The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1918-05-31
Crowd Gathered
In Rain to See
Drafted Men Off
GOOD PROGRAM GIVEN IN HALL
IN THE AFTERNOON BUT
NO BALL GAME PLAYED
LEFT ON AFTERNOON
TRAIN FOR CAMP LEWIS
SPLENDID SPEECH MADE BY DIR.
HUTCHINSON OF BISMARCK
TO PACKED HOUSE


| All Washburn needs to do to get
rain these days is to advertise a big
affair for departing soldiers. Five
times out of the seven entertainments
have been given on days that were
very disagreeable on account of the
cold and rain. All that could be said
of the weather was that the rain was
needed to help lick the kaiser.
The crowd began gathering on Fri
day afternoon and early Saturday
morning, and even the showers and
heavy sky did not keep them away.
1t was the largest crowd that has been
here since the 10Th of September
when the second contingent left.
The ball game had to be called off
as the mist changed to showers and
then down-pour about two o'clock
which did not cease until evening"
The crowd gathered in the hall at an
early hour and many had to stand up
as the seating room was soon taken
The program began at 2:30 as ad-
vertised. After the audience had
sung a couple of songs, Mrs. H. w.
Brownson was introduced and gave a
splendid encouraging talk to the de.
parting boys. This was followed by
talk by DR.. Hutchinson of Bismarck
His entire talk was to the boys. He
told them of things to expect, the
work Of the Red Cross and Y. M. C.
A., and the splendid advantages that
were offered a. man who was giving
his services to his country It was a
talk that will mean a lot to these
AZ young men when they have time
to think it over.
The musical part of the program
was very good. There were a couple
Of numbers by mixed quartette and
a duet by Misses McCulloch and Nc
Curdy.
The boys were given a few instruc-
tions by Adolph Wacker, secretary of
the Red Cross Chapter of Mclean
County. He told them of the assist
ance their folks at home could re.
ceive through the home service de-
partment and asked them to keep the
chapter informed as to their address.
The boys were then each given a COM
fort kit.
The program continued until near
ly train time. A special coach had
been left here for the boys and they
quickly found shelter in it from the
down-pour, and although the crowd
followed them to the depot, 1t was
hard to see them and say goodbye.
1t was fine set of young men that
left in this contingent Nearly all
were husky, healthy fellows, raised
on farms that know no sickness. They
will make fine appearance in their
uniforms and do the work earnestly
that is required .of the boys in khaki.
Ben Everson, six feet three, was in
charge. He had several lieutenants
appointed but their names were not
learned.
The boys left at five and were CIV
en- a three hours stay in Bismarck
before going to the coast. While in
Bismarck they were entertained by
the home guard and the Red Cross.
They we're joined there by troops
from South Dakota and Minnesota.
1t was long procession of cars that
carried these men to their training
camp.
10000 new men were sent to Camp
Lewis in May. The camp can house
4O,440 men.
Camp Lewis is considered the most
beautiful camp in the country These
boys are fortunate in getting to this
coast resort. They will get away from
this cold weather and enjoy life as
never, before. Some of the boys are
Leaving home for the first time. The
|paS wing was sad but they will never
regret having worked for Uncle Sam
fE0hfs splendid cause, when they
lqbkback upon this year in years to
come when they are living in the
land of the free and home of the
brave" and when they can. say they
helped to keep it free.
nSx L1