06/21/2026
For Mississippi, summer has been around for a few weeks now, but for the rest of the world it's the ! With our love of air conditioning, it’s hard to imagine having to live in an open air building this time of year. But soldiers during the First and Second World Wars did just that in six-man tents.
Six-man tents, or “Six-Mens,” were temporary shelters made of wood slatting and canvas that could house up to six men. These tents had some electricity and a heating stove, but little else for comfort. Netting served as windows, providing little privacy. These tents were eventually replaced with timber frame barracks during World War II. Check out some images of the inside of the “Six-Mens” to see how soldiers made them a little more like home.
From the collection: Robert J. Haley laying on cot in tent, 37th Infantry Division, Camp Shelby [2022.048.1446]; Interior view of tent showing cot and Walter Shipp's personal effects, "My bed" inscribed on back, “469F" stamped on back, 37th Infantry Division, Camp Shelby [2022.048.2175]; Interior view of tent showing cot and Walter Shipp's personal effects, footlocker at end of bed reads "Sgt. Raymond Shipp," "Bunk layout / *Note foot locker!" inscribed on back, “469F" stamped on back, 37th Infantry Division, Camp Shelby [2022.048.2176]; Rows of tents, "Company street" inscribed on back, "469F" stamped on back, 37th Infantry Division, Camp Shelby [2022.048.2179]
