ALTOONA, Pa. — Penn State Altoona history students Will Auman, Jacob Dicks, Emma Moniz and Cinnsire Warner recently assisted Jared Frederick with a new temporary exhibit installation in the History program's rotating display case in the lobby of the Smith Building.
The new display features original and personal artifacts that belonged to World War II veteran John C. Halloran and were donated by his son, Michael.
Born in Altoona in 1914, Halloran worked in the steel department of the Altoona Car Shop on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Four months after marrying Thelma Amigh in 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army to fight the Nazis. While in Europe, he served in the 729th Railway Operating Battalion. He was known to his men as “Silent John” due to his stoical nature. His railroad unit played a crucial role in funneling troops and supplies. Halloran was promoted from 1st sergeant to 2nd lieutenant in the spring of 1945 and was honorably discharged from service at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, that September.
Halloran passed away on June 1, 1969. He was only 55.
The personal items in the showcase include Halloran's full uniform, photos, military training books, and even his uniform button shining kit. The display pays tribute to all Altoona railroaders who served in uniform and helped liberate the people of Europe.
Frederick, assistant teaching professor of history, will be teaching a railroad history course in the fall. He sees these exhibits as an effective way to contextualize local railroad history within a broader tale. "It's even better when our students can have a hands-on role in presenting such stories to the public," he said.
Michael Halloran applauded the work of the students after an informal exhibit unveiling on March 25. "This is 10 times more than anything I expected," he said. "My dad would be so proud to have his story told this way."
Each semester, students enrolled in history courses assist Frederick with the design of new exhibits. Past displays have featured the history of masks, colonial women's apparel, and vintage baseball memorabilia. The case's creation was supported by the Robert E. Eiche Library in 2022.
The current exhibit will remain in place until fall 2025. Those interested in loaning items for future history-themed displays may contact Frederick at jtf5039@psu.edu.