Pottsville Republican of October 17, 1921

WORLD WAR ONE VET RETURNS HOME
First Lieutenant Ivan Lautenbacher, whose body was brought home from France arriving at Schuylkill Haven last Wednesday was laid to his final rest
in Union Cemetery, Sunday afternoon.  The funeral was one of the largest which has ever taken place in that town.  Many hundreds of people stood
along the line to the Union Cemetery with bared heads as the cortege with the remains resting on an Army caissons drawn by four black horses
passed slowly by.  The body in its metallic casket lay in state all Sunday morning and until the time of the funeral under guard of honor and hundreds
of people went in to view the casket, which was draped with the flag.  At the head was a life size portrait of Lieutenant Lautenbacher and there were
some beautiful flowers.  At two o'clock with a short service concluded, the drums beat the roll and the body was brought out and the cortege started
on its way to Grace United Evangelical Church.  About 160 members of the Robert Baker Post American Legion in uniform were in line and they were
commanded by Lieutenant Edward Mengle to whom Major Gangloff turned over the command after he had assembled them.  Music was furnished by
the Schuylkill Hose Company drum and bugle corps.  All the military with the relatives and about three hundred civilians were able to enter but
hundreds were disappointed at not being able to enter and instead journeyed to the cemetery to witness the military burial.
Reverend F. S. Fasnacht, the pastor, officiated and Dr. Schlegle, Reading, presiding elder of the district, and who was a boyhood pastor of deceased
at Williamstown, preached an eloquent funeral sermon.  His text was 2 Timothy 2-4.  His theme was the life of a Christian soldier and how his days
should be spent. Mr. Brown, a friend of the family, read a touching poem.  There was no singing or music.  Because of the work on Centre Avenue,
the cortege had to go by way of Jerusalem Cemetery which is on top of the hill and then journey back to the extreme lower end of Union Cemetery.  
The body was buried with full military honors.   Lautenbacher was injured while acting captain of Company C, 316 Infantry, 79th Division near Mount
Faucon.  He was struck in the right shoulder, the bullet passing through his body and emerging on his left side.  He was taken to the hospital in the
rear and died five days later on October 2.  He had been ill with the flu and had been tagged for the hospital but refused to go back as long as his
company was on the firing line and would probably have recovered had it not been for his weakened condition.  He was born at Williamstown and
was a graduate of the high school there.  At the time he enlisted for service at the Mexican border he was a student in the American School of
Dramatic Art.  He had remarkable success in home talent plays as he had much natural ability.  Prior to his service on the border he had served several enlistments in the National
Guard being a member of Company, made into an engineer company and was a member when they became Company C, 103rd Engineers.  Later at a training camp he earned his
commission and was assigned to the 316th Infantry, 79th Division and was sent to France in July 1918.  Besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan L. Lautenbacher, two sisters, Ruth and
Katherine, survive.
Pottsville Republican of May 19, 1917

SCH. HAVEN HAD GREAT PATRIOTIC OUTPOURING TO ATTEST LOYALTY TO FLAG AND COUNTRY
With the tri-color of France and the British Union Jack marking a harmonious contrast to the thousands of American flags, over three thousand residents of Schuylkill Haven
paraded the principal streets of that borough in a big outburst of patriotism that was enthusiastic as those for which the past month or more have awakened the entire county to the
duty that it is being called upon to perform.  The serious side of the demonstration was indicated by the presence of Company C Engineers, which paraded in full marching
equipment, while the fact that the populace of the town would soon be called upon to give its sons, was brought home by the parading of a hundred of the new company of
engineers.
Eighteen bands and drum corps made the music for the pageant which took practically all the residents off the sidewalks and put them in the line of march.  Secret societies,
churches, railroaders, factory employees and even the tiniest school tot was in line.  Probably the most impressive group in line was the school children of the public and parochial
schools, which paraded with almost every member of nine hundred pupils in line.  Next in point of contrast was the demonstration made by the Red Cross organization, which was
newly organized a little over a week ago.  The women paraded in twenty five automobiles, which flooded to the breeze hundreds of the red cross flags, the white field with the Swiss
cross center.  The high school made a pretty turnout, girls parading, white skirts and blue coats, red, white and blue hair bands.  Practically the whole turnout of the school were
attired in white with the American colors and neckties or hair bands.  The Pennsylvania Railroad employees and the P and R Railroad employees, with over three hundred, paraded
with the familiar blue diamond of the Reading, while the Pennsylvania were marked by a white field and a red keystone center.  Many other groups, attired in patriotic colors filled
the parade.  Every business place in Schuylkill Haven, including the saloons, was closed.  Every resident of Schuylkill Haven is in a patriotic mood and as early as one o'clock the
formation of the various divisions started.  Extra trolley service brought thousands of people into town and everything was closed tight from one o'clock until after the parade.  It
was a sight that will never be forgotten by the residents of Schuylkill Haven.  
Pottsville Republican of August 20, 1919

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN SOLDIERS HONORED BY TOWNSMEN
Saturday at Schuylkill Haven the three hundred soldiers of that town will have impressed upon them that their home folks are proud of them for the service they rendered to their
nation in its time of need, as this is the day for which the preparations of the past weeks have been centering to hold a parade and a program of pleasure and enjoyment, which it is
intended shall be one of the bright spots in the minds of the khaki clad boys of a year ago but most of whom are now back again in their peaceful pursuits with the war but a memory.
Schuylkill Haven responded as few towns have done in sending her sons to the front.  The town was represented very largely in the three Pottsville companies, particularly in
Company C of the 103rd Engineers.  Many of these boys won well deserved promotions to commissioned and non-commissioned officers, while on the other hand many of them
gave their lives or sustained grievous wounds which they will always carry with them as long as there is life.
The big parade, in the afternoon, will not be the only feature of the day by any means, although the procession is of a kind which will set a mark which will probably never be
surpassed.  The town will be in semi-holiday life all day Saturday, as stores will be closed, factories will suspend operations, and many of the industries in nearby towns will suffer
because of the absence of Schuylkill Haven workers.  The town intends to celebrate the occasion fittingly and to do this all hands intend to pitch in and do a share.
In the morning a baseball game will be played on the Haven grounds between the Cressona and Mount Carmel Polish Giants.  Those who follow baseball know that it would scarcely
be possible to get together two teams more evenly matched to insure a good game.
Following the parade, probably at three o'clock, the soldiers will give an exhibition of trench warfare and drills and also machine gun drill.  At 3:45 o'clock the Tigers and the Giants
will play the second ballgame of the day.  While the ball game is going on, those who do not care to attend this sport will find chance for entertainment in the drills which will be
conducted by the Boy Scouts on Saint John Street.  This will be at four o'clock.  The banquet for the soldiers will be held from six to eight o'clock and a fine menu has been
prepared.  Band concerts will be held from 7:15 until 8:15 o'clock at the Heim store by the Citizen's Band and at the Hotel Grand by the Bressler Band.  At the public meeting to be
held in the evening a musical program will be rendered.  Then from 9:30 until 11:00 o'clock there will be the Block Party dance.
It can be readily seen that the program is one that will give pleasure to all and will not leave an idle minute during the entire day or evening.  But it is not to even end at midnight, for
Sunday is to be another day of patriotic celebration. In the afternoon there will be a memorial service at Saint John Street beginning at 2:15 o'clock.  All ministers of town will take
part in these exercises.  There will be one address.  The program will open by a short sacred concert by the Citizen's Band.  This will be followed by the memorial service.  The band
will render several selections during the service.  Following the memorial service another sacred concert will be given on Dr. Rutter's lawn on Saint John Street.  The Bressler Band
will hold this concert and it will last from four until five o'clock.  In the evening special church services will be held in all of the churches at the usual hour, to which the public is
invited.
Pottsville Republican of January 1, 1918

TOWN RAISES SERVICE FLAG
A patriotic community watch service was held in the auditorium of the new high school building, Schuylkill Haven on Monday night, which proved to be a unifying force in that
community.  All the religious bodies of the town united in the service in the interest of the boys that have gone from the homes of the community.  It was an inspiring sight, for as the
names of the men in the service was called, representatives of their families arose and at the conclusion of the calling of the Honor Roll, the audience arose and the patriotic hymn,
"America", was sung with renewed inspiration.  The Service Flag, which was concealed behind the arch on the stage, was unfurled and called forth great enthusiasm.  It is a
regulation Service Flag, five by eight with one large star in the center of the white field, with white numerals on the blue star, indicating the 179 boys who are in the service of our
country.  One gold star graces the flag in honor of Robert Baker, sailor, formerly a mate on the United states ship Alabama, who died in October of blood poison.
The program was carried through on schedule time.  There were two guests present to lead in the interpretation of patriotism and the issues involved in the struggle in which our
country has been called upon to take her part.  Reverend A. O. Reiter, of Pottsville, was present as the special guest of the Ministerial Association of Schuylkill Haven, whose
address was inspiring and helpful. Lieutenant Joseph A. Judge was the main speaker of the evening and proved to be a great unifying force in the meeting.  His address was logical
and convincing.  The task before us was visualized and the audience was inspired and enthused.  The auditorium was filled to capacity.  Quite a large addition was made to the Red
Cross enrollment.  As the old year ended and the new year was ushered in the large audience arose and sang "The Star Spangled Banner" with the greatest devotion.  In every way
the meeting was a splendid success.
Pottsville Republican of August 19, 1932

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN LEGIONNAIRE GOT MILITARY DECORATION
Edward Mengle of town, who served in the World War with the 103rd Engineers, has received from the War Department the decoration known as the Order of the Purple Heart.  The
award reads "given for special military merit".  Back in the Revolutionary days this order was founded by General Washington and was given to soldiers then for special valor in
service.  In memory of the Washington anniversary year, the War Department have again taken up the order and wounded men or men who have been cited for special acts of
bravery are eligible for this honor.  The citation is made by certificate and Mr. Mengle of town was one of the first men in this county to receive it.  He is a member of the Baker Post
of the American Legion of town and a member of the milling firm, Mengle Brothers, of Beckville.                                  
The Call of October 26, 1917

FIRST LOCAL DEATH IN WAR
Schuylkill Haven’s first real sacrifice in the world war was made this week when the first one of her fighting sons lay down his life for his Uncle Sam.  It was
Robert Baker, of the U. S. S. Albany who died at the Naval Hospital in Brooklyn, Wednesday evening, following an illness of several weeks.  Deceased was
bunineteen years of age.  He enlisted in the Navy in the early part of the year.  He recently returned from a trip across the sea to England, being of the
convoywhich guarded the U. S. transports.  The exact cause of his death could not be learned, the death certificate giving the cause of his demise as “a
complication of diseases”.  It was intimated that a serious nerve disease or rheumatic fever was the cause.  It is known however that upon his return from a
trip across the sea he slightly scratched his arm.  He began scratching it as it healed with the result that it became infected and it was necessary to have it
lanced several times.  This might have developed into blood poisoning.  Little information could be obtained by his father from the hospital authorities.  Mr.
Baker was born in Schuylkill Haven and spent the greater part of his life here.  He was of a quiet disposition, well thought of, and enjoyed a wide
acquaintanceship.  He served with Company C Engineers during the late Mexican affair on the border and upon the return of his company to this county was
transferred to the Pine Grove company.  He enlisted in the Navy on April 17, 1917.  He was a member of Saint John’s Reformed Church and Sunday School.  
He was associated with several fraternal organizations in town.  He is survived by his father, Guy Baker of Liberty Street.  At this writing definite funeral
arrangements had not been made.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
The Call of December 5, 1919

WAR COUNCIL DISBANDED
At the meeting of the war Council held at Town Hall, Thursday evening the business of this organization was wound up and adjournment made “Sine Die” or forever.  This means that
the War Council, which organization took charge and conducted the various loan drives and campaigns and other work of various kinds during the war, has ceased to exist.  The
Community Hall proposition which has been under consideration by this organization for some time was, after a discussion, dropped entirely.  The Community Hall had been
suggested as the manner and method to show the town’s appreciation of the deeds of the Schuylkill Haven soldier boys, to honor them, and as a memorial to those who lay down
their life.  The committees appointed some time ago to take hold of the matter reported that they felt the proposition too large to handle for a town this size.  That the cost of
construction would be between $50,000 and $60,000 and that a sufficient fund for maintenance each year would be most difficult to provide.
The committee in charge of placing the Honor Roll in the Town Hall reported they would confer with the committee of town council in order to determine the exact place in the Town
Hall hallway the same is to be placed and that the Roll would be moved the coming week.  The committee having in charge the purpose of furniture for the American Legion reported
having purchased two large couches, two tables, a desk, twelve arm chairs, three rockers and forty eight folding chairs.  The money to be turned over to the American Legion would
not pay the bill entirely but that the Legion would pay the balance.  It was also decided to pay Mr. Yeich, whose horse was injured when the arch fell on it, twenty five dollars as
damages.  The treasurer reported a balance from the celebration of $408.31, with additional receipts of $5.92, making a total receipt of $414.23.  Additional celebration bills paid
$19.19, leaving a balance of $395.04.  To the above amount was added $2.00 for lumber sold making a total balance of $397.04.  Bills of the evening paid were: Mr. Yeich, for damages
to his horse, $25.00; “Call” printing, $7.30; Leon Sterner, $4.00; A. R. Maberry, postage, $1.25; Dr. Driesbach, bill paid by Publicity Committee for veterinary services to Yeich horse,
$10.00; miscellaneous, $1.00 for a total of $48.55.  The remaining total of $348.49 is to be turned over to the American Legion.                                                                                                                                
The Call of February 22, 1918

GERMAN ALIEN CAPTURED HERE
A man giving his name as James Pennypacker and his age as eighteen years, although he looks considerably younger, was placed under arrest and locked up at the town hall on
Wednesday afternoon by Constable John Butz.  No criminal charge was lodged against the man at the time of his arrest other then the fact that he was a German alien and had
neglected to register under the German Alien the State Police to Pottsville. He stated that he was a German and glad of the fact, he having no reasons to deny the same.  He was
born as a subject of Germany on territory acquired from Denmark in the year 1864.  Practically all his life was spent at sea. When war broke out between Germany and the United
States, he was in the West Indies.  His last trip was to Liverpool England.  That was one year ago last Christmas.  Owing to ill health he quit the navy and for a while was employed in a
paper mill in New Jersey.  Later he was employed as assistant manager at a café at Camp Dix, New Jersey.  November 19th last, he was discharged and since that time has not
worked.  Several days ago in conversation with a stranger, he was told he could procure employment at the Insane Asylum here.  His reason for wanting to get away from the city
was a German had a hard life if found working near a munition plant or where munitions were kept.  He arrived here on Tuesday afternoon and registered at the Spring Garden
Hotel.  Here he was placed under arrest.  He was committed to the county prison where he is being held pending instructions from Washington D. C.                                                                                                                 
The Call of August 9, 1918

TWO LOCAL SOLDIERS WOUNDED BY HUNS
Wilmer Crossley, a member of Company C, 103rd Engineers, has been injured in France.  Tuesday of the present week, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Crossley, received a letter
telling of the accident.  The letter was written by the victim on July 18th and stated that several days previous to writing the letter, he had been shot.  A piece of shrapnel three
inches thick, had struck him in the fleshy part of the hip. He had submitted to an operation, which was very successful, but was still very nervous and weak from the effects.  He
gave great credit to the Red Cross Society and the doctors for their care and attention and stated they were the best part of the army.  Soldier Crossley promised to write again after
he had more fully recovered.  
Thursday morning a letter was received by John Fenstermacher, from his son Kimber B. Fenstermacher, a member of Company D, 103rd Engineers.  The letter was written on July
20th.  The writer stated, "I am in a hospital at present but hope I will soon be out as I don't like to be in bed.  I am slightly gassed.  I am getting along fine at present.  The Yanks are
keeping the Germans pretty busy just now.  I have not much to write as news is not plentiful at present.  France has some of the finest wheat crops that I expect ever to see."  The
government informed the father this week that the soldier was severely gassed in action of July 16th.  According to the victim's statements, he was only slightly gassed and is doing
nicely.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
The Call of August 23, 1918

FIVE TOWN SOLDIER BOYS ARE WOUNDED
Word of the injury to five more Schuylkill Haven boys, all members of Company C, 103rd Engineers, was received here by their parents on Monday evening.  The boys injured were
Hugh N. Coxe, Milford D. Klahr, Harry E. Reber, John A. Knarr and Harry M. Keller.  The telegrams all read alike and stated that the five were officially reported as being injured, the
degree or the extent of the injury being undetermined.  These telegrams were probably the first of their kind to be received here and elsewhere stated that "officially reported
seriously wounded".  It is the opinion of many, that neither one of the quintet has been seriously wounded or the telegram would have so stated.
The Call of October 11, 1918

SOLDIER BOYS WOUNDED IN FRANCE
During the week, word was received by the parents of a number of Schuylkill Haven soldier boys, that their son was wounded in action.  No details as to the nature or extent of the
injury were given in any case, the telegrams being identical and all stating the injury or wounds were sustained on September 5th or September 8th.  From letters received by the
parents of several of the boys listed as wounded, which letters were written on various dates, September 13th, 15th, and 18th, the boys state they were only slightly wounded with
shrapnel and others state they were gassed.  Several letters were received by parents informing them of their having been gassed long before the government telegrams were
received.  
The casualty list as given by the War Department as effecting local boys, as per telegrams received during the week is as follows:  Corporal Eugene Holtzer, son of Mrs. Sarah
Holtzer of 61 Centre Avenue, Private James R. Mellor, son of Mrs. Alice Mellor of 510 Main Street, Lester S. Bast, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Bast of Berne Street, Warren E. Burket
and Isaac E. Burket,both sons of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Burket of 216 Saint John Street, Corporal William J. Christ, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Christ of 122 Dock Street, Kimber Confehr,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Confehr of Center Avenue, Sergeant Hobart Becker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Becker of 223 Canal Street, Albert W. Straub, son of Mr. and Mrs. John
Straub of 600 Railroad Street and George C. Kramer, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Kramer of 219 Columbia Street.
The Call of February 16, 1917

NEWS OF SPRING GARDEN
The battles between the Allies and Germany were transformed from the other side of the deep blue sea to several sections of Spring Garden on Wednesday night.  The battles here
were realistic with the exception of the smell of powder and the roaring of the big sixteen inch guns, although the manner in which one of the fighters roared, reminded one of the
roar of these guns.  The first combat took place near Centre Avenue and Dock Street.  This battle ended by one of the fighters, a German, receiving two badly darkened optics and a
disfiguration of the countenance.  The battle lasted but a few seconds.  The second engagement was fought near the Lehigh Valley arch.  Fists flew fast and thick in this fight, guns
were thrown to the several winds and the uniforms of both fighters, Englishmen, were smeared by the battle of honor.  It is understood that the fight is only over for the time being
as suits are to be brought and the courts allowed to decide to whom belongs the spoils.                       
The Call of May 24, 1918

COFFIN FOR KAISER BILL HERE TONIGHT
Schuylkill Haven is not to be behind other towns throughout the country when there is anything of a unique nature to be had.  This evening and tomorrow, the Kaiser's coffin will be
exhibited in the square between the First National Bank and the Saylor building.  Each and every resident is requested to drive a nail in the coffin and this drive will cost but ten
cents, a small sum in comparison to what the ten cents will do.  The first two nails driven into the coffin will be extracted and offered at auction to the highest bidder.  All money thus
procured will be given to the Red Cross Society.  The coffin will be in charge of Miss Tillie Meyer and the scholars taught by her.  Last week a similar event was held at Sunbury and
several hundred dollars procured.  Everything was going along smoothly when a timberman came along, paid a dollar for a nail, picked up the hammer and one blow, presto, the
coffin went to pieces.  The coffin this evening is built along more substantial lines and will stand the hardest blow that can be delivered.  Remember the proceeds are for the Red
Cross and do not neglect to take your "whack".                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of May 24, 1918

INVESTIGATED SEDITIOUS REMARKS
Saturday afternoon last, Constable John Butz and two members of the State Police force, the latter of Pottsville, investigated seditious remarks made by two Schuylkill Haven
residents, one a man and the other a woman.  It is alleged that a man by the name of Kramer went into a store on Main Street and demanded ten pounds of sugar.  He was refused
this amount and likewise was refused flour without substitutes.  The officers were informed that Kramer then said, "I wish the Kaiser would come to this country and teach these G__
D___ people a lesson."  A Mrs. Fegley is alleged to have stated in the presence of two witnesses that she "Wished that every S__ of a B____ of a man going to Germany would be
shot and killed."  After the officers procured their testimony and the same was sworn to, they left to place the matter in the hands of the United States authorities.  During their
investigation, several other cases were reported, one being that of a local barber who has refused to subscribe for either one of the three Liberty Loans, the W. S. S. or the Red
Cross, besides making a number of remarks.  Human nature can endure just so much.  If the United States authorities neglect to take immediate action in the matter, it is probable
that the local authorities will.                                                                                        
The Call of July 5, 1918

ESCAPED GERMAN ROBBING FARMS HEREABOUTS
A man supposed to be an escaped German alien from a detention camp is causing the farmers of this vicinity all kinds of trouble.  Last week a report was made to the officers of the
law that this man had entered a number of farm houses in the vicinity of Landingville and Adamsdale and had made his escape with anything that he could possibly lay his hands on.  
Eyeglasses and a small grindstone were even taken from one farm house.  On Sunday afternoon, Constable John Butz and two members of the State Police force from Pottsville
started out on a search for the man.  At one time they were within thirty feet of him when the man suddenly bolted and made his getaway followed by a number of revolver shots.  All
trace of the fellow was lost until Tuesday morning of the present week.
Robert Moyer and Wilson Miller, residing on the other side of the Schuylkill Mountain came to town and reported that they had been robbed of eatables and fruit.  They likewise had
obtained a glimpse of the man and their description tallies with that of the officers.  This week apparently the same man found his way  to the storage yard and when one of the
employees attempted to chase him from the premises, the man pushed his hand in his shirt and warned the employee if he valued his life to keep away from him.  It is believed that
the German is armed with either  a stiletto or a revolver and would not hesitate to use it when cornered.  
Autoists and others who travel the Schuylkill Mountain would do well to protect themselves or if they see the man, to report the same immediately to Constable Butz or the State
Police.  It is presumed that the man has a hut or a dugout somewhere, sleeps during the day and at night makes his visits to farm houses for food.  He is described as being about
six feet tall, red mustache, broad shouldered and partly bald.  Every effort is being made to apprehend him.                                                                                                                                                
The Call of July 12, 1918

GERMAN TAKEN AT JEFFERSON
Our vicinity was greatly aroused on Sunday evening when a suspicious fellow made his appearance at the place of James Emerich and asked to sleep in the barn.  When this
request was not given him he became very angry and used harsh words and snappy motions towards Mrs. Emerich.  He then left and went to the place of Thomas Reber, entered the
barn without asking, taking off his shoes and coat and starting to sleep on the hay.  Mr. Reber went to the telephone and got the Auburn Constable to the place and the neighbors
rushed together armed with revolvers shotguns and clubs.  They entered the barn with searchlights and found him sleeping on the hay.  He made little resistance when ordered
hands up and complied quickly to the rules.  He was handcuffed and taken to the Auburn lockup overnight and the next morning to the county jail.  It is supposed he is the man who
terrorized the community along the Schuylkill Mountain, south of Schuylkill Haven for the last few weeks by stealing all kinds of tools together with smoked meats and other eatables
from the farmers there.                                
The Call of September 13, 1918

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WOUNDED SOLDIER BOYS
From notice received by parents from the War Department and from letters received by parents from their soldier boys now in France, "The Call" has gathered the following list of
town boys that have been gassed or wounded while in action.  We would be glad to keep a complete list of the casualties if parents will be kind enough to notify us of the casualty
and give the type of wound as soon as notified.
Leon Sterner struck with shrapnel, Harry Reber gassed, Milford Klahr gassed, Allen Knarr wounded and gassed, Hugh Coxe gassed, Harry Keller gassed, William Mill struck with
shrapnel, Clarence Womer shell shocked, Francis Wildermuth wounded, Joe Kantner wounded, Lester Gilham gassed and wounded, Wilmer Crossley struck by shrapnel, Kimber
Fenstermacher wounded, Abraham Swartz gassed, Clarence Graeff wounded, Howard Wertz wounded and John Webber gassed.                                                
The Call of October 25, 1918

SOLDIER BOY DIED IN FRANCE
One of the four blue stars on the service flag at the home of Mr. Adam Burket of Saint John Street will now be changed to a gold star, indicating that a member
of that family has made the supreme sacrifice and lay down his life for his country.  It is the name of Isaac Burket that will be added to this town's soldier boys
killed in France.  The first word or intimation of the death of Isaac Burket was received by his sister Monday morning in a letter from her brother Warren Burket,
member of Company C, 103rd Engineers.  This letter stated that his brother was buried on the day the letter was written, September 23rd, and from the letter
one is led to believe that the writer felt sure that his father and relatives had been informed of his brother's death by the government.  Up to this time no word
has been received from the War Department to this effect.  A postal card dated September 13th and received several weeks later fromthe dead soldier boy
conveyed the first information to his relatives that he had been gassed.  The postcard stated he had received a little mustard gas.  That he was in the hospital
and expected to be back with his company by the time the card reached its destination.  A telegram received here from the War Department on October 8th
informed the relatives that both Isaac and Warren had been wounded on September 5th, degree undetermined indicating their having been in a gas attack.
The letter from Warren Burket, giving information that his brother had been buried was indeed an unpleasant surprise to say the least.  The letter was written
on September 23rd from a hospital near Paris.  The missive contained several pressed flowers taken from the wreath of flowers that was placed on the coffin
of the soldier boy.  Portions of the letter are as follows:
"Well, Ike was buried this afternoon at 4:30 o'clock.  They held services here at the hospital for my benefit as they usually hold them in the cemetery.  There were about eight other
fellows from our company (Company C, 103rd Engineers) there.  The chaplain conducted the services very nice and we can be thankful that he at least got a very decent burial.  They
had an ordinary casket covered with "Our Flag" and a wreath of flowers which I had ordered extra large at my own price.  The Red Cross usually buys the wreath but the lady that
represents the Red Cross asked me whether I wished to buy the flowers.  He is buried in a large American cemetery here which I expect to see in the near future.  I will not try to
locate it now but will see whether I may tell you where it is at a later date.  One of the chaplains told me that as soon as I put on a uniform I should notify this Red Cross lady and she
would have him come here for me with his car and take me to the cemetery.  I am sending you herewith a sample of the flowers the wreath was made of.  It was about two feet in
diameter and stood about three feet high.  I do not know what personal belongings he had and as yet they have not given them to me but I suppose they will send them to you.  I
expect to be out and then they will send me to a Casual Camp and from there back to the company."
Isaac Burket is the second Schuylkill Haven boy to die overseas. He was thirty six years of age, born, raised and spent his entire life in Schuylkill Haven.  He was a member of
Company F of the old National Guard for a number of years.  He enlisted in Company C in July 1917.  He was affiliated with the Grace Evangelical Church and his occupation prior to
his enlistment was that of a P. and R. engineer.  He resided for a number of years on Canal Street.  He was a quiet young man and well and favorably known.  To survive him he
leaves his father and four brothers, three of whom are in the service in France, two of whom were in his company, namely Warren and Fred, and Harry in Company A, 313th Infantry.  
Another brother, Charles of Abrahams survives in addition to these sisters; Miss Anna and Miss Eva at home, Mrs. Harry Becker of Schuylkill Haven, Mrs. George Downs of
Philadelphia and Mrs. Frank Batdorf of Reading.
The Call of April 25, 1919

WAR TRAIN STOPPED HERE
The War Trophy Train or Victory Loan Special, carrying tanks, cannon and numerous other war relics stopped in Schuylkill Haven for ten minutes on Tuesday morning enroute to
Pottsville.  No announcement had been made of the fact that the train would stop until about an hour or two before its arrival.  Station Agent Johnston, early Tuesday morning,
communicated with the company officials and men in charge of the train and induced them to make a stop here of ten minutes.  The word was telephoned about town and by the
arrival of the train at 10:10, several hundred adults and as many school children were massed at the local P. and R. station.  The exhibit on the flat cars consisted of cannon of
various sizes captured from the Germans.  All bore marks of hard service.  Also a bomb thrower, a caterpillar tank and an armored car.  The tank saw service on the front in France
for several months.  The most interesting exhibition was in the seventy foot baggage car, but the period of time was too short to permit the public to view it.  It consisted of star
shells, helmets, machine guns, mortar bombs, a naval mine, shells of various kinds and sizes, German clothing, guns, swords, bayonets, German, French, English and American gas
masks, etc., etc.  Several short speeches were made by several of the speakers bureau but their remarks were several times interrupted and the audience prevented from hearing
the same by a coal train that kept chugging away, pulling up and down past the war train and whistling.  A bystander near "The Call" man adeptly put that it was the most brazen
evidence of German propaganda yet shown in this town.
The Call of July 8, 1921

GERMAN SHRAPNEL REMOVED FROM LOCAL SOLDIER BOY'S NECK
John A. Knarr, Liberty Street, was one of the boys who served his Uncle Sam in the world war.  He was one of the boys who was struck by Kaiser Bill's shrapnel.  A piece hit him in
the neck below the right ear.  Upon his return to his country he visited two government hospitals to have the same removed.  At each he was told the same had been removed.  
Recently the same began to give him trouble.  He came to the office of Dr. Lessig one evening with a badly swollen jaw and face.  The swollen portion was lanced and drainage
affected preliminary to further probing for the shrapnel.  Several evenings later he returned to the doctor's office, was given a local anesthetic and the doctor removed a piece of
shrapnel of good size.  John says he feels much better now as he was not at all favorably impressed with carrying around with him anything that had any connection with the Kaiser.
The Call of June 30, 1922  

SOLDIERS' MONUMENT PLACED
This week the memorial tablet to the nine soldier boys of Schuylkill Haven who were killed or died during the World War was placed in position.  It is mounted on a concrete base in
the Canal Street parkway about midway between Union and Main Streets.  It faces Main Street.  The memorial consists of a large handsome granite boulder with a bronze plate
attached on which are printed the names of the soldier dead.  The memorial will be dedicated and unveiled with proper ceremonies at a later date to be announced.   The committee
of the Legion Auxiliary having this part of arrangement in hand will hold a ceremony on the parkway which will likely consist of community singing, the presentation and acceptance
of the marker and an address.                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
The Call of November 2, 1928

WAR HEROES MEDAL TO BE PRESENTED NOVEMBER 13
The Distinguished Service Cross will be presented to Mr. Irwin Lautenbacher of Schuylkill Haven on Tuesday evening, November 13th, at the Armory in Pottsville, with full military
ceremony by Colonel L. S. Sorley, present commander of the 79th Division.  The honor to be thus bestowed by the War Department is for extraordinary heroism by the son of Mr.
Lautenbacher, Lieutenant Ivan Lautenbacher, Company C, 316th Infantry, in action near Verdun, France on September 29, 1918.  As a result of the wounds received in action the
lieutenant died two days thereafter,  The ceremony will be in complete charge of the War Department and conducted with military pomp and is probably the first public ceremony of
this particular nature, where the Distinguished Service Cross will be presented as a posthumous award.  The public is invited to attend.  The armory in Pottsville was chosen
because of the fact that it offered the only suitable and proper place for a military ceremony of this kind.                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of November 16, 1928

TOWN BOY HONORED BY UNCLE SAM
For the first time in the history of Schuylkill County, a Distinguished Service Cross was presented to a Schuylkill County man by the War Department.  The man so honored was Ivan
L. Lautenbacher, deceased of Schuylkill Haven.  The Distinguished Service Cross, one of the highest awards for valor and bravery to be made by the government, was presented to
the father of the deceased soldier boy by Colonel Sorley, Chief of staff of the 79th Division.  The colonel reviewed the history of the life of the young man, together with the events
leading up to the action on the field in France in which Lautenbacher was mortally wounded.  With the members of the Headquarters and Service Battery of the 213th C. A. P. N. G.
drawn up and at attention, the actual presentation of the medal to the father of the soldier boy, there was presented a military scene of pomp and impressiveness never before
witnessed in this section of the state.  The acceptance by the father and the family was without comment.
Prior to the actual presentation of the award, drills were executed by both companies while the Bressler Band furnished music for the occasion.  There were numerous
representatives of Uncle Sam in attendance as well as representatives of the American Legion, Mr. and Mrs. Lautenbacher, Mr. and Mrs. William Schlappich and Miss Catherine
Lautenbacher, members of the family occupied seats of honor.  Quite a number of Schuylkill Haven invited friends were also in attendance.  
The Distinguished Service Cross Citation and the Posthumous Award was based upon the following conditions:  Ivan L. Lautenbacher, formerly first lieutenant, Company C, 316th
Infantry, 79th Division, American Expeditionary Forces.  Confined to the hospital with a severe attack of influenza, at Mountfaucon, he stuck his evacuation tag in his pocket when
the drive began on September 27th and went to the field of battle.  He was chased off the field and to the hospital by the captain.  Next day, Lautenbacher again left the hospital and
by removing his evacuation tag got to the field of battle.  The captain again ordered him to the hospital telling him that he was too sick to be out of the hospital.  At the moment of
conversation however, the captain was wounded and to Lautenbacher he said, "They got me.  Take charge."  Lautenbacher then took command of the company and fought with them
and for two days he, with the company, was without food or water on the drive on Verdun.  While in action on September 29th, Lautenbacher was hit with a steel jacket bullet.  The
bullet entered his right breast and came out at his left groin.  The wound was such a severe one and so painful that he could not be carried on a stretcher but upon a specially
constructed chair and with eight men detailed for the purpose, he was carried back to the hospital where he passed away on October 2nd.  The body was brought to Schuylkill
Haven and on October 20, 1920 with full military honors, it was placed in its final resting place in Union Cemetery.
Here are two mementos from the Schuylkill Haven celebration
held in honor of the town's returning World War One doughboys.
At left is a ribbon worn by a member of the War Council.  Below
is a pennant from the August 1919 celebration.
The following three articles relate the tale of Carl Fey, declared killed in
action and then discovered to be wounded and in a prisoner of war camp.
The Call of June 21, 1918

CARL FEY KILLED IN FRANCE
Carl Fey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Trout, of 314 Canal Street, has fallen a victim to the Hun bullet and is the first Schuylkill Haven boy to meet death on the battlefields of France.  
Shortly before eight o'clock last evening, his mother was handed a telegram from Washington announcing his death.  
The telegram was as follows: Washington, D. C. 6:18 p. m., June 20, Mrs. Lottie Trout, 314 Canal Street, Schuylkill Haven.  Deeply regret to inform you that Private Carl Fey, infantry, is
officially reported as killed in action, May 29th.  McCain, Adjutant General.  The telegram was handed to Mrs. Trout while she was visiting at the home of her father on Canal Street.  
Tenderly she tore open the envelope and then burst into tears.  Several minutes elapsed before she could tell her parents of the contents of the telegram.  Shortly after the receipt
of the telegram, Mrs. Trout was visited by a representative of "The Call", and between sobs that only a mother who has offered her son as a sacrifice to her country can know, she
gave an account of his brief life.
Carl Fey was born in Schuylkill Haven on the 12th day of April, 1900, he being but a few months more than eighteen years of age.  On April 25, 1917, he enlisted at Pottsville.  The next
day he was sent to Hoboken, New York and after two days there went to Columbus barracks.  A short training period found him in Texas, where he remained for three weeks.  He was
then returned to Hoboken and on July 4 of last year, his mother received his first letter from France.  Since that time she has received a number of letters, several of which have
appeared in the columns of "The Call."  On May 6th, Carl Fey wrote a letter to his mother and again on May 12th, Mother's Day he wrote his last letter.  Both of these letters were
received on the same day.
Following will be found a number of extracts from both letters:
Somewhere in France, May 6th.  Dear Mother, I received your letter and was very glad to hear from you.  I received dad's letter and was very sorry to hear of the death of Jack Barr.  
Mother, did you hear about young Kantner being gassed over here while we were up at the front.  Mother, I will stay with you if I ever get back and I expect to get back sometime.  I
did not get the birthday package that you said you sent me.  Sorry to hear that dad is sick.  How is Oscar and his family.  I guess this is all now.  From your son, Carl Fey.  P. S. Mother,
I am going into the trenches again for the sixth time.  I am under the lucky star.  Don't worry.
Somewhere in France, May 12th.  Dear Mother, I thought that I would write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope this finds you the same.  How is dad, Mother?  Find
out how Russel Kantner is.  He was up at the front and I did not hear about him for a long time.  I was looking for a box but did not get it yet.  Mother, today is Mother's day in France
and every soldier is to write his mother a letter.  I wish I was back in the U. S. A. again but I guess it won't be long till we get back.
The writer then makes a number of personal suggestions and closes his letter by stating that he does not have the time to write to all and inquires about a number of relatives.  He
closes the letter thusly, "This is all for this time.  Answer soon.  From your loving son, Carl Fey, Company L, 28th Infantry.                                         
The Call of August 9, 1918

CARL FEY A PRISONER OF WAR
Like word from the dead, was the welcome news received on Friday noon just a few hours after "The Call" had gone to press, announcing the fact that Carl Fey was alive but a
prisoner somewhere in Germany.  The letter was received by his mother, Mrs. Samuel Trout of Canal Street, and the rejoicing of the mother and other relatives knew no bounds.  It
will be recalled that on the evening of June 20th, Mrs. Trout received a telegram from the government stating that Carl Fey was officially reported as killed in action on May 29th.  
The following Sunday, June 22nd, memorial services were held for the young soldier which were largely attended.  It is infrequent that one returns to read his own obituary and all
the nice things that have been said about him, but in all probability, such will be the case with Carl Fey.
A copy of the letter is as follows: Darmstadt, Germany.  Dear Mother, I thought that I would write you a few lines to let you know I was wounded.  I got shot in the right jaw and also
got captured on the 27th of May.  Mother, how is Eleanor and Si.  Mother, all my money I guess will come to you now.  When you answer this letter, just address it to this hospital.  
Mother how is dad and yourself by this time and how is Gussie and her family.  Do not worry, everything will come alright for me and you sometime.  Try and send me a package with
some smokes and candy.  Captain Von Watter said you can.  Tell them I send all my best regards.  I guess this is all for this time. Son, Carl Fey, Prisoner of War, 28th Infantry.
On the envelope are the words "Camp de Prisoniere de Guerre," with the date June 5th.  Mrs. Trout lost no time in preparing a box of smokes and candy for the injured boy.  The
same was packed carefully and left Schuylkill Haven on Monday afternoon.  The fact that it required almost two months for the letter to reach here is accounted for by reason of all
mail from Germany first going to Switzerland, Holland, then to England, and then to the States.                                                                                                                            
The Call of October 11, 1918

LOCAL SOLDIER IS NOT DEAD
Under date of August 9th, "The Call" published a statement to the effect that Carl Fey of Schuylkill Haven, reason of the mother having received but one letter from him it was later
thought that the boy had died in camp and this supposition was generally accepted as correct.  Under these circumstances Fey's name was camp and this supposition was generally
accepted as correct.  Under these circumstances Fey's name was listed among the Schuylkill haven boys who had made the supreme sacrifice.  Now comes the announcement
substantiated by proof that Fey is not dead but is still a prisoner of war.  Postcards and letters have been received by his mother, Mrs. Samuel Trout, recently, which prove beyond a
doubt that at the time of writing his last message to her he was a prisoner in a German camp and was in good health.  The prisoner according to the first card received was stationed
at the prison camp in Darmstadt, Germany.  The prison camp was later moved to Worms, Germany and as the Allied Army continued its advances, the German prison camp was also
moved.  It is now located at Czerak, several hundred miles northeast of the home of Kaiser Bill, Berlin and about fifty miles south of the Baltic Sea.
In one of the letters, Fey states he is getting along alright.  He had a hole shot in his right cheek and all the teeth in his upper jaw shot out.  For quite a time he could not talk and
then later only in a whisper.  Now he can talk loud again.  He asks whether the people at home here think the war will be over soon.  He inquires about a number of his friends and
relatives, about the rolling mill, etc.  He states he is only allowed to write one postal card a week and two letters a month.  He states while he didn't have permission to tell of his
having a good time in Paris and England in previous letters , he now can do so.  He adds he enjoyed himself better in England than he did in Paris.  He also asks his mother to send
him some cigarettes and tobacco as he can not get any where he is.  He states his mother will be permitted to send a package every month.  He asks for a little money.  All of those
things are being sent by his mother together with a number of other articles.  The regulations permit the sending of money in denominations of five dollars only, nothing less and no
amount greater than five.  From the American Red Cross Society in Switzerland, Mrs. Trout recently received a letter of instruction giving the address of her son, a map of Germany
showing exactly the town near which the prison camp is located.  A list of articles was also enclosed which will be passed.  The list included many different things such as all kinds of
canned goods, coffee, cigarettes, tobacco, etc.  If clothing is sent it must be U. S. Army clothing.  It requires three months for a letter from the prisoner to reach here.  From the
letters received, Mrs. Trout feels positive her boy is alive and while the government has him officially reported and registered as being dead, the letters coming from him right
along prove this is incorrect.  Mrs. Trout has received several checks from the government to apply on the life insurance taken out by Carl Fey.  These are being returned with the
advice that the boy is alive and well.                                                
The Call of September 7, 1917

LOCAL KNITTERS CAN KNIT FOR SOLDIERS
A communication has been received by the Schuylkill Haven chapter of the American Red Cross Society asking them to assist in supplying supplies and wearing material for the
soldiers.  The communication states that 650 each of the following articles are needed by October 16th and the portion allotted to Schuylkill Haven is sixty five each of sweaters,
mufflers, pairs of wristlets and pairs of dry socks.  The communication was read to the members at their regular monthly meeting held on Tuesday evening.  At present there are
sufficient funds in the treasury to purchase the socks but the other items will have to be made.  The members feel that they are equal to the task and that the articles in question will
be completed before the time allowed.
There is hardly a young girl or woman in Schuylkill Haven who is not knitting at the present time.  In the majority of cases the knitting is for their personal needs but it is conceded
that they would be only too willing to sacrifice their own comforts for those who are called upon to sacrifice their lives if necessary.  The members of the Red Cross are willing to
teach all persons how to knit and whether you are a member of the organization or not, you are invited to come to the Red Cross room in the town hall on Wednesday or Thursday
afternoon or Thursday evening when instruction will be given.  Tuesday evenings will be devoted to surgical dressings.  Persons willing to knit should notify Mrs. C. Lenker or Mrs.
D. D. Dechert.  An appeal is also being sent broadcast for literature for the soldiers.  Good stories are in demand, books of adventure, sea stories, detective stories, collections of
short stories, especially humorous ones.  Books of poor print, worn out and out of date books are not worth shipping.  As to magazines, the best are wanted, the very latest.  
Arrangements will shortly be completed for the collection of these books and magazines once or twice a month.  They will be taken to the Free Library at Pottsville and shipped from
there.  If you have anything in the reading line that will appeal to the soldier boys, notify the secretary of the Schuylkill Haven chapter and you will be told what to do.
The Call of October 19, 1917

LIBERTY LOAN PARADE HERE MONDAY EVENING
The effort to have the public subscribe to the Liberty Loan issue to the amount of $165,000 is meeting with success.  Reports made at the meeting of the solicitors Thursday evening
showed that already $75,000 has been subscribed.  The largest amount is yet to be taken and every possible effort is to be made to prevent Schuylkill Haven falling down and failing
to handle its pro rata share of the Second Liberty Loan.  In order to reach the general public and have the proposition plainly laid before them an open air mass meeting has been
arranged for Monday evening at eight.  It will be held at the corner of Saint John and Main Streets.  Prior to the meeting a street parade will be held.  Both the Bressler Band and the
Citizen's Band have willingly granted the request of the special committee to parade.  The Boy Scouts will also participate and every automobilist in Schuylkill Haven is asked to join
in the line and to have his car occupied with adults.  Each autoist is asked to fill up his car, adults preferred. The mass meeting will be addressed by C. S. White of Philadelphia and
John Robert Jones of Schuylkill Haven.  Mr. George Saul will officiate as Chairman.  The object of the meeting is to arouse enthusiasm in the Loan Bond campaign which is
somewhat lacking and up to this time this town has not done as well on subscribing its share as other towns have.  On Monday addresses will be made in the public schools on the
Liberty Loan project.  Attorney J. A. Noecker will speak in the North Ward school, Attorney George Paxson in the East Ward school, Attorney J. L. Stauffer in the new high school
building and Attorney J. Harry Filbert in the South Ward building.  The special committee having charge of the parade, mass meeting, public school addresses, etc. is Reverend G. M.
Richter, F. H. Minnig and Charles Deeney.  
Each and every minister will be requested to bring before his people at both services this coming Sunday, the Liberty Loan matter.  In order to have the town subscribe its full quota
allotted, every effort must be made to have every individual subscribe.  The methods now to be used as above stated are for the purpose of aiding in doing so.  Many persons are
of the opinion that because the bonds are sold in denominations of fifty dollars that the amount of money must be on hand or that cash must be paid for it.  This is wrong.  From many
sources comes the information that the loan is being subscribed in several easy payment plans.  In Schuylkill Haven this too can be taken advantage of.  The banks offer the very
easiest payment plans possible.  Namely five dollars down and a dollar a week for forty five weeks.  Then too employers offer similar inducements to their employees.  
The coming week will be the last week to sell the bonds and the solicitors will double their efforts to make a grand final drive and interview every resident.  "Buy a Bond" is being
driven home and all are asked to do so.  The idea of buying to many is in simply giving money to the government.  This is incorrect as purchasers of bonds are only loaning their
money to their government and in doing so are simply backing up the flesh and blood of this country by loaning their money.  If the hearts of Schuylkill Haven people are in back of
the soldiers this town has sent away, and it is believed they are, the money of the town should also be back of them.  The Liberty Loan is to be used to equip, arm and maintain our
soldiers, to prepare them for the conflict in France and make them as effective and powerful as possible.  It is also to safeguard them in every way possible.  The uses of the Liberty
Loan appeal to every patriotic American, as it is used for the soldiers and sailors and the principles which they uphold, which the heart of the whole country is with.
Loan your money to your government.  "Buy a Bond Now."                                                                                                                                                
The Call of August 2, 1918

JOHN G. BOLTON KILLED IN FRANCE
Another Schuylkill Haven boy, the third from this town has given up his life in the cause of world liberty.  He is John George Bolton, aged twenty three years
of Liberty Street.  This and news of another victim brings the awfulness of war nearer to home and a deep feeling of sympathy goes forth to the young
widow and the parents and family of the deceased.  At the same time a greater feeling of patriotism is aroused because another name has been added to
the Honor Roll.  The sad word of the soldier's death was received on Wednesday evening shortly after seven o'clock by the mother of the young man, Mrs.
Samuel Francis Bolton.  The telegram read: "Deeply regret to inform you that Private John George Bolton, Company A, Machine Gun Battalion is officially
reported killed in action on July 15th."  McCain, Adjutant General.  
John George Bolton was born October 27th in Schuylkill Haven, son of Samuel Francis and Mary Naus Bolton.  Had he lived until October 27th of this year
he would have been twenty three years of age.  Leaving the public schools of town at an early age, he secured employment at the Walkin Shoe Factory.  
Later he worked at the local rolling mill but his last place of employment was at the Coldren Knitting Mill. About one year before his enlistment, he was
employed at Hamburg. It was there that both he and his brother became members of Company E, National Guard of Hamburg.
On April 6th, 1917, he first enlisted.  On September 8th of last year he was united in marriage to Miss Florence Victoria Heckman, daughter of Mrs. Charles
Heckman of Columbia Street, town.  Two days later he left for Camp Hancock.  On May 1st of the present year he sailed for France.  The first letter received from him after his arrival
was on June 10th and the last letter, which was very brief and inquired about the family, was six weeks ago.  Fraternally the young soldier was a member of the Junior Mechanics
and a life long member of Grace United Evangelical Church.  Surviving besides his widow and an infant child of five and one half months, he leaves his parents and the following
brothers and sisters: Samuel, a member of the same company and with the deceased brother in France; Jacob, at home; Louise, wife of William Gradwell of town; Gladys, Laura and
Martha at home.  John George Bolton was a second cousin to Carl Fey, the second Schuylkill Haven victim to offer up his life.  Shortly after the receipt of the sad telegram, the
mother was visited by a representative of "The Call."  She stated that she had no regrets to express other than the fact that it would be impossible to bring the body of her son
home and give him a decent burial.  She was glad she was enabled to make the sacrifice.  The father of the young soldier was down the main line when the telegram was received
and was not aware of his son's death until nearly eleven o'clock, four hours after the receipt of the telegram.                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of November 1, 1918

DIED OF WOUNDS IN FRANCE
Another home of a local soldier boy was this week saddened by the news of his having made the supreme sacrifice for his country on foreign soil.  Another blue service flag star will
be changed to a gold one and the hearts of another family and a host of friends are saddened.  It is on account of the death of Lieutenant Ivan L. Lautenbacher, which occurred
October 2nd from wounds received in action in France.  Monday evening the sad news reached town and quickly it spread from one person to another and by all was regret
expressed as the young lieutenant was so well and favorably known here.  No prior or later information was received by the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Lautenbacher.  No details
were given in the message, only the plain hard facts from the War Department regretted to announce the death of Lieutenant I. L. Lautenbacher who died on October 2nd from
wounds received in action.  The death of Lieutenant Lautenbacher increased the number of town boys having died in France to three.  From the letter written to his parents several
days before going into action, the engagement in which he received his wounds was the first time he was in battle on the front lines.  It is quite likely that prior to his going he
realized the seriousness of it all and from the tone of his letter, possibly had a premonition that he would receive fatal wounds.
The letter is as follows: France, September 23.  Dear Folks, We are packing up to move into the trenches.  From what I saw when up there the other day I shall have no opportunity
there for letter writing.  So this will be the last until I come back from the battle.  We expect that to happen about the 25th.  Hope I may come out unscathed but if it is His will
otherwise, then let it be so.  Very soon it will all be over.  Everything tends in that direction.  Recent reports are all in favor of it.  Don't get excited.  Unless we have bad weather, all
will be well.  Nothing more.  Lovingly, Ivan.
Ivan L. Lautenbacher, son of Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Lautenbacher, was twenty seven years of age.  He was born in Williamstown and was a resident of this town for eleven years.  He was
a graduate of the Williamstown High School and later took a business course in the Pottsville Business College.  He was employed by the Morea Coal Company for a time and later
and prior to his last enlistment, was employed as a mail clerk at the New York Post Office.  He was a member of Company F of the old National Guard, having served two enlistments
in that service.  He was serving his third enlistment in France.  Upon his return from the Mexican border, he with Captain Gangloff, were instrumental in recruiting the new company,
Company C, to its full strength and in procuring an Armory for the town and the town boys in the service.  He left with his company for camp.  Later he attended an officer's training
camp at Niagara, where he was given a commission as lieutenant.  He was assigned to the 316th Infantry, 79th Division at Camp Meade and after being there for several months, his
command was sent to France on July 20th.  Just a short time prior to his sailing for foreign shores, he obtained a furlough and visited his parents and many friends here.  
Ivan Lautenbacher was held in esteem by friends wherever he went or remained for a time.  In his own hometown he was known as a bright scholar of a kindly nature and most
pleasant disposition.  He took an active interest in local entertainment and his wit and humor and his ever readiness to joke will be remembered by his many friends long after the
war has been won.  He was always of a genial disposition and this with his affable mannerism were potent means in endearing him to all persons with whom he came in contact.  He
loved his country devotedly and he was ever ready to risk his life in its defense and ever ready to avenge any insult, veiled or direct made against it.  Besides the grief stricken
parents, two sisters, Ruth and Kathryn, both at home, survive.  Two cousins, Lieutenant Herman S. Schwenk and Russel Schwenk are also in service in France, the former in the
314th Infantry, 79th Division and the latter in Company C, 103rd Engineers.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
The Call of November 15, 1918

ANOTHER GOLD STAR IN OUR FLAG
Another Schuylkill Haven soldier boy is reported as having died in France this week.  The sad news of Corporal Charles M. Goas having died on October 12th in France was
received by his sister, Miss Marion Goas, Thursday evening shortly after supper time in a telegram from the War Department.  The message gave nothing but the cold hard facts.  
The young man was a member of the famous Company C, 103rd Engineers and left with the company for France months ago.  No intimation had been received by his relatives of his
having been in ill health and it is believed the disease which laid him low was contracted and developed in a very short period.  The young man was well known hereabouts and had
many friends who will be saddened to learn of his death.  He was twenty years of age and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Goas.  His mother died at her home on Saint John
Street on January 24th of this year while he was at Camp Hancock, Georgia.  He is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Leon Goas, a member of Battery D, 72nd Field
Artillery, stationed in Wyoming, Misses Marion, Catherine and Christine, of Schuylkill Haven.                                                                                                                                                                           
The Call of January 10, 1919

THEODORE AUCHEY REPORTED KILLED
According to a message received from the War Department, Schuylkill Haven adds another one of her soldier boys to the "killed" list, namely Theodore Auchey, of the 145th Infantry,
47th Division.  The sad news was received by his mother who resides on Centre Avenue, the fore part of the week.  On December 19th, the date of his thirtieth birthday, a message
was received to the effect that he was reported missing since November 11th, the day hostilities ceased.  The second and most sorrowful message was received January 5th and
stated he was killed on or about November 11th.  There is just a possibility that Auchey is neither missing or dead but got separated from his unit, the same as did many other
soldiers.  Possibly he was slightly injured and sent back to a hospital and in this way the records of his company may have become confused.  Almost every day one reads of soldiers
who were previously reported missing or killed, have turned up alive and unharmed.  Then too from the fact that he was reported missing only since the day hostilities ceased
greater confidence is placed in the possibility of his being alive and well.  
Theodore Auchey was thirty years of age.  He was born in South Manheim Township and spent the greater part of his life in this town.  He was an employee of the P. & R. car shops.  
He was a member of the Summer Hill Church.  Fraternally he was connected with the I. O. O. F. of Summit Station and the Junior Mechanics in Friedensburg.  Deceased left Schuylkill
Haven with the selected men during the month of May.  He was sent to Camp Lee.  He was the only man picked out of his company to fill up several companies of National Guards.  
He sailed for France in June and arrived there the latter part of that month.
Besides his mother, these brothers and sisters survive: Charles Auchey, in the service in New York City, William Auchey of Jefferson, George Auchey of Hamburg, Mrs. John Ebling,
Mrs. John Peiffley, Mrs. Frank Stripe, all of Schuylkill Haven, Mrs. Emanuel Emereich of Summit Station, Mrs. Milton Wert of Landingville and Bertha at home.
Just thirteen days before the date on which he was reported missing, he wrote the following letter to his sister, Mrs. Frank Stripe.  It was dated October 29th, Somewhere in
Belgium. Dear Sister, I guess you have long been looking for some mail.  We were away pretty far from the Y. M. C. A. and we could get no paper so when we were in some town,
then I bought some.  I dare not tell you just where we are or give the name of the place, but it is somewhere in Belgium.  We were in that big drive in September for five days.  We
took a good many prisoners and a good many guns.  We had a good many casualties in our company but not many killed.  I was hurt a little bit but I am alright again.  We were lined up
in the trench, ready to go over the top.  One of our own shells dropped short and bursted outside of our trench and threw stones up in the air.  One of them came down and hit me
on the head.  It cut my head open a little bit but I went along with the boys.  I am alright again and hope you are all well too.  Theodore.
*Note:Theodore Auchey was indeed killed in action, one of nine Schuylkill Haven deaths in World War One.
This image is of the funeral procession for
Ivan Lautenbacher taken on October 16, 1921
by William Quinter.  Location is not specified
but I believe it may be on Dock Street.
The Call of January 25, 1918

HALF OF STREET LIGHTS CUT OUT
The Schuylkill haven electric light department has decided to patriotically assist in the conservation of fuel and will therefore cut down the lighting facilities or lighting service for
the streets.  The matter of reducing the number of street lights has been under consideration for quite some time and it was not due to Administrator Garfield's closing down order
that the department reached its decision but rather to assist in the nationwide fuel conservation plan being carried out.  About one half of the street lights will be discontinued.  
Already the number of lights on Dock, Main, Centre Avenue, Broadway, High, Saint Peter, Saint John and Columbia Streets have been reduced one half.  The street lamps were of
two different sizes, a seven and a half and a five and a half ampere size.  All five and a half ampere lights will be replaced by seven and a half and many discontinued so that the
street lights will actually be reduced about one half.  The streets on which the change has not already been made will be made within the course of the week, the delay being due to
a shortage of the seven and a half ampere lamps.
By the present system of curtailing the street lighting facilities a considerable saving in fuel and operating expenses will be effected.  The lights heretofore were run on three
circuits.  It will now be possible to combine the three on one machine.  It will also save on an average 18 to 25 tons of coal per month.  On moonlit nights all the street lights will be
shut off at eleven o'clock and remain off until the next evening.  There is absolutely no truth to the rumor that the plant would be closed down completely for several hours each
evening thus cutting off both street and house illumination.  As this town was exceptionally well lighted and from the fact that the curtailment of the lighting facilities is being made
as the town's contribution to conservation, it is not believed there will be any serious objections on the part of the public.
The Call of February 8, 1918

ALIEN ENEMIES REGISTER SATURDAY
Just one full day remains for all alien enemies in the Schuylkill Haven District to register with Postmaster John Ebling, according to law.  This means all German subjects and
denizens.  The latter class are those who have taken out their first naturalization papers.  Should any person who is classified as an alien enemy fail to register, they will be placed
under arrest immediately.  At all times they must carry their alien registration card with them and after registering are not allowed to change their place of residency or employment
without permission from the government.  Wide publicity has been given the matter and no excuse will be accepted when the period of registration closes Saturday evening,
February 9 at nine o'clock.  One important thing to be remembered by the persons registering is the fact that they must produce four unmounted photographs of themselves.  
Through some mistake, the papers from Schuylkill Haven were not received until Wednesday evening, but in view of the fact that there are only about a half dozen aliens and
denizens in Schuylkill Haven, the time is sufficient for registration.  In another column of "The Call" will be found the notice of the postmaster.  This should be read carefully.
The Call of February 15, 1918

WILL HAVE FOOD ADMINISTRATOR
Schuylkill Haven will have a food administrator and that within a comparatively short time.  The above information was given "The Call" yesterday morning by County Food
Administrator Hugh Dolan of Pottsville.  Mr. Dolan stated that he had only received his commission on Tuesday of the present week and that just as soon as he is organized, he will
appoint his assistant in Schuylkill Haven.  He will demand a rigid adherence to the 50-50 rule on flour and will make no exceptions any where.  Mr. Dolan referred to the new poultry
ruling that went onto effect on Monday of the present week, prohibiting dealers from handling hens and pullets.  The new ruling does not stop the farmer from raising and selling
his own poultry and disposing of the same.  However, he dare not purchase any from his neighbor and take them to market, as it would place him in the same position as a produce
dealer.  In other words farmers may sell direct to his or her customers.
"The Call" was requested to ask every miller in this section to forward to Mr. Dolan at Pottsville, his name and address together with the capacity of his mill, what he is now doing
and what he can do under forced conditions.  Mr. Dolan further stated that there is considerable grain in this section and it will be the duty of the food administrator to act as a
middleman in getting the grain to the millers.  With the above information, Mr. Dolan stated that it may be possible for Schuylkill county to decide on their own substitutes for flour
and in what proportion.  During the next several weeks "The Call" will publish rulings of the food administration.
The Call of April 12, 1918

$70,000 LIBERTY BONDS SOLD
The Third Liberty Loan Campaign was officially launched in Schuylkill Haven, Saturday evening last, with a street parade and mass meeting in the high school auditorium.  The parade
was participated in by a larger number of persons than was expected and the auditorium was comfortably filled, showing that the public is enthusiastically interested in the loan
campaign.  According to the estimate given by the Liberty Loan Committee, Thursday, as to the amount already subscribed here, Schuylkill Haven is going to "Go over the Top" this
time sure.  Not including the Thursday subscriptions the amount subscribed was $70,000.
The solicitors all report meeting with greater success with this loan than they did with the first and second campaign drives, indicating that the public of Schuylkill Haven is going to
stand by her two hundred boys she has in the service.  As the government will give a large sized Honor Flag to the town subscribing its full quota by ten percent of the population,
every effort is being made to secure this flag.  During the week an honor roll was placed in the post office.  On this honor roll will be placed the names of persons purchasing bonds.
The Call of April 12, 1918

SOLDIERS WRITE FROM FRANCE
Interesting indeed are the two letters herewith published from Schuylkill Haven soldier boys in France.  "The Call" would esteem it quite a kindness if persons receiving letters from
their sons in France would hand them to us for publication.  That they would be very interesting to all readers of "The Call" we are sure.  They give us all such news of their
experiences, and coming from our own boys, make them far more interesting than the numerous ordinary war stories and press dispatches.  Send along your letters from France.
FORMER TOWN BOY AT FRONT  The following interesting letter was received from Charles I. Saylor, a former town boy and son of Calvin Saylor of Saint John Street:
"I am sorry  to have kept you in suspense so long but we are at the front at last and I am busy all day and at night it is impossible to have lights of any kind and I don't get a chance to
write.  Our whole regiment is doing work in either the front or second line trenches.  Most of the work must be done at night as nearly all the work is within sight of the Huns.  I get
to the front line almost every day, driving my car to within about a half mile of the front and then either hide it in the woods or else cover it with grass and branches of trees.  The
rest of the way is made on foot.  I am still fortunate in having the glass intact in my car.
Several days ago I witnessed three different aero battles just on the outskirts of our present quarters.  It was very exciting and resulted in the Huns being driven off.  One of their
number,however, was brought down before he could get away.  Several other Boche planes came over our lines later in the day but the anti aircraft gunfire was evidently too hot
for them for they did not linger very long.  About a week ago while up at the front, I had my car hit by the Germans.  Directly behind me on another hill was a battery of four French
75s.  The nearest one to me was about fifty yards.  For nearly an hour the four of them were sending shells directly over my car.  
Excitement was no name for it.  During that hour I had gotten over being gun shy.  The other day while at the second line trench, the Huns sent a bunch of small red balloons over
the lines.  I counted eleven of them at one time.  They contained notes and warnings of some kind. Two of them came down within a short distance of my car.  I started after them but
just then the colonel came towards the car and I had a long way to travel before night.  In two weeks I drove over 1400 miles.  The hardest part of my work is driving at night without
any lights.  France is absolutely the darkest country in the world.  I can't either read or write at night.  
The Boche planes come over our place every clear night and to have a light would be inviting danger.  Sometimes at night the flashes from the big guns are so vivid and continuous
that you can almost read a book in our quarters.  I surely am grateful now that I was transferred from the machine gun company at Fort Dix.  I come in contact with all branches of the
service as I travel around and must say that I am perfectly satisfied right where I am.  Of course I would sooner be at home, that is understood.  Recently I was congratulated on the
appearance of my car and motor.  That is what I am trying to do at all times, to do my work and do it well.  
This is how I drive my car around- I wear my steel helmet at all times, my rifle is stuck in a leather boot on the outside of the car with the butt six inches from my elbow, with five
shells in the magazine at all times.  My gas mask is slung over my shoulders while my emergency mask is on the seat at my side.  These with a .45 calibre automatic hanging on my
belt.  How does it sound to you?  The other morning I drove my car at the rate of forty miles an hour and arrived on scheduled time.  Last Tuesday at nine in the morning I drove 150
miles.  At ten o'clock that night we started out again and drove 138 more miles.  Following a brief rest and a breakfast, we started out on a third run of 155 miles.  I did not have to be
rocked to sleep that night.  Charles I. Saylor
SOLDIER'S LETTERS FROM ABROAD  The following extracts have been taken from three letters received by Mrs. Charles Kantner from her son Russel J. Kantner, who is somewhere
in France and last week was injured in action.  It must be understood that the American forces abroad are constantly being moved around and very little time is allowed the boys for
writing:
"Dear Mother: I am still in good health and spirits.  I received "The Call" about two days ago but no letters.  I am at the front again and am writing this letter in my dugout.  We have a
Y. M. C. A.  and a Salvation Army building in the vicinity but do not get much time to visit either.
I have much to interest me here and on clear days we have an excellent view and you can see in all directions.  Gas attacks and German shells are quite frequent.  I have been
transferred to a heavier battery.  I have not heard or seen anything of Joe, Saylor, or Carl Fey but think they are at the front.  The weather is somewhat cold with an occasional day of
sunshine.  Since I am with the new outfit I have fired quite a number of shots at the Germans and am still gunning for the Kaiser.  We are still having rainy weather and it makes it
miserable for the guard.  I will have many interesting stories to tell when I get back to Pennsylvania and am looking forward to that time.  The Russian situation does not look very
promising but I know the Hun will get paid back at his own game with interest when our forces get going right over here.  I have two months pay coming but we find little use for
money as we cannot get away to spend it.  Give my regards to the folks and the family."
The last letter was written March 5th:  "We are having wintry weather here, it having rained and snowed quite a little.  I know that you have many trials and ordeals to go through now
that everything is so high and hard to get but from what I read, everybody over in th estates is trying to do their part in this fracas.  Our front is rather quiet now but I think "Heine"
has something up his sleeve and he will get a warm reception when he starts.  He tried to pull a big raid early in the morning, sometime ago and got as far as our barrages when
stopped.  Quite a number of dead soldiers were found shortly afterwards.
One of our shots struck a German kitchen and pans, boilers and all went flying in all directions.  The regiment Carl Fey is in is in the same front as I am, so I am going to look him up.  
We must be on the alert all the time and I don't get a chance to look anybody up.  We have our own kitchen right with the battery and this makes it convenient for us to get our
meals.  We have a very good cook and get very good rations.  Can you imagine yourself cooking in a dugout about twelve feet underground.  That is where our kitchen is and it is
about the safest place.  "Heine" would enjoy it if he could put our kitchen out of commission.  Well, I guess that I have scribbled enough for once as my pen is running dry.
The Call of May 10, 1918

NARROWLY ESCAPED HUN SHELL
Charles I. Saylor, a former town boy who is somewhere in France, narrowly escaped several Hun shells that fell and exploded.  Mr. Saylor describes his unusual experience in the
following interesting letter to his family.  The letter was written just one month ago:
This is the first chance that I have had to write for sometime, owing to the fact that we have made another move.  The day before we left the city that had been our headquarters, the
Huns started to shell it.  About 5:00 p. m. I went down to the gasoline station to fill my tank.  All at once there was a sharp report, a screaming shell and then the bursting of the
same.  This shell exploded in the air, a little above the ground and about one hundred yards from where I was.  This was followed by two more that broke in the air over the city.  
These were smoke shells or in other words, range finders.  The explosion of these three shells caused a like number of clouds of smoke which were observed by the Hun's
observation balloon or aeroplane.  Immediately after, they sent the real things over in the form of nine inch shells, about fifteen of these came over at intervals of about five
minutes.  In the meantime, I had gone down into the barracks which were so situated that all these shells went a trifle over our heads.  The barracks next to ours was struck and
slightly damaged.  Not a great deal of damage was done due, no doubt to the fact that only about four or five of these shells exploded after they struck.  A week later, almost to the
very hour, they shelled the place again.  It is almost impossible to describe the sound of a nine inch shell directly over your head.  Things are rather quiet along our sector of the
front.  This quietness can probably be accounted for by the present German drive against the British.  It is liable to liven up at any time.  For the past four days it has been raining
and the mud is fierce.  It is not thick yellow mud, it is thick yellow dust.  Since the middle of January, I have covered more than 5000 miles by auto.  The town that we are now in has
been badly shelled on the one side of the river.  Several blocks are now in ruins.  
Over in the states my friends would always kid me about my Pennsylvania Dutch, but believe me, it certainly comes in handy over here.  A great many people in this section of France
speak German.  Between their German and my "sow dutch," I can carry on a conversation for any length of time and it is understood too.  I can learn more in ten minutes with my
"Hog Latin" than I can with French in six months.  My French is spoken mostly with my hands anyhow.  There is nothing more to tell, nothing more I dare tell.  I am getting good eats
and I have plenty of clothes.  Although there are a number of kickers, I myself have nothing to kick about.  I realize that things are not as I have had them at home but I also realize
that I am not at home but in the army, at the firing line, where it is almost impossible to have conveniences of any kind.  Being in the army is a whole lot like traveling with a tent
circus.  One has to put up with all kinds of conditions.  I am so used to eating my meals out in the open, whether it be raining or snowing, dust or mud, that when I get back I'll feel
out of place to sit at a table.  At noon today I ate my dinner standing in mud ankle deep and raining so hard that the stew I had almost turned to soup.  Of course, it is not like that all
the time, today was an exception.  Received the box of cigarettes and chocolate from sister.  With hope of seeing you soon again, I remain as ever            Charles I. Saylor
The Call of May 31, 1918

UNDER HUN SHELL FIRE IN FRANCE
Schuylkill Haven has another boy who knows the full meaning of a Hun gas shell.  That boy is Russel J. Kantner, a member of Battery B, 7th Field Artillery.  His parents are just in
receipt of a letter from him, the first in several months, in which the writer partly tells of his experience and the extraordinary precautions taken to save the lives of the men.  It will
be remembered that Kantner was the first Schuylkill Haven boy to be injured in active service in France.
Dear Mother, I haven't written to you for almost a month and am very sorry I could not do so sooner but it was impossible to write as we were in for a rather severe shelling at our
old position, most of it being gas shells.  One of them hit in the gun pit about a foot behind the gun trail and the liquid spurted around on the gun crew, myself included.  I was
fortunate to get the most of the liquid on my overcoat but that did not save me from going to the hospital.  They are very quick about treating you.
I was not anxious to go to the hospital but was ordered there by an officer and had to go.  I was there seven days and would be there yet I suppose if I hadn't taken French leave.  I
was perfectly well all the time so I couldn't bear to stay in there.  I didn't get a chance to write while in there and when I did get back to the position again, fund that all my things had
been shipped to the base storage room.  I didn't even have a toothbrush left but such is the fortunes of war.  
We are in a pretty part of France now but the word convenience is not known.  I have traveled over 200 miles since leaving the position I was last in, also passed through "Gay
Paree" but did not get a chance to see much of it as we went through the outskirts.  I did get a glance of the Eiffel Tower however.  I had a fine trip all the way in these French
Pullmans.  They are very comfortable, built to accommodate eight horses and forty men and will carry that number if packed in like sardines.
I am awaiting your box, as it will be as welcome as the flowers in May.  We are not getting anything like cake or good American jam over here.  It cost you a sum to send the box and I
do hope that it will get here after all the trouble you have gone to.  I want to thank grandma and Mrs. Guertler for their share in the box.  We are getting good army rations now but
will be glad when our American commissary supplies us again.  I just received two rings from my Belgian friend.  He is in the trenches in the thickest of the fight.  One of the rings is
made of an aluminum tip from a German shell and has the Belgian and French emblem painted on.  The other is of bronze and is made of a piece of a church bell, which the Germans
blew to bits in Ramscahhel, Belgium.  I prize them very highly and may send them home as souvenirs.
The Call of June 7, 1918

SOLDIERS ARRIVE IN FRANCE SAFELY
Schuylkill Haven's seventy odd soldier boys, members of Company C, Engineers, are now safely in France.  Monday morning Mr. and Mrs. Harry Baker received the following
cablegram:  "Arrived safely in France.  Notify Mill, Mellor, Dewald, Reber, Hummel, Brown, Harner, Bolton, Seiwell, Graeff, Rodgers."  The cablegram was signed Paul Baker.
Just when the boys arrived and the kind of trip they had will not be known for at least three r four weeks and probably a little longer.  It may require a week or two before the boys
are settled and then several weeks more before they will find an opportunity to write and the postal cards and letters are received at home.  According to the telegram received by
Mr. and Mrs. Baker, the above mentioned boys clubbed together and sent the message that was more than heartily received.
A two fold purpose was gained by sending the above cablegram.  It assured the parents of the boys being notified and secondly it saved time in the transmission, as each cablegram
sent requires a certain length of time and where there are hundreds of just such cablegrams, the amount of time consumed is enormous.  It could not be ascertained whether this
cablegram was sent by fast or slow service.  If sent with slow service the cost was six cents a word and required about three to four days to arrive here.  If sent by fast service, it
cost 28 cents a word and required just half the time.
The Call of July 19, 1918

LETTERS FROM SOLDIER BOYS
An interesting letter has been received from Henry Stoyer, by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Stoyer of Long Run.  The young man is in the ambulance corps now somewhere in
France.
Dear Mother,  Just received your letter and of course am on the job and am going to answer same right away.  No need of me mentioning it again but just the same I am going to, as
mail from home is certainly welcomed with outstretched hands.  I had intended to write yesterday but heard that a French steamer was in port so decided to wait a day or two and
see if there was any mail for me.  Did not wait in vain as I received just what I was eagerly looking for.  Also received a letter from Marlin but he cut it rather short, as he said he was
very busy.  I wouldn't mind if I could see him for about an hour now as I could go a good haircut and shave.  Before I forget to mention it, I have something very interesting to tell
you, are you ready?  Here it is, I am raising or at least trying to raise a mustache.  I know you will all laugh at me and think it funny but you can't be a real Frenchman without a
mustache.
The fellow that I work with and myself took a little trip and seen some things and sights that are truly marvelous.  Would like to tell you of some of the doings over here at the
present time but I think that if you follow up the papers they will convey as much news to you as would be possible for me to tell you.  At least I am not going to give the censors any
trouble to cut anything out of my letter, so must close.  Received a letter a few days ago with an American Express Company receipt.  Well, believe me, it looked good to me as this is
a darn bad place to be in when you are broke and have no prospects of getting any money.  Things are moving about the same over here as they were when I wrote you some time
ago.  There were a few more of our boys killed in action during the last few days, also a number captured or reported missing and a number wounded.  Thus you can see that the U.
S. A. boys are not missing much f the big doings on the front at the present time.  You will notice when it comes to getting Croix de Guerres (French medals), our fellows are right on
the job.  I am well, work well, sleep well and eat well.  Hope you are all well and happy.  Love for all.
Russel Coxe, who is a member of Company C Engineers now in France , writes the following interesting letter.  The letter was written on June 18th and received here this week.
My Dear Mother and Father,  I wrote a letter to you about ten days ago.  I suppose you have it by this time unless the ship was torpedoed.  First of all, I am in fine health.  Who
wouldn't be when the country we are in (I mean that part of France) is just like Pennsylvania.  We were on a hike the other day and I thought sure we were in the Long Run Valley.  Is
there anything exciting going on?  One thing we all wish for is "The Call."  Up to this time, we have not heard from anybody in the United States.  I think that we shall hear soon
though, as is just  one month today since we passed the Statue of Liberty.  Another thing we miss is ice cream and chocolate.  There is no ice cream at all and the chocolate is almost
like our bar chocolate we use for drinking purposes.  I'll say Poss Barr will do some business when we come home.  Tell him I said when he hears we are coming home, to get in an
extra supply.
One thing we cannot get over is that the women over here do such heavy work.  One will come along with a bundle of wood ties twice as big as herself and it must be very heavy.  
Another thing, when a man is walking with a woman, if there are any packages to carry, the woman does the carrying and the man walks along with his hands in his pockets.  I wonder
how long that would last in the U. S.?  There were rumors of pay day to day but I think they are false.  A fellow needs a mint here.  Just think they charge one franc (nine cents) for
two oranges and two and one half francs for a bar of bum chocolate.  Things are way out of sight.  The boys don't buy very much, we are all broke.  I would have written before but
could get no paper.  All we have left from our equipment is what goes in the pack on our backs and of course there is no room for personal articles such as paper.  Tell Mrs. Starr,
Jack is fine.  Write often.
The Call of July 26, 1918

SELECTED MEN GIVEN SEND OFF
Schuylkill Haven enthusiastically and en masse tendered to the departing sixty five selected soldier boys of this draft district a hearty send off.  In this the Schuylkill Haven people
were assisted by parents, brothers and sisters, friends and sweethearts from many of the surrounding towns and boroughs who too were offering their sons to Uncle Sam.  The
demonstration was participated in by practically the largest number of persons that at any one time since the war, has gathered to honor the departing soldier boys.
As early as six o'clock automobiles filled with fathers and mothers and other relatives of selected men from out of town began to arrive here.  At 6:30 o'clock the street in front of the
town hall was filled with autos with more arriving right along.  Promptly at 7:35 the parade which formed on Saint John Street and on Main headed up by the Citizen's Band moved up
Main Street and to the town hall.  The parade was participated in by the members of Company L, Reserve Militia, the local chapter of Red Cross, the War Council and an excellent
large representative body of the town's citizens.  In fact the turnout on the part of the town's citizens was larger than any time selected men were sent away.  Most of the paraders
carried American flags.
Reaching the town hall, a halt was made while the draft board issued final instructions to the men.  William H. Wildermuth was made captain of the local selected men, given the meal
tickets, transportation and all other credentials.  The roll call was given by R. J. Hoffman of the draft board and all the men in clear and steady voices answered to his name.  The
men were then given lunch prepared by the Red Cross Society and ordered to fall in line in the honor division which was headed by the Drum Corps.  The parade column then
moved out Dock Street to Broadway and counter marched at this point.  Returning on Dock it moved to Main Street and to the station.  Here a court of honor was formed by the
paraders and the general public reaching from the station to Saint Peter Street.  The drafted men marched through this court to the space between the station and the Hartman
Building.  Company L, upon orders from the draft board, formed a cordon around the selected men and made an effort to prevent the general public from separating the boys from
one another.  As the special train pulled in there was noticed an outburst of tears upon the faces of many mothers and fathers and relatives in the audience.  The boys were
marched to the train and some thirty watermelons handed in to them.  The fruit was given with the compliments of Charles Fix, local green truck jobber.  As soon as the Minersville
section was attached to the train, the journey to Camp Lee, Virginia was begun amid the playing of the Star Spangled Banner by the Citizen's Band, the shouts of the public and the
waving of many flags and the salute of factory and engine whistles.
After the train pulled from the station and the band stopped playing, a most noticeable hush fell over the entire large number of persons assembled and for a moment all eyes were
turned in the direction in which the train had gone.  It was remarked that it appeared as if a silent prayer was being offered for the safety of boys, whose going it was realized means
in all probability their being sent to Europe in a few weeks time.  One of the mysteries of the demonstration was the person who unsolicited upon the part of the parade committee,
assumed the role of Chief Marshal and marched at the head of the column.  No one yet has been able to learn his identity.
The Call of August 9, 1918

LETTERS HOME FROM SOLDIERS
SAYS GERMAN GAS WORSE THAN SHRAPNEL
From Carl Feger from Company C, U. S. Engineers, was received the following letter by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Feger of Main Street, this week.  The letter of course is from
"somewhere in France," and is dated July 12th.
Dear Dad,  Well I had luck enough to get hold of a couple of envelopes and some paper so I will try and make up for the time I missed.  I have received about five letters from you
since I came over here and I am going to answer them now.  The other night we were playing hide and seek with Fritz's shells at supper time and we were having some time until he
sent a bunch of gas shells over and then we had to leave our baked beans and fried potatoes get cold.  We had a good wind so it did not last long but believe me, it is a darn sight
worse than shrapnel.  That night we pulled out and from that time on we spent sixty one hours in the trenches and maybe the stuff didn't fly around.  This is some place up here.
Today I washed the first time for several days.  It rained two nights and it sure is fine lying in the mud. I was on my knees or my back all the time, outside of when we would go for our
meals, which were few and far between.  I can't tell you just where we are for the censor would not pass it but I can say if you read the newspapers, you can tell just where we are.  
We are on the most active front, that is the French and American front.  You know I can answer more questions than I can tell you.  I am going to write to Harry again today and try
and locate him.  I wrote to him once before, almost three weeks ago but did not get an answer up to this time.  We had rest for two days and go out again very soon.  The hardest
thing to get over here is candy or sweets of any kind and writing paper and envelopes.  I am going to enclose a slip in this letter that will enable you to send me some things.  I do
not know why you have not heard from me, for myself and ten other boys from Schuylkill Haven, sent a cable to Ray Sterner's father and asked him to notify all of you.  I sent postal
cards from England also.
I received the papers you sent me and they sure do make one feel fine.  Seasickness evidently does not run in our family, for I did not feed the fish and I felt fine all the way over,
excepting on Decoration Day, when my heart was in my throat for about fifteen minutes, until everything was over.  They certainly must feel good when they know they are going
down for the last count.  Believe me, Mel Bamford will have some time in the Marines.  They are over here and maybe they can't fight.  The Huns call them the green grasshoppers
from Hell.  How does Horace like the wallpaper business?  It takes just about one month to get a letter.  The last one I got was dated June 12th.  I do not see why you did not hear
from me before.  We cannot smoke or have any lights at all and in the day time we have to keep in under cover all the time, for it would only be a matter of a short while until we
would have the whole Hun artillery on us.  Of all the boys over here I have not met anyone yet that I knew.  Your son, Carl.

ONLY THREE MILES FROM THE FRONT
The following was received from John F. Sterner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Sterner of Broadway and was postmarked July 8th.
Dear Mother,  France looks like kind of bane of young men as they are nearly all fighting and killed off.  It is also a very beautiful country with a great deal of beautiful things to be
seen.  I did not see a piece of cream candy since I left America, so you can see I am hungry for a piece. Also cake.  We cannot  get anything like that over here.  All we get is hard
tack, cheese and corned beef.  If you would send me a carton of Camel or Fatima cigarettes, I certainly would enjoy them.  Don't put them in their own box as some fellow will steal
them.
A second letter reads:  Well dad, Philip arrived with us the other day and he certainly does look fine.  How is Ma, is she out of the hospital yet?  I hope so as I would like to know that
she is well again.  If she is not out, show this letter to her and tell her to write often as possible and not wait to receive a letter from me , as I am only writing home.  I do not write to
anyone else as paper is very scarce, as you will note that this paper is a little soiled but it is the best I could get, also lucky to get it.
Well Dad, I would like to tell you a few things.  First is that we are only about three miles from the front, are stationed in billets and maybe we do not have some exciting scenes.  
Almost every day, we see air fights over our heads and once in a while we see a few aeroplanes coming down and maybe the boys don't go after them to get souvenirs to bring
home.  Also once in a while we hear big shells going over our heads.  I guess I have told you all the news and so will close.  Give my love to all and tell them to write to me for we are
hemmed in all the time and do not get any news.  John F. Sterner, Company C, 103rd Engineers

ARRIVED SAFE IN GEORGIA
Harry A. Quinter who enlisted and was sent to Lytle, Georgia, under date of July 31st, writes The Call that he arrived safe in camp on that day at noon, just fifteen hours late.  He
states that from all appearances the camp which is called Camp Forrest is just a new one and that therefore the fellows can not look for any soft jobs.  He states that "Old Sol" is
certainly on the job but that the nights are reported right cool and comfortable.  "The present site of the camp is a battlefield of 1863 and it is dotted with memoirs of that year.  The
camp is very modern, sleeping quarters all in barracks, with electricity and all conveniences installed.  The Y. M. C. A. and the Red Cross have been with us at every junction and are
also here in camp.  I anticipate a great experience here.  Harry A. Quinter

SOLDIERS WORK AT NIGHT
Under date of June 27th and July 3rd, George Kremer writes the following interesting letters from somewhere in France to his mother, Mrs. George Kremer of 219 Columbia Street.  
The letters were received Monday morning.
It is now eight p. m. so I think I'll write a few lines to you tonight, letting you know that both Leo and I are in the best of health and feeling fine as silk.  Today we got our first mail.  
You might know that we were all glad to get mail again.  I was looking for a letter from you but no letter came.  I am sitting under a big pear tree writing this letter having a side board
of a wheelbarrow for my writing desk.  Gee you should have heard those two shots that were fired, they sure did sing.  We are close to the front and can hear the guns very good
day and night.  On Tuesday night the Allies big cannon sure did boom away for good.  We could see the flashes very good from where we are just now.  You can see air battles every
day.  Sometimes you can see the planes drop.  Yesterday they dropped a German plane but I did not see where it came down.  Last week we were at a place where they dropped two
German planes.  I saw one of them, it was all bunged up.  They brought it back to town and you should have seen the people how they all tried to get part of it for a souvenir.  I
ripped off htree pieces and am sending you a piece in this letter, show it to all.  We get good eats over here so you need not worry about us having anything to eat.  At present we
are not doing very much, having a rest for a change.

We arrived twelve miles closer to the front since June 27th so that is the reason you are getting this little note.  Did not have time to mail it.  We did our first digging on Sunday
morning at 3:30 a. m.  We work at night and sleep in the day time.  On July 1st, the French and American boys made a drive and captured the hill they wanted and captured 800
prisoners.  You should have heard the firing, they sure did pound those Germans and last night they gave it back to them again.  A French plane was fighting with two German
planes.  The German planes brought him down, shot him through the heart.  Machine and all was smashed to pieces.  I saw the machine parts but not the man.  Your son, George.

IN CHURCH ERECTED IN THE 14TH CENTURY
Kimber R. Confehr, in a letter to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Confehr, under date of July 19th, states:
We just got a new supply of paper this evening and so will endeavor to write you a few lines.  I am going to number my letters so you can tell whether you receive them all.  We are
all well at present, hoping you are the same.  We have had fairly nice weather since we are here.  We are training hard every day and are now about ready to do actual work.  We
have learned quite a bit of the war and the trenches from the English who lecture about it every day.  We were living in billets for one night and after that in our pup tents, so as to
keep us all together.  I was in a church near our camp, which was built in the 14th century.  It is very beautiful, considering its age, being decorated with all kinds of ornaments.  The
bell has the same sound as our own church bell with the exception of not sounding as loud.  The days here are very long, daybreak being at four o'clock and dusk about ten o'clock.  
The surroundings are about the same as our country.  Everything is cultivated and planted with crops, the wok being mostly done by old men and women.  
We were out walking on Sunday on the mountain and saw two deer.  From the top we could see the surrounding country for some distance and also down the valley.  I will now come
to a close as this is about all we can say.  Tell the boys the news and the rest, as I have no more paper to write upon.  Kimber R. Confehr  Company C, 103rd U. S. Engineers

LOCAL BOY DOING SIGNAL WORK
Allen Klahr, a member of Battery B, 20th Field Artillery, France, writes to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Klahr as follows, June 27th:
Received my first mail yesterday and it certainly was welcome.  I got two letters from you.  Both were addressed to Camp Upton and so had to be forwarded.  We have barracks to
sleep in here and we are glad of that for we have plenty of rain.  It rained last night and this morning so we had to drill with boots and slickers.  It is not very pleasant that way.  The
sun is shining now and the streets will soon be dry.  I am still doing signal work and like it very well.  Now we are being taught by a Frenchman and we are learning very fast.  We go
to school every day.
We are not on the front yet and there is little or no danger where we are and nothing to worry about.  By the time we will be ready for the front, perhaps the fight will nearly be over
and then we can come home again.  I do not know where Milford is located but would like to find out.  I haven't written to him yet but expect to write today.  I was at the Y. M. C. A.
last night and had a good time.  They had a band concert and also moving pictures.  There we can get things to eat and also plenty of reading matter.  There is plenty of sport around
here and so our time is always taken up.  Did you get the letter I wrote you from England?  I saw some very interesting things there such as very old tombs, cathedrals, King Arthur's
round table and was in the building where the first parliament met.  There were many things to see but we did not stop long enough to see them all.  I am going to do some washing
this afternoon if the sun keeps shining.  It is good and hot now and it won't take long for the clothes to dry.  I wish it was done for I don't like to wash.  It is near to dinner time now
and so I will have to close for this time.  We get three good meals a day and so we have no kick coming on that line.  All the same a good homemade meal would go a whole lot
better.   Your son, Allen.
The Call of August 16, 1918

SOLDIER BOY'S LETTER HOME
That necessity is the mother of invention is undisputedly proven in a letter from Sergeant Harry Steinbrunn to his mother, Mrs. Steinbrunn.  Mrs Steinbrunn received nine letters in
two days from their son and four from the other son in the same period.  
Dear Mother and Father,  A few lines to let you know I am well and getting along fine.  We have moved again since I wrote you.  In the last letter I told you we expected a big time and
we sure did have it the following night.  Several bunkies and myself had just had a fine dinner, which we made ourselves.  We got some onions, potatoes and a can of crab meat
which we put in a meat grinder all together and made balls of them.  We then rolled them in cracker dust and as we had plenty of grease we made fish cakes.  The cracker dust we
made by grinding up our hard tack and it certainly was good.  It is very noisy here, we can hear the noise of the cannon at all times and some are only a square away.  We are having
a great deal of rain lately and it must be cold in the winter time.  My bunkies are all asleep being out all night.  I did not go with them every night.  We must always be on the alert
here and ready for anything at all.
Since being over here I have seen Elmer but once and then not to talk to him.  The regiment is separated.  So far as I know they are about eleven kilometers, which is about seven
miles.  Everything is measured by kilometers over here.  We have been very busy the past week and I tell you it was the real thing.  We expect to get about a week's rest which is
badly needed by all the boys.  I was surprised to hear that you did not receive any letters from me as this is the eighth letter I wrote to you.
I do not know how often the mail goes across the ocean so you may get all my letters at one time.  I have not much to do today and as this is my birthday I thought I would write a
letter to you.  We do not get any news here as newspapers are scarce and the only thing we hear except what happens at this place, is the roar of the cannon and the night raids.  
Enclosed you will find a letter from King George of England, which was handed to everyone of us on our way here.  We are all anxious to get into a scrap, as we had a lively time
coming across.   Sergeant Harry J. Steinbrunn
The Call of August 30, 1918

LETTERS HOME FROM OUR SOLDIER BOYS
IS KEEPING AFTER HUNS
That Schuylkill Haven soldier boys are with the soldiers who have and are forcing the Germans back continually is evidenced by a letter received from First Sergeant Harry
Steinbrunn of the U. S. engineers, by his mother, recently.
France, August 1    Dear Father and Mother,   Just a few lines to let you know that I am well which is better than what the Huns are, as we are chasing them all the time.  I seen some
prisoners that were captured yesterday and some of them were only boys and they all were very glad that they were captured.  Our division is traveling at a very fast clip as we have
been on the front now a little over a month, while some divisions were here six and seven months and were not near the front and do not know what gas is like or shrapnel.  We are
moving almost all the time and peppering the Huns and keeping on their heels all the time.  In traveling after the Huns and going through places that he has just left you are
surprised and would hardly believe that there was a human being living that would destroy things as he has and then when he is captured to throw up his hands and have the nerve
to say "Kamerod."  He is getting what he deserves and I think is near the end of his fighting.  Of course, you cannot blame the men as they are forced to it and are very surprised to
see the Americans and more surprised to see the fight we can put up.  This is all for this time.  Harry

SOLDIER WRITES OF HIS INJURY
Several hours after the family of William Mill had been notified of the serious injury of their son, William, they received a letter from William himself stating that the injury was not
serious.  The first telegram to be received through and from the government informed the parents of his having been wounded, the second informed them that he had been
seriously or severely wounded.  The letter however eased their minds considerably and the same written by William, in part, is as follows.  It is dated July 19.
Dear Mother,   I suppose you know by this time i was wounded in both legs.  I am getting along fine.  The wounds were from shrapnel and both are in the calf of the leg.  He adds his
company, Company C, was called on to go up to the front lines as a big drive was about to start.  They marched up during the night and arrived at the front at daybreak and
immediately began to dig themselves in.  The shells soon began to fly and one struck him and he states, "made a nice sized hole in my leg."  Shortly after another piece of shrapnel
struck him in the right leg but this just grazed off some of the skin.  He writes he was taken to the first aid station and then to the field hospital and adds it was some ride over the
rough roads.  He states, "it was enough to drive one crazy."  When he arrived at the hospital they took a piece of shrapnel out of his leg.  He was then taken to the base hospital and
rode all night and half of the next day in hospital cars.  He states there was very little jarring on the train.  He is in a large hospital and has a good doctor and he thinks he will be out
soon.  
He states Benny Crossley of his company was wounded in the thigh and that he had a surprise when he got to the hospital and found that Dr. Carpenter of Pottsville was one of the
physicians, whom he said is looking fine.  He adds that he did not think his brother Raymond was in the attack as his platoon was held back.  He ends his letter thus, "Well we gave
the Boche a fine trouncing, capturing thousands and killing many.  We drove them clear across the river, but our company was held back in reserve, so we didn't see any of them."  
"Billy"
The Call of November 1, 1918

FIVE MORE TOWN BOYS WOUNDED IN FRANCE
In a letter to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Reber, John Reber, a member of Company C, 103rd Engineers, states that he was in a gas attack and got a sufficient amount of it to send
him to a base hospital.  With him at the base hospital were Fred Burket, Isaac Wagner and Lester Bast, all of whom were in the gas attack.  As the parents of Lester Bast had been
notified by the government of his having a gas attack, it was not known whether he, Bast was in the second attack or not.  All the boys mentioned are members of Company C, 103rd
Engineers.  Reber adds to his letter that the company was fighting on the front for one hundred and ten days and it was on the very last day of their being up front that they received
the gas.  He states while he was not so much stuck on the gas received, nevertheless it was the means of getting back into nice comfortable quarters for a time again.  He also
states he thought it advisable to write home and tell of the mishap sustained, rather than to have the government send a telegram and no details and cause worry for his parents.  It
is quite likely a telegram from the government will be received here at a later date informing the parents of the boys of their having been wounded, degree undetermined.  Word
was received this week by relatives of Warren Leeser, who is a member of the 313th Infantry, that he had been injured in action on September 29.  He writes from a hospital and
states he was injured in both legs by shrapnel.  He does not state just how severe the injury is and whether amputation was necessary.
The Call of May 2, 1947

LEGION WILL BUILD QUONSET HUT AS TEMPORARY QUARTERS
At a meeting of Robert E. Baker Post, American Legion, the membership voted to authorize the building committee to proceed with the purchase and erection of a Quonset hut on
the Parkway plot which will be the temporary home of the post.  Due to the excessive cost of labor and building materials which make the original building plans of the post
impossible because of inadequate funds to cover such increased costs, this type of building was accepted as a temporary measure.  The Post voted donations of ten dollars each to
the Cancer Fund and the American Red Cross 1947 Fund.  A new member, Kenneth Templin, was admitted to the post roster.  Plans are in preparation for a festival and block party to
be conducted in the near future.  A resolution recently adopted by Baker Post calling on Congress to designate August 14 as Peace Day has been adopted by the state executive
committee of the American Legion.  Under the local Post's proposal, this day would be designated as a national holiday by Congress.  The post will officiate with pall bearers and
firing squad at the funeral of the late Jesse Marshall on May 5.
The Call of June 23, 1916

LOCAL BOYS OFF TO WAR
Unless something unforeseen occurs, the members of the state militia company living in Schuylkill Haven and the surrounding towns will leave Pottsville for Mount Gretna tomorrow
morning.  The first company is expected to pass through Schuylkill Haven shortly after the seven o'clock or immediately after the Reading Flyer at 9:43 a. m.  The second will in all
probability pass through here about 11:00.  Our little town will give to the service of the country at least twenty five men.  Some have been members of the military company for
several years while others will receive their first experience in camp life and may even obtain an idea of the horrors of actual combat.  Whatever may be their lot, they go willingly
and with God speed and trust of their relatives, parents and the community in general.
Yesterday morning members started to mobilize at the state armory in Pottsville.  Here they were provided with equipment and while the ladies of the county seat provided meals for
the boys, some were allowed to come home, especially those who lived in close proximity to the armory and could easily be reached.  The majority of the town boys are members of
Company F.  It is the intention to recruit this company to 150 men.  With this idea in mind, Lieutenant Gangloff will remain in Pottsville for a few days after the departure of his troop.  
He will swear in all additional men and will then leave to join his command, wherever it is stationed.  Lieutenant Gangloff will only consider applicants of good character and explicit
instructions have been given to allow no one who is a boozer or user of intoxicants to become a member.
The Call of June 30, 1916

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN TO BE IN LEAGUE
Schuylkill Haven will within the course of the next week be asked to become a member of the Patriotic League of Schuylkill County.  This league was but recently formed in Pottsville
by some of the most prominent and influential citizens.  It is the intention of these citizens to have each and every local town involved.  A representative of the league will visit
Schuylkill haven some evening during the ensuing week.  The meeting will be open to the public when able addresses will be delivered outlining the working policy of the
organization and the charitable object in view.  Attorney C. E. Berger is the local representative of the general committee.  At the meeting to be held next week, the residents of the
town will have an opportunity to nominate local residents to serve on Mr. Berger's committee.  
The prime object of the organization is to care for the families of the men who have gone in the front and to provide every comfort for them while the heads of the support of the
family is away.  The purpose of the local relief committee will be to look after the families of soldiers in this immediate vicinity.  W. J. Richards, president of the P & R C and I Company
is one of the few prominent Schuylkill County men who is at the head of the movement.  Enrollment cards will be issued and the small fee of one dollar collected to become a
member.  Besides caring for the families, it will be the duty of the league to look after the positions of the men and to assist the families in every manner possible.  It is hoped that
on the evening the members of the league visit Schuylkill Haven, they will be met by all of the citizens of town.  The organization is not one composed of classes but of the masses
and the man with the least amount of money is accorded the same welcome as the man whose money is counted by the thousands.  The object is a worthy one and it remains to be
seen just how many of the townsmen of Schuylkill Haven will be numbered among the ten thousand membership desired by the leaders of the movement.  Pinegrove, Shenandoah,
Mahanoy City, Saint Clair and other towns have been organized and with Schuylkill Haven falling into line, all of the principal towns in the county will practically have been visited.  
The smaller towns will receive the attention of the league during the next two to three weeks.
The Call of January 25, 1918

SOLDIERS FIND IT COLD IN FRANCE
Cold weather and snow are being experienced by the soldier boys in France, according to information from Charles I. Saylor in a letter to his folks.  He states that his camp has been
moved a distance of eighty miles to another location.  Mr. Saylor has been advanced from a private to a wagoner with a substantial increase in pay.  With the promotion, he now has
charge of the eight cylinder Cadillac touring car used exclusively by the colonel.  He says, "Sometimes we travel as far as 150 miles.  Our trips take us through valleys and
mountains and the sights we pass and see are truly wonderful.  I have seen more of France in this way than I ever expected to see.  The majority of the roads over here are as
smooth as a floor but with a quarter of an inch of mud which makes driving treacherous.  Last Friday and Saturday I received twenty two letters, some from the people at Orange,
New Jersey.  This letter is being written by the light of a candle.  The other night there was a heavy fog.  The cold caused ice a quarter of an inch to form on the trees and bushes.  
The sight was indescribable."  Mr. Saylor stated that he received several packages containing a helmet, sleeping cap and other apparel and that there was no use denying that they
would be needed very shortly.  He asks that all things being sent abroad be securely packed as things received by other soldier boys were broken and torn.
The Call of March 15, 1918

LETTER FROM SOLDIER BOY
The first letter received by The Call from any of the cantonments came this week from Allen D. Knarr, a member of Supply Company 112 Infantry at Camp Hancock, Georgia.  The letter
was written on Sunday last and is rather interesting as the writer states they are making preparations to "go across"  and also mentions the names of several Schuylkill Haven boys
who are in the field with him.  
"Today is Sunday and everybody is glad for a rest after a tiresome three day hike to and from the artillery rifle range.  We started from camp at about 10:00 a. m., after a hard days
preparation, for there were many things to get ready, especially on our part, for it was our duty to get the teams ready and loaded, all but hitch up the teams.  We were all ready on
Wednesday but the hike began on Thursday morning.  The whole 56th Brigade was on the hike with the exception of some who were unable to do duty and a few who believe in
getting out of everything they can.  The brigade practiced sham battles and skirmish lines.  In the skirmish we went out by night and the outposts and front and rear guards were
placed.  We remained here for some time when the call "retreat" was sounded.  
I was transferred a week ago to this outfit with several other fellows from Company H and like it very much.  My work is on a team driving mules and it certainly is some experience.  
On Friday we went to the station for goods.  Returning, the mules became scared at an engine and went into a gutter.  I was thrown out and slightly injured but the other fellow held
the lines and stopped the team after they had run about fifty yards.  "Smiling" Joe Webber is the same as ever and entertains the boys once in a while with his witty jokes.  Joe is a
great friend of the mules for in case they don't kick him, he enjoys himself by kicking them.  Carl Matthews arrived back in camp after a long furlough which lasted twenty days.  We
almost forgot he was in the company and several of the fellows asked who the new guy was.  He certainly appeared happy and we fellows down here all know the reason.  Mose
Thompson and Bank Wildermuth, the great scouts in camp, who originate from Schuylkill haven, were on a scouting expedition and found a mule roaming about and looking
suspicious.  The mule was taken to the guard house and sentenced to be shot.  We are doing hard work at present with the intention of going to "No Man's Land" in the very near
future or on the other side of the pond.  Today we had Bible Class.  Bible Class is held four times a week and church three times a week.  Movies are shown in the Y.M.C.A. both
Wednesday and Saturday evenings.  News from home is always welcome so please don't forget to write."
The Call of April 19, 1918

LIBERTY MEASLES BROKE OUT HERE
Schuylkill Haven was captured by the German measles this week and as a result some sixty to seventy five school children are prevented from attending school.  This does not
mean, however, that there are this many cases of German measles.  In many families where one child has or had the disease he is the cause of several of his brothers or sisters
being prevented form attending school.  The disease made its appearance in the South Ward school building and as several students in each room complained to the teacher of
feeling ill and showing signs of being sick, the matter was reported to Superintendent Hoover and the Board of Health.  Dr. Heim, the physician for the Health Board, was instructed
to examine all the pupils in the four rooms of the South Ward building, taught by Miss Rehrer, Miss Lewis, Miss Emerich and Miss Bolich.  He called into consultation Dr. Lessig of
town.  An examination of the pupils was made and all questioned as to whether they had a rash or felt ill several days prior to the examination.  The pupils whom the teachers knew
days before had rash on their faces, arms or neck, together with the pupils who on the day of examination showed signs of having the German measles were sent home.  The Health
Board was notified and Officer Butz placarded their homes.  None of the cases reported are considered serious and if the public will observe the requirements of the health laws
and not treat too lightly this disease the likelihood of it spreading over a greater area of the town can be prevented.
All of the schools in the South Ward were closed and the rooms thoroughly fumigated.  The schools in the other ward buildings were also fumigated.  In the school taught by Miss
Bolich, there are about thirty pupils absent; in that taught by Miss Emerich twenty; Miss Rehrer fifteen and Miss Lewis ten making a total of 75 but this must not be construed that
this is the number of cases of German measles .  Quite a number of absentees are for causes other than illness.A month or so ago it will be remembered that a similar rash or
disease was reported at several of the U. S. Army cantonments.  The physicians diagnosed the disease as German measles but the soldiers would have nothing that had a German
name to it so they styled the disease "Liberty" measles and that is what the disease is to be called in Schuylkill Haven henceforth.
Liberty measles are much less contagious than measles or scarlet fever.  They effect children chiefly, very rarely adults.  The disease sets in no distinctive symptoms of invasion
prior to eruption.  There may be chilliness, moderate muscular pain, mild catarrh and slight fever with temperature fairly reaching 100 degrees for a day or two previous to the
eruption.  More frequently the pale rose color is first noticed.  The papules are scarcely elevated and vary in size from a pin's head to a split pea, the smaller being more numerous,
much smaller than the papules of measles.  They may fuse and form large irregular patches with little or no disposition to form small crescentic shaped groups like those of
measles.  The rash may appear as late as the second day, rarely on the third.  The most common symptom after eruption is a sore throat.  It varies in severity but is for the most part
mild, never becoming ulcerated.  It is really, perhaps, the eruption in the throat.  Somewhat less constant than the sore throat, though it varies somewhat in different epidemics, the
swelling of the emphatic glands of the neck.  There may be slight catarrh, watering of the eyes and running of the nose, all less than that of measles.  There are no complications
though and a full recovery is always expected.
The Call of May 24, 1918

218 ON TOWN'S HONOR ROLL
According to records gathered by The Call, Schuylkill Haven has 218 of her "Boys" and "Girls" in the United States Government fighting for the freedom of democracy.  There are 224
named on the Roll of Honor but as five were honorably discharged and one died there are but 218 actively engaged in the service.  At this writing we have knowledge of there being
29 of our town boys in France.  It is presumed that Company C Engineers are either on their way to France or will sail from New York for foreign shores shortly.  When Company C
lands on a foreign shore the number of town men then in Europe will be 104.  
It is also presumed that quite a number of town men from other companies and training camps are either on their way to France or have possibly arrived by this time, but as we have
no definite information on the subject they are included on the honor roll with the last address given as The Call.  The total number of 224 is divided as follows: France 29; Company
C Engineers 75; Special Service Inductions 18; U. S. Army 82; U. S. Navy 6; Aviation Service 6; Red Cross 3; honorably discharged 5 and one died.  Within the next week or two the
number on the roll will be again increased as there will be quite a few Schuylkill Haven boys inducted into the regular service.  
The Call wishes to bring the question of continuing this Honor Roll, clearly up to the parents and relatives of the boys in the service.  It is absolutely impossible for us to keep
informed of the changes in address and unit or company of the men in service without the assistance of the parents and relatives.  We have no way of learning these changes
except from the parents and relatives.  While we should very much like to frequently publish this Honor Roll it is useless and worthless unless it be correct to date.  We solicit and
strongly urge the cooperation of parents, friends and relatives of our soldier boys in compiling this list.
The Call of August 16, 1918

A RED, WHITE AND BLUE WORM DISCOVERED HERE
While working in her garden on Columbia Street, Mrs. Luckinbill discovered a patriotic worm clinging to a branch of her currant bush.  The worm was about five inches long and
about three quarters of an inch in thickness.  On the front part of its body were eight red spots while four rows of white and blue spots traversed the body from head to tail.  All the
spots were very pronounced and the worm was believed by many to be a sure sign of an early peace.  Numerous residents of that locality viewed the worm and some were of the
opinion that the eight red spots meant but eight more months of war.
The Call of August 9, 1921

MEMORIAL FOR SOLDIER DEAD
Yes, the Schuylkill Haven dead of the recent World War are to have a suitable memorial.  Definite plans have been worked out by the Ladies' Auxiliary of the American Legion to
purchase a monument of marble or granite marker of a size and design limited only by the sum to be contributed by the public.  No definite amount of money that is to be expended
or this purpose has been set, although it might be well to state that these memorials are quite expensive.  A special campaign or drive for funds for this memorial will be begun on
September 16th.  Solicitors have been selected by the chairlady in charge to canvass every home on every street.  Upon the total subscribed depends the kind of memorial that will
be purchased.
This memorial is to be erected upon the Soldiers' Lot on the Union Cemetery recently acquired by the American Legion from the Union Cemetery Association.  The lot measures 36 by
40, is upon the quite new addition to the cemetery and comprises four ordinary sized lots.  This ground was donated by the Association to the Legion.  While the law provides that
cemetery lots must be paid for, a consideration of one dollar was charged.  However, this one dollar consideration was made up by the directors of the Association.  The expense of
preparing a deed and recording it at the court house was also taken care of by the Cemetery association, so that the lot came to the Legion boys without cost.  Needless to say the
American Legion appreciates the kindness and generosity of the Association.  It is the intention of the Legion to purchase a suitable fence, probably erect a flag pole, have the lots
sodded and put in proper condition.
The Call of August 15, 1919

MANY ATTENDED BLOCK PARTY
An ideal, cool evening lent much to the success of the block party held last evening for the purpose of raising funds for the soldiers' Welcome Home Celebration.  Each trolley car
into the town brought its load of both young and old folks.  Autos from many points in this section also brought folks who danced and made merry on the Saint John Street square.  
As to local people, well there were few persons who remained at home, all either participating in the merry making and fun of the evening or taking satisfaction from standing on the
side lines and watching the dancers and merry makers.  Lines of electric bulbs strung along Saint John Street added the desired effect and needed illumination for the event.  
Refreshment stands where sandwiches, temperances, etc., could be purchased were well patronized.  The wheel of fortune was also well patronized and many persons had the
good luck to win several times in succession.  
Both the Bressler's Band and the Citizens' Band were on hand, one band at one end of the square and another band at the other end.  Each musical organization seemed imbued
with the spirit to play its best and add all the more to the enjoyment of the dance.  It was a regular continuous dance with hundreds of couples participating and enjoying themselves
immensely.  There was a total absence of any rough and rowdy tactics, everyone being desirous of having a good time in a sensible manner.  Only one attempt at a fight was
reported.  Bystanders, however, promptly separated the would be fighters and one, evidently the aggressor, was ordered out of town and immediately complied.  Not only did the
crows dance but they also ate as is attested by the fact that 16 gallons of ice cream was disposed of, 498 rolls, 28 loaves of bread and 57 pounds of "doggies."  Sixty gallons of
orangeade was sipped up.  At the wheel of fortune about 135 pounds of candy was disposed of.  Main Street and a number of other streets were lined from one end to the other with
autos that brought the folks in from neighboring towns.  A band and about 25 autos from Port Carbon drove through town during the early part of the evening advertising the
Welcome Home celebration at Port Carbon, which opened at midnight, Thursday.
The Call of December 23, 1921

TO BE BURIED WITH MILITARY HONORS MONDAY
Amid the joy and merrymaking of Christmas time comes sadness to at least one family in particular.  That of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Francis Bolton of Liberty Street, as in the front room
of their home where a Christmas tree has generally found place, there rests a large metallic casket containing the body of their son, John Bolton, who in serving his country on
foreign fields, lay down his life that we might enjoy and continue to enjoy the merry Yuletide under a democratic form of government.  
The body of John Bolton, the fourth of this town's soldier dead to arrive in town, will be accorded a full military funeral on Monday afternoon, commencing at two o'clock.  Services
will be conducted at the home on Liberty Street at 1:30 o'clock.  The deceased soldier will be accorded a full military burial.  The American Legion has charge of the services.  All ex
servicemen are urged to meet at the Legion rooms at 1:30 o'clock and wear uniforms if convenient.  Further services will be held in the Grace Evangelical Church at two o'clock.
Private John Bolton of Company A, Machine Gun Battalion, was killed in action on July 15, 1918.  He was the second of the Schuylkill Haven soldier boys to lay down their life during
the World War.  He was 23 years of age and previous to the war had been a member of Company E, N. G. P. of Hamburg.  His first enlistment was on April 6, 1917.  He left for Camp
Hancock on September 10th, just two days after his wedding.  He set sail for France on May 1, 1918 and arrived there on June 10th.  He was a member of the Junior Mechanics of
town and of the Grace United Evangelical Church and Sunday School.  Besides his widow and one child, he is survived by his parents and several brothers and sisters.
The Reading Times of January 16, 1918

RUSHING RELIEF WORK
Extraordinary efforts will have to be made by the members of the Schuylkill Haven Chapter of the American Red Cross Society, as a result of a call for supplies received during the
present week.  The chapter was notified that all the southern Schuylkill County chapters have been asked to furnish 20,000 surgical dressings.  The allotment ot the local chapter
has been placed at 300 dressings per month.
The Call of August 9, 1918

COMPANY C MAN HAD LEG AMPUTATED IN FRANCE
A letter from the front, to Mr. a\nd Mrs. Oscar Sterner of Canal Street, on Wednesday afternoon, brought most unwelcome news.  It was to the effect that their eldest son, Leon
Sterner, a member of Company C, 103rd Engineers, had submitted to the amputation of his right leg.  The letter was written by the victim on July 20th, while lying on his back in Red
Cross hospital Number 2.  He stated that three days previous he had been severely wounded in the knee by shrapnel and that the limb was amputated above the knee to prevent
gangrene, or blood poisoning, from developing.  The letter contained less than four score words.
Leon Sterner will be 24 years of age on October 6th next.  He was employed by the Bell Telephone Company and by occupation is an electrician.  He was drafted from Tamaqua and
sent to Augusta, Georgia.  When it was ascertained that the personnel of Company C was to be increased, his brother Ray Sterner interceded and through the efforts of Captain
Gangloff, Leon Sterner was made a corporal.  His brother Ray is a sergeant in the same company.  Further details of the accident are expected by the parents in the next letter.
The Call of August 23, 1918

CONFIRMS BROTHERS DEATH
A brief letter, written on July 22, by Samuel Bolton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Bolton of Liberty Street, was received by the parents on Monday evening of the present week.
Dear Mother,   Just a few lines to let you know that I am happy and well and hope you are the same.  We are having pretty nice weather over here but when it rains, as it certainly
does, I get soaked in it.  Tell the kids (meaning brothers and sisters) that General Pershing says, Heaven, Hell or Hoboken by Christmas," and I hope that it is as we are all getting
tired of the life now but are always happy.  Well mother, I guess by the time you get this letter, you will have heard about John being killed.  Do not think it very hard or don't worry,
because we all came over together and we knew that someone or more of us, would never go along home again.  Cheer up and don't cry or worry because I don't and I was just a
little away from him in his emplacement when it happened.  Try and cheer up Floss (meaning his wife) a little as I know she will mind it pretty bad.  I guess he was wanted or He would
not have called him.  There may be more of us before it is all over.  It is too bad about Carl Fey.  I thought sure I wold run into him sometime but I guess I will have no chance now.  I
guess Schuylkill Haven will not be the only place for a good time when we come home.  I hope the girls will stick to you and help you get along.  I didn't get the tobacco yet.
From your loving son,  Samuel
The Call of August 23, 1918

HARD TO GET WRITING MATERIAL
Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Reber received the following letter from their son John, in which the writer stated it is increasingly hard to procure writing paper.  He further tells of a local boy
being hit and how they have the Germans on the run.  The letter was written on July 21 and received last Friday.
Dear Mother and dad,   Since we have arrived in France we have been moving all the time and we find it very hard to get writing material.  We got a box this morning but we don't
know what to do with it.  I went in and the captain gave me a handful of notes that looked like wallpaper to me.  I am sending a request for some things.  The request and the slip on
the box must be alike and the slip must be shown to the postmaster with the lieutenant's name signed.  One fellow got a fruit cake over here and it sure was good.  We are not
allowed to write and tell where we are but I can tell you that we are up at one of the most important fronts and that we have held the front line trench for two days and two nights.
We have had several wounded but nobody killed in our company.  Billie Mill was hit in the leg with shrapnel.  We have the Boche on the run now and we are going to keep him going
until we hit Berlin.  I'll admit that dad has nearly always been right in his arguments but here is one I am going to beat him on.  He says, "The war will last three years yet."  Well, I will
be home next summer and maybe before.  France is a very pretty country, all hills like Pennsylvania.  I came through Paris but did not stop.  We could see the Eiffel Tower from the
train.  I am going to write a book when I get home entitled, "Across the Ocean on Two Boats," or "Through France in a Box Car."  We are resting now after our trick in the trenches.  I
am near Joe Byerley but did not see him yet.  His company was fighting right aside of ours.  We have the Germans on the run.  We drove them 40 kilometers (25 miles).  We also took
16,000 prisoners.  We are driving them that fast that the Germans are bringing up trucks to haul their men back.  I will close hoping everyone is well.  I am fine.
Lovingly,  John   P. S. We have Fourth of July all of the time.
Reading Times of August 29, 1918

HERO'S WIDOW GETS LETTER
Mrs. John Bolton today received a letter from her husband which was taken out of his pocket July 19, when he fell on the battlefield.  Lieutenant Ernest Swingler wrote that Bolton
was buried under a cherry tree in a beautiful valley and sent the widow a map of the spot.
The Call of November 1, 1918

MADE 18 TRIPS OVER THE SEA
Charles Gehrig, of the U. S. S. Transport America, after spending a fifteen day furlough with his parents of Berger Street, returned to his ship today.  Mr. Gehrig is now a gun captain
and wears two gold chevrons on his sleeve, one being for a year's service and the other for being in a submarine attack.  Mr. Gehrig would not say much about the submarine
attack, anything more than that it occurred on a recent trip across and at a time when there were a number of town boys aboard.  The crew sunk the sub.  Mr. Gehrig has made 18
trips across the sea, carrying thousands of soldiers on board each time.  Two trips were made to Italy, two to England but the balance to France.  It requires 20 days for a round trip
about seven to eight days going each way.  
Mr. Gehrig had a narrow escape from drowning about two weeks ago when his ship while lying in Hoboken suddenly went to the bottom.  Gehrig was asleep on the second top deck
and it was only by the cry of his shipmates that he awakened in time to leap into the water.  He had only time to make one grab and in this grab he got his jumper and hat.  All the rest
of his clothing and personal belongings were lost.  The account of the sinking was given in the papers at the time.  Mr. Gehrig does not expect to sail for possibly several months as
the work of raising his ship has been begun and unless he is transferred he, with a number of others will be held until the ship is again ready to sail.
The Call of February 28, 1919

REPORTED KILLED IN FRANCE
From information received recently by the parents of Harry Koenig, they are led to believe their son was killed in France on July 28th.  Mr. and Mrs. Koenig have not received any
word of any kind from him for many months and their mail addressed to him has been returned repeatedly.  The information that Mr. Koenig was killed in action on July 28th comes
from heretofore unknown persons in Millburg, Massachusetts.  It was at this point young Koenig enlisted and prior to his enlistment made friends with a young man of that town.  
Both enlisted in the same company, the former was made a corporal.  This Millburg young man in a letter written to his mother and sister tells of his friend Koenig having been
killed.  The Millburg people did not know the address of Mr. Koenig's parents so they wrote to the War Department giving the number and name of the company in which he enlisted
and asking for the name and address of his relatives.  This was furnished and accordingly a letter of sympathy was sent to Mr. and Mrs. Koenig.  The receipt of this letter of sympathy
was the first intimation they had that their son was killed.  
Proof that the Koenig referred to in the letter was the Schuylkill Haven Koenig was furnished by the enclosure of a photo of the young man and a gentleman friend taken while in
this country shortly after enlistment.  Up to this writing no notice has been received from the War Department as to Koenig being killed or injured.  However, it will be recalled that
one summer evening of last year when the list of a number of casualties was placed on The Call bulletin board, the name of a Koenig was given and the address was listed as
Schuylkill haven.  This was later changed to a Koenig with a Pottsville address.  Whether the account referred to the Schuylkill haven young man is not known.  The Koenig family,
however, have taken the matter up with the War Department to endeavor to gain some definite information as to whether the information received is correct or not.  It is known that
the company in which the Schuylkill Haven man was a member, was, with the exception of but a few men, entirely wiped out in an engagement with the Huns.
The Call of March 28, 1919

GOOD DISPLAY OF WAR SOUVENIRS
An interesting display of war souvenirs is that in the window of druggist, G. I. Bensinger.  The articles were all picked up by Guy Bensinger, of Ashland, who was of the U. S.
Ambulance Corps Number 639 with the French Army.  Mr. Bensinger, it will be remembered, spent several months in Schuylkill Haven several years ago when he conducted a "trip to
Bermuda" contest for The Call.  Among the articles on display are an automatic German gun filler, containing one hundred rounds of ammunition.  The bullets are all very pointed.  
The same was picked up during the second Battle of the Marne in the woods near the Igny le Jard to the right of Chateau Thierry.  The Fusie Claironte or star shell pistol is a French
weapon.  This was used in the second Battle of the Marne and picked up along the Marne River on the outskirts of Dormas.  It is used in signaling the artillery and throws up either a
red or green ball or fire or tableau.  
The equipment of a German infantryman, namely a belt containing a bayonet and ammunition pouches was picked up on a farm near Chavenay during the second Battle of the
Marne.  The German gas mask worn by a German officer, was taken from him when he was taken prisoner in battle, June 9, 1918 on the outskirts of Courcelle, near Montdidier.  A
number of other interesting articles are also on display.  The German decorations s=consist of an Iron Cross of the second class taken from a German who was killed in a Coup de
Main," night attack.  This decoration soldiers are permitted to wear on the center of the chest.  The Iron Cross of the first class, which was taken from a German prisoner, is worn
over the heart.  The citation from Marshal Petain for heroic work in the second Battle of the Marne, presented to Mr. Bensinger, Joe Lynch of Pottsville and Guy Moyer of
Orwigsburg is also on exhibition.
The Call of April 18, 1919

WAR VETERANS POST BEING FORMED HERE
A War Veterans Association is being formed in Schuylkill Haven.  It is styled a Veterans of Foreign wars Association and those eligible to membership are soldiers, sailors and
marines who have seen service in any foreign war.  The organization has been in existence in other places for some time.  Saturday evening Messrs. Kerschner and Didyoung of
Reading were in town and explained the matter to a number of the town soldier boys and enrolled them as members.  Up to this writing twenty have joined. The entrance fee is $1.00.
The association has as its aim the welfare of the soldier boy, while in service and when mustered out of service.  The association has already been instrumental in procuring a
number of favors for the soldier boys.  From the fact there are a large number of soldier boys who were in service from this town, it is believed the local post will be quite a large
one.  Before making application for a charter for the town organization or selecting a name for it, it has been decided to wait until all of the town soldier boys come home so that they
will have the opportunity of becoming charter members and a chance to select a name for the local post.  The organization will therefore be sort of a temporary affair until all the
boys come home.  All soldier boys in Schuylkill Haven, Cressona, Orwigsburg and the nearby surrounding towns are eligible and asked to join the local post.  Further information can
be obtained from the following town soldier boys; Leon Sterner, Harry Burkert, William Boyer and Paul Baker.
Pottsville Journal of May 2, 1917

BIG FLAG RAISING AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN
One of the largest outpourings of citizens at flag raisings in this vicinity is expected this afternoon when three large flags will be raised at the factories of the Saul and Zang firm at
Schuylkill Haven.  Three flags will be raised on the roofs of the factories, each six by ten feet.  The exercises are unusual in that employees of the firm, themselves members of
Company "C," Pennsylvania Engineers and who have done duty at the Mexican border, will be the active participants in the three unfurlings.  They are Isaac Wagner, Roy Ketner and
Hobart Becker.  These three soldiers will each unfurl a flag. Later they will fire the customary twenty one gun salute.  The Schuylkill Haven Band will be present and furnish the
music.  The principal address will be by Reverend George M. Richter of the United Brethren Church.  The entire force of the factory, numbering more than 150, will take part in the
exercises and all citizens of Schuylkill Haven are also invited to participate.
Pottsville Journal of May 18, 1917

RED CROSS WORK AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - 53 Members Joined At The Second Meeting - Plenty Of Work For All To Do
Fifty three new members joined the Schuylkill Haven Red Cross Society at the second meeting of this worthy organization in Saint Matthew's Lutheran Church, on Friday evening
last.  The meeting was presided over by the president, Mrs. Ada Dechert.  Mrs. Dechert stated that an invitation had been extended the Society to participate in the parade on
Saturday and that autos would be provided for the members.  The committee of the Society desire that the members meet at the town hall at 1:30 o'clock sharp where the autos will
call for them.  During the week, a meeting was held at the home of the president where the head gear and bands for the arms were made.  The president desired a good turnout on
this occasion, Patriotic Day.
After careful consideration on the part of the officials it was decided to prepare and get ready immediately a box containing tray covers, napkins, etc.  The members were urged to
gather together all the old linen and muslin and bring the same to the town hall, where a room has been set apart for the exclusive use of the Society.  The members are also urged
to bring along chairs, that the room may be furnished.  Efforts will be made to procure a sewing machine and meetings will be held both afternoon and evening.  The president
stated this would be necessary as many of the members would be able to get to an evening meeting who would be unable to attend an afternoon meeting.
Work is also to be provided to the shut ins.  This means that members who through illness or infirmity, are unable to attend the meetings, will be provided work at their respective
homes.  There is no one that humble but that can assist in some manner or other.  The officers of the Schuylkill Haven Red Cross Society feel greatly encouraged with the present
outlook.  However, they are desirous of having more men becoming members of the organization, as their services are needed in more ways than one.  During the week, a Red
Cross sign will be placed at the town hall in order that each member may know exactly where the headquarters are.  Any person desiring to become a member can telephone either
the president on the Bell phone of Miss Jennie Zulick on the Schuylkill phone.  The members decided to hold "tag day" tomorrow when the town will be crowded with people,
weather permitting.  Bright and early, the members will be found on the streets, asking each person to assist in this most worthy cause by contributing their mite.  No one should
refuse and no amount will be refused by the collectors.
Pottsville Journal of June 28, 1917

FORM COUNCIL OF WAR AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN
Schuylkill Haven residents, in hearty sympathy with the Red Cross and with other organizations intended by their work to alleviate the sufferings attending the present war, met in
the Town Hall last evening, and discussed the situation.  A thorough canvass is to be made of the residents so that the remaining $300, or more, of the $2,000 allotted to them to
contribute to the Red Cross Fund, may be raised.  Many present voiced the sentiment that the residents should cooperate with the Red Cross, but should not confine works of
benevolence to that organization alone.  It was finally decided to form a council of war for these purposes.  A committee consisting of James A. Noecker, esquire, Dr. George H.
Moore and George P. W. Saul was appointed to draft plans for such an organization.  The committee will report plans at the meeting to be held tomorrow evening at the Town Hall to
which the public is invited.
Pottsville Journal of July 19, 1917

PERSHING SELECTS BOY FROM COUNTY - Bright Butz, Schuylkill Haven, Named As General's Private Secretary In France
Bright Butz, of Schuylkill Haven, has been appointed private secretary to General Pershing in command of the United States forces in France.  This brings an additional honor to
Schuylkill Haven in having a man in authority upon the firing line in France and really a man at the head of the entire military movements in the great world war.  Mr. Butz was former
secretary to Secretary of the Treasury McAdoo.  He was given the appointment following his admirable work in the United States Treasury Department where he obtained a post
without political backing and after passing a civil service examination.  He is a graduate of the Schuylkill haven schools and a graduate of the Pottsville Business college.  He is 25
years of age and resides with his mother, widow of Milton Butz, a painter who was killed at work on a Pottsville building years ago.  He received notice of his appointment yesterday
and the same became known to his friends at Schuylkill Haven, who are deeply elated over his success.  He leaves for France at an early date.
Pottsville Journal of May 15, 1918

BIG MEETING FOR SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Prominent Philadelphia Officer And Orator Of British Army To Be The Speakers
Schuylkill Haven is going to go way over the top in the coming Red Cross campaign.  The town over the way has given lots of her sons to the service and their parents and friends
are going to see to it that the Red Cross, the ministering angel of the army, gets the strongest kind of backing in Schuylkill Haven.  Chairman Stauffer of the Schuylkill Haven
committee, has arranged for a public meeting on Friday evening that promises to set a record for patriotic gatherings.  For speakers, he has secured Henry M. Stevenson, Esquire
of Philadelphia, a speaker of note and a patriot of the brand intense.  With Mr. Stevenson will appear Lieutenant McCallan of the British Army, fresh from the front with a fund of
gripping, thrilling tales.  Then there will also be a Canadian soldier who will tell how the "Ladies From Hell" go into the Hun fire and get the Hun.
The Call of August 23, 1918

SOLDIERS LOSE THEIR CLOTHING
Foster Reber, a member of Company B, 103rd Military Police, with the American forces in France, writes interestingly of his meeting a number of local boys and former residents and
states that there are times when it is necessary to leave certain sections, allowing all their belongings to remain behind.  The letter was written to his sister, Mabel, under date of
July 24th:
I received your letter and was more than glad to hear you and all are in the best of health.  I am going to make supper for four We do our own cooking at present because we are not
near our company.  I enjoy living out.  At present we sleep in beds but for sometime we were outdoors.  Thus far I have not seen Lester but I know where he is.  I don't think he
knows where I am at all, but I will visit him in the near future if I get the chance.  I inquired about him and at that time they were in the trenches.  
Well, this is a great experience to all of us.  I wondered how Lester traveled.  Most all the troops travel a great deal.  I enjoy traveling very much and hope to keep on.  This is a great
life, a hot bath would go fine, but not here.  I took a bath in a creek near here and also washed my clothes.  Soaped them well and then pounded them with a French washer made of
wood, shaped like a sauerkraut stumper.  A lady gave it to me to do my washing.  We get along great.  Today she gave me eats that looked like cake but what it was I'll never tell.  All I
know it was "trialbon" meaning very good.  A great time we have talking French.  I understand more than half of what I can speak, so I get along alright.  A great many talk Dutch.  I
got to meet one yesterday and he could talk Dutch better than French, so we had a long talk.  The lady is packing up to leave because she got orders.  I trade my candles and
tobacco for onions and bread when we run short.  I pay half a franc, fifty centimes or ten cents for a canteen of milk fresh and right after it is taken from the cow.
As I may not state to you of my whereabouts, but am about used to the bursting of shell.  Our work is interesting and I like it.  I'll say this for our town boys, "They are right on the job.
Right in it."  So far as I know all are well and hope they may continue.  I saw a few of the boys and they told me of their traveling on foot and in French box cars, jammed 27 in one car.
The cars are only four wheelers and still have the three links and a pin for a coupling.  So far I have experienced first class travel by rail and motor truck.  Most of the German
prisoners I have seen so far are very young.  I have spoken to quite a few and they seem to be glad they are captured.  They sure do look a mess.  One of them spoke English fairly
well and he said, " We come to see you Americans."  Well, war of today is not easily explained but it is a great game.  
I have heard about Carl Fey and Russel Kantner being gassed, of which I am very sorry.  I know both of them well and hope they will soon recover.  I was talking to Foster Berger, of
Cressona, this afternoon, and he told me Lester was in the trenches.  I also saw Isaac Murphy.  I still have most of my things but most of the troops have lost their clothes.  We don't
wait to pack up at times.  Well, I have told you all the news I know and will bring my letter to a close.  Hoping that we may all return home in the near future, with victory and peace
forever.  I am as ever, Your loving brother, Foster Reber.
Pottsville Journal of August 29, 1918

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN SOLDIER WOUNDED BY SHRAPNEL
The name of William Mills, of Schuylkill Haven, is the only one from these parts contained in the official casualty list made public by the War Department, Thursday.  Mr. and Mrs.
William E. Mills, parents of the boy, have received a letter from him since his injury.  He told them he was hit twice from shrapnel on July 17.  The letter was written in a base hospital
two days after he was wounded.  Private Mills said his left leg was caught by shrapnel when a shell exploded close by.  A few seconds later another shell exploded near him, striking
his other limb.  He was removed to a dressing station and then placed on a hospital train and taken far away from the firing line, traveling all day and night.  Young Mills is a member
of Company C, 103rd Engineers.  His brother, Raymond, is a corporal in the same company.
Pottsville Journal of September 7, 1918

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN SOLDIER GASSED
Sergeant Lester Gilham was gassed while giving aid to the wounded after crossing the Marne.  He was a member of the Hospital Corps of the Ninth Machine Gun Battalion.  In a
letter written to his sister, Mrs. George M. Paxson, of Schuylkill Haven, he said he crossed the river Marne with the boys and removed his gas mask to aid the wounded.  In doing so
he was gassed.  He wrote later saying he was in fine shape and hoped to return to the front soon.  Before entering the Army, Sergeant Gilham was a student at Gettysburg College.  
He enlisted in May of 1917.  Mrs. Emma Gilham, of Schuylkill Haven, is his mother.  Mrs. George M. Paxson, wife of attorney Paxson is his sister.  His brother Dilham Gilham also
resides in Schuylkill Haven.
The Call of September 13, 1918

BURNED WITH MUSTARD GAS
Harry Keller of Company C Engineers writes to his parents of his being burned by a mustard gas shell that exploded by him.  His letter is as follows:  Somewhere in France, August 9:
Dear Parents,  Just a few lines to let you know I am in the base hospital with a few slight gas burns, which I received on August 5th, when a mustard gas shell bursted about ten feet
from my dugout.  I am feeling fine and getting treated fine, believe me.  I do not think I would have been burned, if it were not for the fact that my clothing were wet from the rain.  
Mustard gas hangs to the clothes and wherever a person perspires or is wet, that is where it burns.  I am just glad that I am not burned as bad as some of the boys I have seen.  Also
glad that I got my gas mask on in time.  When a person gets burned with this gas, they take him to a first aid station and he has to discard everything he owns because it is more or
less saturated with the gas and the clothing are of no use anymore.  After they strip a person they give him a bath with some sort of a solution and believe me I got one of these
baths and I needed a bath badly.  
After I had my bath, at the dressing station I was put on an ambulance and taken to a field hospital, where I was given another bath and there I stayed over night till the next
afternoon, then I was moved to another hospital and stayed overnight and from there was put on a hospital train and brought down to the base hospital, where I am now and I am
getting along fine.  I hope to be out soon.  I would not have gone to the hospital, only some of the fellows thought it best that I do so.  Harry Reber was bunking with me at the time
and he got more of it than I did.  Quite a few from the company got some of the gas.  The burn is somewhat like the burn of a stove or steam.  I am getting good meals and have a
good place to sleep and I am receiving wonderful treatment, so do not worry about me.  I have been over quite a bit of the battlefront where the drive took place and have quite a
lot of experience.  I saw quite a few German prisoners that were captured in the drive and also saw quite a few German dead compared to the Allies.     Your loving son, Harry
Pottsville Journal of February 19, 1920

"I'VE CAUGHT A SPY AND I NEED CASH," STORY FOR JUDGE - Schuylkill Haven Italian Has Visions Of War Reward Until Doctor Acts - Now He's In Asylum
Slowly meandering into the office of Prothonotary James R. Walton upon the hill today, an Italian giving his name as Dominic Pizzi and his residence as the Hotel Grand, Schuylkill
Haven, startled an assemblage of clerks and others with the query: "Where's Judge Bechtel? I want some money.  I just captured a German spy and two others and I want the
reward."  "You could not have come to a better place," said Dr. W. J. Bower, superintendent of the new insane asylum, who after a verbal examination, placed Pizzi in the asylum
automobile and whizzed him to a padded cell.
The incident caused an investigation as to who Pizzi really was and it was learned that he came to Schuylkill Haven from reading some time ago, and had been working at the Hotel
Grand for some time.  He is suffering from an acute form of insanity which is caused by excitement and the great heat of the stoves over which he has been working as chef, it is
said, and he will be held for observation.  It was also remembered that several weeks ago he came to the Prothonotary's office in a quest for naturalization papers as he desired to
join the army but of course was unsuccessful.
Pottsville Journal of September 4, 1920

DON'T MARRY AGAIN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN SOLDIER HERO WRITES "WIDOW"
Mourned as killed in action in France during the world war, John Bolton, of Schuylkill Haven, has turned up at the home of his aunt, Mrs. Shrubb, at Allentown, a letter from her to his
parents and wife, the latter now receiving a pension from the United States government, urging the "widow," for his sake, not to marry again as he will be home soon.  Bolton is the
son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Bolton of Schuylkill haven.  He and his brother, Samuel, were both identified with Company H of Hamburg, formerly a part of the Fourth Infantry of the
National Guard.  They were members of the famous Twenty Eighth or "Iron Division," which performed such prodigies of valor overseas in Flanders Field.
Samuel was close by when a bursting shell struck his brother, who fell apparently mortally wounded, having been struck by several pieces of shrapnel.  He never afterward saw or
heard of his brother so he wrote home a vivid description telling how the latter fell facing the foe, a sacrifice to the cause of democracy.  The parents of John, as well as his wife,
had become reconciled to his death on the field of honor.  The news of the young soldier's recovery and homecoming came as a bolt from a clear sky.  When the young man walked
into the home of his aunt, who moved to Allentown several years ago, it was as if resurrected from the dead, and the fact that one leg and an arm were amputated and his face
disfigured, caused her to collapse.  It was necessary to call in the family physician to overcome the effects of shock.
The aunt lost no time in notifying the parents of the young soldier, the letter being received by them yesterday.  Bolton is reported in the letter as at present selling books.  The
news, while joyfully received by his parents and wife, came as a decided shock to them because they had long ago convinced themselves that he was no longer alive.  The news of
Bolton's return created a decided sensation in his native town of Schuylkill Haven.  The ex servicemen, identified with the American Legion, too, are as much surprised at the news
as are his relatives.  They believe now, that after he fell on the battlefield, he was picked up by ambulance men and rushed to a base hospital where his identity was lost during the
long months he was slowly recovering.  Charles Bitzer, one of the ex servicemen, a resident of Schuylkill haven, says that he was in close proximity to the Hamburg company when
Bolton was believed to have been killed.

* Unfortunately the entire incident turned out to be a cruel hoax perpetrated on the family.
Pottsville Journal of March 10, 1928

AMERICAN LEGION STAGES CAMPAIGN - Schuylkill Haven To Be Well Guarded In Future With Military Organizations - Expect To Enroll Many
Robert E. Baker Post Number 38, American Legion of Schuylkill Haven is conducting a membership drive and expects to get every ex serviceman into the Legion in this place.  The
organization is in a flourishing condition at the present time and the Legion boys are doing good work in the way of upholding the civic pride of this borough and improving
conditions to make Schuylkill Haven a better place in which to live.  The local Legion has completed plans for an intensive membership drive from March 8th to March 22nd during
which time it is hoped to boost the membership to two hundred.  The first week of the campaign will utilize advertising and completing the list of prospects, the final week being set
aside as the time during which actual enrollment work will be done.
On Thursday night, March 15th, at eight o'clock, a mass meeting for ex servicemen will be held in Gray's Hall at which time all prospective members in addition to those already
enrolled are urgently requested to be present.  This meeting will be addressed by several well known speakers.  The purpose of it being to explain to all not already enrolled just
what the organization stands for and why they should become members.  The various Post soliciting groups are now at work making personal calls on prospective members with the
idea of inducing them to attend this meeting.  The following committees are in charge of the drive:
General Committee - R. P. Mill, Commanding General; C. G. Gangloff, Colonel; F. K. Burkert, Colonel. Sub Committee Group Number 1: Warren Leeser, Major; Daniel Minnich, Captain;
Clayton Koenig, Lieutenant.  Group Number 2: Albert Raudenbush, Major; John Dewald, Captain; R. W. Lenker, Lieutenant.  Group Number 3: Samuel Lear, Major; Norton Pritchard,
Captain; Daniel Bolton, Lieutenant.  Group Number 4: Ralph Sattizahn, Major; Harry Burkert, Captain; Allen Klahr, Lieutenant.  Group Number 5: Hobart Becker, Major; Lester Reber,
Captain; Charles L. Fitzpatrick, Lieutenant.  
Schuylkill Haven will be well guarded in the future with military organizations, with the American Legion, Headquarters Battery, and another organization, "The Imperial Guards," also
making an interesting membership drive at the present time.  This organization will make some spectacular drills this summer and will uphold law and order in Schuylkill Haven
wherever our borough laws are violated.  There is plenty of room in boroughs such as Schuylkill Haven for such organizations.  The "Imperial Guards" will also see that the civic
parade and general living conditions are kept at a high notch.  The organization will make an intensive drive for fifty or sixty new members.
Pottsville Journal of March 26, 1928

LEGION DRIVE IS PROVING SUCCESS - Mayor Scott and Major Gangloff Pay High Tribute To Organization - New Home Is Inspected
The first week of the membership drive of the local Legion post ended with a booster meeting in Gray's Hall.  Sixty Legionnaires and former servicemen were present.  The meeting
was presided over by Post Commander Raymond Mill.  He gave the meeting over to Fred Burkert, chairman of the membership committee.  He briefly outlined the purpose of the
meeting and then introduced the first speaker, Mayor Roy Scott.  Mayor Scott paid high tribute to the American Legion, both as a national organization and also to the local post.  He
expressed the viewpoint of the average citizen and gave many reasons why every former service man should be an active member of the Legion.   Major Gangloff was next
presented by Chairman Burkert.  In his usual forceful manner, he explained what the American Legion means to the community.  State and nation, and also to the boys who answered
the call of the nation.  He pointed out the unselfish interest and aims of the organization and urged every eligible man to identify himself with the post.  Both addresses were
listened to with much interest.  At the close of the meeting all present repaired to th post home, where the evening was spent in inspecting the home and getting acquainted.
Pottsville Journal of May 19, 1928

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN CITIZEN HONORED - Sergeant Charles F. Meck Chosen As Member Of Escort Of Honor To Commission
Staff Sergeant Charles F. Meck was selected from Headquarters Battery as a member of the Escort of Honor to accompany the Pennsylvania Memorials Commission in their
pilgrimage to France to commemorate the achievements of Pennsylvania soldiers on the World War by placing monuments and markers at Fismes on the Vesle River, at Varenees on
Argonne and at Nantillois, started on his long journey on Monday.  He will report to 28th Division Headquarters in Philadelphia.
The Call of February 16, 1917

OFFERED SERVICES IN CASE OF WAR
A meeting of the Boy Scouts was held Monday evening last with twenty members in attendance and one absentee.  It was unanimously decided by the members to offer their
services to the Women's League of the national Preparedness in case of war with any of the foreign countries.  The scouts will meet at the Scout Master's residence on Sunday
morning, February 25 at ten o'clock in full uniform to attend services in Saint John's Reformed Church.  The sermon is asked for from the national headquarters to be given during
anniversary week.  The sermon had been announced for this coming Sunday but it was a mistake.
The Call of March 30, 1917

WHAT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN COULD DO IN WAR
Before another issue of The Call makes its appearance, this great country of ours may be at war with a foreign country.  Preparations have been going quietly on by the government
for the conflict with his foreign foe, unknown to thousands of persons, until today this government of ours believes that it is prepared for the occasion.  Has it ever occurred to the
mind of the individual resident of Schuylkill Haven just what this little town could do in case of war and just what could be accomplished here and in the surrounding territory.  It is
truly wonderful when one stops to seriously consider the resources possessed  by Schuylkill haven and that when the time comes, this town will take its place in the fore ranks of
towns double and triple its size.  A hundred and one things might be taken in consideration, if time and space would permit, but we will dwell upon some of the more important
subjects that are applicable to a raging war.
First, let there be a call from the President of the United states for volunteers and Schuylkill haven would be ready to send to her country's defense nearly 900 able bodied men,
vigorous in health, strong in body and limb and ready, if occasion demands, to share their life blood on the field of battle.  The majority of these men would be able to give an
account of themselves as in their early youth the gun and rifle were one of their first playthings.  This is one ting denied the city born and reared youth.  Their healthy constitutions
would permit of them doing harder work and making longer marches than would thousands of others, for comparatively few of our residents are accustomed to riding to and from
their places of employment.  Walking in the open fresh air and sleeping in air that is far from being contaminated, has fitted them to be both soldiers of fortune and war.
Should occasion demand, twenty of our manufacturing plants could be turned into hospitals within a few hours notice.  These hospitals would be palaces in comparison to those that
the unfortunates of the foreign countries are now being compelled to enter for treatment of wounds received in battle.  The ten churches could be utilized for the patients suffering
with minor injuries and here they could receive not only proper care and treatment in the hands of the ministers but of the five physicians who make Schuylkill Haven their home
and of nearly that many more that visit this town daily on visits of mercy.  Here they would be away from the noise and the impure air of the cities.  It is calculated that the
accommodations could be provided in Schuylkill haven for more than 2,000 soldiers.
While it is apparent that not all of these factory buildings would be utilized, those not being used for hospital purposes could be devoted to the making of nightgowns, bandages,
etc.  The young girls who would thus be thrown out of employment by the closing of these mills would willingly be accepted as nurses and the tasks that they would be called upon
to perform would be numerous, for the sewing, washing, ironing, to say nothing of the cooking, would more than occupy their time for many hours each day.  Besides, they would be
compelled to read to these men who stood in the shadows of death and to give to them an encouraging word that would make them see brighter, the things worth living for in life.
Passing by with only a word about our lumber mills, which could supply cots for these soldiers, our rolling mill ready to do its part in manufacturing iron and steel, our modern and up
to date ice plant that could easily supply several regiments with this necessity of lief, the three railroads entering the town that would afford easy transportation from seaport towns,
we come to the auto and auto trucks.  Nearly 175 machines of various makes are right here in Schuylkill Haven.  The uses to which these machines could be placed are almost
beyond realization.  Between eighteen and twenty miles a day is what a regiment can cover on foot.  With the use of the autos more than double or triple that distance could be
covered, to say nothing of the transportation of food stuffs and ammunition.
Lastly we come to our food sources.  Our outlying districts would in all probability be able to supply us with the necessities of life or of those things which would be necessary to
restore man's lost health.  Fresh vegetables and wheat, from which cometh the staff of life.  We have indeed a wonderful little town and one that we can feel justly proud of.  In the
years gone by our townsmen have made a name in history for themselves and the community called Schuylkill Haven, and if the occasion arises, history will be sure to repeat itself
and the fair name of this town will be found among those receiving the proper credit when points of honor are being distributed.
The Call of April 27, 1917

DOVES FLY FROM UNFURLED FLAGS
Two pure white fanned tail doves were liberated on Saturday afternoon when two large American flags were unfurled at the Baker Brothers Mill on Saint John Street.  It was the first
flag raising in Schuylkill Haven during the present crisis and the patriotic spirit was in evidence at all times.  The exercises were opened by the employees and the several hundred
spectators singing, "My Country Tis Of Thee."  This was followed by a prayer by Reverend E. F. Carson.  Two able addresses were delivered, the first by Dr. C. Lenker and the second
by Reverend Carson.  The Citizens Band was present and rendered several patriotic selections.  Both flags were four by eight feet and one was unfurled from the top of the factory
and the other from a flag pole in the yard.  The slight rainfall interfered to a slight degree with the exercises of the afternoon.  It is understood that several other flag raising
ceremonies will be held in town during the ensuing several weeks.
The Call of August 31, 1917

DRAFT BOARD OFFERED $2000 TO EXEMPT YOUTH - Unsigned Communications To This Effect Received By Member Of Board Of This District
The members of the Draft Board of the Fourth District, comprising R. J. Hoffman of town, H. S. Albright of Orwigsburg and Dr. Walters of Pine Grove, are in receipt of an unsigned
communication from a Schuylkill haven relative of a Schuylkill Haven resident who has come within draft age.  The communication was received by Dr. Walters and stated that the
mother of the young man was willing to spend the sum of $2,000 to keep her son from being drafted or in other words would give the board the sum if they would reject her son.  As
stated above, the communication was not signed and hence will not receive any attention from any of the three members of the board.
The Call learned of the $2,000 offer last Monday
The Call of August 31, 1917

DRAFTED MEN LEAVE ON WEDNESDAY
Sometime on Wednesday next the men who have been drafted for service in the United States Army will assemble at the town hall in Schuylkill Haven and in charge of a military
officer, leave for the training camps.  It is possible in view of the fact that this district's quota of five percent, being only about four or five men, may be taken to one of the
surrounding districts and there start for the camp.  The number of men drafted or called for the first draft in this district is 66.  The local board figures that the first four or five
names certified to the district board will be the ones to go.  The local draft board have already been supplied with the necessary information relative to the departure of the men.  
Notices will be sent either tomorrow or the first thing Monday, informing them to arrange their business and be in readiness to report within 24 hours notice.  The board will be
lenient and give the men 48 hours or more notice.  This notice will be followed by a second and last notice giving the time and the date for the men to appear at draft headquarters.  
At headquarters the men will be provided with coupons for transportation and meal tickets.  During the 24 hours notice the men will be required to remain at home, they will be
compelled to fill out a blank giving their telephone number nearest their home or where they can be found.  They will not be allowed to be more than an hour's journey from the draft
headquarters.  Notices will also be sent the men not to bring any baggage with them except that which can be carried in a small bundle.  They should wear a suit of old clothing that
can be either returned home or thrown away.  A toothbrush, a razor and a change of underwear are about all the men will require.  At the very last minute the board may receive
word to change the personnel of the first draft men.  Unconfirmed reports are to the effect that the government is after cooks and men especially fitted for certain duties.  If such is
the case then the board may be compelled to go over the entire draft of eligibles and pick these men out.  No preparation has been made to give them a send off in Schuylkill Haven
other than by their friends and relatives.
The Call of November 2, 1917

FUNERAL OF ROBERT BAKER AT PHILADELPHIA
The funeral of Robert Baker of Schuylkill Haven, of the U. S. S. Albany, was held Sunday afternoon.  Services were conducted in Philadelphia at the home of his mother.  Interment
was made in the Fernwood cemetery on Philadelphia.  Quite a number of floral offerings from friends in Schuylkill haven were presented.  Six sailors from the Philadelphia Navy Yard
acted as bearers and nine Marines composed the firing squad.  Memorial services in honor of the deceased sailor were also held in saint John's Reformed Church by Reverend M.
A. Kieffer Sunday morning.  An unusually large audience was present.  Reverend Kieffer read excerpts from a number of letters of the deceased mailed to Schuylkill Haven, giving
his experiences and the attack of the disease which evidently caused his death.  Reverend Kieffer paid a fine tribute to the memory of the young man, calling attention to his fine
character, pleasant disposition and attractive personality.  Two appropriate selections were sung by the Schuylkill Haven male quartet composed of R. W. Ziegenfus, H. E.
Snayberger, G. Achenbach and O. Warner.  
The Call of October 26, 1917

PARADE AND MASS MEETING STIRS PUBLIC
The parade and general mass meeting held here Monday evening served its purpose quite effectively, that is, in stirring quite effectively, that of patriotic duty to subscribe for
Liberty Bonds.  Gotten up without the formality the parade proved a bigger one than the committee had expected and was quite a surprise to the public also.  With the town's three
musical organizations, the Hose Company Drum Corps, the Bressler Band and the Citizens' Band, Boy Scouts carrying Liberty Bind banners and a large number of automobiles, the
parade covered the principal streets.  A crowd larger than anticipated lined the sidewalks to review it.  On the return march both bands were massed and swinging down Main
Street to the tune of "the Old Gray Mare," the public was made to forget all about the chilly air and the cold hands and feet they had received.  The massed band feature was
commented on as being a good one and one that should be given whenever similar occasions present themselves.
Prior to the addresses both bands played America and the Star Spangled Banner while the audience (with the exception of a few pro-Germans and empty heads) stood with
uncovered heads.  Mr. George Saul acted as chairman and in a few words announced the object of the mass meeting was to stir up enthusiasm and bring the attention of the public
to the dire necessity and need for this town to subscribe its allotted share of the bind issue if it desired to retain the honor and name it has heretofore maintained.
John Robert Jones was the first speaker.  Mr. Jones was brim full of a patriotic speech and he fired it right and left in a most emphatic manner.  The audience, despite the
annoyance of passing autos, engines and trolleys, and even though many were chilled to the bone, stood almost spellbound listening to his flow of oratory and the explanation of
the why and wherefore of the war and the Liberty Bond issue.  The speaker was at his best and it was evident that he was putting his entire soul and best ability into his efforts to
make the audience realize the truth of his statements.  At the conclusion of the speech a burst of applause showed with what degree of appreciation it had been received.  On all
sides were heard comments as to the excellence of the address and persons who have frequently heard Jones deliver addresses on many different subjects, stated his Monday
evening speech was positively the very best he ever delivered.
Mr. T. C. White of Philadelphia followed Mr. Jones and explained the Liberty Bind issue and some points in detail.  He urged every man present to buy a bond and plainly told the
audience in view of this town having sent 150 men to the service of the country that unless they purchased Liberty Bonds and backed up the sacrifices thus made they could be
considered nothing other than "slackers."  Tables on the outside of the crowd, attended by the town's young ladies, were visited by a number of persons following the meeting and
subscriptions for bonds taken.  There is hardly any doubt but what the parade and mass meeting served not only to enthuse the public on the bond proposition but to enlighten
them as well on the subject.  Monday all the schools in town were visited and Liberty Bond addresses made.  J. Harry Filbert addressed the pupils of the Saint Ambrose parochial
school and the pupils at the South Ward school; J. A. Noecker addressed the pupils at the North Ward school; J. L. Stauffer the pupils of the new main school building and George M.
Paxson the pupils of the East Ward school building.
Pottsville Journal of September 5, 1932

103RD ENGINEERS HAVE BIG PLANS FOR REUNION
The reunion committee of the 103rd Engineers held a very spirited meeting recently and the reports of the various committees show that everybody is all up on their toes for
Sunday, September 18th.  Chairman Charles "Bags" Graeff and Bob Brown are scouring the market for the finest in foods.  The committee on entertainment has a program arranged
that will lat all day.  Two letters were read, one from John Randolf stating that he will be there and do a parachute jump.  Old Jo Jo Donnelly, the beloved captain of C Company writes
to Bags Graeff that he wants to be on hand with the old gang.  Bags Graeff, Gipper Mills and Jack Kraemer report that they have secured the action films of the doings on the
company streets in Hancock, along the roads in France, in the leave areas and in the billets at La Marche and in Uruffe.  A showing will be made on Monday and the committee want
to see if all the important events were kept intact on the film.  From the letters and telegrams received this reunion will be one of the largest ever held.  Nothing is being spared in
the way of food and entertainment to make it the greatest ever attempted.  Bags Graeff and his Schuylkill Haven boys deserve great credit for the work they have done up to this
time.  The following were present: Bags Graeff, Art Womer, Paul Schultz, John Schlottman, Edward Wachter, Jack Kraemer, Walter Kinsey, Gipper Mills and Jack Duffy.
The Call of August 10, 1917

SOLDIER BOYS BID FAREWELL
Granted a few hours furlough from their camp at Mount Gretna, a large number of the Schuylkill Haven members of Company C Engineers, made a hurried trip home on Wednesday
evening to bid their goodbye to relatives and friends before leaving for Augusta, Georgia.  The orders to move south were given Wednesday forenoon.  Some of the boys came by
auto and others, the majority, arrived on the 9:34 o'clock Reading train, Wednesday evening.  They returned on the Buffalo.  Fully two hundred friends greeted them on their arrival
but their departure was marked with more enthusiasm.  The Call bulletin board first announced their arrival and departure.  When they gathered at the station on their return trip,
the Schuylkill Hose Company drum corps was their as was also the auto truck and several hundred persons and a noisy and enthusiastic send off given.
It was the intention of the government to send Company D Engineers along south, but they were not fully equipped.  They may go within the course of a week or two.  Only one
unpleasant incident marked the brief furlough of the soldier boys here on Wednesday night.  One of the members became badly intoxicated and it became necessary to carry him
bodily aboard the train.  It is understood that an investigation is on and that if sufficient evidence can be obtained, arrests will be made.  Company C Engineers had not left Mount
Gretna at eleven o'clock this morning.  This was due to the fact that no cars for transportation were at hand.  The Call received word this morning that they expect to leave sometime
before the noon hour and that Company D would follow this afternoon.  Captain Gangloff spent several hours in town last evening.
The Call of August 17, 1917

RED CROSS TO MAKE COMFORT BAGS
For the past several months, the Schuylkill Haven Chapter of the American Red Cross Society have been diligently at work preparing case number eight for use of the soldier boys
on foreign soil.  At the same time they have not overlooked the fact that a large number of the town boys are still in close proximity to home and that some attention should be paid
to them.  The Chapter has therefore decided to make comfort bags for all of the Schuylkill Haven boys who are not already supplied with them.  All that is necessary is for the boys to
make the request and the members of the Chapter will attend to the rest.  The Chapter will be grateful for remnants of cretoone heavy gingham or linen, size 21 by 27 inches or
larger.  These remnants can be sent to the headquarters of the Chapter in the town hall or to the home of Mrs. D. D. Dechert, the president.
During the present week the Society was presented with one of these comfort bags, all complete, by Mrs. George M. Richter and the members of her Sunday School class.  This is
only one instance of what Sunday School classes and sewing circles are accomplishing for those called to the colors.  Several donations were also received during the week,
namely: Edw. S. Stine, $5.00, Jere Harner, $2.00 and employees of the Harner factory, $2.00.  The above donations are acknowledged through The Call.  These new members were
also enrolled during the week:  Mrs. Harry Sterner, Miss Sadie Stager and Mr. Howard Stager.  By the end of the present month, the Society expects to ship box number eight on its
journey of mercy.  They have completed the napkins, the socks with the exception of one or two pairs and the bandages.  They are now at work making comfort bags to fill the box
and when these are completed, an examiner will be sent for.  Work on the second case will then be started and all rapidity possible made.  No change has been made in the time of
holding the meetings and the meeting for work will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.
The Call of October 12, 1917

A LETTER FROM COMPANY C ENGINEERS
Columbia, South Carolina     Dear Editor:  It is awful hard for me to make up my mind to write letters.  I only write home once in a while but I will from this time on make a special effort
to keep The Call readers informed of what is going on down here.  One of the many rumors that has been going the rounds here is that we were soon going to go back to Hancock.  
None of the boys want to go there.  Everybody is interested in the World Series but we can't learn as much of the games down here as we could at home.  New York seems to be the
favorite down here.  Most of the boys are in town today (Sunday).  The churches in Columbia will all be visited by the Company C boys.  We had church in the Y. M. C. A. barracks
across from us and a large number of the boys attended.  This afternoon an examination for Corporal will be held.  We understand there are to be twelve appointed.
There is to be a detachment of one hundred or more men to be sent to our company some time this month and all of the new corporals will be needed.  Corporal Hobart Becker is in
charge of camp today.  His details are: kitchen police, Breininger, H. Moyer, H. Reber; camp orderlies, Kacherlis and Jacobs.  What do you think of this for a Sunday bill of fare?  
Breakfast: corn flakes, cream, oranges, bread, butter and cocoa; Dinner: breaded beef steak, beef steak dressing, mashed potatoes, creamed asparagus, stewed corn, bred, butter
and coffee; Supper: potato salad, bologna, cake, ice cream, cherries, bread, butter and lemonade.
It is awful when a soldier makes promises when he goes to war.  Why you can't get John Webber out of the barracks.  I guess he promised Esther he wouldn't go to town else "some
little girl might steal him."  "Pral" Schwenck, Sergeant and chief automobile mechanic.  More gas for power "Pral."  "Pepper" Reed the grouch, always grouchy until he hears from
Market Street, Pottsville, then he's all smiles.  Say, couldn't the people of Schuylkill Haven get together and buy a typewriter for Jack Kramer.  he's writing so many postal cards and
letters that he's wearing down our supply of pencils and paper."Bubbles" Lenker ina conversation, "Aw, gimme a chaw."  You know Hugh Coxe worked about two weeks around
electricity and then he was an electrician.  Now he has been on a survey detail for two weeks and now he's an engineer.  He knows all about it.  "Sam" Burket will make an artist of
note.  He carries his brush under his nose.  You ought to see it.
The Call of October 19, 1917

A SOLDIER BOY'S LETTER HOME
From Charles Saylor, better known as "Dart," son of Mr. Cal Saylor of Saint John Street, are taken the following interesting extracts of a letter written to his relatives.  He is stationed
at Camp Mills, Long Island, Headquarters, 117th Engineers.  He states he is getting enough sleep, that he goes to bed as early as eight o'clock and arises at six.  
"Was busy all day teaching the drum corps a piece to play at Guard Mount.  The colonel gave orders to this effect.  I had quite a proposition on my hands as half of the fifers could
hardly blow into a fife let alone play a piece.  At the present time I think they will pass inspection on this one piece unless they get stage fright (the same as I did the first time I ever
marched on the street) when they have to march before all the officers of the 117th.  In that case I will have to blow my head off as I am the only experienced fifer in the outfit.  We
received twelve drums, twelve fifes, bass drum and cymbals from the government.  Just received my gun belt, bayonet, scabbard, traveling mess kit and holder, woolen gloves, half
of shelter tent and pole, knapsack, etc., in fact everything that a man needs to get along on.I am getting familiar with army life now and must say I like it.  After you get used to this
kind of life, you accept conditions as they come.  There is no other way.  Things are much better here than I first thought they would be."
"The boys in my tent are all a good crowd.  Immediately after supper, which is served about 5:15, we come into our tent and either sit and talk or write until eight o'clock or so and
then go to bed.  For the last few nights we didn't go out of the tent at all, not even to the Y. M. C. A.  We all seem to be contented with things here.  This morning the bandmaster
asked me if I knew anybody he could put into the drum corps.  I then got two of my friends into the outfit.  Company D of the 117th Engineers received orders today to be prepared to
go at a moment's notice.  They were told to have no more mail sent here but to their address abroad.  They are liable to pull out of here tonight or tomorrow night.  As yet we have
had no such orders but they are making preparations all the time.  We were ordered to have all our light clothing in the supply tent by tonight so they can get them packed up.  All
indications at the present time point to an early departure for somewhere, in all probability it will be France.  At the present time the headquarters detachment is fully equipped to
go.  We have everything now but the gun and it's a safe bet we will get those tomorrow."
The Call of October 26, 1917

$180,000 BONDS TAKEN HERE, SHORT $87,000 OF TOWN'S ALLOTMENT
Schuylkill Haven is still short about $87,000 of its allotted portion of the second Liberty Loan issue.  From the committee in charge it was learned that about $180,000 has been
subscribed.  It is confidentially expected and hoped that another $20,000 will be raised between this date and Saturday noon, bringing the total to $200,000 but this then will leave
the town short about $87,000 of its quota.  If Schuylkill Haven people fail to subscribe the amount allotted to the town there is but one alternative and that will be for some other
town to make up what the Schuylkill Haven people have failed to do, namely $67,000.  The total now subscribed is above the amount many persons thought would be obtained.  Only
by persistent and active efforts on the part of the solicitors the excellent showing is possible.  Saturday noon is the official time set for the closing of the subscription but in the
view of many persons receiving their two weeks pay on Saturday, the subscription list is to be kept open for a few days.  This will give many Sunday School classes the opportunity
of getting busy on Sunday and deciding to loan money to their government by purchasing a bond.
It will give many persons who up to this time have not fully decided whether they will lend their dollars to the government or not, a chance to do so.  About $150,000 can be credited
to the townsfolk.  Another $30,000 it is estimated will be subscribed for by Schuylkill Haven people employed at the Eastern Steel Plant, the car shops at Schuylkill Haven, Saint Clair
and Port Carbon.  The local committee feels justified in taking credit for the subscriptions and will do so.  However, of the $150,000 the two local banking institutions have
subscribed a large block, leaving a rather poor showing for the general public.  Schuylkill Haven people for the most part have failed to realize their country is plunged in a world
war.  Many seem to think too many and too great a number of sacrifices are expected and asked of them.  These are war times and really, "The worst is yet to come."  Schuylkill
Haven people might just as well brace themselves for the inevitable which will positively mean self sacrificed in more lines than one.
It is known that some persons have hesitated subscribing for Liberty Bonds feeling that the allotted share for this town was entirely too high, when compared to the other towns in
this section larger in population than Schuylkill Haven.  The allotment was made by the government and was based upon the resources in both local banking institutions.  That there
is a considerable amount of money in the banks belonging to people not residents of this town is a fact, but it has made no difference in the allotment and Schuylkill Haven is asked
by the United States government to loan the prescribed percentage of its wealth as represented by the resources of its banks, to Uncle Sam for prosecution of the war.  Whether
the town will for the first time in its history fall down remains to be seen.  Every effort is to be put forward to prevent it from doing so.  In this every citizen can help.  Many persons
fail to appreciate the fact that it is the $50 and $100 bond as subscribed by individuals that is going to make up the $67,000.  Many people are still unacquainted with the fact that a
$50 bond can be bought on the easy payment plan of paying $1.00 per week for fifty weeks.  And by the way, let it be understood that the easy payment plan of $1.00 per week as
offered by the local banking institutions considerably easier than that offered to the public in many other towns where $2.50 and $5.00 per week is exacted for the purchase of a
Liberty Bond.  There are 160 Schuylkill Haven men in khaki that are ready to give the blood out of their veins for the country and our safety.  Are we going to go around wearing
patriotic emblems, flags, etc., and ready to sing, "My Country 'Tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Liberty" and give nothing and do nothing and lend nothing?
The Call of January 3, 1947

LEGION WILL SEEK BIDS FOR ERECTION OF NEW BUILDING
Bids will be sought at an early date for the construction of the new Robert E. Baker post, American Legion home to be erected on the large plot owned by the post on lower Parkway.
This was disclosed at the biweekly meeting on Thursday evening when the post's architect, Philip Knoblauch, explained the detailed plans of the new building.  Keen interest was
shown in modern appointments planned for the new home by the sixty members in attendance at the meeting.  At a meeting of the home association following the regular post
meeting, the following directors were elected: Three years, Joseph Kaufman, William Young and Clarence Shuey; two years, Ray Sterner, Robert Brown and Thomas Reider; one
year, James Williamson, Fred Reed and Arthur Bashore.  New members at the post meeting, which was in charge of Commander McGlinchey, included Harry Kuhn, W. H. Boyer and
Serjin Martz.  The January 16 meeting will be observed as a father and son night.  The post minstrel will be the attraction at the high school auditorium on Monday and Tuesday
evenings, January 20 and 21.
THE GREAT
WAR
LAST UPDATED:  JULY 11
This page is dedicated to news from World
War One or the "Great War" as it relates to
Schuylkill Haven.
Pottsville Journal of May 18, 1918

RED CROSS MEETING AT HAVEN - Henry Stevenson and Lieutenant Heintzman Deliver Splendid Addresses
Schuylkill Haven got off to a good start in the Red Cross campaign Friday evening when a monster meeting was held in the high school auditorium.  The Schuylkill Haven branch of
the Red Cross attended as did also the Boy Scouts. The audience numbered close to seven hundred.  Chairman John L. Stauffer presided and outlined the task that lay before
Schuylkill Haven.  While Schuylkill Haven's quota is $2,500 it is predicted that she will raise $5,000.  The town and immediate surroundings have sent out 231 men and naturally it is
expected that the community will turn to this work of mercy almost to a man and woman.
The first speaker was Henry M. Stevenson, Philadelphia, a prominent lawyer and ardent patriotic worker, who gave a most interesting talk on the situation that now confronts the
nation and the magnitude the work of the Red Cross has done and intends doing.  He gave many interesting details and figures and his remarks were given the closest attention.  
When Lieutenant Heintzman, of the Canadian infantry, ascended the platform the audience arose to a man and greeted him with tremendous applause.  Lieutenant Heintzman was in
the war continuously until last October when he was wounded and gassed for the second time.  He confined himself entirely to his own experiences and the story he told was
thrilling and gripping.  He told of going over the top, of being wounded, on falling into a shell hole, on crawling out, of getting close to the machine guns and then compelling a
German at the point of a revolver to carry him toward his own lines.  While the Hun was doing this a shell exploded and blew the top of his head off and also wounding the lieutenant
in the hand and the leg.  On his knees and elbows he then managed to make his way to his own lines.  Honorable Mac Henry Wilhelm, Red Cross County Chairman, delivered a short
but inspiring address.
The Call of January 24, 1919

LOCAL BOY IS IN THE FRENCH ARMY
From letters recently received from Harry Feger of town, it is learned for the first time that he has been with the First French Army and is the only American in the unit.  He was
transferred to this unit ten days after he arrived in France but was never permitted to state what unit he was connected with.  He states that if he remains with the French several
more months he will be enabled to talk as good in French as in English and that it may go hard for him for a while to talk English.  He recently made an auto trip of one hundred miles
in one day to visit his brother Carl Feger of Company C, 103rd Engineers, who was more than surprised to see him.
From a newspaper published in France by the USAAS of a December issue, the following article is clipped concerning him:  Pare F was not behind other units of this service in its
celebration of Thanksgiving.  The holiday was celebrated in what was formerly the headquarters of general d'Moke, Quartermaster General of the Army.  The dinner served under
the auspices of Mess Sergeant Harry Feger with the pare cook, Tom Hearsley, as master of ceremonies, came up to the reputation established for the mess at the pare.  After the
dinner the evening was devoted to an entertainment by the pare talent with some songs and recitations.  Sergeants First Class Feger and Wallef and Mechanic Bulowa have
returned from permission spent at the new leave area south of Ais-les-Bainz.  Their opinion is that the new area is every way equal to the others established for the A. E. F.
The Call of March 28, 1919

MAY BRING BODIES OF SOLDIER BOYS HERE
There is every likelihood of the bodies of the Schuylkill Haven soldier boys who gave their lives for their country on foreign battlefields being brought back to Schuylkill Haven for
interment.  The government has sent out questionnaires to parents of these boys asking that the same be filled out and returned at the earliest date.  Local parents have received
these questionnaires and have filled them out and returned them to the government.  Among the questions asked are whether it is the desire to have the bodies placed in national
cemeteries in France or to be brought to the United States to be interred in a national cemetery or to the home town of the boy.  
It is understood that the parents of the Schuylkill Haven soldier boys have all signified their desire to have the government to ship the body to Schuylkill Haven for burial.  The
family of John Bolton in making such a request, simply comply with the request of the boy himself, who on the night before he was killed, in talking with his brother, made the
statement that if he should be killed in battle, his body was to be shipped back to Schuylkill Haven for burial.  Just how soon the government will be able to proceed in this matter is
not stated but it is presumed it will be quite some time before this work is taken up and when it is begun it will require a considerable amount of time to complete it.
New articles just added including:
Jonathan Kramer of Long Run succumbs to
pneumonia while serving in France and a
group of letters from the front tell folks back
home what the war is like.
The Call of June 21, 1918

HAVEN BOY DETERMINED TO GET TO BERLIN
Charles Kauffman, better known as Buddy, who several months ago underwent an operation after being honorably discharged from Company C of the 103rd Engineers, on account
of physical disability, this week showed the true metal that America's men are made of.  Asking to be excused from his work at Mount Carbon for a short time he hied himself to the
recruiting office at Pottsville and there made application for enlistment.  He underwent a physical examination and just as the physician in charge was about to certify him okay he
discovered a slight physical defect and he was rejected.  Kauffman, with thiears in his eyes, told his parents what happened but still declares that he will undergo another operation
and then make another attempt to get into the army, cross the pond and be on hand to help take the "bur" out of Berlin.
The Call of February 15, 1918

WAR SAVINGS STAMPS CAMPAIGN WELL UNDER WAY HERE
Sales of "silver bullets" as the war savings stamps are more popular;y known, are reported at the rate of several hundred a day in Schuylkill Haven.  Based on a population of 5,000,
every man, woman and child in Schuylkill Haven is supposed to buy at least twenty dollars worth of stamps before the close of the present year.  This will be almost an impossibility
owing to the number of poor persons, but the fact that some families will own a hundred or more dollars worth of these silver bullets may make up the deficiency.  Taking into
consideration only those stamps sold at the local post office last month, the average was $1.26 worth per capita.  This is far below the average in a number of cities and towns and
yet is far in excess of what other towns the size of Schuylkill Haven have reported.
Practically every storekeeper in the community has been supplied with the stamps and they are urged to bring them before their customers.  Only by insistently taking war service
stamps, can the town expect to sell its quota.  The opinion of those who have watched the thrift stamp sales from the very first is that the campaign will move more swiftly hereafter
for the people are alive to the necessity of making it a big success.  A representative of the government is expected in Schuylkill Haven sometime in the coming week and he will
attempt to organize the school children.  Not a single penny is made from the sale of these stamps by anyone other than the government.
The Call of March 1, 1918

$660 WAR SAVINGS STAMPS SOLD HERE DURING WEEK
The sales of thrift stamps in Schuylkill Haven is steadily climbing according to the report of several agencies.  During the past week, the sum of $660 was realized from the sale of
the stamps.  The total for the month will pass the $1500 mark, a most creditable showing.  In speaking of the sale of the stamps in Schuylkill Haven, a well known resident referred to
the saying of Abraham Lincoln, "teach economy.  That is one of the first and highest virtues.  It begins with saving money."  That was one of the wise sayings of the great American
whose birthday anniversary the country has but recently celebrated.  In this wartime, every surplus penny is needed to prosecute the struggle to the victory for democracy.  To the
man, woman or child who never learned to save money but has little of the war saving certificates now being sold, a splendid opportunity to begin the  practice and to learn how it
feels to have his money working for him, presents itself in the purchasing of these stamps.  This is a practical and efficient way to comply with Lincoln's injunction to "teach
economy."  Encourage the buying of stamps and certificates and thus aid your country.
The Call of March 1, 1918

COMPANY C BOYS WILL GO ACROSS
Several letters and postal cards were received by local people this morning, stating that a number of Company C boys have received instructions to go to Hoboken, New York.  This
undoubtedly means that they will shortly sail for "somewhere in France."  While no names were given on the letters or on the postal cards, it is said that boys gifted in some type of
mechanical work are the ones selected to go.  These boys have advised relatives and friends not to write to them until they again receive their address.  The boys are supposed o
have left Camp Hancock sometime on Wednesday or yesterday morning.  Leon McKeon of town is said to be one of the local boys and Russel Frey, John McGovern and Joseph
Breininger of Cressona are several of the others selected.
The Call of March 22, 1918

PROUD WOMAN IN TOWN
One of the proudest women of this locality, and we might say in the state, is Mrs. E. W. Wessner who resides to the rear of Dock Street.  Mrs. Wessner has given one son, three
grandsons and a son in law to her country and is exceedingly proud of the fact that there are few others who can lay claim to such a record.  At the present time the son and
grandsons are at camp while the son in law has obtained a few days furlough and has come to Schuylkill Haven to spend the same with his wife and family.
The Call of March 29, 1918

TO ERECT ARCH
As a further means of arousing patriotic sentiment in Schuylkill Haven, there will be erected on Main Street within a week's time a large arch which will be stenciled in large letters,
appropriate sentences calling attention to the Liberty Loan campaign.  These arches have become quite popular in the large cities and towns and during the week the publicity
committee and several Main Street business firms got together on the proposition.  The arch will be placed if the Town Council will grant permission to occupy the streets for this
purpose.  The arch will be placed on Main Street in the square where it intersects Saint John Street.
The Call of April 26, 1918

PATRIOTIC MEETING TONIGHT
Tonight, Friday, a grand patriotic meeting will be held in the high school auditorium to which the public is invited.  The publicity committee was this week fortunate in procuring the
services of Private Jones of western Pennsylvania, who recently returned from France.  Private Jones was on the front line of battle and spent quite some time in the front line
trenches.  He is an interesting talker and his address is sure to be pleasing.  He will tell of actual conditions under which the American soldier is fighting and what he is required to
endure.  Private Jones will be the first returned front line trench soldier to speak in Schuylkill Haven.  It is likely the auditorium will be taxed to capacity to hear him.  There will be no
admission and all persons are invited to attend.  The Citizens Band has kindly consented to furnish music during the evening.  There will be singing of patriotic songs by the
audience and possibly a short address by a local speaker.  The meeting will open at eight o'clock.
The Call of May 3, 1918

HER HEART IN THE RIGHT PLACE
Tuesday morning when the 8:55 o'clock Reading train pulled into the local station, Professor B. F. Simonds, probation officer of the county and "The Call" representative walked up
to the car window and shook hands with Jack Williams, the colored draftee who left Pottsville, and the first of his race from this section of the county.  While the two were talking, a
Schuylkill Haven lady, an active member of the local Red Cross chapter, stepped to the window and with, "Here is a little token," presented the soldier with a parcel.  Her heart was
in the right place and her thought of kindness was one that seldom or never enters the mind of the average woman.  She believed as all true Americans should believe, that we are
all created free and equal.  With her true modesty, she requested that her name be not made known.
The Call of May 10, 1918

UNFURL HONOR FLAG SATURDAY EVENING
Schuylkill haven will unfurl its Liberty Loan honor flag to the breeze Saturday evening, May 11th, at eight o'clock.  Special and appropriate ceremonies will be held.  The public is
invited and urged to gather in the square between the First National Bank and the Saylor building and participate in the program.  The publicity committee has arranged a short yet
appropriate program for the occasion.  The Bressler Band has consented to render a short concert for the occasion and the Reverend E. G. Leinbach will deliver a short address.  
The flag will be placed on top of the Liberty arch on Main Street.  The flag belongs to the town in general as it was through the patriotic spirit and liberal purchases of Liberty Bonds
that it was possible to secure this flag.  The occasion is one that should be participated in by every resident.  Patriotic songs led by the band will also be a feature of the evening's
exercises.
The Call of March 14, 1919

INQUIRIES SENT OUT ON MEMORIAL
This week the committee on the Soldiers Memorial mailed about 1800 letters to citizens of Schuylkill Haven asking their opinion on the memorial proposition.  The committee desires
to obtain an idea of what the sentiment of the public is on the question of a memorial for the Schuylkill Haven soldiers and sailors who served in the world war.  Citizens are asked
whether they favor a Community Hall, a Parkway, a Memorial, a Library or a Memorial Arch.  There is no need to sign a name.  Simply fill out the small blank attached to the inquiry and
place it in a special box prepared for the purpose in different business places in the town.
The Call of March 21, 1919

DRAFT BOARD OFFICE TO CLOSE MARCH 31
The work of the Draft Board for this, the fourth draft district, is about completed and the office in the Town Hall at this place will be closed on Monday March 31st.  While the work of
the draft board proper has long ago been finished, the matter of complying with orders of the state department in compiling lists, records, etc., has required the time and attention
of the draft board clerk.  Notice has now been issued to every draft board in the state that all draft board offices are to be closed by March 31st.  The notice specifically states that
any draft board that cannot complete its work and make returns of its records as per instructions will have its office closed in any event.  The boards are urged to get their work in
shape so that they can comply.  The records of the local office are now being arranged in the order asked for in the recent notice.
All the records will be placed in filing cabinets and forwarded to Harrisburg Draft Headquarters.  The supplies such as a Remington typewriter and a typewriter desk, the latter of
which up to this time has not even been unpacked, will be disposed of to the highest bidder.  However, the board has been given a minimum price which it can accept.  That the
state does not intend to dispose of its draft board properties at any cost is indicated in a bulletin issued to boards recently wherein it cited the instance of a draft bard president
who disposed of the typewriter for $35 and sent his certified check to the headquarters.  The headquarters as required this man to remit the difference between the $35 the
machine was sold for and the minimum price which the state will allow the same to be sold for.
ORGANIZED JULY 1917   The local draft board organized on July 3, 1917.  The first meeting in the Town Hall was held shortly thereafter although quite a bit of draft board work had
been done by the President of the Board, H. S. Albright, from his Orwigsburg office prior to securing a meeting place.  The board organized as follows: H. S. Albright, resident; R. J.
Hoffman, secretary; and Dr. F. J. Walters of Pine Grove, Examining Physician.  These three men, being prominent in their communities, had a personal knowledge of most of the
residents and this fact aided them considerably in their work.
4311 REGISTRANTS   Each draft district was supposed to comprise 30,000 inhabitants and while it is not known the exact population of this draft district it is not believed that the
population totals 30,000.  The area comprised about thirty square miles.  From the district there were 4311 registrants.  Their number was divided as follows: 1617 from the first
registration, or the men from 21 to 31 who registered, 174 of the second registration, or the "twenty oners," and 2520 from the third and last registration or the men from 18 to 45
years of age.  Of all these registrants there were but two colored men, one being in the first and one in the last registration.  Both men were rejected for one cause or other.
1200 EXAMINED   Of this number of registrants about twelve hundred and fifty were examined.  But it must be understood that this did not mean the balance of the men were
exempted.  The manner of selecting the men was changed after the first registration and the registrants classified and then examined instead of being examined and then classified
as was done with the first registrants.
491 INDUCTED   Of the 1200 men examined, 491 men were inducted or sent to camp, there being 390 men from the first registration, 47 from the second registration and 54 from the
third and last registration.  Of the number sent to camp there were but 45 rejections because of physical defects.
126 VOLUNTARY ENLISTMENTS   A fact that this district can be especially proud of is that there were 126 registered men from this district that enlisted voluntarily.  The number of
voluntary enlistments of men under the draft age from this district is said to be about twice this number.
FOUR DESERTERS   A feature that the district need not feel proud of is that there were four deserters in this district, that is, men who failed to appear for physical examination or
entrainment.  It is believed that of this number one of them at least is in the service of his country.  There were also two delinquents or men who failed to fill pout questionnaires.
91 ALIENS   In the district records show there were 91 aliens.  The board experienced no difficulty or trouble whatsoever with any of these persons which speaks very well for the
foreign born residing in this district.
ALL GIVEN A SEND OFF   The 491 men sent to camp it is well known were sent away throughout the entire period.  The highest number leaving this town at any one time was the
evening of July 23, 1918, when sixty six were given a send off.  The second highest contingent to leave was fifty and those men left the earliest of any group, the time being 6:15 a.
m. and the date being May 17, 1918.  Regardless of the time of day or the day of the week that drafted men were inducted into service, or regardless of the number of men in the
group, Schuylkill Haven in each  instance provided for them an honorable and enthusiastic send off.  With but one or two exceptions (when only several men were inducted) the
Schuylkill Haven Hose Company drum corps escorted every contingent of men from the headquarters of the board to the station.  Later on ,the two local bands offered their
services in assisting in the send off and took turns in participating.  The Boy Scouts also participated in almost all of the parades on these occasions.  The Reserves, after their
organization, were on hand each time men were sent away.  Possibly the largest send off parade and the occasion which brought to the station the largest number of people was
July 23rd.  The second largest number of persons participated on May 17.  The Red Cross of Schuylkill Haven provided lunches and sweaters for the draftees and on a number of
occasion participated in the parades to the station.
SAD GOODBYE FEATURES   Many heartbreaking and trying scenes can be recalled as mothers bade farewell to their sons or sisters bade goodbye to their brothers, or between
sweethearts, or when the last farewell was said at the station and when, the train bearing its precious burden, had pulled from the station, parents and relatives turned homeward
with heavy heart and tear dimmed eyes.  However, it is believed the saddest occasions ans scenes were witnessed in the early stages of the operation of the draft when many
parents felt sure that their sons would be in battle within a few weeks after having left home and that their chances of returning again were very remote.  At the Town Hall on these
occasions, and not at the railroad station, were the most heartbreaking scenes enacted.  Not in the presence of the public but in the presence of the draft board members and the
committee who gathered in the council chamber were the scenes of breaking hearts portrayed.  Not only did mothers break down and sobbingly cling to their sons but big, sturdy
fathers also were seen to break down and with their heads upon their boys shoulders, sob a farewell.  Later on, the parents seemed to realize that the chances for the return of
their boys was better than anticipated.  The evidence of willing sacrifice to defeat the Hun also became more noticeable on the part of the parents.
GAVE MORE THAN ONE   The records of the board show that there were a number of parents of this district who gave more than one son to Uncle Sam.  A Schuylkill Haven family, Mr.
and Mrs. James Thompson, has the distinction of having a service flag with the largest number of stars on it, there being six stars.  The Burkert family of town gave four sons.
COMMITTED SUICIDE   One of the early conscripts called home on account of the death of his mother committed suicide because he had overstayed his furlough granted him for the
purpose of attending the funeral.
BRIBES WERE OFFERED  It is recorded that some persons in the district were as unpatriotic as to offer inducements and bribes to the members of the board in order to prevent
their sons from being compelled to stand up and be counted a long with the rest of the boys and be sent along to camp.  Early in the season the draft board clerk was offered a
bushel of potatoes by one fatherly farmer who feared sending his boy to war.  The president of the board at one time was offered three dollars by a farmer if he could arrange it so
that his three hired men need not go to war.  But tillers of the soil were not the only persons to attempt matters of this kind.  Businessmen and retired persons also attempted to pull
strings and bribes as high as $1,000 to $3,000 were offered to the draft board.  Bribes were not only made in a veiled sort of a manner or through correspondence but in person and
openly.  All these persons learned that the board members were not of that stripe.
FAILED TO APPEAR   The very first man inducted in to the service failed to appear for physical examination and the board was obligated to send him to camp without his being
examined as he did not appear at the draft board office in time to undergo an examination before entrainment.
RIDICULOUS REJECTIONS   Speaking of the rejections of inducted men at camp, possibly the most ridiculous case in this district was that of a registrant who on the morning he was
to leave for camp with the other draftees, appeared before his family physician complaining of a sore throat.  Upon examination the physician recommended that the man ask for an
extension as he had a fever and there were likely to be other complications arising.  The man did not want to do this as he was afraid the others would term him a slacker.  He
arrived at camp but the throaty grew worse so that he was unable to eat.  When called for examination at camp he did not tell the doctors what his trouble was.  He was examined
and held for a few days.  After the second examination the camp physicians gave him the surprise of his life by telling him he had a chronic active case of tuberculosis.  He was
discharged from the army and sent home a rather badly scared man.  He immediately sought the advice of his family physician, who made a thorough examination as did two other
physicians.  The extent of their examinations could not produce a disease more serious than tonsillitis.  The same was soon overcome but under the rules a man discharged from
one army camp cannot be inducted or sent to another camp, hence this registrant, who was physically fit, remained at home as a rejected man physically unfit.
16 YEAR OLD WANTED TO ENLIST   One day the draft board was surprised to have a Schuylkill Haven boy who gave his age as sixteen and who looked considerably younger, put in
an appearance at the office.  When asked his business, he bravely stated he wanted to enlist.  When questioned as to his age he gave it as sixteen and when asked as to what
brought him to the office he stated that a notice on The Call bulletin board offered enlistments to persons with grammar school education.  The young man had a grammar school
education but failed to read in the notice that only registrants with grammar school education could enlist.
MANY MOYERS IN LIST   Of the names of registrants in the district it is interesting to note that the largest number of persons having the same name were Moyers.  There were one
hundred and three Moyers among the registrants.  The name Miller came second with seventy eight registrants of that name.
SOME AMUSING INCIDENTS   With the sad features of the draft also came some amusing incidents and also some ridiculous ones.  The following is but one of the amusing letters
received.  This draftee was called for examination and then referred to the Medical Advisory Board.  The board passed him for general military service pending an operation.  Time
passed and finally the man was called and was notified in the usual manner.  However, he was asked to appear before the examining physician prior to the date set for his departure
in order that the board might determine whether or not he was qualified to go to camp as the result of the operation.  The man made this reply: "I did not get operated on since I was
examined because _____ was not very successful with it and one of our neighbor's relation got an operation and had an awful time with it also, so I didn't trust myself about it or I
would have got operated on me soon as I got rupture, that is over three years already, one rupture would have been so bad but I am double ruptured yet."
On one occasion when six men were to be entrained, Mr. Hoffman as secretary of the board, was reading to them at the Town Hall the rules for their conduct while enroute to camp.  
Nothing was said until Mr. Hoffman was finished when a big husky draftee walked up to Mr. Hoffman and handed him a half pint, stating he meant to take it along but he guessed he
had better not take any chances now.
THE CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS   On the questionnaires was a clause, "Do you claim exemption from the draft?"  State on what grounds.  Here are some of the answers.  
"Conscientiously opposed to war."  "Yes, democracy."  "Yes, remember the Fifth Commandment."  "At your service."  "No teeth."  "Married and have seven kids and have war at
home every day and night of my life."  "I faint at the sight of blood."  "Have business of my own to attend to."  "Engaged to be married."  "Could not serve my country in my capacity
as a chemist."  "Yes conscience promises me."
The Call of July 19, 1918

MORE LETTERS FROM SOLDIER BOYS
SIXTEEN DAYS ON THE WATER   Allen Klahr, a member of Battery B, 20th Field Artillery, now somewhere on France writes the following interesting letter to his mother:
Dear Mother, After a long and tiresome trip we have at last reached camp.  We came to this camp early in the morning after riding in the train all night.  We are very glad for a rest
and a chance to see other troops again.  We were on the water for 16 days so you can imagine how glad we were for the first sight of land.  The first few days on board ship was
made through a heavy fog and it was very dreary.  During one night at midnight, we came within a few feet of hitting an iceberg almost the same size as our ship.  The remainder of
the journey was alright with the exception of a heavy thunderstorm and a few submarine scares.  As far as we know our convoy got five submarines.
We must wash all our clothes for we don't know how long we will be here.  It may be for one day and it may be for a few days.  It is a rest camp so I hope we stay quite a while.  This is
very nice country and it seems like the land at home.  I enjoyed the trip very much even though the greater part was made at night.  They have only a few hours of darkness here
and so we could see quite a lot.  The people all along the way cheered and gave us a great welcome and everybody was in high spirits.  
We have a Y. M. C. A. very near to us and there we can pass the time away if we have any to spare.  I had money changed this morning and it seemed odd to have foreign money.  I
guess we will soon get used to it.  I am pretty hungry now but we won't get any dinner until two o'clock and then supper at five.  We had breakfast at nine o'clock this morning and
believe me we were ready for it.  It was only bacon, bread and coffee but we don't kick about that.  If it only keeps coming that good, we will be glad.  I have six pounds of corn beef
in my saddle bag now and even the smell makes me sick.  I am not carrying it around of my own accord, though we call it our reserve ration and we have to carry it around quite a
while.  In this camp we are in barracks and have it pretty nice.  We have a large number of troops here of different nations.  I will write again as soon as possible and then I will have
more to say.  I am well and happy and didn't get very sick on the water.    

Sergeant Lester M. Gilham, another Schuylkill Haven boy, who is with the Medical Department, writes of his first baptism of fire:
Dear Mother,  I now have a knowledge of what war is like.  Have had my baptism of fire and am back safe and sound.  Shrapnel burst and fell pretty close to me but never touched.  
Resting up a bit at present, feeling fine and in grand health.  Have been in battle but have not been in trenches as of yet.  At the front again and everything very quiet, hardly able to
realize that there is a war.  Received four small shells last evening on the outskirts of the town as a reminder that the Hun is still over on the other side of the river.  No damage
done.  Our reminders, however, are quite different as we drop tons on the Hun in a day.  Other than a few artillery shots, all is quiet.  Have fine quarters here, living in one grand
home.  The best of eats, fine table linen and table to eat off of, table roses and carnations to incense the room, feather beds to sleep in.  I'll say, "This sure is the life."  Am safe at all
times so you need not worry.  Cannot tell you why I make this statement but just accept it.
The Call of July 26, 1918

H. FEGER WRITES FROM FRANCE
Dear Parents,  Just a few lines to let you know that I am having a good time on my permission.  This sure is a wonderful place.  You must hand it to our Uncle Sam for treating us boys
the way he does and also the Y. M. C. A. people, who when we get here, make us feel at home and give us all our amusements.  They have different trips planned each day and
different amusements each night.  On Sunday night we had a concert and it was great.  Yesterday morning we went for a ride down to some place in the mountains and it was a
wonderful trip.  The place is full of mountains and wonderful scenery.  We can see part of the Alps covered with snow.  This morning they went out on another trip to some other
place, but as I thought a bath was better for me than the trip, I did not go along.
I had the best bath this morning I believe I ever had in my life.  It was in sulphur water.  It sure was great.  I was in Paris for two days and am going to stop there on my way back for
two more days.  In Paris I met a young man from Minersville who used to be with me.  We both stopped at the same hotel and occupied the same room.  Yesterday we met Wallie
Kear, of Minersville, and today we met another fellow from our section.  We are in one of the best hotels in town.  The United States pays all our expenses with the exception of our
pleasure but that does not cost very much.  At night when we go to bed, we put our shoes out in front of our door.  The next morning they are all cleaned for us and ready to wear.  
This Y. M. C. A. is one of the most wonderful places I ever saw.  It is an old gambling place, I can't describe it to you.  The floors are all hardwood, marble pillars all through.  The
ceilings are all inlaid mosaic work with wonderful hangings and chandeliers.  It looks like a big castle.Last night we had a dance and moving pictures.  I do not now what is on the
carpet for this afternoon and evening but it will be something good.  Tomorrow we are going to take a trip way up on the mountain.  There is a little railroad running up and we can
see the Swiss Alps from there and other interesting things.
The Call of July 26, 1918

DR. H. T. RYAN VOLUNTEERS FOR WAR SERVICE
Dr. Hugh Todd Ryan, of Main Street, has answered the call of his country to service, making the second Schuylkill Haven physician to volunteer.  Wednesday morning of the present
week, Dr. Ryan received a telegram from Washington, stating that his application had been favorably acted upon and requested that he wire his acceptance at once.  Dr. Ryan lost
not a single moment.  The communication stated that he was given the title of First Lieutenant.  Three different times Dr. Ryan tried to enter the service.  The first time was about
fourteen months ago when he took the examination and passed with the exception of his height.  His last and final examination was about four weeks ago.  Dr. Ryan in formed The
Call that he is now arranging his affairs and expects to be notified within three or four weeks where he is to report.  The doctor would like very much to go abroad.
The Call of July 26, 1918

ALL RESERVES READY FOR WAR
Saturday evening, the Schuylkill Haven members of Company L, Pennsylvania Reserve Militia, returned home from their ten day encampment at Mount Gretna.  Each and every
member, tanned and hardened, looked the picture of health as they marched up Main Street and then to the Town Hall where they were dismissed.  Not a Schuylkill Haven man lost
in weight but to the contrary, all gained at least a pound and a number four or five pounds.  Shortly before their departure, the men were lined up for roll call and each and every
one who was ready to serve his country an go to war was asked to step out of line.  Every man readily responded much to the delight of Lieutenant Scott.  Unfortunately, the same
cannot be said of the Tamaqua battalion, as nine of that town's men remained in line.  A number of rumors were afloat, namely that the militia may go into the national service.  This is
only a rumor and if the rumor has any foundation at all, the men will enter the national service only by voluntary induction.
The Call of August 16, 1918

SIX TOWN GIRLS ENLIST AS RED CROSS NURSES
Six Schuylkill Haven girls have offered their services as nurses to the government.  They are Misses Clara Batdorf, Marion Harner, Marion Bast, Gussie Gehrig, Helen Keller and
Minnie Hartzler.  They are supposed to keep themselves in readiness up to and including April 1 of next year.   Those of the young ladies who are not 21 years of age will be called
for civilian service and those over 21 years of age, for regular Army service.  It is probable that several more may volunteer if the required quota for the country is not obtained
when the time for departure for training arrives.
The Call of August 16, 1918

LOCAL WOMEN WILL BE REGISTERED AUGUST 20TH
On Tuesday, August 20th, the work of registering the women of Schuylkill Haven for patriotic purposes will be started.  The women of town will be called upon at their home and after
registering is explained to them, the government is desirous of ascertaining just what women are doing in their own homes, what women are willing to be called upon for trained or
untrained service, either state or national, what women would be willing to accept a salaried position and to ascertain what the women would be willing to do to assist their country
in any capacity.  A signing of a card places the signer under no obligation.  It simply indicates that you are willing to do your bit.
The Call of September 6, 1918

ANOTHER LOCAL BOY IN THE MOVIES
Another local soldier boy has gotten himself in the movies.  It is Isaac Dewald of Dock Street, who is in the Aviation Service, stationed at Mineola, Long Island.  He has written to
relatives in town that he with a number of other aviators gave an exhibition for the motion picture titled, "To Hell With The Kaiser," which picture was shown at the Hippodrome this
week.  He adds however that his machine was so far away from the camera that it will hardly be likely that his relatives would recognize him.
The Call of September 13, 1918

LEON STERNER IN NEW YORK
From Leon Sterner, who had to have his leg amputated some time ago as a result of having been struck with shrapnel, was received the pleasing news by his parents of his arrival
in New York port the fore part of the week.  From a letter received Thursday it is learned he is in the United States Debarkation Hospital on Ellis Island in New York.  He writes that
he arrived in New York Monday of this week and that he is feeling fine and getting along okay.  His right leg which was amputated above the knee is coming along fine just now
although it is a little sore.  He adds, however, that the has a pus pocket in the leg and it makes it a little sore and that it will take a little while to heal.  After that they will be able to
sew the leg up.  Mr. Sterner states that he expects to remain in the present hospital for a week or ten days and that he will then be sent to the hospital nearer home.  He writes he
had a fine time coming across with the exception of one day when it was stormy.  He says they had pie every dinner and chicken twice a week.  It took ten days to make the trip.  He
came over in a Y. M. C. A. transport.  Mr. Sterner adds that he never heard from his brother Ray, who was in the same company with him, although he wrote many letters to him.  He
never even got to see him after the day he was wounded.  He closes his letter by stating that as soon as he is shipped to another hospital he will be writing home for a number of
personal articles.  From this statement it might be continued to mean that he has no expectations of coming home for quite some time.
The Call of September 13, 1918

KANTNER STILL IN HOSPITAL
Joseph Kantner, who was injured in the arm some time ago, writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kantner, of Union Street, that the wound is healing very nicely and rapidly and
that he expects to be back with his company looking for more Germans very shortly.  He is still in the base hospital.  Kantner states he met some fellows from Carl Fey's company
who knew Fey but he does not say whether they stated he was taken prisoner or whether he was killed.  When he gets back in his company Kantner states he is going to try and get
his old job of cook back again.  He states he received letters from home of June 17 and 28 and also some "Calls."  In a letter under date of July 31st, he writes about his regiment
having gone over the top.  Six men in his company were killed.  His company captured one of the big seventy mile German canon but that the Germans had damaged it pretty badly.  
"The Germans will shoot at you until you get close to use your bayonet and he either runs then or throws up his hands and cries, "Kamerad."  If we had th men at present this war
wouldn't last three months.  "The Boches had cultivated all the country they had captured and were raising grain and it was almost ready to be harvested when they were chased
out.  This will mean more grain for the French."        Joseph Kantner   Company K 58th Regiment
The Call of September 13, 1918

UNDER ARTILLERY FIRE FOR TEN HOURS
Somewhere in France  August 8, 1918
Dear Brother,  I had dinner with Charles Bitzer a few Sundays ago.  We crossed the Marne River on a Saturday.  We then went through Chateau Thierry and up the lines which at one
time had been a beautiful valley.  As we go forward you can see the ruins of the Germans.  All those little towns are in ruins.  At places people just got away with their lives, as all
their belongings are still there, with the exception of what the Germans have taken.  You can see quite a few dead Germans lying along the road.  When the Germans are caught in a
trap they call the Americans "Comrade."  My bed is along a bank.  You must dig yourself in as that is the only thing that helps you.  When this war is over the ones that come back can
tell some great things.  I was under artillery fire for ten hours on July 14th at Saint Aignan.  It was my first time under heavy fire.  Lots of boys gave up their life that day for their
country.  All day and nigh the big guns roar and the earth shakes with them.  But you get used to them and sleep about one hundred yards from them.  Some time when we are
getting mess, Jerry sends some shells over to us.  Then we must get our men and get under cover.  We get good eats if there is any possible way of getting them to us.  Hoping
these few lines will find you and all the rest of the family in the best of health.  I remain, Your brother,  George Hartnett,  Company A, 108th Machine Gun Battalion
The Call of September 20, 1918

IT WILL SOON BE OVER
Harry Moyer of Company C Engineers,in a recent letter among other things writes very optimistically in that he says the Germans are on the run so fast that the war will soon be
over.  His letter is as follows:
Somewhere in France   August 13, 1918
Dear Mother,   I very seldom get time to write letters because we are on the move most of the time.  We move about every three days.  I am sitting on the top of a hill now writing this
letter.  From where I am I can see two of the Boche observation balloons and also see some of the Boche shells dropping about a quarter mile from here.  They certainly do whizz
when they pass over your head.  Yesterday I saw four Boche planes as close as I ever want to see them while they are flying.  You can see the American and French planes signal to
the American artillery with machine gun fire.  To do this they must fly rather low.  These four planes came over the lines and every one thought that they were Allied planes until they
opened fire with their machine guns on the teams and troops along the roads.  Luckily there was no one injured as far as I know.  It did not take long until our anti aircraft guns and
machine guns opened fire on them.  Maybe they didn't turn around and beat it for home.  None of them were brought down.  
In the last two days I was within on mile of the front line.  There was a machine gun barrage put over by our gunners and there was some rattling.  It lasted an hour.  The sound
coming from them reminds you of what an air hammer at the car shops sounds like.  Well that gives you some idea of what a machine gun sounds like and how fast it shoots.  We are
no longer living in billets anymore but in dugouts.  Two fellows generally bunk together.  These dugouts are on the side of the hills most of the time.  We generally dig them about
three feet deep and just wide enough for two.  We then put old boards on top and some ground to keep out the flying pieces of shell.  We always build our own homes when we
move to a different place.  I have not received any wounds from shells thus far but have had a little gas.  I suppose you know that mustard gas burns and blisters the tender parts of
the body.  I had a small boil on the back of my neck and the gas burned me there.  Although hit did not do any harm it was very nasty.  I saw a bunch of German prisoners the other
day and they certainly did look tough.  I think if the German soldiers on the lines would know what some of the Prisoners knew after they get behind our lines, they would all yell,
"Kamerad Pity."  The Germans are on the run just now and it will soon all be over.  All the boys are in good health and feeling fine.  Your loving son,  Harry
The Call of September 27, 1918

SHOOT AT AVIATORS
In a letter from Russell Kantner of Battery Seven of the Field Artillery, he writes of the Hun planes coming so close to the ground that the soldiers shoot at them with their pistols
and rifles.  His letter is as follows:
Dear Mother,  I am in a rest camp now.  Just came back from the front.  Have been here two days but expect to leave shortly for another front.  Am in th best of health and spirits and
am glad to hear all are well.  Received "The Call' the other day.  I was in a big drive over here and we captured many prisoners and guns and I got quite a few souvenirs.  I saw many
gruesome sights and was in a real open air battle and believe me it has something on trench fighting.  We were relieved by a _____ division after fighting and had my first glimpse of
a _____.  When they named them the "Laddies of Hell," they named them right as they are great fighters.  I was on the last front seventy six days and came direct from there to this
front for this drive.  We had the pleasure of turning the German 77s on them and they certainly did not relish that much.  They are a pretty fair gun but aren't in it with the 75s.  I
learned of Carl Fey's death some time ago but didn't get a chance to write.  He was killed in Picardy.
We had lots of excitement as this last front as the Boche planes would come over us and fire their machine guns at us.  We could see the Boche aviators plainly and we blazed away
at them with our .45 pistols and army rifles and everything in sight.  At night they came over and dropped bombs but did not do much damage.  We have been cited in orders two or
three times and will soon be wearing a shoulder cord I suppose.  We are entitled to two service chevrons today as it is a year since we set sail from the states.  I have seen some
wonderful chateaus over here and have been through them.  They were wrecked by shellfire and contained libraries and paintings of great value, even discovered pianos in some
of them.     Russell
The Call of September 27, 1918

MAY BE OTHER BOYS IN HOSPITAL
From a letter written by Paul Baker, one is led to believe that a number of boys from Company C, other, or in addition to those having been mentioned as having some time ago, are
in the hospital.  Paul, himself, is in the hospital, but in the letter does not state whether he was wounded or gassed and no other letters or information from him was received by his
parents giving this information.  Paul states that he met only one of the boys of his company while at the hospital and that he wishes he could get to see the other boys.  He
describes how his company was sent out to build bridges and after being under the enemy's fire for some time succeeded in throwing the bridges across the river.  He states a
barrage fire was then put out and the boys made for shelter.  All of them were enabled to jump into shell holes excepting himself, Edward Mengle and George Barnhardt of
Pottsville.  He and his two companions were compelled to lie flat on the ground while the Hun shells were whizzing over them and dropping all around them.  How they escaped with
their lives he says was more than a miracle.
The Call of October 4, 1918

NO MAIL FOR TEN DAYS
Dear Parents,  This being Sunday, I thought it would be a fine time for me to send you a little letter.  I have been away from the Company for the past ten days and things look as
though we will be here a while yet.  There are five of us from the Company on a detail to help fix up a pack train of mules for the regiment.  We are away behind the lines and do not
realize there is a war.  We are stationed near the ______ River and enjoy regular baths.  We are getting along fine with our mules.  Yesterday a fellow by the name of Reed from
Schuylkill Haven and myself saddled up two horses and took a trip of about fourteen miles to a store and Y. M. C. A.  There we bought canned milk and cakes for all.  Perhaps you
wonder what we did with the milk.  Well, for dinner today we pared some potatoes and cut them up and had potato soup.  Just like the kind you used to make.  The only thing we
were wishing for then was a few clams.  About ten cents worth would have been sufficient.  I have not received any mail for about ten days, on account of my being away from the
company.  i would certainly like to go for the mail but the walk is father than I could travel in one day.  It is now about three o'clock and I have nothing to do today other than feed and
water the stock.  I was just thinking that at this time you are attending church and Sunday school.  Well, I cannot do that here so I shall read my little testament.
Your son,  Elmer Steinbrunn  Company C, 103rd Engineers.
The Call of October 4, 1918

AIRMEN GOT HUN BALLOON
Dear Mother and Dad,   Today is Sunday and it is now 5:00 p. m. and the sun has not made its way out.  The day is one of those dreary days with rain for five minutes at half hour
intervals. A few minutes before dinner we received a large sack of mail, which was our first mail for some time.  Many thanks for the letters I received as they certainly are
appreciated in this great "no man's land."  Just finished supper and the rain has just ceased falling.  Heavy black clouds are in the sky, as far as the eye can see, but the sun is
peeping through.  Two Allied balloons are now going up to our rear and we can see two Hun balloons in the distance.  The sky is still covered with black clouds, so it's rather
dangerous for balloons, because planes are often concealed behind the clouds.  Dangerous is right because our planes beat the Huns to it.  Two of our planes were in the clouds
and they dipped on the balloons.  It is also dangerous for the airmen because the aircraft guns were on the job.  I'll say we had the pleasure of seeing the first Boche balloon go
down in flames, as the result of a good dip, followed by machine gun bullets from our planes.  The other Boche didn't stay up more than ten minutes.  I think the Hun aircraft guns
wasted at least three hundred rounds of ammunition on our planes.  So after a long, dreary day we had a little excitement.  We are still at the same position and we are getting three
meals a day.  Nothing unusual has happened lately.  Your son Russel Schwenck
The Call of October 4, 1918

LESTER BAST HAD NARROW ESCAPE
Dear Father,   Up to this time I am enjoying good health, although a bit tired from the work, still I cannot complain.  I am very close to the front just now and the Huns send quite a
good many shells over at times.  At present I am living in dugouts or rather holes in the side of some bank, and though it is a hard bed, still it is considerably pretty good by us as we
are used to lying around.  Have seen quite a few German soldiers and they seem to be of all ages.  Some of the fellows have spoken to a few German prisoners and they say the war
will soon end.  Let us hope it will as this is certainly a great life.  Father, I had a rather narrow escape the other day.  A crowd of we fellows went out working and the Germans started
a barrage, that is sending high explosives and shrapnel overhead.  Well we ran and while running I got tangled in the wire and lost the rest of the group.  After getting loose I
crawled into a shell hole close by and the shells were dropping all around me.  Laying there I prayed, I certainly did while I was alone in the shell hole, for I thought the end was near
at hand.  I pulled through luckily through the help of the one above.  I decided to change quarters so I moved about a hundred yards to a small dugout and just as I reached it a shell
exploded where I had been lying in the first place.  These are some things we have to dodge, besides, aeroplanes and also the German snipers.  In this drive the Allies captured
some towns and often there would be several German snipers in some buildings.  While we are working in a town, quite frequently, the snipers would keep firing at us.  These dirty
Germans shoot and shoot until their ammunition is all used.  Then they come out and yell "comrade" and want to give up.
Your son, Lester Bast, Company C  103rd Engineers  August 18, 1918
The Call of October 11, 1918

LIEUTENANT HUGH T. RYAN SUCCUMBS AT CAMP
Several hours after the announcement of the death of Mr. John Conard, Wednesday morning, the public was given another shock by the posting of the news of the death of
Lieutenant Hugh T. Ryan of Schuylkill Haven.  While details of his death at this time are meager, it is understood Lieutenant Ryan died of pneumonia, on Monday, at Chattanooga,
Tennessee, and it is not believed he was ill any length of time.  It was known he was attending a son of Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Raudenbush, of High Street, who was at the same camp.  
Dr. Ryan came to Schuylkill Haven about two years ago and began the practice of medicine in the McWilliams property on Dock Street.  Shortly thereafter he was wedded to Miss
Mary Standiford of Philadelphia.  For the past year they resided in the Saylor property on Main Street.  The doctor had established for himself an extensive practice and was
considered a skilled physician.  He enlisted in the Medical Corps, was given a commission and left for camp on August 15th.  Later he was joined by his wife and child.  Mr. and Mrs.
Ryan made many friends during their comparatively short residence in this town and Mrs. Ryan has the sympathy of the entire community in her hour of sorrow.  While no information
has been received as to the funeral arrangements it is known interment will be made in Philadelphia where relatives of the deceased reside.
The Call of October 11, 1918

EAT CHICKEN AND RABBIT
Dear Mother,  Am sorry to hear that you do not get all my mail.  You wrote that you had not received any mail for six weeks.  You should get a letter once a week because I write
every Sunday.  As soon as I get to town, I will have my picture taken and will send some to you.  We are getting real good meals.  During the last month, we had chicken and rabbit
several times and on Sunday we expect to have roast pig.  We have pie or cake about every other day and at some meals we have ice tea or chocolate and ofttimes coffee.  We are
only getting these meals for about the past month.  The reason is, our company changed mess sergeants.  On an average I get about one letter a week from you and I always write at
least one letter a week to you.  We had very nice weather over here all summer.  The sun is very hot during the day and we are out in it most of the time.  Our camp is getting better
every day.  We have about two hundred Shines and three hundred Japs running around us every day.  Life in the Army is about the same every day, there is never any news to tell
and we have the same work to do every day.  Received two letters from sister and father last week and was very glad to hear from you people.  Father is afraid if he writes often, I
will get homesick, but he may write every day and I will not get homesick because we are all past that stage.  Sunday is our rest day and Mattern and I usually take the whole day off
and spend it away from camp.    Your son,  Ralph E. Fahl  Company C, 326th Battalion,  311th Tank Centre
The Call of October 11, 1918

SHELL STRUCK NEAR AUTO
Dear Folks,   Away from the front at last.  We are now stationed at our training camp, over a hundred miles from the front.  The village we are in is situated in a very hilly country.  You
can't even see it until you are right on top of it.  It surely is a very quiet place, so different from where we came from.  I am not certain how long we will be stationed here but I think it
will be quite some time.  The boys need a good rest after being at the front since the beginning of February.  I suppose you can get a good idea of our movements through your
press.  It would be nice if we could let you know from time to time our exact location.  In that way you could follow our movements on the map.  You know we have certain rules and
regulations to observe in regards to our mail, so what news you get must come through the papers.
During the past three weeks I have made about a half a dozen trips to Paris and have enjoyed them all very much.  While we were in Paris I had a new glass put back in my car.  I do
not recall if I mentioned it before or not, but while I was driving up a street in our town during our last week or so at the front, a German 220 mm shell, about equal to our eight inch
shell, struck the road about six feet in front of me and tore out nearly all the glass in the car.  The car certainly was a mess.  I felt similar to that myself.  Luckily the only part of me
hurt were my feelings.  All the time we were in Paris, the place was being bombarded the German long range gun.  The afternoon we left, there was a shell struck just around the
corner from where my car was standing, hardly 75 yards away.  Several of the Hun shells have had our initials printed on them but as yet none of them had our names.  
When I said in one of my previous letters I was sick and tired of the whole thing, I did not mean it in a complaining way.  If there is one thing that I draw the line on, it  is complaining
about conditions over here.  We all know that we have to put up with everything so long as we are in the Army and kicking is not going to get anything for you.  It only has a tendency
to make matters worse.  The meaning of my statement was this.  After seeing so much death and destruction, dead Germans lying all over the roads, fields and woods; towns and
villages leveled to the ground; crops trampled down and torn up with shell fire, shrubbery and foliage all turned brown from the poisonous gases sent over by the Huns, and dead
horses, mostly German, all along the roads, it is enough to make anybody sick and tired of it.  But under no consideration would I want to come back until the Huns are licked and
that done good and proper.  By the way the Huns are being licked, it looks as though we can come home earlier than we expected.  Let us hope so.    DART
The Call of October 18, 1918

PAUL BAKER NOW IN NEW YORK
Paul Baker, a member of Company C, 103rd Engineers, is a patient in the hospital at Ellis Island.  He was brought to the hospital this week and remain there for some time.  Several
weeks ago it was stated, in these columns, that the young man since he had been gassed had great trouble with asthma.  It was on this account that he was sent to this country, the
physicians informing him that if he remained in France, the climate would kill him very shortly.  Paul was visited by his father, Harry Baker, this week.  Mr. Baker reports finding his
son in good spirits but very much perturbed that he could not remain with his fellow soldiers in France.  There are four other soldier boys with him suffering from the same disease.  
He was brought over on the ship Northern Pacific which carried over four hundred wounded American soldiers.  Mr. Baker states the sight of so many wounded boys, some without
an arm or a leg or with but one eye, is indeed a pitiful one.  It is hardly possible young Baker will be given a furlough home but will be sent to some station along the coast or to a
camp out West in order that he may overcome the asthma with which he is afflicted.  Mr. Baker wishes to discredit the rumor started about town that there were twenty other
wounded Schuylkill Haven boys sent to the hospital with Paul.  He also states that Paul explained to him about the casualty list under the head of men being wounded, degree
undetermined.  This has reference to men being gassed and that only one out of every thousand dies.
The Call of October 18, 1918

LOCAL RESIDENT IS NOW A MAJOR
Word was received by Mrs. G. E. Gangloff, Friday, announcing the fact that her husband, Captain G. E. Gangloff, had been commissioned a Major.  Captain Gangloff was some time
ago made an Assistant Judge Advocate and later a Judge Advocate.  His commission as major will now mean that he is the highest ranking Judge Advocate attached to his particular
division.  As the majors in the Judge Advocate's department are the ones to accompany the division, it is expected Major Gangloff will soon be overseas.  The announcement will be
hailed with delight by his many local friends.  He is the first Schuylkill Haven resident to attain this high rank.
The Call of October 25, 1918

INJURED SOLDIER BOY EXPECTED HOME SOON
It is possible that Leon Sterner, member of Company C, who had his leg amputated in France, and who is now in a New York hospital, will be home on a ten day furlough shortly.  He
writes that his leg is getting along fine.  He had it closed again and the French doctor in charge is going to try a different treatment and that he thinks it is now going to work all right
this time.  Mr. Sterner was on the operating table five times since the shrapnel struck him while in action.  This was due to pus forming, necessitating the opening of the wound.  The
last time the wound was opened, the stump of the leg was opened to the bone a sufficient size to lay one's hand in the opening.  It was the found that there were dead tissues near
the bone which it is thought caused the forming of the pus bags.  He writes he sure hopes it is okay this time.  He adds that he is in a wheelchair now and when the letter was written
was sitting in the porch and felt strong and is growing fatter every day.  He writes that he may be given a ten day furlough soon but that he will then have to return to the hospital
again until the wound is completely healed.
The Call of October 25, 1918

COMPANY C ON FRONT FOR 72 DAYS
Dear Mother,    Well at last our division, the 28th, was relieved, and yesterday morning we started back and we hiked about fifteen miles in a drizzling rain.  Today we are camped in a
woods out of the range of the big guns.  Tomorrow we expect to go to a railroad center and from there to some rest camp for a short rest, and after that we will go to a different
front.  We landed in France on June 1st and on the 28th, we went to the front and were there for seventy two days.  Just before we were relived we drove the Huns back seven
more miles and captured quite a few prisoners.  Our company was on the job and we did our bit.  Just before dinner I received your letter from August 17th, also one from Bill and
Mrs. Hartzler, and surely did enjoy reading them.  Tell Mrs. Hartzler that I appreciate her letter and like her spirit and will answer as soon as possible.  It is pretty hard to write sitting
against a tree and using a mess pan to write on, but that is the best we have at this place.  Bill stated in his letter that an aeroplane flew over Schuylkill Haven some time ago and
that some of the people were alarmed.  I wonder what they would say if ten or twelve Hun planes would fly over.  Well that happens nearly every day over here and we oft times see
air battles.  Yesterday I saw the grave of Lieutenant Roosevelt and also the spot where he fell.  Most likely you read about his death in the paper.  Last week I took communion.  It
was the first chance I had to take it since we are at the front.  Trusting that the good Lord will keep us in good health and protect us and that we will soon meet again.  
I remain,  Your loving son,  John E. Dewald,  Company C  103rd Engineers
The Call of October 25, 1918

STILL IN OLD FRANCAIS
Dear Mother,  Am still in old Francais and in the best of health and good spirits.  Am receiving your mail quite regularly now but have not heard from Joe since July.  We are having
fine weather just now although we had quite a quite of bit of rain for some time.  Was in the American drive over here and we captured many prisoners and other material.  We made
the attack in the driving rain but it was successful all around.  A good many of the outfits around here have horses, cows and other livestock which they took from the Boche in our
advance.  Had quite a laugh while our drive was going on for when coming in a woods where the Germans had tenanted, on a crossroads was a bog sign with the inscription, Kaiser
Wilhelm Strasse on it.  Also one street known as the Kronzhrinzen Strasse.  The Germans had things up to date here and had their beer gardens and canteens.  Also a bathhouse
with showers and bath tubs and a baker shop also.  To give you an idea how fast they traveled in this drive, I was left behind to guard some material when the battery moved out of
the position and when a driver became sick I had to drive his team.  We were hauling ammunition and it took us two days to catch up with the battery.  Got hardly any chow or sleep
for three days but that is all in the game in these drives.  Haven't received any home papers in quite a while but suppose they will all come on a bunch as they usually do.  I suppose
Joe is glad to get out of the hospital again, as I could not bear to stay there the several days I was in it.  We are getting rain quite regularly now, too much to suit me, as we generally
camp in the woods when not at the front and it makes it miserable all around.  Occasionally we run across the government commissary trucks and then we can buy American
chocolates and all we want of most anything in the eats line, so you realize they are always welcome around here.   Your Son, Russell Kantner   Battery B  Seventh F. A.
The Call of November 1, 1918

AEROPLANES NUMEROUS
Somewhere in France,  Dear Father and All,   We have moved twice in a short time, so I didn't get time to write.  I received your two letters and birthday card and also two "Calls" and
quite a few other letters.  I do not know when I will have time to answer them all.  It seems to be getting a little lively since I wrote to you last.  I fell about eight feet from the top of a
loaded truck with a knapsack, rifle and gas mask, in a mud hole, but was not hurt a bit.  We had a trip of some forty two hours in box cars (eight to a car) and during the trip I was
thrown against the side of the car and received a cut along the left eye but that is healed.  During one of our short stops, I saw George Clouser, the boy who used to market to town
with the bay horses.  He is running a shifting engine in a city.  We passed through some very nice country.  In this part of the country we can see and hear the flashes of the cannon
and it rained four nights n succession, which I think is caused by the heavy firing.  Aeroplanes are more numerous than flies.  We were camped on ground where some fighting had
taken place.  There were some French soldiers graves there and the trees bore marks of battles.  There is plenty of mud and the weather is cool, especially at night.  I am well
(weighed 175 pounds a few weeks ago) and hope you are all the same.  Write soon and often as a letter is always welcome.  I am as ever,  Your Son,  Emmet Greenawald
The Call of November 1, 1918

COMPANY C ENJOYING REST
September 14, 1918  Dear Mother,    Just a few lines to let you know I received your most welcome letter and I surely was glad to hear from you.  I am well with the exception of my
throat.  I do not think I have a cold but I can hardly talk.  I must have gotten a little gas, but it is getting better every day, as long as it is nothing more than my voice, I should not
worry.  Our last few days at the front surely were tough.  We lost about fifty men altogether.  Forty six were gassed and one man killed.  He was a Greek from Pottsville but I suppose
the people back home will not know anything about that.  Guy was one of those men that was gassed, he was burnt with mustard, but not very badly.  
Suppose you had some wait again for a letter, but between hard work, traveling and bad weather, it made it almost impossible to write.  At last we got what we were looking for and
that was a rest.  We hiked for two days and were in the woods two days and it rained all the while.  We took trucks and at last we got back to civilization, and I could not tell you how
good it seems to hear a railroad train or see a city in full bloom, after ducking shells for seventy four days.  I have been in the drive from the Marne to the Aisnes and I'll say it sure
was tough driving.  It is hard to say how long we will be back here but they can't make it too long, as we need a rest.  We are about twenty five miles behind the lines, but can still
hear the low rumble of the guns, but we pay no attention to the noise as we are used to it.  We have to walk about six kilometers to town, as we are billeted in a small village where
we can not buy anything.   Your loving son,  Elmer Hartranft
The Call of November 8, 1918

XMAS PACKAGES FOR SOLDIERS
A number of the Christmas parcel labels have been received by persons in town from their soldier boy friends or relatives in France.  These labels are to be placed upon parcels or
the holiday boxes that must be mailed before November 15th.  Parcels that do not carry this label will not be accepted after November 20th.  Only one Christmas parcel can be sent
to each soldier or Marine in the Expeditionary Forces.  When the Christmas parcel labels are received they should be taken to the home of Miss Marion Lenker, of Main Street,
secretary of the Red Cross, who will issue the regulation size carton together with instructions as to what can be placed in the package.  Cartons are now obtainable of Miss
Lenker.  The carton can then be filled with Christmas gifts and taken to the home of Mrs. Harry Feger, of Main Street, where the same must be examined, the parcel weighed,
wrapped and sealed with an inspection label.  The parcel unwrapped must not weigh more than two pounds fifteen ounces.  No message or writing of any kind will be allowed to go
in the parcel.  Seven cents postage is required for parcels mailed from town.  It must be understood the above regulations are those of the United States government, not of the
Red Cross.  The Red Cross chapters have been asked to assist in the manner above mentioned.
The Call of November 8, 1918

GIVE THE BOYS A SEND OFF NEXT WEEK
Tuesday and Friday of the coming week two contingents of drafted men will be sent to training camps from this district.  The first contingent will leave Tuesday morning at 11:26 and
the second on Friday morning.  The Schuylkill Haven public is asked to cooperate with those in charge of the demonstrations and participate in the same by marching along with the
boys from the town hall to the station.  The Schuylkill Hose Company Drum Corps, the Boy Scouts, the Red Cross, the Reserve Militia, the War Council and all organizations who
heretofore participated are asked to do so again.  It is quite fitting and proper that the Schuylkill Haven public should extend this honor to the boys who will march away on the dates
given.  In order to make the send off a fitting one, it will be necessary for every citizen who possibly can arrange to get away from his work or duties for a half hour to join with the
marchers.  The formation of the parade will be at the corner of Saint John and Main Streets.  From this point the column will move to the town hall and then to the Philadelphia and
Reading station.
The Call of November 8, 1918

ANOTHER TOWN BOY WOUNDED IN FRANCE
Word was received by Miss Anna Burket of the wounding of her brother, Harry Burket, who is in France.  In a letter written by a comrade, Harry states he was hit in the fright arm in
the big drive on September 27th.  He is in Base Hospital Number 3.  He states the wound is not a serious one.  Mr. Burket is the son of Mr. Adam Burket, of Saint John Street, who
four sons are in the service, one, Isaac died from the effects of a gas attack recently, two other sons, Warren and Fred, were also reported as being in gas attacks and in hospitals
and the news from Harry of his having been wounded, places the four Burket boys on the casualty list.
The Call of November 8, 1918

TOWN BOY WRITES FROM HUN PRISON CAMP
Carl Fey, of town, who is a prisoner of war in a German camp, writes two short post cards to his mother, which in part are as follows: "My jaw was broken and I got a hole through my
right cheek.  I think I will be sent to Holland but the doctor said maybe he could send me home and I hope that he can."  He also asks his mother to send him a package if she has not
already done so.  From this request it is evident he at the time had not received the dozen or more packages that had been sent to him and addressed as per the address furnished
by the authorities.  Carl inquires about a number of local persons and no doubt would like to tell many things but being in a German camp, it is out of the question to write anything
but the most commonplace things.
The Call of November 8, 1918

WOUNDED WHILE BURYING DEAD
France   Dear Mother,  I am in a convalescent hospital and in good health and spirits and my wound is in real good shape.  Was in action on a real hot part, one of the hottest I have
been on yet, and was wounded in the hip by a flying piece of shell.  It was not much, just a small hole, which was closed up and okay now.  Was under the X-ray to determine if any
shell fragments were still in, but they were unable to detect any pieces.  Our outfit was in for some real hot shelling, and I was trying to bury two of my comrades when I got mine, but
I will soon be on Heine's trail again.  I was in two other hospitals before I landed here, for two or three days at a time, but haven't seen anything of Joe yet, though his outfit went in
on the same front we went in on.  Received your letter of August 25th and also one from Roy Ketner but did not get a chance to answer them while on the front, as Heine kept us
busy replying to him.  I also received your letter of September 5th while on the front but have not received any home papers for quite a while now.  
I have not received any mail from my Belgian friend for almost five months, so I think he has departed and I feel sorry for the poor fellow, after him being in the war so long and
could not see the finish of it.  They are hitting Fritz right and left here and I think he will soon follow Bulgaria.  Was surprised to hear about Leon Sterner's accident and was also very
sorry.  I worked with Stanley Dengler ( a member of Company D, who was killed) at Palsgrove's cigar factory and knew him very well.  Mother, every letter  you write passes muster so
keep sending them.  We are enjoying better weather now compared to when we went to the front, as the roads were in an awful condition, and thus delayed us a bit, but we got
there just the same.  I am going to try to get back to the outfit just as soon as possible, as I cannot stand these places, although I am treated okay.  Am glad to hear you are all in
good health and hope you stay that way.    Your loving son, Russel Kantner,  Battery B, 7th Field Artillery
The Call of November 8, 1918

WON'T BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Somewhere in France    Dear Mother,  Am getting along very well and have seen a lot of this country since we arrived.  As yet, I have not heard from Harry and have received but
one letter from home.  Things look pretty good now but we will not be home for Christmas, as they say in America.  The climate seems to agree with me as I am getting stouter.  Met a
friend from Iowa I used to work with; he was the first I met that I knew since we are here.  We certainly had a long talk, as you know it is good to meet old friends in a strange land.  
When I was in a rest camp, I managed to get to a beautiful church.  Some of the men that have just arrived give us the home news.  I cannot write much about what is going on, but if
I get back again, I can tell quite a few stories.    Your son,  Charles Sauers,  Company B, 311 Machine Gun Battalion
The Call of November 8, 1918

MEETS FRIENDS IN FRANCE
October 13, 1918   Dearest All,  Just a few lines to let you know I am enjoying the best of health and hoping all at home are enjoying the same.  Our division has been on the front and
we did our bit and now have been relieved.  We have gone back from the front, so do not worry, as I am okay and feeling fine.  We landed in a village last night and we are living in a
barn.  It is nice and dry and we surely keep warm.  Two of us sleep together, therefore we use the blankets that belong to each of us and thereby keep warm.  Overcoats feel fine in
the mornings and evenings.  One day I was riding and when coming home through the woods, a fellow said, "Hello Beck."  Well I was so surprised I very nearly fell over and noticed
it was a fellow from town, by the name of Mulholland.  Well you never saw two happier fellows then we were.  He used to work at Thomas's Mill.  The way the war looks to me, it is
about over and I hope peace will soon come, as we are all looking for it, but not unless the peace is right.  We do not want another war like this one, so why not end it right now.   
Your loving son,    Lester Beck
The Call of November 15, 1918

PEACE CELEBRATED BY MONSTER PARADE
Good News Starts Day of Rejoicing at 3:00 a.m. and is Continued Till Evening.  Largest Parade Ever Held Here By Town Folks.  Heads Bowed in Giving Thanks.
Schuylkill Haven, in honor of the biggest and best piece of news received for a long, long time, held the biggest and best parade Monday evening that has been held for many a
day.  Of course, the news of the acceptance of the armistice terms by Germany was sufficient to enthuse any citizen and it certainly had its effect here.  The parade of Thursday
evening on the same news, which later proved untrue, was thought would have the effect of dampening and curtailing Monday night's parade.  Not so, more people than ever
before turned out, not only to parade but to have a jolly good time.  Hundreds and hundreds of people lined the sidewalks and were equally as interested and enthusiastic over the
glad news as were the paraders.  All the pent up feelings of the public for the last nineteen months, since this country has been interested in the war, was loosened and the town
celebrated in a real effective and impressive manner.
Beginning a short time after three in the morning Monday, when the blowing of whistles and the ringing of church bells awakened the public and informed them that peace was
finally at hand.  Then on Monday night, the entire town celebrated in a manner more joyous than any holiday has been celebrated for many years.  After parading for several hours in
the early morning, hundreds of residents went home to catch an hour or two of sleep and then went to it in various ways again.  Many housewives postponed the usual weekly
washing until another day when their enthusiasm would permit their looking at the task at hand.  Some of the men folks found enjoyment in endeavoring to drink the saloons dry.  
Others simply gathered in groups about town and discussed the coming effect.  Very few of our industries were able to operate, the employees not waiting for the employers to
declare the day a holiday.  The children in different parts of the town were parading after the early dismissal of school.  Quite a few of the more enthusiastic citizens continued
parading from one end of the town to the other during the entire day and in the afternoon the women folks took up the celebration by dressing up in their best Sunday duds and
going on parade.  There was little to practically no business because of the continuous celebration and merry making.  Everybody seemed happy and everybody was happy.  
Altogether it was one of the biggest and most enjoyable days Schuylkill Haven has experienced for many years and from all accounts the same is true in every city, town and hamlet
the country over.
PUBLIC GIVES THANKS   Early in the evening the crowds began to move toward the central portion of the town where the parade was to be held.  At seven the church bells began to
ring and this was the signal to give thanks to God for the end of the war.  The public in general appeared to observe the idea and offered a few words of prayer at this time.
THE PARADE   The parade formed at seven thirty and by eight o'clock was moving up Main Street.  The parade is said by many people who have been interested in parades here to
have been the largest ever held in Schuylkill Haven solely by Schuylkill Haven people.  One thought everybody was in line of parade and there were mighty few persons who could
have paraded that hesitated and did not.  With the noise of bells, rattles, horns, whistles, drums, fifes, squeakers, etc., and of course with the music of several bands and drum
corps, the paraders, several thousand strong, almost everyone carrying a flag, covered the route.  The parade consisted of four divisions with bands, church groups, fire trucks,
many autos, factory employees and much more.
PARADE NOTES   The large number of persons in line of parade was a fact commented on by the general public; also the very large number of flags carried.  There were very few
paraders who did not carry a flag.  Mrs. John Meck, dressed as the Goddess of Liberty, and carrying a torch, certainly added an effectiveness to the occasion.  She was applauded
along the entire route of the parade.  Another interesting feature of the parade was the marching of Schuylkill Haven's most aged resident, Isaac Paxson, aged 87 years.  Mr. Paxson
covered the entire route, was as enthusiastic as the youngest parader, and stepped almost as lively as any of the paraders.  He, too, was applauded by many persons.  Edward
Shollenberger and Lester Knarr on good specimens of horse flesh, added tyo the appearance of the parade line.  The Centennial Drum Corps of Pottsville, gave the public an idea
of what snappy and martial drum corps music sounds like.  
The biggest surprise of the event was the large number of school children in the line of parade.  They certainly did enjoy it and the public enjoyed watching them march by.  They
kept pretty even lines and enjoyed themselves immensely.  To the school teachers under the direction of Superintendent Hoover and Professor R. W. Ziegenfus, is due a great deal
of credit for placing them in order and line of parade.  Anyone who happened by the corner of Saint John and Union Streets, about fifteen minutes before the parade moved, would
have been dumbfounded by the chattering sea of youngsters, which appeared to have no beginning and no end.  Additional noise and effectiveness was added to the celebration
by the exploding of dynamite by a group of local residents on the ball park.  The discharges coming unexpectedly shook the entire town and put additional pep to the marchers,
aroused what few drunks there were about town, and heralded to the surrounding towns the fact that Schuylkill Haven was celebrating.    A quantity of red fire was obtained by some
paraders and lent the effective air to the parade which by reason of its scarcity and cost, has been eliminated from our paraders.  Sure, Kaiser Bill while in Holland was represented
in the parade, but he did not walk, he was dragged over the street and out Spring Garden way and oil was poured on his person and he was burned to a crisp.  
Talk about noise, surely all the rattles, horns, whistles, etc., in the entire town must have been bought up by paraders.  The Spring Garden delegation, headed up by Messrs. Fisher
and Huy, certainly deserve credit, not only for the large number of persons in their line but for the completeness of their division.  They not only furnished marshals but colors, color
bearers, music, red fire and the paraders.  The completeness of their unit was commented on quite freely.  
AFTER THE PARADE   Following the parade and the dismissal of the organizations, several squares of the Main Street were blocked off and a real old home week merry making time
was indulged in by everyone.  At Main and Saint John Streets the Bressler Band and the First Methodist Church choir rendered a joint concert, each organization contributing an
equal number of selections and each organization winning the applause of the public.  Patriotic and popular songs were rendered and joined in by the audience.  This was the
nearest approach to an open air community sing the town has had.  Many of the younger folks enjoyed themselves by linking hands and snake dancing up and down the street.  This
was continued for quite some time.  Noise, my what a bunch of noise was made by the horns, rattles, etc.  About seven times as much as in the parade.  A noticeable fact was the
prompt removal of hats when the Star Spangled Banner was played several times during the evening.  Housewives have no idea what an excellent effect is contributed by having
the homes along the route of parade illuminated from top to bottom.  There was an unusually large number of homes thus lighted and added to the spirit of the occasion.  The
hurdy-gurdy at the end of the parade brought forth a laugh from everyone and while a bit out of tune and pitch, lent to the celebration.  The Moki Club was on hand with a regular
lineup of music and noisemakers and enlivened the square after the parade.
Messrs. Brown and Ebling made a fine appearance costumed as two colored gentlemen.  Despite the fact that booze flowed freely during the day and evening, there were very few
real drunks noticed about town.  An amusing incident of the entire celebration was the fact that the Edward Miller band, which began to parade and celebrate in the early morning,
continued until late in the afternoon when there were only two members in the organization.  The same was recruited to full strength for the evening parade.  The parade in the
morning, while not as large and without any set plan of formation or regular music, was really the most enthusiastic, at least for the paraders.  All of them were just filled with the
glad news which this time was officially announced and they paraded and paraded, sang, shouted, then sang and shouted again and had a general good time.  It was the real parade
of the day some paraders insist.  Surely it was the earliest ever held in town.  The festivities were brought to a close rather early in the evening, there being but a few persons on
the street at eleven o'clock.  Of course, the strenuousness of the almost twenty four hour celebration was sufficient for most persons.  D. D. Coldren who directed and conducted
the musical organization heading the morning parade was so enthusiastic that although the blood was just dripping from a deep and lengthy cut on his hand, inflicted by one of the
cymbals he had, he continued in the parade until it finally broke up.
The Call of November 20, 1918

SOLDIER TO BE GIVEN DEMONSTRATION TONIGHT
Schuylkill Haven's most seriously wounded soldier boy, Leon Sterner, is expected from all accounts, expected to be home on a brief furlough this evening.  A reception or
demonstration in his honor is now being arranged for.  He will arrive either on the Reading at 6:42 or 6:59.  The Citizens Band and the different organizations of town and uniformed
soldier boys have been invited to meet the train and escort Mr. Sterner over a very short route and then to his home.  In the event he arrives on the P. R. R. road he will be met at
that station and escorted in Dock Street, down Main and to his home.  Due notice of the time of his arrival and what road, will be posted on The Call bulletin board during the day.  
Mr. Sterner's father left this morning to meet him and he will telegraph the desired information during the day.  The reception is being arranged for by the War Council, a special
meeting of the Executive Committee having been called and held on Thursday evening for this purpose.  It is understood there may be several other wounded soldier boys arriving
in town tonight and if so all these soldiers will be loaded in autos and be included in the demonstration.
The Call of November 20, 1918

REPORTED MISSING
Mrs. Jonathan Auchey, Thursday morning, received a message from the War Department to the effect that her son, Theodore, was missing since November 11th.  Young Auchey was
of Company D, 145th Infantry.  His being lost on the day hostilities ceased gives hope that he has long since returned to his company and a communication from him is likely to be
received most any day.
The Call of November 22, 1918

IN AMERICAN HOSPITAL
Saturday evening, Mr. and Mrs. Monroe Christ received the first official notice of the wounding of their son, Harry Christ, of Company C, 103rd Engineers.  The telegram stated he
was wounded September 11th.  Mr. and Mrs. Christ long ago had word from their son himself to the effect that he had been wounded in the jaw the latter part of August.  This week
the War Department sent a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Christ notifying them that their son was at the Debarkation Hospital Number One at Hampton, Virginia and that his condition was
good, also adding, "We advise you not to come as it is expected that he will be transferred to some general hospital for treatment within a few days.  Will inform you at once as to
where he has been taken."
The Call of November 15, 1918

ANOTHER LOCAL SOLDIER DIES IN FRANCE
Jonathan Kramer, a young man residing about one and one half miles outside of Schuylkill Haven in the Long Run district, died of pneumonia in France
several weeks ago.  Information to that effect was received by theparents, Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby Kramer of Long Run on Sunday, in a telegram from the
War Department.  The dispatch stated he died of pneumonia on October 18th.  Private Kramer is listed on the Schuylkill Haven Honor Roll and his death
makes the fourth Schuylkill Haven soldier to die in France.  
Deceased was a member of Company B, 315th Infantry, and no doubt saw considerable active service on the front lines as this particular unit has been
frequently mentioned as being in active battle against the Germans.  In a letter to his father written October 6th, he states he had been sick but was better
again.  He also stated he had gone through a hard battle of several days and came out uninjured.  He also wrote that Warren Leeser of Schuylkill Haven was
right aside of him when he was wounded in the legs with shrapnel.  
Young Kramer was well known in the Long Run Valley.  He was 32 years of age.  He left Schuylkill Haven with the drafted men on May 27th, 1918.  He was
born in Berks County and for the last 24 years was a resident ofLong Run.  He was employed at the P & R car shops at Saint Clair.  He was a member of Saint
John's Lutheran Church in Friedensburg.  Fraternally he was connected with the Carrol Lodge of the I. O. O. F. of Schuylkill Haven and Washington Camp
Number 264 ot the P. O. S. of A. of Friedensburg.  He was unmarried.  Besides the parents, the following brothers and sisters survive: Mrs. George Fidler of
Rock, Cora, Amy Mabel, Willoughby, Warren, Allen and Elmer at home.
The Call of November 15, 1918

KILLED GERMAN WITH AUTOMATIC
Somewhere in France...       Dear Sister,   Wish to say that the boys in our company are in very good health for what they were going through for the past few weeks.  The first day of
the drive we went over the top without any breakfast and nothing in sight looked like eats.  We kept it up all day and never thought of eating.  Our captain did all he could to get
something to eat for us but you could not keep track of us as we were all scattered.  Two squads went into one bunch of infantry and the rest went with other companies.  From the
third day we began to get two warm meals a day and after that we had more than we could eat.  We boys must certainly take our hats off to our captain.  He certainly did all he
possibly could to keep us supplied with everything necessary.  He went to the trouble to get each man an extra pair of socks so we could change when we get wet feet.  
At one time we had to run and had to leave our gun behind.  That time I found that I could really run.  I used to hear the bullets strike the stones in back of me and we told a major
that the Huns were breaking through and he sent some infantry into the town and there certainly was some fighting done.  The next morning we took up another position.  It was a
strong point and we were one hundred and ten men and the following morning the Huns with two battalions had us surrounded.  We surely mowed them down.  We only had two
killed in the whole fight.  I killed one German with my automatic.  I missed with the first shot but he took an awful spill after the second one.  The spare men that we had took the
wounded Hun's guns and shot the Huns down.  My corporal ran out over the top after them and I saw the Hun's bullets strike in the bank in front of the gun but that wouldn't worry
me as long as the gun was going.  We fought about one and one half hours and then they retreated again.  The closest call I had was a bullet which took a small piece out of my coat.  
As yet I have been uninjured.  William Wike, one of my comrades, was wounded but now he is getting along fine.
Your brother,  Corporal Paul A. Staller, Company A, 108th Machine Gun Battalion
The Call of November 15, 1918

WILL SHOOT 58 GERMANS
Somewhere in France.....    Dear father and Mother,   I am quite well and hope you are the same.  Well I must work every day over here rain or shine but I have a good raincoat.  
Suppose you have plenty of work right now, husking corn and preparing for the rabbit season.  You remember last year I shot fifty eight rabbits and this season I will shoot as many
Germans.  When I was in England I saw some German prisoners.  I can talk with the British but I cannot hold a conversation with the French but I am trying to learn to speak French.  
Do not worry about me as I have a good bed to sleep in and plenty to eat.  I do not sleep in a tent, we sleep in houses.  The horses and cows are much larger n this country than in
America.  Wish you could be here with me at times as we have a great deal of fun.  You know when a bunch of merry boys are together we have lots of fun.  Wish you could see the
big rabbits that are over here.  They are actually three times as large as ours at home.  The Yanks are doing fine work now.  I only wish I would get a chance at the Kaiser.  I would fix
his feet.  I get so provoked at times.  At times there are as many as three hundred boys singing and they can be
heard for miles and miles.  I must work hard but I don't mind working hard as I am used to it.  
Your son,  Lewis D. Emerich   465 Engineers Pontoon
The Call of November 15, 1918

EMMETT LIVED ON BREAD
Somewhere in France....   Dear Parents and All,    I received two letters and a Call dated August 19th, which I gave to Ray McGovern, a town boy who I saw.  He was drafted and sent
to Camp Lee the same time I was.  I was up to the front several times and I worked for nine days and had six hours rest during that time so you can understand how busy we are at
present.  Now I am in camp for a twenty four hour rest and sure did sleep last night.  I owe about a dozen letters and I know I will not have time to write but you can see by the papers
what has been going on the last week.  We were caught in a traffic jam and held up for over twenty four hours.  I have seen lines of teams (supply wagons and kitchen wagons) and
trucks, which I think were eight miles long.  We had rations on the trucks and when those gave out I lived on bread and water for two days, but when we get to our camp we feed up
again on warm grub and coffee.  Yesterday when I came in we moved into some French barracks, so I guess our company will have the "cooties" before long.  I almost stopped
chewing tobacco because I could not get any and for five days at one time I didn't have a chew.  I received a letter from Gus Michel and he said you gave him my address.  He also
stated he was anxious to hear from me but at present I do not have time to write him.  It is cold here already, as I wear my heavy underclothing, my sweater, uniform, overcoat and
raincoat on top and still could use more but I guess I will get used to it.  Will have to close now as I am well in need of a bath and shave.
Your son,  Emmett Greenawald    Company C,  305th Ammunition Train
The Call of November 15, 1918

LOST THEIR COOKS
Somewhere in France....   Dear Friend,    Left the village of Arc-en-barrois and toured France for a few days again.  This time mostly on foot but with long and tiresome hike.  We saw
many sights.  Our packs get pretty heavy but we are glad for its contents when night comes.  Were given an additional helmet and gas mask, which are our good friends.  Met quite a
few boys who were in the trenches and they told us some interesting things.  The other night our cooks got away from us and we had to eat our reserve rations.  Fortunately, we
discovered a bunch of artillery in the same place and some of us were their guests for supper.  Their cook made crullers and what a treat!  We also had fresh bread which was quite
a treat after eating hard tack and hard bread for so long.  Our cooks found us again next day and are feeding us real good now.
Our regiment was broken up and sent to different places.  With us are two companies, five medical men and a lieutenant.  Sure am glad to be with this bunch.  Fine fellows and an
officer with whom it is a pleasure to associate.  He could not treat us any better and then too, he is a good man.  We have plenty to do with the boys as they have colds and blisters
plenty.  They are not used to sleeping in these tents.  Yesterday we moved into a dugout, which is quite comfortable, as it has bunks and a small stove to burn wood in.  Don't know
how long we will stay here, as we are attached to a division of engineers, who are making and repairing roads.  Had an experience under fire the other day.  The road where we were
working on was being shelled and some fell along the side of the road.  Our big guns surely make a noise when they are put off.  You can hear the shell sing as it goes on its
journey.  The other day we were about as far away from the firing line as from our place to where I held my college by the wayside.  
Their seems to be a continuous chain of autos going and coming all the time over here, besides all the teams and motorcycles.  They use no lights and so must feel their way along
in the nights, as this is when they do a great deal of traveling.  It surely is no easy task and if they get into the ditch, it is hard to get out, sometimes do not get out until the next day
when they can get help as traffic can not stop.  Am quite used to the mud now and can go through it and not mind it.  Mud, plenty of it and as slippery and sticky
as it can be.  Would give a great deal for a good warm bath.  In fact for a few days I have not even ad a chance to wash my hands.  Had to be satisfied to get drinking water, as the
water must be hauled or drawn a good distance besides being purified.  We get to see newspapers here about every day.  They certainly are in demand.  See quite a few air
skirmishes but they have none that last very long.  They fly around like birds.         Your friend,     Elmer Smith.