltd., presented a $25,000 grant to came to see what they had only heard won reviewers’ praise, inspired an launch the curatorial process. Carroll about before. Indeed, Shouts became a outpouring of related cultural events, and Nelson visited Brandeis on a prototype for ALBA’s other exhibi- and brought the history of the Lincoln snowy weekend in 1995 to study all the tions. Many host museums and Brigade into 23 venues, from Boston to available posters and make the selec- galleries, such as Tufts University’s Seattle, Los Angeles to Tampa, Detroit tions for the show. Among their Aidekman Art Center, Lehigh’s to Shreveport. Its long, consecutive discoveries was a much folded-up Zoellner Art Museum, Southern run of showings demonstrated a poster which, when unraveled, proved Illinois University’s Art Museum, and steady interest both in the art of the to be seven feet high, showing the sym- Centenary College’s Meadows Spanish Civil War and in the young bolic Lion of Madrid by Jose Bardasano. Museum of Art, signed up for the volunteers who left home towns The extraordinary poster, which photo show, The Aura of the Cause, or around this country to fight in defense became the icon of the show, had to be the children’s art exhibition, They Still of the embattled Republic in Spain. restored and preserved and was weld- Draw Pictures. This spring, Shouts is appearing ed into a sturdy traveling frame. for the last time at the Spencer The curators relied on the The Shouts From the Wall Museum of Art at the University of Technical Assistance Program of the Schedule: Kansas in Lawrence. As in most of the American Federation of the Arts for April 20-May 25, 1996: Puffin Gallery, other venues, the Kansas campus is professional advice about mounting, New York City, NY focusing attention on the exhibit with framing, wall text, and shipping June 22-August 16, 1996: Berkeley Arts courses, lectures, and other public crates. Each poster was protected by Center, Berkeley, CA programs, while local newspapers and filtered glass to screen out ultraviolet August 30-October 13, 1996: Museum radio spots are urging the citizenry to light. The AFA also handled travel of Albuquerque, NM view this remarkable display of anti- arrangements and contracts with the fascist art. Kansas students will also individual venues. Besides the initial November 20-December 20, 1996: focus on a unique website curriculum Puffin grant, funding for the exhibit Jacob Lawrence Gallery, University of [see www.alba-valb.org] involving came from the Charles Lawrence Washington, Seattle,WA the case of University of Kansas stu- Keith and Clara Miller Foundation, January 24-March 8, 1997: Meadows dent Don Henry, who was killed in the Program for Cultural Cooperation Museum of Art, Shreveport, LA Spain in 1937 and whose parents sub- Between Spain’s Ministry of Culture March 24-May 4, 1997: J. Wayne Stark sequently encouraged the university and United States’ Universities, the Gallery, Texas A&M, College Station, to investigate the “un-American” Blue Mountain Center, and the TX influences that led him to go to Spain. Needmor Fund. June 13-August 15, 1997: The Track 16 This curriculum, prepared by the Wherever the show went, Lincoln Gallery, Bergamot Station, Santa National Archives, links student activ- veterans and ALBA lecturers fol- Monica, CA ities to the historical documents of the lowed. In almost every venue, they case. participated in panel discussions, film continued on page 23 Shouts From the Wall was curated and video screenings, poetry readings, 16 THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 Book Review
ences stretching from the late 19th Revolutionary Memory: century to the 1930s and beyond. They represent a community of poets writ- ing in response to each other. With Recovering the Poetry remarkable sensitivity and passion, Nelson recovers that chorus of voices of the American Left responding to the agony of the Spanish Civil War. No one, after read- knew so when he made his documen- ing his analysis of Madrid and its By Cary Nelson tary Art in the Struggle for Freedom. meaning for the poets on all sides of New York: Routledge, $45. Pick up Revolutionary Memory and the Atlantic, can dismiss this poetry as leaf through its pages for a few shallow propaganda. By Michael Batinski moments. It shouts to be read. Bold But such poetry has been dismissed graphic art is woven together with as doggerel by those who would Soldiers fighting for the survival impassioned poems. The illustrated destroy that Left tradition. Nelson takes of the Spanish Republic, listening to version of Langston Hughes’ “Christ on these destroyers and leaves their Langston Hughes read his poetry, and in Alabama” follows Barbara arguments in rubble. Recovering mem- applying his verses to their struggle; Beecher’s eye-catching woodcuts of ory, keeping a tradition alive, is an Hughes translating Garcia Lorca’s the Klan, the atom bomb, and poetry on the fascist menace; Edwin McCarthyism, which accompanied her SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR Rolfe, in turn, clipping that translation husband’s poetry. Again you will READERS OF THE VOLUNTEER from a newspaper, keeping it, and encounter that photograph from Spain To order Cary Nelson’s later writing his own tribute to the of the child killed by fascist bombs, Revolutionary Memory, which is martyred Spanish poet—these are the which was used in posters to summon published only as a $45 hardbound moments that quicken Cary Nelson’s the conscience of the world. This time book, at a 33% discount: 1) call the imagination and guide his work for the photograph appears, as it once Routledge distributor (Taylor & Recovering the Poetry of the had, with a poem reflecting on fas- Francis) at 1-800-634-7064 and tell American Left. Revolutionary cism’s monstrous deeds. them you have a form offering the Memory is about something more For too long, Nelson argues per- book at the discount price of $29.95 than poems safely locked away in col- suasively, the self-styled keepers of plus postage. Pay by credit card; or lege readers; it is about poets engaged our cultural traditions have been 2) FAX them the order, your actively in the moral crises of their working to persuade us that Left poli- address, and credit card number at times; it is about poets listening to tics turned poetry into doggerel and 1-800-248-4724. Be sure to mention each other’s shared civic concerns and shallow propaganda. Not so, he the discount! making common cause; and it is about demonstrates convincingly. You may poets and audiences of readers and not need convincing, but Nelson’s listeners interacting with each other argument, with his impressive evi- important political achievement. New and becoming a chorus of voices dence, will invigorate heartfelt Hampshire’s recent debate over the raised in protest against injustice. This convictions with the voice of reason. commemoration of the Lincoln is a book about civics and how poetry Revolutionary Memory recovers a Brigade confirms how the past folds works to invigorate a healthy political tradition and exposes the destroyers into current politics. consciousness—not in Spain alone, of that tradition. For some years Nelson’s quarrel with his fellow but in our times as well. Nelson has been working to uncover academics is not just a tempest in a Readers of The Volunteer do not the poets and their audiences who cre- teapot. What is at stake is the educa- need to be persuaded by Nelson’s ated a community of protest. His tion of our children and our prospects argument. Revolutionary Memory tells evidence includes poems printed on for the future. What has happened in us what many have known in their small cards to be handed out and read the last generation is this. Teachers hearts was right, but what some very in union halls. He found a scrapbook who would destroy the memory of the smart people have told them was compiled by a labor organizer poetry of the American Left have been false. Art and politics can, indeed, between 1916 and 1918 and filled with working to break a cultural tradition work together for each other’s enrich- political poetry. These poems sus- that has invigorated social consciences ment. The poster show Shouts on the tained this Wobbly sympathizer. They continued on page 23 Wall confirms that truth. Abe Osheroff echo a tradition of poets and audi- THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 17 Film Review
age, at first very frightening, reflects The Devil’s Backbone the pale, rubbery quality of a water- creature; the greenish cast to his skin, the bubbles that float up from his and the Phantoms of mouth, the wet footprints he leaves about the eerie passageways, his bulging, fixed eyes. But what is most the Spanish Civil War astounding about the ghost of Santi is his resemblance to the Frankenstein By Gina Herrmann monster. The physical similarity keep young Carlos intrigued, if not speaks to two meanings: the first is the Guillermo del Toro’s latest film, terrified, by his new surroundings and strange construction of the The Devil’s Backbone, literalizes the his new companions. A huge unex- Frankenstein monster as both a figure way in which the Spanish Civil War ploded warhead stands, piercing the of innocence and as the manifestation continues to haunt the collective imag- ground, in the center of the school’s of “the living dead”; and the second is ination, across nations, and across courtyard. It functions not only as a Del Toro’s obvious recourse to the generations. Del Toro, an Austin- reminder that war is the overarching brilliant Erice 1973 film El espíritu de la based Mexican director, has made a context of their lives, but that human colmena, which also tells the story of a wonderful, if dark and sad, film that relations among the adults are reach- child’s haunting by the Spanish Civil works by way of a reciprocal allegory: ing the point of murderous explosion. War as represented by the transplan- the Spanish Civil War as ghost story There is the tense and pathetic attrac- tation of the Frankenstein monster and the horror movie as the Spanish tion between Dr. Cásares and Carmen, from the screen and into the real Civil War. The scariest ghost stories, who in turn finds sexual release in the world of a young girl. The use of the Del Toro suggests, are the ones that arms of a brutal former student, Erice film as an intertext for The have real political and social causes Jacinto. Jacinto (Eduardo Noreiga), for Devil’s Backbone recalls yet other and consequences, while the most his part, is also sleeping with the Spanish texts about children and the revealing political or war narratives school’s sweet young cleaning Spanish Civil War, from the novels of expose the terror inherent in them. woman. Jacinto attacks and intimi- Ana María Matute, to the short stories The Devil’s Backbone tells the story dates the orphaned boys in part to of Manuel Rivas, to the film adapta- of a 10-year-old orphan, Carlos divert attention from certain trans- tion of Rivas’ La lengua de las mariposas (Fernando Tielve), who is brought to gressions he plans to commit or (in English, Butterfly). an eerie orphanage in the middle of a already has carried out. Not only does What does this recourse to the stark, deserted Spanish landscape Jacinto scheme to steal a small fortune themes of childhood and ghosts or after his Republican father has been in Republican gold reserves, which monsters have to tell us about the killed on the front lines. The orphan- have been entrusted to Carmen, but Spanish Civil War? How does the age is run as a boarding school by the the imagery of the film aligns him ghost story function as a political alle- idealistic Argentinean expatriate sci- with the potential danger of the omi- gory? Two answers come to mind. entist, Dr. Cásares (Federico Luppi), nous bomb, and with the bomb’s role First, it seems to me that historical and the somewhat embittered and dis- in the mysterious disappearance of a realist war films may have the capaci- illusioned headmistress, Carmen young orphan named Santi. ty to capture the multitude of (Marisa Paredes), the widow of a Santi’s ghost, known to the boys tragedies brought on by war and, in so Loyalist poet. Carmen, the victim of of the orphanage as “the one who doing, may potentially succeed in an unexplained amputation, wears a whispers,” has singled out Carlos as arousing the astonishment and pity of prosthetic wooden leg, which endows his object of haunting. And unlike the the audience. But war films rarely her with a certain abject, fetishistic rest of the boys, it is only Carlos who manage to transmit the emotion of sexiness. can conquer his fear in order to inves- sheer terror that can be the most dev- While the mysteries of the Spanish tigate what it is that the “undead” astating experience of war—the Civil War that rages outside the walls Santi is seeking. Nearly half of the film not-knowing of so many things: from of the fortress-like orphanage remain has transpired before Santi’s image is the enemy who lays in wait around mainly undisclosed to the young, presented on the screen. The ghost the next building, to the location of a sometimes violent boys who live child appears to live in the murky, land mine, to the falling of bombs on there, the world on the inside pro- sea-like waters of the cistern in the Continued on page 23 vides enough secrets and threats to dungeons of the compound. His vis- 18 THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 “There’s Still Steam Coming Out of the Ol’ Kettle!” Abe Osheroff Visits the University of Texas By Miguel Ferguson Abe’s 1974 film, Dreams and take place this year, ended with Standing ovations were the order Nightmares, reached a standing-room (another!) standing ovation and Abe of the day when Abe Osheroff visited only crowd of several hundred in a taking questions until almost mid- the University of Texas at Austin last presentation titled “From the Spanish night. November to show his award-win- Civil War to September 11: Abe Osheroff continues to show ning documentary, Dreams and Perspectives on War and Peace in the that the legacy of the Lincoln Brigade Nightmares, and lecture to students 21st Century.” After the screening, still captivates the hearts and minds of from across campus. Abe addressed a broad array of topics a new generation yearning for a just Speaking to over 300 journalism from the SCW to the current “War on and democratic society. The UT- students about the potential they have Terrorism,” stressing the counterpro- Austin would like to say - mil gracias to change the world for the better, Abe ductive consequences of U.S. military y VIVA LA BRIGADA! recounted anecdotes from personal action, yet stressing the need for anti- Dr. Miguel Ferguson teaches in the interactions with some of the most war activists to see many proponents School of Social Work at UT-Austin. notable journalists of the 20th century, of the war as essentially decent people including Ernest Hemingway, Herbert with good hearts. The presentation, Matthews, and George Seldes. He also one of the larger campus gatherings to discussed the trials fledgling journal- ists are sure to face in honestly reporting events in an increasingly BRIGADERS RETURN TO corporate-dominated news market. Abe also addressed a large num- THE CAVE HOSPITAL ber of social work students and faculty about the benefits of living a By Angela Jackson life of conviction and social activism. International Brigaders—who fought “The pay that comes from dedicating On November 4, 2001, five together in defence of the Republic at one’s life to social justice,” he said, “is brigaders travelled to Catalonia to the Battle of the Ebro, 1938.” far beyond anything Bill Gates earns.” attend the unveiling of two plaques Following this moving ceremony, the He got a rise from the crowd when he in the remote mountain village of La large crowd of local people and visi- remarked that “some of the finest peo- Bisbal de Falset. tors proceeded to the cave, where a ple I’ve known have spent time in During the Battle of the Ebro in delegate from the Catalan govern- prison for following their convic- 1938, many of the wounded had ment, Cèsar Puig, unveiled the tions.” Many in attendance had heard received treatment in an improvised second plaque in memory of those Abe speak in his last visit to the UT in hospital situated in a large cave near who had served, suffered and died April 2000. After a standing ovation, the village. Those who died were there during the battle. many gathered around to thank him buried in a communal grave in the One of the speakers, Dr. Reggie for the inspirational message he local cemetery, among them Saxton, was given a particularly shared. International Brigaders of various warm welcome. He had returned In another undergraduate class of nationalities. The grave was after more than 60 years to the place social work students, Abe expressed unmarked, but a list was kept of the where, as a young man, he had saved his concern that much of what is being names of the dead. Local and inter- many lives by using new techniques enacted under the guise of patriotism national support has made it possible for the transfusion of blood. after September 11, namely tax breaks to honor their memory and to After the speeches, the young for the wealthy and corporations and acknowledge the role of the medical people of the village distributed violations of civil liberties, must be staff who worked in the cave. drinks and proposed a toast to peace, opposed. When a student asked, A plaque in the cemetery was which was heartily endorsed by all “What can one person do?” Abe unveiled by Sam Russell, a veteran those present. The events were recounted that determined individu- who had fought with the first group brought to a memorable and enjoy- als working together agitated for of British volunteers. In Catalan and able conclusion with traditional legislation (workers and unemploy- English, the plaque is inscribed, “In music and dancing. ment compensation, for example) that memory of those who died in the Angela Jackson is writing a study of we now take for granted but that in cave hospital of Santa Llúcia and are British women in the Spanish Civil War. his youth seemed “at best, utopian, buried here–-Spaniards and and at worst, downright nutty!” THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 19 ALBA BOOKS, VIDEOS AND POSTERS ALBALBAA EXPEXPANDSANDS WEBWEB BOOKSTBOOKSTOREORE BuyBuy SSpanishpanish CCivilivil WWarar bboooksoks onon thethe WEBWEB.. ALBA members receive a discount! Mention you are a member. wwwwww.alba-v.alba-valbalb.or.orgg BOOKS ABOUT THE LINCOLN BRIGADE The Anarchists in the Spanish Civil War: Volume 1 Ralph Fasanella's America By Robert Alexander by Paul S. D’Ambrosio The Color of War Alvah Bessie’s Spanish Civil War Notebooks By Jordi & Arnau Carulla By Alvah Bessie EXHIBIT CATALOGS Another Hill The Aura of the Cause, a photo album by Milton Wolff ed. by Cary Nelson Our Fight—Writings by Veterans of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade: Spain 1936-1939 VIDEOS ed. by Alvah Bessie & Albert Prago Art in the Struggle for Freedom Spain’s Cause Was Mine Abe Osheroff by Hank Rubin Dreams and Nightmares Comrades Abe Osheroff by Harry Fisher The Good Fight The Odyssey of the Abraham Sills/Dore/Bruckner Lincoln Brigade by Peter Carroll Forever Activists Judith Montell Passing the Torch: The Abraham Lincoln Brigade and its Legacy of Hope You Are History, You Are Legend by Anthony Geist and Jose Moreno Judith Montell Italian Workers of the World By Donna R. Gabaccia & Fraser M. Ottanelli, Editors Bread & a Stone By Alvah Bessie ❑ Yes, I wish to become an ALBA Associate, Short Fictions and I enclose a check for $25 made out By Alvah Bessie to ALBA. Please send me The Volunteer. Rare Birds: An American Family By Dan Bessie Name ______The Politics of Revenge Address______By Paul Preston The Triumph of Democracy in Spain City______State ___Zip______By Paul Preston ❑ enclose an additional donation of The Lincoln Brigade, a Picture History ______. I wish ❑ do not wish ❑ to have this by William Katz and Marc Crawford donation acknowledged in The Volunteer. To Remember Spain By Murray Bookchin Please mail to: ALBA, 799 Broadway, Room 227, New York, NY 10003 The Spanish Cockpit By Franz Borkenau
20 THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 Added to Memory’s Roster
Thomas W. O Malley to leaving for Spain. After they married, they lived 20012001 HHonoronor RollRoll 1914-2001 there for the better part of their lives. Barney Baley Thomas O’Malley, a retired furni- When I was about 4 years Barney Baley ture maker, died in Provincetown, old, I can recall asking my dad Massachusetts, on November 16, at about the deep and large scars Rubin Erlich the age of 87. on his left leg and other scar- Born in New Jersey, O’Malley grew ring on his right leg. He Robert Zane Ingalls up in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen explained that he had been and there acquired a lifelong commit- wounded—shot!—during his Martin Maki ment to social justice. He went to Spain participation in a civil war in Martin Maki in 1937 and saw action on the Aragón Spain. I was intrigued! He and front. Later, he served in the U.S. Army my mother chose Luise Tom O’Malley and was among the first wave of troops Dolores as my name (La to land at Iwo Jima in 1945. He retired in Pasionara), and this was also a Lester Rowlson 1984 and, according to the Provincetown part of the story—all very Banner, “he became a well-known thrilling to his little girl. I grew Ely Joseph Sack observer of the Commercial Street scene up thinking that my dad was Ely Joseph Sack from his front porch, while maintaining a hero, fighting and willing to an active interest in international politi- die for the principles in which Ken Shaker cal affairs.” he believed. Whenever I asked questions about that time in Leo Solodkin his life, he answered fully, and Ely Joseph Sack as the years passed, the answers were suitably more 1915 - 2001 complex. I learned of my father’s suffered discrimination, and he want- involvement in the Spanish Civil War, ed to join the fight for equality. He My dad was a veteran of the but more than that, I was told of the told me that he felt that he would be a Abraham Lincoln Brigade. He lived beliefs and conditions that spurred him coward if he didn’t volunteer, and the majority of his life as an ordinary, to volunteer to join the Lincoln Brigade. that he wanted to have the courage of tax-paying, voting American citizen. I admired him for standing up for what his convictions. He was the father of 4 children, myself he believed was right. My father made his way to Spain, and my 3 younger brothers. He sur- It was much later in our lives, dur- participated in the “good fight,” and vived his beloved wife, Edith, by ing a visit to my parents’ home in was wounded. He was lucky enough almost seven years. He had 9 grand- Miami in the spring of 1993, that I not to lose his life, as so many other children and 3 great grandchildren at became privy to the complete story of young volunteers did. He said that he the time he died. my father’s wartime experiences. never regretted his decision to join the Ely J. Sack was raised by Russian Within a month, I contacted Victor fight, and that he would make the immigrant parents in Brooklyn, New Berch at Brandeis, where the Archives same decision again, given the circum- York, the youngest of 3 sons. He told were located at that time. My dad was stances that existed in 1936. His me that he had a normal and happy asked to send his autobiography, as political activism ended when he childhood, did very well in public well as all photos and correspondence returned to the United States in 1938, school, and even graduated early in that were pertinent, as his contribu- but his political ideas and idealism an accelerated program. However, no tion to the Archives. This began a never wavered. I am grateful for his money was available for him to attend project, via letter and telephone, influence on my life. Dad used to say college full time, so he got various wherein both of my parents and I that even though “our side lost in menial jobs and went to the City worked together. I will always trea- Spain, at least history has shown that College of New York School of sure that experience. we were the ‘good guys.’” And now, Commerce in the evenings, where he My father’s decision to go to Spain adios to one of the good guys... my studied accounting. He later became a to fight against Fascism and Franco beloved dad. certified public accountant and made was based on his social consciousness —Luise S. Stone his living at this profession. He met and his sympathy for the Communist his wife in Jacksonville, Florida, prior movement. As a Jew, he had already THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 21 Contributions
DONOR, IN MEMORY OF VETERAN DONOR, IN HONOR OF VETERAN Rhea K. Kish in memory of Leslie Kish $100 Judith Berlowitz in honor of 86th birthday of Hilda George Harrison in memory of Sid Levin $50 Bell $20 Dan Fitzgerald in memory of Daniel Fitzgerald Jane & Joel Larus in honor of 90th birthday of Milt $75 Felsen $15 Glenn Lindfors in memory of Veikko O. Lindfors Claudia & Hirsch Cohen in honor of 90th birthday Milt Felsen $20 $100 of Susan Greenfield & Matthew Weissman in memo- DONOR, IN MEMORY OF ry of Hy Greenfield $25 Edith Tiger in memory of her husband, Charles Juan Maria Gomez (from Barcelona) in memory of Roach $100 Jack Shirai $25 CONTRIBUTIONS Norma J. Hart, Psy.D, in memory of Mannie Lanser $18 Phyllis Fletcher $25 Elena & Harvey Meltzer in memory of Martin Ludwig $25
ALBA’S TRAVELING EXHIBITION THE AURA OF THE CAUSE ALBA’s photographic exhibit,The New Haven, CT Shreveport, La Aura of the Cause, has been shown at March 20, 2002-May 23, 2002 January 15, 2003-march 15, 2003 the Puffin Room in New York City, Jonathan Edwards College, Meadows Museum of Art the University of California-San Yale University Centenary College Diego, the Salvador Dali Museum in 70 High Street, 2911 Centenary Blvd St. Petersburg, FL, the Fonda Del Sol New Haven, CT 06511 Shreveport, La 71104 Visual Center in Washington, DC, (203) 432-0356, (617) 627-3505 318-869-5226 and the University of Illinois. This exhibit, curated by Professor Cary For further information about The Nelson of the University of Illinois, Aura of the Cause exhibit, contact consists of hundreds of photographs ALBA’s executive secretary, Diane of the Lincoln Brigaders, other inter- Fraher, 212-598-0968. The exhibit is national volunteers and their available for museum and art gallery Spanish comrades, in training and at showings. rest, among the Spanish villages and in battle. BRING THE PHOTO EXHIBIT TO YOUR LOCALITY Contact Diane Fraher, ALBA executive secretary: 212-598-0968; Fax: 212-529-4603
22 THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 Backbone resolutions. When the boys and their Poetry Continued from page 17 Continued from page 18 teachers come together in solidarity to fight their enemy, the result can be no civilians. War is about double haunt- other than horrifying, bloody, and for generations and kept utopian and ings. The enemy who pursues and tragic. But the enthusiasm and determi- civic imaginations alive. If I under- hunts down and surprises and nation of their resistance stands as a stand Nelson correctly, these teachers destroys haunts his adversary. And reminder of what we know to be the would do irreparable harm to the civic the memory of the horror of war noble legacy of the Republican cause. imaginations of the next generation. lingers, through trauma, in the collec- To learn more about the film, see: The withering of imagination brings tive and the individual imagination. http://www.magiclanternpr.com/ consequences as dreadful as a vote to When Francoist historiography films/Devil’sBackbonePressbook.pdf disallow the erection of a monument. eliminated, and thus made hidden, the Nelson takes a step beyond out- experiences of the defeated of the rage. He provides a corrective Gina Herrmann teaches Spanish at Colby Spanish Civil War, the evidence of the strategy to be brought into the class- College. She will be part of an ALBA panel vanquished could not be wholly erased, room. In the process of criticizing his on women and the Spanish Civil War on just suppressed. What the haunting of opponents, he gives constructive Friday, April 26, at the King Juan Carlos and by children symbolizes is the effect guidance for restoring the ability to Center (see p. 24). of war and its memory, which lingers listen to the poetry of protest. That is in the present and the future until the no small achievement. wrongs committed against victims Shouts Revolutionary Memory is part of a receive redress or recognition. Silence Continued from page 16 continuing project, and so Nelson and secrets are invitations to phantoms. leaves us with some questions unan- The youngest survivors or the children swered. Have the destroyers of the September 5-October 19, 1997: of survivors have had to hunt down poetic Left prevailed? Their cohorts in Emerson Gallery, Hamilton College, their ghosts in order to discover the history departments have been crank- Clinton, NY truth about the killers—under whose ing out piles of books and articles to power they still must make and make Nov. 8-Dec. 22, 1997: University of destroy the reputation of the sense of their lives. This same kind of South Florida, Tampa, FL International Brigades and to erect a dangerous power of secrets and lies January 27-March 13, 1998: Mount monument to America’s triumph in lurks among the boys in the orphanage, Holyoke College Art Museum, South the Cold War. Perhaps their success determined to annihilate them and Hadley, MA cannot be measured in the classroom. their Republican guardians. April 4-May 18, 1998: Wisconsin When Nelson taught the poetry of the The ghost of Santi is a metaphor Veterans Museum, Madison, WI Vietnam War, his opponents had been for the failure to redress the crimes hard at work obliterating a tradition June 15-July 31, 1998: Elaine J. Jacob against the vanquished. It is the of protest. Doubtless many poets Gallery, Wayne State University, ghost’s charge, then, to enlist the aid wrote unaware of that tradition. Yet Detroit, MI of Carlos so that he may confront his somehow they found the words to murderer; a murderer who still threat- August 20-October 10, 1998: Arthur express themselves. There may be ens the lives of all of the boys, the sons Ross Gallery, University of cause for hope no matter what hap- of dead Republicans. Carlos recog- Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA pens in the classroom. nizes that only by acknowledging November 1-December 15, 1998: Michael Batinski teaches history at Santi can the truth be known, justice Center Gallery, Bucknell University, Southern Illinois University in exercised, and peace be restored. Lewisburg, PA Carbondale. The title of the film refers to the January 15-March 7, 1999: University folkloric name for the disease of spina Gallery, University of Delaware, bifida, in which the backbone never Newark, DE develops, thus cutting short burgeon- Aidekman Art Center, Tufts University, April 7-June 6, 1999: Zoellner Art Ctr., ing life. Dr. Cásares keeps jarred Medford, MA Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA fetuses—miscarried due to spina bifi- March 15-April 30, 2001: Sweeney Art August 14-October 17, 1999: Chicago da—in his office. The image not only Gallery, University of California, Public Library, Chicago, IL foretells the ending of the film, but it Riverside, CA suggests to me a reappropriation of November 8, 1999-February 21, 2000: September 15-November 25, 2001: Ortega y Gasset’s España invertebrada Southern Methodist University, Dallas Puffin Gallery, New York City, NY (Invertebrate Spain) to evoke not the March 15-May 15, 2000: University January 15-March 10, 2002: Spencer “spineless” Spain of 1898 but the Museum, Southern Illinois University, Art Museum, University of Kansas, regressiveness of Franquismo. Carbondale, IL In this regard, Del Toro is not a Lawrence, KA October 12-December 20, 2000: filmmaker who relies on easy THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 23 VALB REUNION, SUNDAY APRIL 28 ““NNEEWW YYOORRKK AANNDD TTHHEE WWOORRLLDD”” FEATURES JUAN GONZALEZ, HENRY FONER, AND A NEW PERFORMANCE BY TTHHEE SSAANN FFRRAANNCCIISSCCOO MMIIMMEE TTRROOUUPPEE FOR TICKETS: 212-674-5552
Friday, April 26, 6 p.m. ““WWoommeenn iinn tthhee SSppaanniisshh CCiivviill WWaarr”” featuring a screening of IInnttoo tthhee FFiirree, a new documentary film about U.S. women volunteers, presented by Julia Newman; panel discussion follows with Professors Gina Herrmann (Colby College) & Shirley Mangini (California State Univ. at Long Beach) King Juan Carlos Center, NYU, 53 Washington Square South
April 1-July 15, 2002 ““RRaallpphh FFaassaanneellllaa’’ss AAmmeerriiccaa”” an exhibition of the Lincoln Brigade veteran’s paintings, New-York Historical Society
The Volunteer c/o Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives NON-PROFIT 799 Broadway, Rm. 227 U.S. POSTAGE New York, NY 10003 PAID PERMIT NO. 280 SHIRLEY, N.Y. 11967
THE VOLUNTEER, March 2002 24