TRANSCRIBED FROM THE COLUMBIA BANNER DECEMBER 19, 1917 P. 1
Camp Jackson, Nov. 30th. 1917.
Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Reeves,
Magnolia, Ark.
Dear Parents:
The greatest pleasure of my life is writing “home” letters, and while I have time tonight will write a long one to all.
Yesterday was Thanksgiving and a holiday for all the boys. We had a splendid dinner and dance given by the “K of C” was greatly attended by the boys and all had a nice time. Today was dreary and rainy but I did kitchen police duty and didn’t have time to get lonesome.
Daddy I will tell you about my trip to S. C. We left Camp Pike at sunset Thursday Nov. 15th and landed here Saturday. It was some curiosity to me as we came through Tenn. At Chattanooga I saw the “little hill” grandpa fought that famous battle on, and was wounded. It sure was an interesting sight to me.
The bluffs and rocks were large as any house. Alabama is a sorry looking place even if it is mama’s home state. The land is sorry, no up to date buildings, all old, rundown worn out houses, nothing I saw during my trip can come up to Columbia County. No, Arkansas for me always and if I go to France I’m coming back to Arkansas some day, if a bullet doesn’t get me but then I eat them things every morning for breakfast ha! Ha!
Listen, Rosemae and brother will tell you of a little girl I saw in a picture show at the Y. M. C. A. at Camp Pike. She was just like my black eyed Dimple at home. Her brother was going away to play Base Ball and when he started to leave this little girl got up in her brother’s lap and said “pray God that we may meet again brother” and kissed him good bye. A little later this brother came home and the little girl was on the door steps playing with her dolls when she looked up and saw him she ran to him saying “Thank God my prayers have been answered” and that’s the way I want you to be and someday I’ll come back to my little Rosemae.
Tell Coleman to be good and Santa Claus will come to see him. I guess Jessie and Bill are smart in school. Tell them to think of me every day.
Yes Richard if you are called I’d love to see you before you go into training but I may not get to come home for Christmas.
How are Charlie and Eva getting along now? I would like to see their little Elbert.
Mama you must keep close to the fire these cold days. I would like to help you eat potatoes.
So all of you write often. With much love, God bless you and happy dreams to all, I’ll go to bed.
Your affectionate son,
Hubbard Reeves
NOTES: Hubbard Franklin Reeves was born in Avery, Texas on October 29, 1895 and died at Magnolia, Arkansas on January 11, 1974. He is buried in the Antioch East Cemetery, in Magnolia. His military headstone identifies him as a PFC US ARMY. He was described as being of medium height and weight with brown eyes and dark brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
Camp Jackson, Nov. 30th. 1917.
Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Reeves,
Magnolia, Ark.
Dear Parents:
The greatest pleasure of my life is writing “home” letters, and while I have time tonight will write a long one to all.
Yesterday was Thanksgiving and a holiday for all the boys. We had a splendid dinner and dance given by the “K of C” was greatly attended by the boys and all had a nice time. Today was dreary and rainy but I did kitchen police duty and didn’t have time to get lonesome.
Daddy I will tell you about my trip to S. C. We left Camp Pike at sunset Thursday Nov. 15th and landed here Saturday. It was some curiosity to me as we came through Tenn. At Chattanooga I saw the “little hill” grandpa fought that famous battle on, and was wounded. It sure was an interesting sight to me.
The bluffs and rocks were large as any house. Alabama is a sorry looking place even if it is mama’s home state. The land is sorry, no up to date buildings, all old, rundown worn out houses, nothing I saw during my trip can come up to Columbia County. No, Arkansas for me always and if I go to France I’m coming back to Arkansas some day, if a bullet doesn’t get me but then I eat them things every morning for breakfast ha! Ha!
Listen, Rosemae and brother will tell you of a little girl I saw in a picture show at the Y. M. C. A. at Camp Pike. She was just like my black eyed Dimple at home. Her brother was going away to play Base Ball and when he started to leave this little girl got up in her brother’s lap and said “pray God that we may meet again brother” and kissed him good bye. A little later this brother came home and the little girl was on the door steps playing with her dolls when she looked up and saw him she ran to him saying “Thank God my prayers have been answered” and that’s the way I want you to be and someday I’ll come back to my little Rosemae.
Tell Coleman to be good and Santa Claus will come to see him. I guess Jessie and Bill are smart in school. Tell them to think of me every day.
Yes Richard if you are called I’d love to see you before you go into training but I may not get to come home for Christmas.
How are Charlie and Eva getting along now? I would like to see their little Elbert.
Mama you must keep close to the fire these cold days. I would like to help you eat potatoes.
So all of you write often. With much love, God bless you and happy dreams to all, I’ll go to bed.
Your affectionate son,
Hubbard Reeves
NOTES: Hubbard Franklin Reeves was born in Avery, Texas on October 29, 1895 and died at Magnolia, Arkansas on January 11, 1974. He is buried in the Antioch East Cemetery, in Magnolia. His military headstone identifies him as a PFC US ARMY. He was described as being of medium height and weight with brown eyes and dark brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT