The records of the Oregon State Defense Council provide a unique perspective on the state and its citizens during World War I. The following Oregon State Archives record groups also relate to World War I or its aftermath:

Oregon Military Department

The records of the Oregon Military Department cover actions from 1847 to 1986. The records consist of over 300 cubic feet of correspondence, reports, maps, photographs, and related items. For more information, see the searchable records guide.

Oregon Secretary of State

This record group includes additional "Soldiers' and Sailors' Commission Records." The records consist of .40 cubic foot of minutes, reports, correspondence, financial documents, and related items from 1920 to 1936.

Oregon Department of State Lands

This record group includes World War Veterans State Aid Commission Blanket Release of Mortgages," 1938, .25 cubic foot. The records document the release of mortgages on deeds taken in lieu of foreclosure. The series consists of one volume of lists of released mortgages. Included is name of mortgage, mortgage date, location of mortgage record, and county. Subjects include government lending, loan requests and land ownership.

Oregon State Board of Control

This record group includes "Ex-Servicemen in State Employment Survey," 1938, .10 cubic foot. The records document a Board of Control survey used to determine the number of veterans working for the state. The survey includes agency breakdown by war, widows and orphans. The records include correspondence, questionnaires, and individual service records.

World War Veterans' State Aid Commission

The records of this commission document the management of loans and bonuses paid to World War I and Spanish-American War veterans. The commission was abolished in 1943 when its duties were transferred to the State Land Board. The records consist of about 40 cubic feet of minutes, correspondence, indexes, registers, reports, photographs, and related items from 1921 to 1951.

Oregon Soldiers' and Sailors' Commission

The records of this commission document efforts to provide jobs and financial assistance to veterans of World War I. The commission was abolished in 1936. The records consist of 10 cubic feet of correspondence, applications, case files, and claims from 1919 to 1925.

County Records

These record groups include "Veterans' Property Tax Exemption Oath Records" (documenting World War I and other service). The records document a state law that provided for a $1,000 exemption to qualified veterans. The information often includes name of veteran; war, service branch and unit of service; property description; address; and date.

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