Clifford Paul Weidenthaler Heart Mountain Construction Scrapbook

The Weidenthalers have never been strangers to service - whether to cause, country, or family, the legacy of the Weidenthalers endures through what they have made and the children they have raised. Clifford Paul Weidenthaler, the compiler and previous owner of this album, and his son, Dale Weidenthaler, donate these records to history and posterity, with the hope that these documents and photographs will serve as partial testament to the Weidenthalers’ contributions to America.

Herein, you will find records of Clifford’s many works. First, with the Bechtel Corporation, whose work during World War II saw the construction of many shipyards, including Marinship and Calship, and ships for the United States Maritime Commission. Next, Clifford, along with the Army Corps of Engineers, helped build the Alaska-Canada Highway - The Alcan, to this day, proves the determination and ingenuity of its makers, as well as their enduring spirit against the hardships of the undeveloped frontier. Later, he participated in constructing and operations of the Heart Mountain Relocation Center; He never spoke of his feelings about what he had made, but, perhaps, you will find significance in knowing that this album was the only record of his past that he felt was necessary to document and preserve, and did so, for most of his life - The records were important to him, as both Clifford and Dale hope it will be for you.

Even after the War, Clifford continued to serve, working for the United Nations in Shanghai, China. Having led a life full of constructing wonders, Clifford Paul Weidenthaler eventually settled in Nebraska, where he retired as the Director of Personnel for the Department of Public Institutions.

Clifford’s wife also devoted her work to America. Clifford was married to Nellie Mae Weidenthaler, Née Ferris, in Honolulu, Hawaii, 1950. She served America as a staff sergeant in the US Army Air Corps during WWII. Together, they raised three children, and one of them, Dale, is the present contributor of these records.

Today, Dale Weidenthaler has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to his family’s legacy, as a United States Marine, army reservist, and deputy sheriff of San Diego County. The Weidenthalers have always put America's interests ahead of their own. So, too, with these meticulous records you now hold.

We, the Weidenthaler family, have made these contributions to history, both physical and intellectual, however small, and we hope that you will delight in their remembrance and enjoyment.

--Written by Professor Gwen Brockman after interviewing Dale Weidenthaler in November 2024.