22 Apr 1918
Dear mother:
Your letter of Mar 20th and several
packages of papers and magazines arrived on the same day.
Did not receive my mail for some time
account of being on the move. Glad everything is in good order. Will try and
send more.
I had a letter from Frances in which she
wrote of Major R's transfer into the U.S. Forces. He was one of the lucky
twelve.
We have had plenty of excitement the last
two weeks. The war came into our back yard for a change.
These quick moves are hard on the civilians
who have to use anything with wheels to get their personal belongings out of
the danger zones.
Wonderful display of fireworks on the hills
last night.
I'll answer Lelia's letter later this week.
With love to all Errol
[ACTIVE SERVICE
Note:--Correspondence in
this envelope need not be censored Regimentally. The contents are liable to
examination at the Base.
The following
Certificate must be signed by the writer:--
I certify on my honor
that the contents of this envelope refer to nothing but private and family
matters.
Signature
__________________ (Name only)
This indicated a change in policy regarding censorship.]
28 Apr 1918
Dearest mother:
Have been moving considerable of late and
have had little time for writing.
There has been heavy fighting as you have
undoubtedly noticed by the papers. Have not seen a newspaper for two weeks.
Am enclosing two hundred francs (200) which
you can put to my credit.
Hoping you all are well, I remain, With love
Errol
[Errol received this letter from his
Masonic Lodge in Portland, which describes the "home front" at this
time.]
Washington Lodge, No. 46
A.F.& A.M.
Washington Masonic Building
Portland, Oregon
17 April 1918
Dear Bro. Winterbotham:
I have this day, for the first time since
you left us been able to feel that I knew how to address you, and hasten to
forward you the enclosed Certificate showing you to be a member in good
standing of Washington Lodge so long as this war shall last and you remain in
the Service. I wish further to extend to you, as to all the rest of our
patriotic Brothers the hearty good wishes of the entire membership of Old
No.46. She is truly proud of her 54 noble boys who are staking their all to
"make the world safe for democracy" and may HE without whose guiding
hand, we may not hope for success, protect each and every one of you and speed
the day, when our blood thirsty enemy will be driven to cover and begging for
peace, and that in terms which the world can consider.
The little Certificate I am sending is not
a very pretentious looking affair but is designed purposely to be convenient to
carry as we are aware that a Soldier or Sailor has little room to care for
cumbersome or bulky articles. And I am quite sure will serve every purpose as a
medium of evidence of your standing.
Things are moving along quite
satisfactorily here, everybody is busy and nearly all lines on endeavor are feeling
the demands of war needs. Money is plenty but the dollar is a small unit and
goes but a little way when a fellow attempts to buy. One great thing that the
war is teaching the home folks, is thrift and economy. Conservation has become
the most common word in our vocabulary and tho we are not called upon to make
great personal sacrifices or to do without necessaries or in many cases luxuries
(sic) still there is not that freedom of action in buying or using (sic) that
formerly was the birthright of an American.
People do not use white flour as before but instead all kinds of substitutes
such as Barley, Corn, Rice &c and seem to get along just as well, neither
do we use so much meat but more fish, eggs &c. But all have plenty and of
good quality. Vacant lots in town, growing up to weeds and grass are a scarce
thing and nearly everyone has a "war garden". Women are running
elevators and even doing many other things formerly done by men. But we can do
lots more yet and will if the necessity comes. What we are determined to do, is
to stand behind our boys at the front and help in every way we can to
"lick the Keiser" and his hord of "Boches".
Fraternally Yours,
J.H. Richmond Sec.
26 May 1918
My dear mother:
I received three letters including the
registered one and several bundles of papers from you this week.
Enjoying great weather again.
Was working out with the ball team at our
headquarters for a few days last week.
Rain caused the field day sports to be postponed. A little diversion
breaks the monotony.
Will be glad when my contract expires with
this firm.
Love to you and father.
Errol
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