The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1917-12-20
JOHNSTON IS FETED
BANQUET ON EVE OF DEPARTURE
FOR ARMY SERVICE

Formal farwell was said to Lieut.
Kenneth L. Johnston at a banquet
given by Oskaloosa business and ro-
fessional men at the Downing hotel
Friday evening. Twenty-Five men
gathered about the banquet table with
the guest of honor, Lieut.. Johnston,
and after a pleasant supper voiced a
farewell and "God Speed" to the
departing doctor. When all the talks
had been given the lieutenant was
presented with a beautiful black lea
Their travelling bag.
Supper was served at seven o'clock
Dining room and table had been ap-
lpropriately decorated in the American
colors and with Old Glory.
Attorney George C. True, acting as
master of ceremonies, first called up
on Hon. j. G. Harold, mayor of Oska-
loosa, to speak. Mayor Harrold's talk
was an appreciation of the physician
especially commencing him for his
efficient service to the city as tenn
orary health officer.
In behalf of the local medical men,
DIR. S. w. Clark spoke briefly. He re
fered to Lieut.. Johnston as a clean cut
ethical doctor, one square with his
competitors, and one whom Oskaloosa
physicians are sorry to lose.
THE Modest Violet" G. Ed Beman,
related a few camp stories, and then
declared it to be his purpose to be the
man at home who can do his bit
while the younger men are at the
front fighting.
Captain w. H. Heating, veteran OF
the Spanash-American war, spoke OF
his sadness of the occasion. Like
upon his departure for the war; Cap
tain Heating reconciled the lieutenant
with the statement that knowing that
little wife awaited his return would
make him a better, and more efficient
saldier Declaring that the doctor
and physician always commands the
respect of the enlisted men, Captain
Heating closed his talk.
| Bob" Shanhan, secretary of the
Oskaloosa Commercial Club made an
|impassioned presentation speech, and
presented Lieut.. Johnston with a fine
leather hand bag, the gift of Oskaloosa
The towns only requirement of the
departing physician was. that he &C
quit himself like man.
Striving hard to overcome his en-
otions Lieut.. Johnston responded with
speech filled with feeling and en-.
thusiasm. He promised his fullest
measure of effort and sacrifice, and
also reminded Oskaloosons of the
fact that Base Hospital Unit R, OF
which medical staff the local doctor
is member, is equipped with funds
contributed by, Oskaloosa and other
/ southeastern Iowa towns. Govern
ment plans first arranged for a hos
pital to cost around $1,000, but Iowa
contributions enabled the government
to equip the unit at a cost of $25, 900.
and made Unit r the most splendidly
equipped hospital in the u. S. army.
Lieut. Eugene Little, of the National
Army, also an honored guest, was
called upon for a brief talk.
The closing speech was left for Mr..
Johnston, father of Lieut.. Johnston.
The affair had been too touching to
the parent, who could only say 81
thank you men,"
DR.. Johnston left at 1920 this morn
ing for Fairfield where he joined the
medical staff of the hospital. The
commanding officers have received
orders, but to them alone is the units
destination known.
Last nights farewell party was
similar to that occasion when farewell
was said to Lieut.. Johnston's partner,
Lieut.. Z. D. MCLEAN, now in the ser,
vice. 4a