WWII Artifacts Found in Odessa
By: Monica Tassoni
Updated: February 24, 2011
A piece of history was found right here in Odessa and more surprisingly in an abandoned warehouse. Its like an episodes straight from history lost and found or storage wars. Mr. LaBombard and his wife were clearing out an abandon warehouse in Odessa when they stumbled upon hundred of photos of historical Germany right before WWII. But they weren't of the Permian Basin. They were of world war two era Germany. So now, LaBombard is donating them, so that others can learn from what they reveal.
These first hand photos of the Nazi regime depict everyday life for the German solider in the days leading up to the war bringing the Third Riche into a local focus. One picture actually shows Hitler in the background of a famous wedding he attended. So who took these photos?
" Its makes you think its a high ranking officer who had clear authorization to be at these events and take photos." Said Loyd LaBombard.
How they ended up in a warehouse in Odessa is unknown. But the greatest generation is dwindling at a rate of 1500 men and women a day, taking with them untold stories. Finding photos like this is a priceless discovery.
"Every tidbit we are able to save about that make the story of WWII richer." Said Monte Monroe, Ph.D Southwest Collection Archivist
He is a curator at Texas Tech, where the pictures were donated. He says the photos will be archived and used for future research.
"History is based upon the nuts and bolts of archival material which researchers use to write books." Said Monte Monroe, Ph.D.
Mr. Labombard considers himself a history junkie. By donating the artifacts he hopes to add a piece to history's puzzle.
"I decided not to throw them away because they were not mine to throw away and it would do some student or professor good to put that piece of the puzzle.” Said Loyd LaBombard.
More than 100 photos were found in the warehouse and will remain in Texas Tech's archive where they will be shared with other universities. They'll also be published in textbooks. All because of a simple discovery, in an unlikely place.
