TRANSCRIBED FROM THE MODERN NEWS OCTOBER 10, 1917 P. 3
Camp Pike.
Oct., 9
We are now soldiers or at least we are beginning to realize what a stupendous task it is to develop a new recruit into a part of the great fighting machine. We are all getting along nicely. The quarantine has been lifted and we are beginning to feel like we are “at home.” Our company has made the best progress of any in the camp. We were especially commended for courtesy from the officers, and have also received special commendation for the neat orderly and cleanly appearance of our barracks. You know the barracks are inspected twice a day by officers. Our boys are also making splendid progress at drill. It came rather awkward at first, but we are fast ridding ourselves of that. We have the best corps of officers we could wish for; they are all efficient and at the same time have a personal interest in each man. We were more than delighted to have our visitors recently, Mrs. Latimer and her daughter, Miss Sylvia, and son, Bernard. And, oh, my, if we Poinsett boys didn’t make away with that cake. It was a real treat. On behalf of the Poinsett boys I wish to thank the kind ladies who were so thoughtful to remember us in this way. Believe me, we all appreciated it. As I was off duty at the time it was my pleasure to escort our visitors through the barracks, the mess hall or dining room, and the kitchen where the dinner was in course of preparation, and into the store room, and even these experience housewives had to admire the cleanliness and efficiency of our entire quarters, and especially the dining quarters. We have also had many other visitors from Harrisburg. As I write Sam Latimer is sitting on the cot beside me reading the Modern News, our paper. Again thanking the kind ladies and assuring you all that Poinsett county boys are especial well treated and accounting themselves creditably I remain.
Yours truly,
Sergeant Harold M. Oehler.
Prov. Co. 345th Inf.
NOTES: Oehler was born in Huntersville, NC on August 18, 1896. He parents were M. T. and Susan Morrison Oehler. When the war broke out he was a rural mail carrier in Harrisburg, Arkansas. He died on August 22, 1971 in Houston Texas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS
Camp Pike.
Oct., 9
We are now soldiers or at least we are beginning to realize what a stupendous task it is to develop a new recruit into a part of the great fighting machine. We are all getting along nicely. The quarantine has been lifted and we are beginning to feel like we are “at home.” Our company has made the best progress of any in the camp. We were especially commended for courtesy from the officers, and have also received special commendation for the neat orderly and cleanly appearance of our barracks. You know the barracks are inspected twice a day by officers. Our boys are also making splendid progress at drill. It came rather awkward at first, but we are fast ridding ourselves of that. We have the best corps of officers we could wish for; they are all efficient and at the same time have a personal interest in each man. We were more than delighted to have our visitors recently, Mrs. Latimer and her daughter, Miss Sylvia, and son, Bernard. And, oh, my, if we Poinsett boys didn’t make away with that cake. It was a real treat. On behalf of the Poinsett boys I wish to thank the kind ladies who were so thoughtful to remember us in this way. Believe me, we all appreciated it. As I was off duty at the time it was my pleasure to escort our visitors through the barracks, the mess hall or dining room, and the kitchen where the dinner was in course of preparation, and into the store room, and even these experience housewives had to admire the cleanliness and efficiency of our entire quarters, and especially the dining quarters. We have also had many other visitors from Harrisburg. As I write Sam Latimer is sitting on the cot beside me reading the Modern News, our paper. Again thanking the kind ladies and assuring you all that Poinsett county boys are especial well treated and accounting themselves creditably I remain.
Yours truly,
Sergeant Harold M. Oehler.
Prov. Co. 345th Inf.
NOTES: Oehler was born in Huntersville, NC on August 18, 1896. He parents were M. T. and Susan Morrison Oehler. When the war broke out he was a rural mail carrier in Harrisburg, Arkansas. He died on August 22, 1971 in Houston Texas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS