Evening journal., 1919-01-28

Yankee Doodle came 10 town.
Yankee Doodle being the Third Battal.
ion OF the 59th Pioneer Infantry, for
merly the First Delaware Infantry, a.,
town, Beucq. Mouthe, France the time
a few days before Christmas, 1918. And
Christmas, 1918. being the second glad
dest IN the worlds history, Il was prop
er that IL be celebrated in a NJ manner
The decision being unanimous II was
decided 10 give an exhibition OF Yankee
pep, In the form OF an entertainment
that this little old-world town would
long remember.
The decision made. all, from the com
manding offioer 10 the last privste, got
busy. Committees were called and
plans outlined. Men In trucks, wagons,
and motorcycles searched the country
for commissaries, canteens and stores
where supplies might be found. The
entertainment committee declared open
season on all local talent and the catch
was given intensive training In How
TO entertain In public" Decorators and
mechanics were put 10 work arranging
the stage effects.
Like small boys at Christmas time
everybody wanted 10 help. Trucks laden
with mysterious boxes and bundles
rolled up TO headquarters and imme-
diately Mr.. o. D. Yankee rendered his
assistance.
Even the placid townfoik caught the
spirit. They viewed with interest and
curiosity the mad Americans prepsra-
tlon for the celebration OF Noel"
Securing a tree was matter Of some
moment. For France being an old and
thickly populated country has little tim
ber The available supply has been
further greatly decimated by this war.
Forestry laws are very rigid. The major
du cantonment was consulted. This
gentleman kindly assisted personally In
locating a suitable tree. Permission
generously was given by General Nor
laincourt, owner Of a beautiful chauteau
and large grounds In the town, 10 cut
a tree on his estate. The tree was
born In state on the shoulders OF
husky Pioneers 10 the place OF honor
in the Place de Ia Carrie. or public
square. It's progress was In the ma
ture OF a triumphal procession. People
dropped their work to come and watch,
children followed the procession, dogs
barked, and mild excitement prevailed.
Officers shed their coats and dignity
and served as privates In the army OF
Santa Claus. Even the major insisted
on being enrolled. Each man was to
be given a stocking nlled with goodies
In approved Christmas style. The on |
GERS worked, nlling the stockings hours |
after Taps-the Soldiers Goodnight
had echoed among the hills around |
u Ian aNa L. rsrsr -
man, were donated by the American /
Red Cross.
So we'll did each worker perform his |
part that Christmas Eve showed all |
complete. a light snow |
fall added further to the decorative ef- |
feet and the spirit Of the season.
Dawn OF Christmas Day brought with |
10 promises of more snow and several /
furries punctuated the program. All /
calls were suspended and the boys ears |
were not assailed by the bugler's I'M
perious command to crawl from a warm
bed into the darkness Of early dawn.
A late breakfast "llke the folks back
home" then each company marched 10
the square where the program was TO
commence at 9 o'clock.
The hard working committee headed
by Chaplain Joseph NJ. Kelly. had pre-
ceded them and the program commenc-
ed promptly on the hour, The pro-
gram as arranged follows:
Opening prayer, Chaplain J. NJ. Kelly. |
Christmas carol "Adeste Fidells, bat |
TALON choir
Salutatory. Colonel J. Warner Reed.
59th Pioneer Infantry.
Selected. 59lh Pioneer Infantry band.
Chorus, lie Marseilles, by the chill
iren OF Boucq.
Carlcature, Private John vanyo, Com
,anl "I".
CLOS Dancing, Private Frank scutro,
company M.
Battalion chorus, selection.
The Human Comptometer, Private Al !
,ert Gamble. Company III" :
Musical selection, Wagner Work :
nan, Company M.
Jordan speciality. Private Edward /
Jordan, Company M.
Selections, 59th Pioneer Infantry :
3and
Vocal selection. f. L'opiano, Com ,
pany "K'.
Bird limitations, George Kennard, !
Headquarters Company.
Solo. Anthony Gervasi, Company H
A real Isish Jig, Private Thomas LII I
lis, Company M. y
Sole unique, Hebrew selection, Jacob
Rappaport, Headquarters Company.
Selection, seth Pioneer Infantry band.
Address. Major j. P. LeFevre, Com
third battalion, 59th Pioneer
Infantry II
Ensemble. star Spangl5d Banner.
Colonel Reed was warmly greeted by ;
cheers. He said In part:
'sThere still seem 10 be a number OF