Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-05-09
GRAT|OT COUNTY BOY
IN ARMY WRITES
Olen G.. Ferris Tells of His Trip
South and Early EXpe-
riences in Army.

Olen G. Ferris of Sumner township
who was recently drafted, has written
most interesting letter regarding
his experiences since he has become a
member Of the national army. A
part Of the letter tells of the trip
south to Camp Gordon, Ga. 1t was
written to his parents, Mr.. and Mrs.
John Ferris, and brother of Sumner.
Camp Gordon, Ga. Apr. 2S.
Dear Folks at Home:-
My Trip
Leaving Camp Custer with only
few hours notice and nothing GER
tain until we were requested to pack
our sacks and fall in line, we we're
500 of us-marched to the depot.
where a special train of fourteen pas
senger coaches, two cook coaches and
the baggage awaited us. We were di-
vided off equally and marched to our
coach-a guard placed at each end OF
it and we were instructed that this
car was to be our home for the entire
journey, and that we would be held
responsible for its cleanliness and
care. Leaving camp at p. m.
Wednesday with band playing and
many good-byes and cheers from both
sides, we started on a successful and
record trip, not knowing Tor certain
where we were going as yet.
The train made fine time as we had
clear track and no stops except for
water, and much of that we took on
the run. We were supplied with flags
and being special train made us
Conspicuous to all civilians of country
towns and cities, who all stopped
work and looked. waved hands and
handkerchiefs and cheered us. Be-
lieve me, we were no dead bunch. We
always waived our hands and flags
and shouted back at the gathering
crowds.
1t was no small sight to see IA
carloads of boys dressed in khaki ana
sticking half way out of the windows
and shouting like Gagged animals. Aft.
er while the crowds began to grow
larger: guess they must have tele.
graphed ahead. We were always or
the lookout for towns. Our first stor
was outside of Detroit where large
crowd was gathered and the Red Cross
furnished us with candy and cigar.
cites. We passed through Toledo anc
many other towns before night. Oul
mess was given US in our seats anc
it was mess and no mistake. w,
washed our dishes where we washed
our hands and faces and slept in tn,
seats, on the floor or standing up a.
desired.
We came into Cincinnati about foul
O'Clock the next morning and havinl
slept in our clothes were all dresse,
ready to see the city, but it was rath
er dark to see well. We sure wer,
able to see that it was large city
from seeing trains running over am
under us and monstrous buildings OF
all sides.
Crossed the line into Covington. Ky
and stopped here for breakfast an,
exercise. Made stop of two hour
and half, from to $3.50. Our ex
ercise was to form in squads an,
march down town. | guess the Who'll
town was awake-they should hav
been from the noise and commotion w
made. Autos and soldiers so thicl
that street cars could scarcely rur
Everybody was cheering us fron
porches, lawns, street cars, autos an
buggies. Flags fying-some disturb
ance, sayl Here is where We sa,
our pretty girls. and believe me. the
sure got kidded FOR once in their live
by the soldiers. But they were aliv
and ready with an answer. Coving
ton is a wet town with a saloon o
about every corner.