davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1918-12-12
From Earl Il. Smith.

Oct II, 1918.
Dear Folks: l reckon you think
l had forgot to write. l have been
awful slow but l guess you will be
glad to hear have been here ever
since Monday, | thought this was
sun; it has rained every day since
we have been here. We are on the
coast, The men are like a bunch of
kids, There are bunch down on
the beach all the time. We won't
be here long, there is no place to
drill. We will surely get some more
training or 60 to work. They won't
keep us here long doing nothing.
We were on the ship over-censor----
the time we left Texas until we got
here. There is a fairly good place
if it didn't rain so much. guess
this is the worst time of the year.
The people are about 200 years be-
hind time as near as l can remem-
Der. The houses are made of rock
and are right against the road. The
roads and streets are narrow. The
fields are very small, from about
mostly fenced with rock fences.
worn, mostly the women and chill
dren. The women wear round
shawls like were in style about Is
years ago. Everything is awful
high; grapes are 80 cents a pound,
good apples 20 cents apiece. oh.
came over on; he hadn't seen any
This was his second trip across the
water. He said he wished he had
Joined with Guy. n,,, Where eceoui is Guy
body here | know. We are in quar-
antine We don't get any papers.
but from the way the soldiers, that
have been here, talk, it is about ov-
err. You know more about it than
l do. l have seen several German
prisoners; they look like they were
satisfied. There are only two or
three guards watching fifty or sixty
at work. Well 1 think l made the
trip as quick as anybody knew.
time I left home until was in
France. Well 1 want to- know how
the stock is getting along; how
many pigs and calves have come
since left? l haven't got any mail
yet but think l will get a few let
tiers before long. Our mail will fol-
low us. What is Elmer doing,
where is he staying? When are you
sell all of those. horses if they don't
bring $50. Well ! am feeling fine
and hope you are all the same. Can
Chester talk yet? l want you to
write every few days. will try and
do the same whenever get chance.
Well good bye, with good luck,
from Pvt. Earl B. Smith,
Co. 9, S. A. r. d. (I997R),
Camp Macarthur,
American Exp. Forces, France,
via. New York.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1918-12-12
From Corp. b. E. Russell.

Oct. IA; ~, 1918: =,
Dear Folks at Home: Well as |
have little spare time tonight and
cant always tell when l will have
time. will take 1t everytime l get a
chance. so sometimes if you don't
hear from me as often as you thlnk
you should don't worry or thlnK any ~
times when it will be pretty hard to
write, but things are not nearly SO
had over here as some people mag
inc. The most danger over here is
catching some of these diseases
which get so many when they hrst
get here, after that there isn't much
danger. l have pulled through 1t
ali O. k. and they haven't struck any
thing too tough for me yet: ! IRE re,
around there, two from home, seem
ed like year before hearing from
anyone, but suppose now that 1t IS
started / will hear from some one
every once in while. l haven't
heard from Gene yet, but suppose
he is not far away. 1t would be real
interesting if you could see now
Of old people telling olden times
country and about three hundred
few horses: they use mostly OK
teams. Tell father that they use
the scythe and cradle he used to talk
about. Their houses and barns are
mostly all combined. The Yanks
good work and all our hopes are
that we will get to eat Christmas
dinner in the states or in Berlin:
Well folks, how is everybody around
there getting along? am still al
O. k. and hope you folks are all the
same. Well, good night and don't
forget to write often and tell all
hello for me, sincerely,
Co. F, 351 Infantry, A. P. o. 795,
American Exp. forces, France.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1918-12-12
From, Dean Hale.

Nantes, France, Oct. %, 1918.
Dear Mother and Brother: Will
write to let you know | am we'll and
ENJOYING myself as usual. Well
mother I am at Nantes, France, at
the present time but don't know how
long we will be here, but suppose
all winter, yet i don't know. Well
we are baking with our own equip
ment and wish you could see our
little shop; it is sure a peach, and
we are putting out some mighty fine
bread. When we landed / baked
some in a naval bakery, then IwOrk-
"a Is DAYS 1t 6tovedore work In =
IWarehoees gsres hendline 1e5
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1918-12-12
OLD AGE STARTS
WITH YOUR KIDNEYS

swallow of water. The oil stimulates
the kidney action and enables the
organs to throw off the poisons which
cause premature old age. New life and
strength increase as you continue the,
treatment. When completely restored
continue taking a capsule or two each
day GOLD MEDAL HARLEM Oil Cap
sues will keep you in health and vigor
AMI prevent a return Of the disease.
DO not wait until old age or disease
druggist and get a box of GOLD
MEDAL HARLEM Oil Capsules. Money
refunded if they do not help you. Three
sizes. But remember to ask for the
In sealed packages.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1918-12-12

Liberty Loan campaign. That report
sure sounded good to the soldier
boys over there. Well, mother, l
expect the babies have grown so
much that will have to look at
them two or three times before |
will know them when l get back.
How is father getting along? Tell
him not to work too hard. Well
folks this is all l have time to write
now, but write and tell me the news
and give my best regards to all the
boys there, with love to all, Gene.
Co. E, 339 N. S. F. A.,
American Exp. Forces, France
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1918-12-12

Science says that old age begins with
weakened kidneys and digestive organs.
This being true, it is easy to believe
that by keeping the kidneys and di-
gestive organs cleansed and in proper
working order old age can be deferred
and life prolonged far beyond that en-
joyed by the average person.
For over 200 years GOLD MEDAL
Harlem OIL has been relieving the
weaknesses and disability due to ad-
vancing years. 1t is a standard old
time home remedy and needs no intro
duction GOLD MEDAL HARLEM Oil Is
inclosed in odorless, tasteless capsules
containing about drops each. Take
them as you would pill, with a small
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1918-12-12
Oct. %, 1918.

Oct. ~, 1918:
Dear Folks: How are you all? l
am fine as silk; got your letter das-
is a fine day here. Everything is o.
k. 1t has been raining every day
for the last six weeks. Well guess
I will get a chance to answer some
sof my letters. Expect you thought
that l had forgot to write but this
is the first chance / have had for
some time. have experienced some
sure hardens fellow to. see some OF
the sights that are to be seen, but
everybody seems to be in good spir-
its SO isn't so bad as you might
think. l saw Dennis Owens yester-
day but didn't get to talk to him as
1 saw him on march. l was surprls,
ed to hear about Charley Ladd. !
knew he was wounded but dldn, I
think he was that bad: How does
Is her health? Tell her l have got
that mirror yet and it is Q. k. Did
you get the money ! sent through
ffhe 7. NJ. C.. A.? How much did
they allow you in the money, over
there? might send some more II
that got through all right. Did you
same as a dime. You wrote that
Willie Campbell wanted my address.
L had his but lost it before l got a
chance to write to him. Send me
Frank SIS address. l hope he made
it through his sickness all right:
Some <of our boys had that but
haven't had a thing wrong with me
only my feet little sore from walk
few days. Well, sis, that gum you
sent the bows in my team Just
about took it from me. They said
tell you to put in more gum. 1t
sure does go nice up in the trenches
when you can't get anything .ele.
Well have got good place here :
There are eight OF us IN room anu la
could stay here until the war is
Won some souvenirs. Will find out
in a few days. Did pa sell my
colts? Do you see the white team
any more? l rode a mule for a
couple of miles the other day the
first time was ever on, mules
mule in France was surprised at
Doc getting notice to be ready any
time. Has Joe been examined yet or
do you think he will have to go? i
hope not. / almost know 1t won {
last until spring. Have you ever
heard from Charley Roger or ira
Foster? Would like to hear from
division up out of the 86th division:
wish it was the SSth, maybe / would
get to see some of the boys from
Grand River. We mix up pretty
often with other divisions, but !
don't ever see anybody know. Well
Ms, / suppose you had big time Ct
the dance Wish ! could have been
yv{ll WEAR
he floor out when / get back. Wen
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1918-12-12

ty place and about as large city
as is in France. Well mother
how's Starkey? Tell him hello for
me. So John Mussleman is in the
army. Has Arthur left the states
yet? If not l don't think he will
for l think we will be coming home
before long, if l judge right, and
don't worry about me for I am as
safe here as in the bake shop at
home. Well 1 have a time trying to
buy things. OF course l can't speak
French and they can't speak plain
and l tried to buy lead
pencil the other day and they
brought me a candle. Well of
course, l had to laugh. Well must
close. remain your son,
Harry D. Hale.
331 Bakers, A. P. o. 767,
American Exp. Forces, France.
Naples, Italy, plans to construct
be
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1918-12-12

Naples, Italy, plans to construct
large drydocks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-09-05

By Col Will H. Thompson. A cloud possessed the hollow field, Tbe pathering battles smoky shield; Attwart the gloom the lightning 1iasheo, And through the cloud some horsemen Ana from the heights the thunder pealed Then at the brief command of Lee Moved out that matchless infantry; with Pickett leading grandly down, ID rush against the roaring crown Of those dread heights of destiny. Far heard above the angry guns A cry across the tumult runs- The voice that rang through Shiloh's
 woods
 And Chickamauga's solitudes. The fierce south cheering on her sons! An how the withering tempest blew, Against the front of Pettigrew! A a<hamsin wind that scorched and 1,ike that internal flame that fringed The British squares at Waterloo! \ thousand fell where Kemper led; A thousand died where Garnett hled In binding flame and strangiing smoke The remnant through the batteries broke And crossed the works with Armisteal. .Once more in glorys van with me!' Virginia cried to Tennessee:
 i've two together. come what may, Shall stand upon these works today!'
 (The reddest day in history) Brave Tennessee! In reckless way Virginia heard her comrade say: ..Close round this rent and riddled ragv' What time she set her battle flag Amid the guns of Doubleday. But who shall break the guards that wait
 Before the awful face of fatef
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-09-05

Barnes, county home agent, rendered valuable assistance, and Dr. Prosser, a hog cholera expert of the govern ment and the extension service, gave lectures illustrated by lantern slides. M. H. Pearson discussed winter clover crops and altogether the sessions were both instructive and entertaining.
 The first days session was attended by farmers, their wives and daughters, about 250 persons; the night session by $50 persons, and the second days session by 300. A spe- cial meeting was conducted each aft ernoon by Miss Barnes, at which lec- lures and demonstrations were given on canning and drying of vegetables.
 A community fair association was and a two-day fair, at which farm products of all kinds will be exhibited, is to be held at the school this fall. Enthusiasm ran high and the result will be better farming and better living conditions.
 Similar meetings should be held in every agricultural community in the state.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-09-05
HIGH TIDE AT GETTYSBURG

The tattered standards of the south Were shriveled at the cannon's mouth, And all her hopes were desolate. In vain the Tennessean set His breast against the bayonet, In vain Virginia charged and ragged, A tigress in her wrath uncaged, Till all the hill was red and wet! Above the hayonets mixed and crossed, Men saw gray gigantic ghost Receding through the battle cloud. And heard across the tempest loud The death cry of a nation lost! The brave went down! Without disgrace They leaped to ruins red embrace; Then only heard flames thunders wake. And saw the dazzling sunburst break In smiles on Glorys bloody face! Trey fell, who lifted up hand And bade the sun in heaven to stand! They smote and fell who set the ba,s Against the progress of the stars. And stayed the march of motherland! They stood, who saw the future come On through the flights delirium. They smote and stood, who held the hope or nations on that slippery slope Amid the cheers of Christendom. God lives! He forged the iron will That clutched and held that trembling
 hill:
 God lives and reigns! He built and lent The heights of freedoms battlement Where floats her flag in triumph still! Fold up the banners. Smelt the gun! Love rules. Her gentle purpose runs; 4 mighty mother turns in tears The pages of her battle years LssInenting all her fallen sonsi
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-09-05
OUR FLYING MEN IN ITALY

James H. Hare, in Leslies.
 IF the German intelligence men ars
 anything like as efficient as they = are reptted to be there is every req. son to believe that they know the exact location of the American aviators flying in conjunction with the Italians. We have several instruction camps here-I will not name them; the censor would not allow the rames to pass, anyway. Let it suffice for me to say that your sons, husbands, brothers and sweethearts, la dies, are working hard, and when l say working spell it in italics.
 There are various types of machines in use, all of Italian make, some perhaps a trifle aatiquated according to the ex- perts, but others night up to the minute. They are beautiful specimens of the me- chanic's art, splendid, graceful lines, pos. twist about in remarkable manner. Able :. oily alone" according to their admirers, when once the necessary alti- tude has been reached. But that does not mcaa the elimination of all danger, as the greater percentage of accidents occur wher flying low in the air. In making the landings a good pilot Will glide down and touch the water lightly, I might almost be allowed to say KISS it, then skim along on the top of 1t, re- ducing the speed at the same time, unth it brings the plane to a stop On the other hand, too steep descent will cause 1t to str.ne the water at too great ar angle, and a possible nose dive below the surface will result. Or, if the angle is not quite so steep, but greater than the air. Then, if the pilot does not put on his DOW CT immediately and level oH. the machine will continue to bound or "porpo:ss.' as it is called, until it finally loses speed and either settles quietly on the water oi side slips and breaks A wing pontoon or possibly the wing itself.
 Strange 10 say, aviators do not like tho water to be too smooth or ''glassy" when landing. Then it is difficult to judge tie distance. So great Is the deception that
 
 and apparently no method has been de- y-ised as yet to overcome it.
 On good flying days, every moment of the day is utilized. The men are up a' o'clock, and by flying is in operation. Men go to breakfast in relays, so as to econofn.se time. and sundown finds them grudgingly giving up for the day. One time saving device I observed was tc make landings some 200 meters from the beach, and 70 have the next student ready in boat to take his place, equipped with his life preserver and helmet. The exchange took usually less than two min- utes from the time the engine Was stopped until the propeller was in acton again, and the fight started. This a.so eliminated the liability of damaging tes hydroplane in bleaching it, as sometimes
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-09-05
Labor's Patriotic
 Response Nation-wid

II ABOR throughout the country is 0 responding whole-heartedly to the Presidents appeal for full time work in war essential industries. And in no section is a finer degree of pa- triotism manifested than in the Bir- mingham district.
 In the mines and in all the mills and shops hereabouts the men of brawn have risen to the occasion and a maximum of effort is the rule Coal production, for which there is a press ing demand, has been largely in- creased since the first of July, and with an adequate car supply the rec ord this fall will surprise even the most optimistic operators and gov ernment agents.
 America entered the war to win. It lis already supporting the allies with
 
 la great army and that army will soon be doubled. But millions of in- trepid fighters at the front could not insure victory unless labor here at home was doing it's part. With work men putting forth their best efforts the end of the war will soon be in lsight-sooner at least than seemed possible few months ago. If there have been slackers and iseditious men here and there the vast majority of all classes of our popu- lation is 100 per cent American, and never has the wage-earner toiled more faithfully than he is toiling today to help win the war.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-09-05
q DIE THE DEATH covErEDv

From the Waco News-Tribune.
 With these words son of M. Jean de Reszke, the famous old Polish singer, passed away on the battle front of France
 He was only 2S when he was called upon to make the supreme sacrifice Nobly and willingly he passed away with the simple words, "I die the death II coveted" on his lips.
 There's wonderful likeness in the death of this young Polish patriot, fighting for the freedom of his own land and that of the world, to that of our Nathan Hale, who passed away with that I have but one life to lose for my country"
 Both fought for the principles of lib- erty and justice. both fought to make their country safe from the tyrants of autocracy, and both died for cause till the principles for which they fought are established in all corners of the world.
 There are thousands upon thousands of these young patriots from overtrod- den Poland from free America, from France and Italy, and from every free dom loving country in the world who will keep on battling against the stan dards of autocracy and greed till they are banshed from the earth. And those youths who must give up their lives to attain this end will give them gladly, dying the deaths they coveted
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-09-05

the keel is grounded, or one of the wings strikes an object, putting the machine out of commission for a time, to say nothing of the engine overheating as i, "taxis" (to use the technical term) to it's landing place.
 As the students criticize the various types of 'llanes tn. air is full of such expressions as the ''overhang," the re- treat" ''tlle stagger, ''washout," CT "dihedr.ll liaes,'' which, of course, really means .'tne gradual reduction of the an gle of incidence"
 But the ar is not only full of technical phrases. It is replete with good Ameri- can chaH. You cannot have a bunch Of strong, healthy youngsters full of ginger and snap, keyed up to top notch, without their engaging in friendly competitlcn among themselves. As heard one apolo- gize for not getting up in the air as quickly as he might, '"rhis is what hap pened-the light hand control was 90 stiff I-' "Ch, that was it. I Ithougils you had forgotten your instructions!' or. m bet his motors hot, and I'm goins up next" Did you get hop?' "Did F" He wants me 10 spiral in r. type). Hope he forgets it!'+"Say! its bump all right in the air!' What kiad of a pilot are you?" "A fair weather one only" Did you see the Kid solo today? He's some toy!" 1T haven't been up iu A, but t is wonderland so it went, which caused me to think that they no doubt learned much quicker owing to the fact that there was this rivalry going on than if they had been alone.
 The friendly rivalry was not confined to the students alone. as it was very mo- ticeable in the heads of the American command, who took delight in trying to get in the first flight in the morning before their Italian confreres, and in urS- ing their men to tr1 to make mora flights and in keeping their machines in the best condition.
 Sometimes at night, after dinner a lir- tie music is indulged in as a relaxation Of course the Italians shine there. Many pilot or chauffeur in overalls is hum ming selections from grand opera. Some of the American boys also are good mu. sicians. One especially was a splendid pianist, and would rattle away for an hour at a time selections from Schuber. or Mendsissohn's Melody in F. to what seemed also sacrilege, that is, play t in ragtime for change
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-09-05
ADRIFT WITH THE TIMES

Tt does pretty fair" answered Farms Cobbles, who has employed several farm erettes. "The young women on my plac, are willin' enough to work, but they air't much company for me an the olt woman in tn evenins."
 Why not?"
 They're from one of them easterI colleges. When they get to talkin' abou socialism, feminism, tn trend of liter ature an lot of other things like that me an tn old woman don't feel equal tc putin in a word
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-09-05
WHY CHANGE TT.
e Stars and Stripes.

From the Stars and Stripes.
 There is little town in the s. o. s. district that puts it's house in order for the influx of Americans. Overnight the Cafe du Lion Rouge" became the Red Lion Tavern with real elbow-high bar, and real draught beer-nothing stronger-fit for the delectation of the gods. the boiler shop boys and the mem bers of the grave registration unit. .'Au- Souvenir Francais'' became .American Souvenir Shop;' while an enterprising coiffeur offered the amazing novelty of Shave With Hot Towel and Haircuit.''
 One conservative old estaminet, how ever, refused to change it's name. Neither outwardly Dr inwardly did it bow to the new order of things; and yet neither outwardly nor inwardly though mores the wonder) has it suffered aught as regards prosperity. Like Massachu- setts in Webster's speech. There she stands Haunting it's centuries-old sign before all the Americans, yet in they flock
 The sign reads: Cafe de la Marine"