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Letter from Frank B Marlowe, Fairfax Standard, 12-26-1918

A.P.O. St. Aignan, France, Nov. 25, 1918

Friend Bob:

Will drop you a few lines to let you know that I am still alive and feeling fine and hope you are the same.

Well, how is everyone in Fairfax making it? Suppose it is pretty dead these days, but it will sure look good to me when I get back, believe me. This country might be all right for one who can talk Frog, but it’s no place for me.

I am not doing much these days; eating and sleeping are my two hardest jobs.

I spend most of my time now in the K. C. or Y.M.C.A taking in shows.

I am surely glad that this is over, believe me. I was in four of the biggest battles that they ever had. Was kind of hard to go over the top for the first time, but did not mind it so much after a while. Of course, it was no picnic any time; sleeping out and dodging shells and sleeping in shell holes is no snap. But I should worry, as long as I nover got hurt or shot.

Suppose the boys in the army in the states are being mustered out by this time.

I might be back around New Year’s: am not sure but am just making a guess at it.

Well Bob, as news is scarce in this country will have to close, hoping to hear from you soon.

From your friend, Frank B. Marlowe

Editor’s Note: We do not have a photograph of Frank B. Marlowe.

Immigration, Bird Island Union, 12-26-1918

Because of the likelihood of a tremendous rush to America of immigrants from Germany and other European countries, organized labor throughout this country is urging Congress to place a ban on all immigration for a period of at least two or three years. It is also reported that this proposal is approved by the United Stated Department of Labor and many other officials and private agencies.

In support of this plan it is pointed out that, while during the war period immigration has been at a standstill, as soon as transportation facilities are available there will be a strong disposition to flock to this country, not only on the part of those who would have come but for the war during the past four years, but also by millions of Europeans who desire to escape the heavy burdens of reconstruction work and taxation which will follow the war and which will be particularly burdensome in those countries which are called upon to pay heavy indemnities. Then too, in addition to the apprehension of a flood of foreign immigration which might seriously disturb labor conditions in this country, the question is being asked, and asked persistently, as to whether immigrants coming from Germany and the other enemy countries are to be allowed admission into the United States and citizenship on the same basis as immigrants coming from neutral countries or from those countries which have been associated with America during the war. The view is also being emphasized that some special measures should be taken with reference to the admission of people from Russia and other countries that have been so disastrously affected by the Bolshevik movement and other similar creeds to all other similar creeds which are proving so disastrous to all forms of organized government.

It is obvious that in view of the difficulties above pointed out and many others which might be readily enumerated, the immigration problem is going to be a very difficult one for Congress to deal with. However, its proper solution is a matter of tremendous importance for the welfare of the country and demands prompt attention.

Letter from George P Meurer, Bird Island Union, 26 Dec 1918

George P. Meurer
September 20, 1892 – November 25, 1966

Lacourtine, France, Nov. 14, 1918

Dear Mother;

Well, I will write a few lines to you this time.

I suppose you are all glad that the dove of peace is flying over us again. It sure was some war, but not anymore, thank God. It didn’t take us long to show Germany who was boss, did it? I bet there was a great time throughout the country when they heard the news; talk about a happy bunch you ought to have been here. We didn’t sleep for three days and nights. All we did was raise Cain. They have three bands here and there is always one of them playing.

I am attached to the military police force. I got a soft job and I only work four or five hours every day. Of course, there isn’t any of us satisfied now, being the war is over. We all want to get back to God’s country as soon as possible. It’s pretty hard to tell how long it will be. It may take three or four months, but I am in hopes to spend Christmas at home. You know I always said that.

Well, there isn’t anything to write so I will close with love to all the family, I remain,

Your loving son, Private George P. Meurer

Letter from William H Arlt, Bird Island Union, 12-26-1918

William H. Arlt
May 5, 1894 (5) – February 2, 1962

A Voice From France: An interesting Letter From William H. Arlt

Somewhere in France, Nov. 24, 1918

Dear parents:

Today is Sunday and no work, so I will write a few lines. It has been trying to rain and snow all day. We are stopped in some billets southwest of St. Mihiel, near the town of Rupt. Talk about seeing France I sure have seen my share. We unloaded in Harve and went from there to the Belgium border, near Abbuville, on the Amiens front and from there clear across the country to Tham, close to the Swiss border on the Alsace front. From there to the Vosges, then to the Metz in reserve, then to the Argonne drive where the 35th Division sure made a name for itself. From there we went to the Verdun front and when the armistice was signed were on our way to Austria. So you see I have been around some.

Verdun is sure a shot up place as there is not one whole building left there. It is sad to see the people returning to their homes. Some lost everything they had. It is nice to be able to travel in day time now without being all “camouflaged.” I have had several close calls since I have been in service. Had horses shot down while leading them and had one team killed on the wagon I was driving, when the Drive was going on in Argonne Forest.

Sherman sure told the truth when he said war was Hell. It’s all over now so we may be home sometime in the near future but don’t know when.

My knee is O.K. now, I have not had the elastic bandage on for a month. It sure was some sore baby for some time, but I consider myself lucky as I have been where there was no partiality shown to anyone. We were treated fine.

Well I guess I will close for this time, wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I remain as ever,

Your loving son, William H. Arlt


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Letter from Reuben Arthur Pfettscher, Olivia Times, 12-12-1918

Somewhere in France, October 20, 1918

Reuben Arthur Pfettscher
January 5, 1890 – November 11, 1918

Dear Cousin and Folks:

I must drop you a few lines to let you know I am up and around once again, which is sure a great treat after being laid up so long. I got the Spanish Influenza with a number of others of our company when we struck France and just left the hospital Friday and think I will be alright in about a week.

We came thru considerable of France when we arrived at the place where we were billeted and are now located where all the famous French wines are made with vine yards all around us. Practically nothing else is grown here as a product for commercial purposes but grapes, as you know France has long been noted for her exports of wines and champagnes where are sure made in plenty here. Water is very poor here so the boys drink lots of wine.

We had a rainy spell the first few days last week but otherwise we had very nice weather. It gets quite cool and damp thru the night, but the days are usually warm and sunny. They have still young radishes and lettuce in the gardens so you can see it does not get very cold here thru the winter months.

We bunk in French stone houses in a small burg of which there seem to be plenty empty. Most of the company has been transferred while I was sick so there are not many of my company left here.

I suppose Uncle Charley received the short letter our supply Sergeant wrote for me while I was in the hospital. The company sent him down to write a few lines for us in the hospital and sent our Christmas package card with same. Say Laura I wish you would sent me some of that candy like you sent me at Grant as candy is impossible to get here at least we haven’t been able to get any since we arrived.

Well Laura it looks not as if the Yanks with the Allies will soon have the Kaiser cleaned up and it will sure be great when we get home again as a short time over hear will sure convince one there is no country like the good old U.S.A. Will write you all soon again. With love and best wishes to you all.

Your Cousin, Reuben A Pfettscher, Co. I. 342nd Inf., A.E.F.