The Monte Vista journal., 1917-12-15
rAMp LIFE AT CAMP FUNSTON


In order to correct a false i'm
ression that seems to be in the
minds of some in regard to camp life
Funston | take this liberty to give
hy impressions from four days
isit to the camp and surroundings.
Camp Funston and Ft. Riley are
bn the U. P. R.R. about SO miles
vest of Topeka and are between
junction City and Manhatten, two
|hriving little cities of 10 or II
thousand each The camp is on COM
aratively level ground with bluff
Dn the north rising to the height of
100 to $50 feet. The camp proper
Onsists of about four square miles
Ind is laid off with streets and alleys
las steam heat, electric lights, per-
ect water works system, sewerge
ind paved streets. The barracks for
he soldiers are two story buildings
he lower floor being used for the
lining hall, the upper floor for sleep
ng quarters The officers quarters
ire one story buildings with a room
Tor each officer, 9 by u feet. The
bficers for each company as they
Ire known in the infantry, or battery
in the artillery, have their own din
Ing room. Each of these buildings
supposed to accommodate one bat
ery or company as the case might
be- battery of full strength being
R6O men. When we consider there
Rre accommodations here for so 900
men and every building erected since
IJulV form idea nf the
Ftupendous under taking, there being
about 5000 men at work the most
Cf the time. The buildings for the
most part have the appearance of be-
ing only temporary and constructed
of lumber and glass, covered with
Fubberoid roofing
There is a row of buildings near
the center of the camp called ''The
Zone" which includes thebank, aud
itorium, post office, Knights of Co
pumbus, Y. M. c.. A, free pool halls,
motion picture shows and number
of other buildings that would be a
credit to any city being built mostly
OF glass and stucco or cement. An
open court in the center of the
grounds one-half mile by two miles
lS being put in condition for drilling.
What impressed us most was the
manly appearance of this great army
Of young men with heads erect, quick
step and every movement full of
grace We could only gaze upon them
with admiration.
We witnessed a football game be-
tween The University of Illinois and
me Soldiers, Thanksgiving day that
shall never forget. Possibly TO-
VVV soldiers all in their uniforms
were seated on the side of a hill
winch looked like a vast amphithea-
IRE over looking the athletic field
"neh brilliant play was made every
SUldler arose as one man and cheer
We went through one Y. M. C. A.
uulldlng of which there are quite a
humber in the camp; found quito a
lumber of books, magazines and re-
nslous papers, long rows of writing
aoles equipped with writing mater
,,al and everything necessary for re-
lsious services. There are also a
lumber of stores where almost any
,ulhg Kept in a city store can be
Iecured. Although no woman is al
"eu on the grounds unless accom-
SH'ea by an officer. there is a large
NJ e. A. building just outside the
oulnp where women are allowed to
Iohe SS,e to visit their soldier friends.
upoh investigation found the men
SeH led with the very best that can
r" =" secured of good substantial food
poou milk and butter seem to be the
,%iuest TO get. Saw the menu fol
"eir turkey dinner which was sure
boa tV,ne spread; for dessert they served
sU Us mlnce pie, lemon butter pie
Iasie food cake, fruit cake Robert E
frnI. cake, white mountain ice cream
'ut nuts and coffee.
hrrIs, Riley has many beautiful ston,
s,rr,'uings, well kept lawns andpavet
hats many of the buildings hav,
IN converted into hospitals ant
- auoltion several hundred cottage