26 Dec 1918
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 28 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Grand Rapids Tribune
Location
Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, United States of America
Date
Dec 26, 1918
Page
1
Private Gus Brostowicz of Company C 101st Machine Gun Battalion writes from November 6 1918 about two more actions since June praising real soldiers and officers and noting a successful discharge from hospital risk. He speaks of lungs sore and needing fresh air while asking friends to write and sending Tribune issues.
Dear parents, I am well and hope you are too. The war is over and we hope to return home soon. We describe front duty at Alsace Belfort and Chateau Thierry, gas burns, shelling, fatigue, and 32 days with shoes off, as the war ended after 45 days at a hard front.
Sergt Albert W Jensen writes from France in November 1918 about the end of the war, praising U S troops for turning the tide, describing battles near Chevalier Theorry and St Mihiel, air raids, and frontline logistics while waiting for furlough and homecoming. He notes harsh conditions, frost, and front-line repair work behind the lines. The letter ends with hope for Paris and reunion with family.
The Police Commission will hold a patrolman examination at City Hall on Saturday December 28 at 3 oclock. Applications are available from Chief of Police R Payne and must be filed by December 27 with the Commission or the Chief or any commissioner. Applicants must be U S citizens and Grand Rapids residents for two years. Commissioners: F W Kruger Earle Pensa W 4A Carey F J Wood A B Sutor.
A World War I letter from Saumur France dated November 28 1918 describes a two day armistice celebration. It notes a battery group and a header about the Thirty Second Division with Allied French forces advancing toward the Rhine after Alsace and Verdun battles. The writer references a local visit by Lieut Hill and sending a Tribune clipping about the division’s actions against German positions, including fighting with poilus of General Mangin and advancing from Lac Dame Marie to reya Stellung.
Sheriff Normington pursued Frank Lovejoy who escaped from jail and stole a car in Hathold, later captured in Elizabeth New Jersey. Circles and photographs aided identification. extradition papers were sent. The suspect, with Wisconsin plates, faces return to local jail for New Year.
A New York committee of the Fatherless Children of France Society urges rural Americans to aid 250000 French war orphans before Christmas. Ten cents a day funds a child for a year, connecting each donor to a specific child, with France contributing most of the support and expenses paid from a separate fund.
The Stevens Point Gazette notes that in 1872 Geo H Altenberg moved into Dancy with an ox team. On November 20 1918 after Thanksgiving he drove from Daney to Stevens Point in an automobile. He covered 10 to 12 miles per hour under poor motoring conditions.
Benjamin Gee, 74, longtime Wisconsin resident, died at his son Harvey Gee’s home after pneumonia following influenza. Born in New York, he lived in Wisconsin many years and with his son in the city. Survived by three sons and two daughters including Harvey of the city, Tia and Lester of Lacrosse, Nellie Sehrocner of Lacrosse, and Mrs HW Parker of Marshfield. Remains were taken to a Manston for burial.
Proprietors of the Tribune offer samples of the VS system for farm accounts. A small book holds a full year of accounts in one place. It suits the small farmer and lets him see his financial standing at year end. A digest of the Federal income tax law is included.
Old settlers note unprecedented mild spell last week with snow that vanished by Saturday. Roads remained soft and muddy after a heavy Friday rain, surprising for the season in this region.
Captain Charles Normington, with the American army in France, told his uncle C A Normington of witnessing Paris at the armistice signing. He described an unprecedented demonstration and said the French people regarded the Americans as their deliverers with deep gratitude.
News from Aberdeen South Dakota reports John and Mrs Brundage losing their daughter Norma to influenza. She died Sunday the 22nd. This marks the second family death from the same illness in two weeks. Norma, 18, visited this city often and was the great granddaughter of Mrs J Balderston.
Daily readers ask what the gold stripes on sleeves signify for soldiers returning from France. A gold stripe equals six months overseas service, and a gold stripe on the right sleeve denotes wounds in battle. The American Overseas badge features a red white and blue badge with an olive drab center bar.
Walter Stamm, hailed as one of the 8000 heroes of Chateau Thierry, spoke at the County Normans and Agricultural school after receiving an invitation. The talk sparked questions from faculty and students, ending around four in the afternoon as the session concluded. Grand Rapids shines with pride for Stamm and Steve for their roles in those critical days.
A critic argues in Paris that President Wilson’s presence in Europe misrepresents the American people. The piece suggests Europeans may view him as speaking for more than Wilson the citizen, influencing how he is received abroad.
WILL GIVE A DANCE Company presents at the armory on Wednesday evening January 1 inviting the public. The boys aim to make it a top season event with a likely large crowd. Otto's offers Lymond's Inn Chocolate pudding 15c or 2 for 16c on Friday 27th.
A water main crossing the river has sprung a leak near Christmas. Crews say a diver will be needed to fix the cross river pipe once access is secured. During the war the division fought on five fronts including Alsace Soissons Argonne.
Telegram to Vincent Brostowicz reports the death of Gust Brostowicz, a 33 year old expeditionary force member who enlisted at the start of the war. Details are scarce and it is unclear whether he died of wounds or illness, with further information expected.
Memorial Services for Company K are set for January 4 to honor boys who sacrificed their lives for their country. Captain Herschlei asks locals who lost relatives in the war to notify him so they can be included. Attorney Danial Grady of Portage will deliver an address. indications point to impressive services.
The War Department seeks bids to dispose of a large stock of airplanes with about fourteen hundred for sale, promising ample supply for private needs for some time. In Rudolph, St Philomenas Catholic Church bought fifteen acres of Peter Alay farm and platted the rest into large lots near the village, with nineteen already sold to names such as Joe Vandenberg Joe Stelzer Joe Van Asten and others. transfers are being processed by C T Boles.
District Attorney John Roberts was wounded when Thomas Salisbury an elderly Marshfield man shot at him in Salisbury's visit to the city Roberts dodged the pistol bullet struck a rib flesh wound and was hospitalized for bullet removal. Salisbury has a troubled history with the law and mental instability after multiple prior legal defeats. He remains under arrest as the case unfolds.
Loyal informant ex mayor Ireker reports a doctor visiting a wrong house found a dead mother and father in a room, both bent over as if from influenza, with a Hutte boy in the other room. The scene suggests influenza claims many victims across the state.
The State hygienie laboratory has distributed a serum to avert or cure influenza. Health Officer Dr. C. A. Harper notes several serums exist but none prove an absolute cure or preventive. He cites the Mayo Hospital serum at Rochester, Minn., and urges avoiding contagion as the best protection against influenza.
The notice states long distance readers must pay two dollars when subscribing while local readers pay no extra. It notes expected abolition of the zona system may allow price reductions back to prior levels.
The Elks club plans a New Year Eve dance expecting a large turnout. Thompson's jazz bard of Madison has been engaged to play for the occasion.
Louis Schall city treasurer states taxes will be collected starting Thursday December 26 at the west side location, open 9 30 to 12 and 1 30 to 4, outlining daily hours for the collection effort.
Wilbur Herschieb received appointment as captain of Company K in this city. Frank Abel named first lieutenant and Anton Haertel second lieutenant. Also mentioned is a saloon at Otto's offering coffee tea and pudding from next week until New Year.
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