This Exhibition Showcases Rediscovered World War I Photographs

Rudolph “Doc” Cook, a photographer who enlisted to join the war effort, served with the 88th Infantry Division, 313th Engineers of Camp Dodge in Iowa and captured the company’s experiences with his camera. His images, published in Camp Dodge’s newspaper, Camp Dodger, and other military publications, focused on training regimens like gas mask drills, boxing and bridge-building. Overseas, he captured scenes of trenches, war-torn structures, Armistice Day celebrations and railroad reconstruction.

A century later, local resident Mollie Anderson discovered a box containing nearly 1,000 of Cook’s negatives. Through this exhibition, the rediscovered photos provide a personal look into a soldier’s life. Developed by The Durham Museum, Beyond Combat features Cook’s work, along with loans from fellow institutions including military uniforms and trench art (decorated artillery shells). A small theater area features additional images in which guests are invited to linger and immerse themselves in the 313th Engineers’ experience.