December 21, 1917 -- Christmas Greetings, Prohibition, Sam & Daisy Spooner from WA

Spring Brook Farm

December 21, 1917

Dearest Brother ‘O Mine,

            A Merry, Merry Christmas and a Happy New year from each of us, Herman included as he asked me to say it for him though perhaps he will get around to send his New Year wishes himself  We hope that this letter will arrive on Christmas day to give you its message of Good Will then as I suppose that the Christmas boxes and gifts from various sources, or at least most of them, will be received before Christmas and probably opened as soon as received unless you all plan to have some kind of a “grand opening” Christmas day. 

            So much, much love for the day from each of us and remember that we will be thinking of you especially even though we may be doing for others.  Papa and Mama will either have Aunt Nellie and the girls up here or they will go down there. I don’t know for sure what I will do but, as I told you last Sunday, Mrs. Julius Weber wanted me to go over there with Herman and perhaps I will do so as they surely need all the cheering up possible.  I do hope she will change her mind about the Christmas tree as the little children will miss it so.

            Telephone messages comprise a big share of my news lately.  Had a call from Wonewoc today, man’s voice wants to know if it is “Sherwood” and then if it is “Ella.”   I say no that it is Susan but he says he can’t hear.  Woman’s voice asks if it is Susan.  When I said “yes” voice says that it is Aunt Daisy and that Uncle Sam will be up on the afternoon train.  I ask if she is coming but she says that she will come later but her father is not well just at present.  (Uncle Sam says that he “don’t think he will last long.”)

            Was cleaning out and rearranging the bureau drawers for the mittens, string and so forth when they called from Wonewoc.  Expected to clean the pantry as soon as I had finished that but “the best laid plans” etc. 

            A soon as dinner was over I started in to do the sweeping and dusting but had barely started when I saw a woman coming up the path.  Consternation and exclamation to Mother about “It never rains but it pours,” but open the door with bright smile and cordial welcome to a perfect stranger.  Proves to be one of the workers of the “Forward Press” activities (The Prohibition Press at Madison).  She is renewing subscriptions to the “Campaigner” and working up sentiment for a dry state and nation.  If only the “Prohibition Amendment” would be ratified immediately so that the U.S might go into the war as the “cleanest” nation in the world for the country will be physically, mentally, and morally clean when “booze” is no more and it would be a fine thing for our soldier boys to be able to remember such a country and to be able to come back to such a country when the war is over, for in spite of what has been done and is being done in Europe, moral conditions are terrible in many places and none too good in any, although I understand that the U.S. is going to try to make an agreement with England and France where by they may have “dry” and “vice less” gone around each of their camps there as they do here in this country.

            Well, Uncle Sam arrived (Papa went to the train for him) and we have all visited and visited until time for us all to be in bed.  (I had the sweeping and wiping up of floors all done when they arrived home but no dusting or other work done because of our visitor.) 

            Uncle Sam says that before Washington went dry that people said that Prohibition wouldn’t prohibit but he says that it is most certainly dry, dry as a bone.

            Did you ever expect to see or hear of your family eating oleomargarine in place of butter?  That is what we did last night and all thought that it was about as good as butter in taste and the price, well, butter at 50 cents per pound and Troco (oleomargine)[1] at 35 cents a lb stood side by side on the table and as one can hardly tell the difference in taste I rather believe that two third or more of our “butter” will be “Troco” from now on, for awhile at least.  Perhaps you have seen “Troco” or seen it advertised.  It is supposed to be made of Coconut Oil and is pure white on the packages but color comes with it so you can color it if you wish.

            We have been visiting with Uncle Sam as hard as we could all the evening for he must go tomorrow morning he says as he only has two weeks off and the trains are all so late that he will have to start back a day earlier than he expected.  They were 26 hours late into Elroy he said, that is 26 hours later than they would have been if they had been able to come straight through from the Coast.  Owing to a rock on the track on one road and a wreck on the other and so forth they had to be transferred to other roads when they were just starting. Reached St. Paul 16 hours behind their schedule and had to wait 8 hours for a train and then lost 2 hours from St. Paul to Elroy.  He will visit with the folks at Elroy for a few hours tomorrow then get a rig to Mauston.  I don’t know whether he will go form Mauston to Beaver Dam or not but he wants to go to Beaver Dam, Milwaukee, Chicago and I don’t know where else but he says that he don’t believe he can get around to all the places under the circumstances.  Aunt Daisy will stay with her folks six or eight weeks and will make us a visit of a few days when it is possible, but from what Uncle Sam says of her father’s health I doubt if she will visit around much.

            A Merry, Merry Christmas dear and though we can not have “peace on earth” at this Christmas tide we can have “good will toward men” whether friend or enemy.

            So much, much love and all the hugs and kisses that I would give you if you were here.  Our love and prayers for a Happy Christmas. 

                        Mispah[2].  Your loving little sister

                                                            Susan R. Sherwood.

 

 

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[1] Troco oleomargine was created by mixing pureed coconut meat with pasteurized milk.  It apparently had some of the taste of butter but it was mostly coconut oil.   http://www.amazon.com/1918-Troco-Oleomargarine-Butter-Coconut/dp/B005DH5CJ4

[2] “The Lord watch between you and me while we are apart one from the other.”

December 3, 1917 - Birthday Greetings from Dear Ones at Home

Spring Brook Farm, Kendall, Wisconsin in Winter.  The large 14 room farmhouse is hidden behind the large tree to the west of the barn.

  Spring Brook Farm



December 1, 1917

A.M.

Dear, Dear Little Brother
            This will have to be my birthday letter to you since I was so busy frosting the cake and getting the box ready for you this morning that I only had time to write a few lines so tore it off and sent you only the “letter of ye olden times” which was intended only as a part of your birthday greeting from me.
            Now first as to your birthday box which we sent in today’s mail. We hope that the contents prove acceptable. The big cake of course is your birthday cake and we all had a hand in the making.  Mama made the cake Papa and Herman cracked the nuts and I frosted it. The small piece of cake was intended for you just a “bite” to see what we had for Herman and his sister and Mrs. Staade on their birthdays [Herman's birthday was November 25].  The nuts and chocolate frosting that were left I combined to make the few pieces of candy which we sent. Perhaps you would rather we would not have sent such a little sample since there are so many to share with, but it seemed so good that I wanted you to have it and we needed to fill up the box also as there were only a few cookies since mama did not get around to do the oatmeal cookies because of her work at Elroy for the Christian Home. And last but not least is the wrist watch which we so hope will be all right though it is not exactly as I wished. You asked for one with the luminous figures and hands and wide tan strap fastened to the watch instead of having the watch in a case.  This answers all of those requirements too but would have been better I believe if the dial plate had been black as with the Ingersoll’s, and some others.  This one doesn’t show up well until after it has been worn several minutes but seems to me all right then so since it was the only one that I could get track of just at present and it seemed all right (except the black face would have been better) we decided to take it.  One thing I liked about it was that it is quite a little smaller than some and another is that it has an “unbreakable” crystal, at least that is what the jeweler said.  It is stem wind and stem set. Of course we do not know enough about watches to be able to say how good it is but Mrs. Frederick said that the jeweler at Sparta said it was just about as good as some $18 watches of a different kind that he had and that this kind was the one that was proving the most popular of any of the wrist watches he was selling.  (Of course I think the price had something to do with it as $18 or $20 would be quite a price to pay for anything of this kind.) I have been debating in my mind as I have written the above as to whether I should tell you the price so you would know what to ask in case it is not just what you want and you should have a chance to sell it.  It was $12.50 exclusive of the strap (It had a narrow black strap but we thought the wide would be better).  We surely hope that it proves just what you want but if it don’t show up as it should in the dark or if for any other reason it does not prove satisfactory, don’t be afraid of hurting us by exchanging it for something better. We wanted to have it a gift from us but our love will be there just the same even if the gift can not be accepted in its present form.
            And now a few more lines about the watch.  think Herman and Mrs. Frederick have helped so much that they might be considered part of the givers. When I could not seem to find anything better, Herman took me to Elroy in the car one night to look at what they had there and it is probable that if the jeweler had not taken off the secondhand to fix another watch that you would have had that watch before this. I had asked Mrs. Frederick if they knew where we could get a wrist watch with both the “unbreakable” crystal and luminous dial but she did not know. Then one day she phoned that she had been in Sparta and had found a watch that she thought was what I wanted so we had it sent down and have sent it on to you. So I hope you will find time to write to both and thank them, for I don’t know when you would have gotten it otherwise.
            And here is something which I wish I could say instead of write as I don’t know as I can exactly explain what I mean, but I wish you would write to Herman sometimes even if he don’t write to you (he says that I write so much that there is nothing left to say).  It has seemed to me sometimes this fall that he has taken on a “don’t care” attitude toward life and he is not living up to the best in himself.  I don’t know how to help him and I think perhaps he needs a man’s help more than a woman’s just now anyhow.  Perhaps I am unnecessarily worrying, I hope so, but so many little things have happened that have suggested this attitude that I fear something is wrong.
            We received your letter with the list of things that you could use or needed and noticed that you had “eats” the first on the list, so perhaps we will send you a cookie or two sometime! I heard that some of the boys at Waco did not care to have “eats” sent so we were not sure whether you would want much in that line or not. Of course part of the boys at Waco are like you and cry “more”  and probably one reason some objected was because some tried to send fried chicken and things that do not keep well.  Let us know if we send anything that it would be best not to try to send again.
            Goodnight dear heart, or rather Good morning as it was really morning before I started even.  Love and love and prayers always.  Mizpah[1].
                                                            Your little sister, Susan

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[1] “The Lord watch between you and me while we are absent one from the other.”

November 21, 1917 - Soldier's Social Life and Family Loss

Camp Logan, Nov 21, 1917

Dear Home Folks:

            There isn’t much to write but I will write it just the same.  Thank Heaven! My week of K. P. was finished last night.  Was very sorry to hear of the death of Herman’s nephew[1] namesake.  One never knows when they may be called, do they?  Things around here have quieted down some, no further indications of a very early departure, so don’t worry.  We are woefully lacking in equipment and will surely get some of it before they move us.   

            Sat. nite Mohn and I went up to Karnes where we met Miss Carnes and from there went to Woodland Heights where there was a party staged to come off.  But on arrival we learned that one of the hostesses was sick and that the party had been called off by phone to those who could be reached.  We were invited in, as of course we had been expected, and soon 4 other Engineers arrived who had also been expected.  Then we enjoyed a pleasant evening talking and later playing 500. Mohn and I won 2 out of 3 games. Miss Carnes played too and Miss French part of the time.  One of Mohn’s tent mates was there, but neither one knew that the other one was going to be there.  One of the fellows depended on his pall bringing him a pass.  I wish you could have seen his face when his pal arrived and told him he had been unable to get the pass.  I understand he managed to run the guard all OK, however, Mohn and I just barely made camp in time to get by with our passes which were limited to 1:00 A.M. Sunday morning. 

            We were to go down river in Mr. Karnes’ brother’s motor boat Sunday, but it rained ‘til about 8 A.M. so we went out to the house for dinner again instead.  They are surely good to us.

            I had to pay a pal $1.00 to take my place in the kitchen Sunday but I consider it was worth it.

            Things are going along in the same old rut this week.  Took ten pictures while out to Karnes but it was rather dark so fear they won’t be very good.  We got a stove for our tent yesterday, so with stove, sweater and blankets I am very comfortable even tho I have no overcoat.

            Well, I must close again now, with lots of love to all.

                                                            George

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[1] This would be Herman F W Weber, son of Julius and Amelia (Emillia) Weber, born 10 Apr. 1900 and died November 1, 1917.  He was only 17 years old.  Herman (later he became George's sister Susan’s husband) was three years younger than his brother Julius.

October 28, 1917 - George Sends Photos from Home Sweet Home

Camp Logan, Houston, Tex.

Sunday, P.M. Oct 28, ‘17

            Well, here I am back in my tent. Just got back from town, where I went with Mohr, whose picture I herein enclose.  We took a jitney and got to the M. E. church just in time for church, 10:30 A.M.  Were treated fine by the people there.  Heard some fine music by choir, also vocal and violin solos, then a fair sermon. Got out of church at 12:45.  Just went straight from there down to Thompson’s Cafeteria where two poached eggs on toast and a piece of hot mince pie set me back 25 cents but they were worth it at that.  Then we walked out to the union station and around town awhile, then went to a movie then chartered a fliver and came back to camp. And now I am writing to my dear folks back home, or at least trying to when the noise in here will allow me to.

            You ask for a sketch of our days work.  So I give an abbrieved (coined by me) schedule:

                        5:45 First Call

6:00 Assembly and Roll Call (as fully dressed)

6:10 Physical exercise

6:30 Mess

8:00 Drill or Detail work

12:00 Mess

1:30 Drill, work or loaf

5:30 Retreat

6:00 Mess

10:00 Taps –lights out 

            I am still waiting to hear how much I owe you.

            This is a nice sunshiny day with cool breeze blowing.

            If I don’t get down to real work soon I will be as fat as ever, I guess.  Did I tell you before that we have received over 1,000 draft men from Rockford.

            Now to explain the views or snapshots, I should say.

            No.  1 is explained on the back.  Our tent is next to last to be seen at far end of street.

No. 2.  Mohr took of me when I was grinning and faking a salute, not thinking he was ready to shoot.

            No. 3 Also explained on back.

            No. 4 Lowery and I are studying surveying out of my book together.

No. 5.  I snapped of Mohn so you could see what my pal looked like.  Also so I’d have one to keep.

            No. 6 was also taken the day of the Liberty Loan Celebration.

            I will send you some more soon. Don’t for heavens sake let anyone see No. 2.  It is awful.

                                                            Love to al,

                                                                        George Sherwood

Unfortunately we don't have the whole set of photos and are not sure that this photo is the one he is talking about as #2.  But it was apparently taken about the right time for this letter (4 days in advance).  It would be nice to match these all up! 

October 27, 1917 - George Writes on Postcard of Grand Lobby, Union Station, Kansas City, Missouri

Just a line to let you know that I am well, but am too busy and lazy to write anything but a card now.  Will try to do better tomorrow.  Hope all are well & potatoes dug now.  We have 1000 drafted men in camp now to help fill up companies to 250 men required by new war strength act.

Love to all

George 

October 21, 1917 - George Describes His Situation & 30,000 Troops at Camp Logan

October 21, Camp Logan, 1917

Dear Ones All:

            Two days gone again and no mail form home. Why?  I am looking my eyes out for the package due me.  I need the books so bad.

            Mohr and I went to Houston last P.M.  Bought some buttons for the collar to the blouse or coat to my uniform.  Also went to the Prince Theater. Got back a little after 12 o’clock.  It was dark and cold but I managed to make up my cot after a fashion and slept fine.  But as I had to get up at 4:00A.M. yesterday I am short on time for the last two nights so am sleepy now.

            Am still in the cook shack.  Hope I get relieved or transferred soon. I need that watch bad too.  Wanted to go to church today but K.P. kept me too busy so I had to be content with the very good discourse I just heard Chaplain Leut. Caward give here in the Y.M.C.A.

            Some of the fellows are getting their overcoats now, but guess I won’t get one till  I hit a permanent company, whatever that is.  I am commencing to doubt the existence of such an animal.  Had a bus ride out to one of the other divisions before we went to town so have a little more idea of the vast magnitude of a camp accommodating nearly 30,000.  Our division is camped in the corner next to town so I have seen but little of the rest of camp so far.

            Well good luck and good night.

                        George

October 20, 1917 - George Receives Funds from Home and Asks Friends to Write

Houston's RICE HOTEL restaurant.  Motto was "Houston's Welcome to the World"

 

I sealed the letter and forgot to ask if the potatoes froze.  Also what kind of a crop.  Give my regards to all the folks around and at Glendale.  Got the draft this P.M. am well.  Thanks for the draft.  Tell some of the rest to write I’ve written nearly all the kids in the valley.

Your Son George

October 19, 1917 - Practicing Drafting Skills, Hoping to Find His Way

Now I am tired so will lay off for awhile and finish by scribbling.  I hate to trouble you folks all of the time but these things will help me in my practice work, if I can make good on the engineering work even in a small capacity.  Oh, how I hope I do for Capt. Laughlin is a prince of a man to work for, I believe, and is an experienced surveyor and engineer.  I hope the things I have already sent for will arrive soon --, tho have not heard definitely that you have sent them. If not please hurry as I must study.  Captain Laughlin’s last words this morning were “bone like h—l.”  I’m in the kitchen now, maybe for a week so I don’t have very much time to myself. 

            If I get in as rodman on the surveying gang, I will transfer out of Hdqts. Co again, and put in application with Capt. Laughlin for Co. C so have a little hope to end up there again, as I know them and Mohr is already in that Co.  Of course, it is just a chance if they have the room now as recruits are arriving all of the time  But I hope they do. However, send mail to Hdqt. Co as before until further orders as nothing is settled. 

            Now must close.  Don’t say much of this outside family, as I don’t want any false impressions running around.  Of course if I win the job it does not increase my pay but I feel it is to my advantage at this time.

                        Love to all,       George

October 19, 1917 - George Mentions his Sprained Wrist, His Birthday and Mail

Dear Ones All: As you say you haven’t heard for some time I think some on or two of my letters must have miscarried for I have written twice and I supposed three times since I was on the range on my birthday.  Can’t write more as my Bucker threw me a sprained my rite wrist.  Well otherwise will write as soon as possible.  Don’t worry.

Love to all - George

October 18, 1917 - George Looks for Packages from Home

Camp Logan Texas Oct 18

Dear Ones all. The mail direct from home seems to coming fairly regular now, but the mail from Jefferson Barracks refuses to show up.  As I said before send all important messages & packages registered or special delivery.  Glad to hear all are well.  Send on the package as soon as possible.  I need the clothes.  How many bu. Of each kind of grain did you get.  How are the colts.  Love to all.  Keep writing. Your Son.

George Sherwood

October 16, 1917 - Mail Starts Arriving; George Learns of Aunt Clara's Death

William and Clara (Sherwood) Pautsch -- Clara was George's father's sister.  William was blind and supported his family as a piano tuner.  They lived in Beaver Dam, WI.  Clara died September 30, 1917 when she was only 60 years old.  William lived until 1931

 

Camp Logan 10-16-17

 Dear home Folks:

            Just rec’d your telegram.  Am glad to hear that all are well, tho I knew you were a day or so ago for mail has started to come thru now.  Have had 4 letters from you, and one that wasn’t in the last 48 hours.  No 15 or 16 is the last recd, by no., but first recd according to time.  Now they are coming backwards, slow but sure.  I imagine you have received all of mine from the way you speak.

            But in case you haven’t will try to enumerate the things I have asked for at various times:

            Kodak, 4 towels, handkerchiefs, small suitcase, money, bank balance, clothes brush, salve, surveying and drafting books, rags and wristwatch.  Never mind about the protected face on the watch because if you get one that the straps fasten to watch case I can buy a guard down here.

            Better insure any things you send, and register or special delivery all important letters.

            Am well, and working K.P., ditch digging, details, etc. 

            Well, there isn’t much to tell, 

Am tenting with two Chi [Chicago, I assume] men and another rookie from Mich. He is a fine fellow, clean morals, college graduate, twenty-four years old.  Name is Mohr.

Will write more to-morrow if possible.  I expect mail any time now.  Lots of love.  Was very shocked to learn of Aunt Clara’s sudden death. 

                                    Your loving son,

                                                George Sherwood  

October 11, 2017 - George Complains About Lack of Mail!

Dear Ones All:  Just a line to let you know that I am well, and ask you again why I don’t receive any more mail.  Just one measly letter,forwarded from Jefferson Barrackssince I have been here  If I don’t hear from you soon I’ll get real worried.  Let me know how many letters you have sent – etc. – George

Be sure to send stuff I asked for

 

October 10, 1917 - Letter to George from His Dear Ones At Home

George Sherwood's Family

Susan, Will, George and Ella Jane

 

Lower pasture at Spring Brook Farm where George and Susan were both born and raised.

 



Spring Brook Farm

October 7, 1917

Dearest Little Soldier Brother,

            Can you guess who was at Church today?  Give you three guesses before you look at the answer.  He also is a soldier. Have you guessed?  Well, it really was A. E. Frederick in his soldier uniform.  And every time I looked at him I kept thinking about you, and how fine it would be if you could “come marching home” for a few days too.  After church we all stood around for about half an hour listening to him talk about how they build trenches, about bayonet drill, sleeping in the trenches one night and so forth and so forth.  They will have to stay in the trenches for three days and nights next time.  On the night which they have already spent there it rained quite hard which increased their comfort considerably, of course. 

            Mr. Fredericks troubles are not all when he is soldiering though for the car didn’t work right so that they did not get there much ahead of me and I was very late indeed, as I got started late and then could not hurry much as I had quite a load of things for Aunt Nellie and Ette can’t go any too fast as you well know. 

            Of course everybody was asking about you and where you were now.  Mr. Frederick received a card from you from Jefferson Barracks but was not certain that it was from you at first because you had not signed it and he did not know where you were.  Of course when he got home and Mrs. Fredericks told him of you, then he was sure, though he had thought so before.  Vincent also asked for your new address but as he had nothing to write it on he may forget it before getting around to write. 

            Forgot to tell you last night how sorry I was about your disappointment in regards to the officer and the fine girl which you might have met if you had been able to go to Rockford.  How I wish that there might be many instead of so few of the right kind of girls for you soldier boys to meet.  Oh, if some of those who are more thoughtless than really bad could realize that a soldier is a man and not a plaything, maybe they might also be made to realize what their good, clean, straight, friendship might mean to them and how they might help instead of hindering them to be clean fine men.

            We must all get up early in the morning as late last night we got word that the car of bran was on hand and must be emptied by Monday night.

            Herman stopped here tonight.  He went down to his brother George’s and brought him and their father up to Julius Webers to see them and to see the barn and its equipment.  He says though that his father can not stand riding in the car.  He had hoped to be able to take him to Sparta to see Philip some time this fall, but of course will not be able to now as his father could not stand it. 

            Grandma Atwater wanted to hear the phonograph so we have been listening to that the latter part of the evening.  We played your favorite, “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “An Afternoon in June” and all or nearly all of our favorite ones.  How I wish that you had been here to hear.  It has been so lonesome since you have started for Texas. 

            Goodnight sweetheart.  So much, much love and many prayers for our Boy.  Mispah.               

Your lovingest little sister;

Susan

October 8, 1917 – 11:15 A.M.

Dear Heart,

Just a line to tell you how much we love you but there is so much to do that I mustn’t stop to write much  but as soon as the threshing is done I will try to do better about writing.  Oh, so much love and so many prayers for our Boy.  Love and love and love.

                                                                                    Susan
 

[Change of handwriting to his mother, Ella Jane’s] P.S.  Dear, dear Laddie Boy,

Mother is just baking cookies and how I do wish my boy was to have some.  But sister will have to eat your share.  She says she is eating one for you now.  Do you taste it?  Eat it quick for the threshers will finish them tomorrow. Sister says [The rest is illegible]  

November.  Daddy says to write ditto under this about Mr. Frederick as he is here again.

It is apparent that this letter did not get mailed in a timely fashion since the last sentence shows that it is still in Wisconsin in November.  But I thought it was better to put it near the other letters that George had written and to which Susan refers.

October 9, 1917 - George Finally Gets Mail From Home

 

Received the first mail I've had since I got here today. It was yours of Oct 4 Addressed to Jefferson Barracks. I must have missed one letter, for you speak as tho I knew father was gone to Beaver Dam.  Is Aunt Clara worse?  Wrote last night for some or maybe it is all of my money.  If it is nearly all would like to have youput in enough to make my balance at least $5.00 if possible.  If I remember right I now owe you $22.50.  Am I right.

Love to all - George

October 9, 1917 - George Sherwood Looking for His Niche in the Engineers

Camp Logan, Tex. Oct 9 – ‘17

Dear Ones all:  For why didn’t I hear for you to-day yet.  Only one letter and nothing else since I hit this camp.  Again have I been transferred yet.  Maybe for better maybe for worse.  They are about to start topographical work in camp, but there are no intuitions as yet that I will be lucky enough to yet in on it.  I guess I am doomed to be a K.P. or Street P. and general flunky, unless I start I to be a grafter and get a pull.  There is an awful lot of difference between this and the regulars at Jefferson barracks.  The main trouble is lack of system I believe.  Then there does not seem to be any definite goal or aim in the work.  My present address is:

Headquarters Company 108^th U.S. Engineers, Camp Logan Texas.

Tell all my friends of this change and ask them to write.  Be sure to see that I have $5.00 balance as I may check some ----(?).

 

October 9, 1917 - Grubbing Stumps and Flooring the Tents

Well if I don’t hear from you folks to-morrow I am going to stop writing for a while.  I guess there must be something radically wrong up there or else with the mail system.  To-day we grubbed the stumps out of our tent and put the floor in. the frame for the side is on but not boarded up.

Love to all – George

How much did you thresh

October 9, 1917 - George Writes to his Future Brother-in-Law Herman

Camp Logan, Houston, Texas  Oct 9 – 17

Dear Herman,

Don’t know as I have acknowledged your card yet but it was not because I did not appreciate it.  I did no write before for the very good reason that I had not had time.  If you think $30 is to much pay for a soldier, at least an engineer recruit, I just wish you could try it a while.  I have been transferred again to Headquarters Company, where there is more work and less drill.  Can’t say I am pleased with the change.  But I’m not sorry I joined as long as they need the men.

Your friend. George S. Sherwood

Headquarters Company, 108^th U.S. Engineers Camp Logan, Tex.

How much grain did the folks thresh.

October 9, 1917 - George Has KP and Writes Home to Sister Susan

 

Well Folks: I joined the K.P.’s to-day, that is temporarily O.K. (send Kodak) no not the Knights of Pythias but the Kitchen Police.  That is the half brother to the mess detail I described in my letter from Jefferson Barracks.  But there are only the cooking dishes to wash here and while it is a long dirty job its not to bad, nor does it come very often unless administered as punishment.

Ich Leibe dich – Geo.

Did I tell you to send on Kodak? If not I will say please do now.

October 9, 1917 - George Learns to Fall In and Do Drills

Well folks. I’m some soldier. Never had any drill except morning at Jefferson Barracks till this A.M.  Then first thing the top sergeant put two of us under the tutorship of a private, with a rifle and after 4hrs. we were told to fall in after driven with rest of squad for gun drill and inspection.  That’s some speed I say.  We’re awfully rotten but the Sargeant says he don’t believe in an awkward squad so we do the best we can.  Rest of boys will soon be out of detention.

Love to all. George

Sorry for temporary dyslexta!  - Thought all my next set were the 9th!  Mybad!!

October 6, 1917 - George Worries About Family; Makes Requests for Items

Camp Logan, Oct 6 – ‘17

Dear Ones All:,

            I can’t understand why I receive no mail from you.  If anything serious is the matter why don’t you wire and I might get off for a few days.  Anyway, I’d rather know if anything is wrong.

            Of course there has not been time to get any mail down here since I sent you my address, but if any had been sent to Jefferson Barracks I should have rec’d it by forward before this.

            As I said before, don’t feel called upon to buy a wrist watch, but let me know whether or not you are going to send one as I must have one as soon as possible.  I have not heard what my bank balance is but feel sure that it must be at least $10.00 yet, so if you decide not to get the watch you had better draw that much out and send it by Chicago or St. Louis Bank draft.  If you do get watch you need only send $6.00 to buy razor, etc.

            Also please send my surveying and my mechanical drawing books (one of each) down, along with a couple of towels and the suit of B.V.D.’s I sent home.

            Feeling fine now.  Guess work continues to be good for me.  Anyway it’s a cinch I haven’t had a chance to try anything else.

            Please send the things down in the little black suit case I used to canvas with if possible as I can use it to keep toilet articles and clothing in very nicely.  Also please send down three or four old flour sacks ripped open to use to clean guns, shoes, etc.  A few more kerchiefs would be appreciated.

            Must close now and go back to quarters for inspection and retreat.

                                                            Love to all,

                                                                        George Sherwood

 

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[1] BVD is a brand of men's underwear, which are commonly referred to as "BVDs." BVD stands for Bradley, Voorhees & Day, the New York City firm that initially manufactured underwear of this name for both men and women. BVD is now only for men. It was founded in 1876 and named for its three founders. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BVD