War News Highlights from the 2 August 1917 Courier Democrat
The 2 August 1917 issue of the Courier Democrat highlights the experiences of local soldiers during World War I. Paul Allen writes from Camp Custer in Michigan, sharing his initial impressions of the camp and adjusting to military life. Meanwhile, another letter from Fred, stationed in Hawaii, details his daily activities, celebrations, and camaraderie with fellow soldiers. These personal accounts offer a glimpse into the lives of young men serving their country far from home.
PAUL ALLEN WRITES FROM NEW QUARTERS
Medical Department, Camp Custer, Battle Creek, Michigan, July 28th, 1917.
Dear Folks: I haven’t much time before dark. Yesterday P. M. we were called up (13 of us) and told we were to be sent here. I begged on my prayer bones to stay; but nothing doing, so I wired you.
We started to Chicago on the North Western at 10:45 P. M. and left Chicago on the Michigan Central at 1:00 A. M., arriving at Battle Creek at 7:10 A. M., then took the car out here about three miles.
It is just a new camp—going up. I do not know yet what we will be set doing as we are the only medical men here.
We are fed in a public mess hall where the carpenters and teamsters eat. We get fine grub. We are sleeping in one of the half-finished buildings. This is an awful change—no bath tubs, lights, wash bowls or any of this yet, but soon, I guess. Gee! It’s a lot hotter here than in Ft. Sheridan and dusty. Don’t let this stop you folks from coming as Battle Creek is only 165 miles from Chicago, but wait till I get settled a little first.
Isn’t it a shame I had to leave Ft. Sheridan? I never did feel so bad; but I am in the army now and must do as I am told.
We are 121 miles from Detroit.
Well, I must close now. Will write again soon.
With love to all. —Paul J. Allen.
According to statements made by government officials, Battle Creek’s military cantonment, aside from housing nine regiments of infantry, will have samples of almost every branch of the army service. There will be one regiment of cavalry, three of artillery, one of engineers and one of telegraph battalion signal corps and one aero squadron. It is expected that about 40,000 men will be stationed at Camp Custer.
SOLDIER BOYS FLUSH SPLIT WITH EACH OTHER.
Sixth Company, Fort Kamehameha, Hawaiian Territory, July 8, 1917.
Dear Sis: I received about three letters from you, one from mother, Albert and Urban and believe me I’m glad to get all of them. Also got a bunch of other letters which you, I think, are responsible for. Now am I correct? Well I sure enjoyed them I can assure you and today is the day. Just think almost a regular man.
I got the box you sent, too, and everything was O.K., especially the cake. Gee! it was great. Ruck, Nash and I have been celebrating today by eating it and taking pictures. They said to tell you it was great and the candy likewise. So that makes it unanimous. Uncle Sam gave me a present too. Got our gun, bayonet and belts today, Sunday. That goes to show how busy they are when they do that on Sunday. We will start to drill again tomorrow with rifles and also on the Battery. Am getting to like it better every day. All of the old heads and officers are such a fine bunch and will give you anything you want to know except when we go to France and when the war will be over.
Spent July 4th in Honolulu. They had some speaking at a park there and a parade. Some old stuff. Also went out to Waikiki. Things are pretty nice out there. Didn’t go swimming nor did I see anything to fall in love with. We get paid tomorrow. Sure am glad of it. Boys at Ruger got paid July 3rd so that is when we got to Honolulu.
What one of the Seneca bunch has for the rest of us we can always figure on drawing on. Got the draft Dad sent all O.K. and just in time too as Nash was broke and Ruck was down to 85 cents so when that come we all had money again. Say, tell the boys to hop to my clothes if they want them. Tell them to set their own price as I won’t be back soon enough to wear any of them. If the war was over today, which isn’t likely, I wouldn’t get home from four to six months.
Well, I will close and go see the boys. We go to the show together about every other night. Yes, we have a good picture show. Lots of love, Fred.