War News Highlights from the 2 August 1917 Courier Democrat
The 2 August 1917 issue of the Courier Democrat offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of local soldiers during World War I. One article highlights the dedication of Corning boys who gave up comfortable jobs to serve in the Kansas National Guard and the Signal Corps. Another shares a letter from a Seneca boy stationed in France, providing a heartfelt account of his experiences adjusting to life overseas while contributing to the war effort. These stories capture the sacrifices and resilience of small-town heroes during a pivotal time in history.
CORNING SOLDIER BOYS
Word has been received that Harry Whitney has enlisted in the Signal Corps and has left for a fort in Arizona for training. Guy Axe and Ralph McDaniel arrived in Corning Monday for a visit with their parents and friends. Guy and Ralph are members of a hospital corps of the Kansas National Guard and will be called into the Federal Service August 5th. The boys gave up good positions in the Santa Fe offices at Topeka to serve their country. Dr. Heuschele has been promoted to the rank of captain. Dr. Maxon has received his commission as First Lieutenant of the Medical Reserve Corps.
In a letter from Orville Tomlinson he says: “I am eating everything they put in front of me and am getting fat. We, or rather the band, are not allowed to carry firearms except a .38 Colt’s automatic and are given training in rifle work in order to fill in, in case we are needed. We have a fine place to swim in and good shower baths and all that a fellow could ask for. Both my arms are sore, vaccinated in the left arm and inoculated in the right. We are going to be sent to New York to join the sixth regiment and from there to France but I don’t know how soon. Write and tell the other fellows to write. My address is Marine Barracks, Quantico, Virginia (Band).” — Corning Gazette.
ANOTHER LETTER FROM SENECA BOY IN FRANCE
Allen Coles with Pershing’s Troops Tells the Home Folks of His Experiences.
Dear Sis and All:
I expect you think I am pretty slow about writing. We have been busy getting settled. Did you get my cablegram? We are not allowed to write anything about military dope, so don’t expect it. You know more about what is going on than we do anyway. This is a different country than I expected to find. They have much different ways than the American people. They are very friendly and do all they can for us, but it is hard to understand them. If I only had your knowledge of French I would be right in it. We know how a fellow feels that comes to the States that can’t talk our language but we will learn as they do. This is a great country for wine. Everybody drinks it. There are a good many vineyards and as good gardens as I ever saw. They farm every acre they can. Well, enough of that.
I was made mechanic while coming over. It is a different work than I expected it would be. It is more carpenter work than anything else, no machinery, like I was used to handling. I get $6.00 more a month and if we get 20 per cent I’ll get $42.00.
I got a letter from Embert as I left the States. Just two months today we both left Fort Logan. We had mail call last night. I only got one postal. That was forwarded from El Paso from Mrs. L. D. Allen. I got the paper, too. You call Mr. Adrience and tell him where to send the paper. Address my mail “Mechanic Allen E. Coles, Co. H. 16th Inf., 1st American Exp., France.” Tell them all not to be afraid to write. With love to all, Allen.