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Lake Shore News (Wilmette, Illinois), 19 Sep 1918, p. 2

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LAKE SHORE NEWS, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1918 Big Fight Remindful of Fourth of July Says Robert Lobanojf, One of the Boys The following are excerpts from letters written by Robert M. Loban- off, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul F. Lo- banoff. 1118 Greenleaf avenue, with 120th Field Artillery, 32nd Division, called "Les Terribles". (From Chi- cago Tribune-New York Times Cable) "The Thirty-second division thus won a splendid name for bravery and initiative. This has been recognized by the French titly "l,es Terribles" which has been bestowed upon it." Somewhere in France. August 17, 1918. My dear folks: I am ^ointf to ask you to accept a general letter as time is scarce, also paper, as we try to travel with as lij^ht a load as possible. THKKE CHKKRS FOR THK Wlb- mf.ttf; band I received your letters written on Easter Day, we also had an Easter service although there were no flowers only the sunrise and our re- gimental band, but I enjoyed the simple service rendered by our chap- lain. My mind is so full of the many things that I should like to write and cannot, it is not possible to describe on paper all the different conditions that confront us, after it is over one may be thankful that he came through it and wonders liow he did so. We are having a taste of what real fighting is. Our division was the first full division to fi^ht on German soil. Like Fourth of July ..Our stay in the Alsace sector was more quiet perhaps but served to fit us for what was to come. It may seem strange to say, for one who is amid the roar of cannons, living out in the open, sometimes in the woods, "underground and in the trees, but the beauty and marvel of it all is in- describable even with all the attend- ant horrors. It is like Fourth of July every day, with the rockets and Hashes of fire at night to help along. The scenery in Alsace is very beautiful, often majestic, and the manj- little farms throughout the hills, gives one the impression of a painting. The quaint dress of the peasants adds materially as one sees them in the fields with their broad bladed scythes cutting the grain and hay, the oxen standing nearby wait- ing for their load. Overlook* River Rhine From my observation post, on a clear day I could get a view of the country for many miles around, be- ing able to see the Black forest, and the river Rhine. At the base of the bills and to the east lie the different cities and villages surrounding Muel- hausen with it's many factories. At least half a dozen potash mines with their tall shafts protrude above the trees. To the south the view was of a rolling country which led to the Alps and, once, on an exceptional clear day. 1 could make out the lines of some of the famous peaks. One day while shaving under a cherry tree and trying to cat cherries at the same time, an Aerial battle was going on over head when all of a sudden ' a piece of shrapnel fell, about six inches from me. I figured 1 had a close enough shave for one day, in fact f have decided that a beard would afford better protection as it will keep me from cherry trees and shrapnel. Our dream life finally came to an end as far as Alsace was concerned and we were on the move again, a move which has brought us up and into the big drive. From our place of unloading, we took tip the chase to catch up with the dough boys. After four days of traveling both day and night, some- times itv the rain, we traveled along the route of the advance of the day before, giving us a very good oppor- tunity of seeing what we would be tip against very soon. The destruction and wreckage along the way was beyond descrip- tion. Our route took us past the famous town of Chateau Thierry where we stopped one night. It was while there that I had a chance to take my second real swim in France. A number of fellows came to the conclusion that a bath would not hurt them, so off to the river Marne. We used the remains of some of the bridges the Germans tried so hard to cross, to dive from. From Chateau Thierry we took to the road again and put up for the night in a big woods, about 10 o'clock what should come along but some Roche planes, they were very polite in dropping us their calling cards in the form of a few bombs, no one was hurt. The next afternoon we moved up to our position where we relieved a battery which had been in from the start and were very much in need of a rest. It was from here that the real fun started.] 1 had to run a line to an observatory up ahead of the guns. While in the woods we were shelled with gas and explosives, but vvc managed to finish our job although it was certainly a difficult one, working with a gas mask on and shells dropping all around. We slayed there just for one night which meant reel up our wire again. and that is the way it has been ever .nice. We have changed positions as often as three times in twenty-four hours and that, means work and little sleep for everybody. After moving up we finally got to a position again from which we could fire . We were all set and had let the Roche have a few rounds, and had decided that would be enough for the night, so we turned in for a few hours of much needed sleep. About 10 o'clock the Boche opened up upon our position, sending over some mustard gas shells mixed with high explosives. They kept it up for four hours. We managed to get out of here before anyone was hurt. but lost many horses and nearly all our equipment, it being useless to try to use anything mustard gas has once gotten into. We laid around all next day as our guns were put out of commission. Not having had any- thing to eat all day we were glad our rations came up that night so we were sure of a breakfast. First Casualties in Battery The next morning while we were eating breakfast a shell landed right in the middle of the yard. It was here we had our first casualties. It was only due to the fact that many of the boys were in the buildings that there were not more injured. After taking care of the injured we moved back to our Fchelore where we stayed a couple of days. Having received another set of guns we moved up again. Just the other night when everything was nice and quiet along come the Bodies planes again dropping bombs all along this sector. Two or three land- ell right near our position getting one of the hoys and sending several others to the hospital. Sherman was right "--------------". This is worse than that. I will write as often as I can. Mj- love to all. Bob. ^ Company "D" Details TEA, SANS SUGAR, FOR EVANSTON CLUB WOMEN If Evanston jewelers are wise they will lay in a stock of fancy sugar cases. At the board meeting of the Ev- anston Woman's club this week the question of the sugar supply for af- ternoon tea was discussed. The mem- bers of the board had been advised by Food Administrator C. D. Mac- pherson that the club would not be allowed to serve sugar, as the tea constitutes an extra meal . "If you want sugar in your club tea the members must bring it with them from their home supply," the administrator said. So the board members voted that all tea at the club would be sans sugar, unless the members would be thoughful enough to bring a lump or pinch from home. By £. P. Fatch, Company Clerk Captain Howard had his regular Quaker Oats, smile when he looked down the line and saw eight full squads, every commissioned and non- commissioned officer present at our regular drill Monday night. After a short drill in the manual of arms, the company wa« taken for a four mile hike; while on the march the ever watchful eye of Lieutenant Mac- Farland noted a weary soldier and relieved him of his gun and toted it himself--a true "Comrade in Arms"-- for which the private was grateful. Lieutenant Leach remained at the armory and had a strenuous evening putting four new recruits through their paces. One of the confided to the writer the Lieutenant had them stepping some and it was hard to make his feet behave . Private F. A. Bedlan will be regular in the fourth squad from now on, he having returned with his family from an auto trip to the Dells of Wis- consin. In commemoration of the annivers- ary of the organization of Company "D", Captain Howard has asked the members to bring their sweethearts and wives to witness the drill next Monday evening and later to cele- brate the occasion in a suitable manner. .This does not mean, as the old toast goes, "Here's to our sweet- hearts and wife; may they never meet" but to our wives who are also our sweethearts. Prior to this time, no systematic effort has been made to canvass the community for recruits. As the company's first birthday is drawing near, it seems work along this line would be very appropriate and would prove of benefit to the Village and to the company. Under the Selective Service law, the number of regist- rants has been increased by 700 or 800 this month and a large propor- tion of these men would find the personal benefit resulting from the membership in the State Military forces, worth much more than the sacrifice involved. The Chicago papers have been commenting on the excellent opportunity for training afforded by the Reserve Militia and with that in mind the company stands ready to help all wishing to better prepare themselves for service if called. Within the next two weeks an examination will bo held for the office of Corporal. Eight have given their names to Top Sergeant Hanson and it is expected there will be some good natured rivalry for the honor. We are fortunate in the number of new recruits joining our company. All men of high standing. We had four new ones Monday evening, viz., Benjamin T. Lewis, Jr., Charles W. Moody. Edward M. Hawes, Merle B. Snyder. ARE YOU ON THIS JOB? To the Individual State Council worker: What have you done about locating alien-owned property in your community? The national .government wants your help in locating each piece of property and each share of stock owned by a resident of Germany or Austria-Hungary. It has appealed to all good citizens to join in the search for such property. It is not the government's purpose to confiscate such property, but it will take it over, and keep the profits from it in America until the war is over. Don't you think that is a good thing to do? Yes, Then take a hand in accomplishing it. John Clements of East Chicago saw active service in France before it was discovered that be hail a wooden leg. He is said to be the only man who ever put it over the recruit- ing staff in such style. A carg° of peanuts saved a ship from sinking recently when subma- rined • off the Atlantic coast. The peanuts swelled. Liberty bonds or German taxes. Saugatuck resorters who lose things look up Beatrice Brown, 10 years old. who found three watches last week. House Cleaning is an Easy Task in the W red House Because the current avail- able at every . amp socket will run an Electric Vacuum Cleaner It cleans-aUolutely cleans rugs, hangings, upholst- ery, bedding - everything subjected to its attention Federal Electric Vacuum Cleaners on Monthly Payments Public Service Co* of Northern Illinois FIRE PREVENTION DAY NOVEMBER 2 Wednesday, November 2, has been designated as fire and accident pre- vention day in Illinois. In a pro- clamation urging, the people of the state to observe the day. Governor Frank O. bowden says: "In times of peace our losses by fire have been excessive through lack of proper precaution. The hazard by tire is increased because of the war. This is due to the speeding of in- dustry, and the possible presence of enemy incendiaries. It thus becomes necessary to exercise extraordinary care to prevent loss oi property and life by fire, "Therefore. J hereby proclaim that Wednesday, the second day of No- vember, 1918. be known as fire and accident prevention day, urging that on this day especial attention be in- vited to the need for watchfulness and care that our people may co- operate in the effort to prevent fires and accidents so wasteful to life and property. On this day it is desirable: "That the attention of our people he directed to the need for care and of refraining from exposure to unneces- sary risks which may cause injury and death. "That in public and private places there be a cleaning and disposal of waste and rubbish in order that the hazard of fire may be reduced and health promoted. "That heating apparatus, chimneys. electric wiring and ventilating de- vices be inspected and repaired that they may be safely operated during the coming winter. "That all places where large num- bers of people congregate--hotels, factories, theaters, churches and all public and private places--be ade- quately examined and safeguarded that the lives of occupants may be protected. "That watchmen be engaged where there is danger of incendiarism on the part of the enemy; that fire drills he held and thereafter continued with frequency in schools, factories and public buildings and every effort be made to acquaint occupants with the best and safest means of exit in times of danger. "Thai general educational exercises be held that our people may be im- pressed with the necessity for this important work of conservation and that local legislative bodies give exacting attention to the need of building regulations, fire prevention ordinances and the importance of ample protection against lire. "And it is especially desirable that the press lend its support and give all possible publicity to the purposes for which this day is named." SUNDAY SAVING OF GASOLINE Public opinion proved all potent in seeing that the request of the United States Fuel Administration, that pleasure driving of automobiles be discontinued on Sundays, was generally heeded. In several cities the boys made life miserable for motorists who failed in their duty. In some instances, where automobilists ignored the re- quest and displayed flags on their machines, these emblems were re- moved, with the contention that any- one who so failed in their patriotic duty had no right to display the flag. Tn many places the police took a hand by requiring all motorists to explain their purpose for using cars on Sunday. The newspapers led pub- lic opinion by the manners with which, without exception. they ciritcised those who used their cars. Idle dollars are pro-German. 1,800,000,000 Dollars in Gold EIGHTEEN hundred million dollars in gold is held by the Federal Reserve Banks as the reserve of the banks which are the members of the Federal Reserve System. This bank, as a member of the system, shares in the protection afforded by this great reserve. As our customer you also share in this benefit. First National Bank of Wilmette aoi aocaoc 301 09Eaoc= COLUMBIA SCHOOL OF MUSIC CLARE OSBORNE REED, Director CHICAGO WINNETKA BRANCH KATHLEEN AIR, PRINCIPAL PHONE WINNETKA 974 NEW BANK BUILDING LINCOLN AND ELM STS. D e SCHOOL NOV/ IN SESSION Private and class instruction in Piano, Harmony, Ear-training. Sight Reading and Rhythm. Registrations may be made this week. IOE aoi IOE I0C30E aoi o (GO ATTENTION From now on I will do all kinds of Ladies' as wel* | as Men's Tailoring; also clean and alter garments. | Satisfaction guaranteed. Will call and deliver. I JOHN A WOI FF 1126 Central Avenue, Wilmette i g»

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