In the autumn of 1918, young Lester Koontz in the 42nd Division wrote to his father from France. This letter was reprinted in A History of Shenandoah County, Virginia, and gives another glimpse into the observations and experiences of American soldiers during the final weeks of World War I.
You’ll find a few historical notes on World War I after the complete primary source to give a little background and historical depth to the letter. Continue reading
Good afternoon, it’s time for tea!
This month Gazette665’s Friday blog posts have been focusing on World War I, and we’ve been sharing some photos from the conflict on social media, too. Autumn 2018 marks one hundred years since the final campaigns and ending of the first world war. Can we find “tea appropriate” things to talk about on the subject? I think so!
Come join the conversation. Apple pie and caramel tea would be on the menu if this was a real gathering of history fans! Continue reading
This letter reprinted in A History of Shenandoah County, Virginia was actually written for publication! Private Russell T. Hupp penned the letter and sent it to the editor of The Valley newspaper. It gives details that folks back home would have found interesting, including observations on the agriculture in France and comparisons to the crops and farms in the Shenandoah Valley.
Similar to the previous weeks, we’ve included a few historical notes on World War I after the complete primary source to give a little background and historical depth to the letter.
The Letter
Somewhere in France
A.E.F., Sept. 17, 1918, Continue reading
Today’s featured letter – rediscovered in A History of Shenandoah County, Virginia – was written by an American sergeant serving “over there” during World War I. He details his lodgings, general impressions of Americans in war-torn Europe, and an experience with French refugees in this letter to his mother.
Similar to last week, we’ve included a few historical notes after the complete primary source to give a little background and historical depth to the letter.
The Letter
Somewhere in France
September 14, 1918 Continue reading
Earlier this year when I was in Virginia, a smart salesperson convinced me to make a sizeable investment in a sizeable book called “A History of Shenandoah Country, Virginia.” I thought I was buying the book for Civil War history (and indeed I have used it in my new manuscript), but I also found a treasury of letters from World War I printed in the book! It appears that some of the letters were publicly published in local newspapers or later collected for the volume.
The letter I’m sharing today details the sinking of an American passenger ship by a German U-boat. Check out the letter, and I’ve included a few historical footnotes at the end… Continue reading
In combat? Only one.
However, five U.S. Presidents were in the military or military leadership during the World War I years, and we wanted to note their service, highlighting leadership (or rising leadership) during this semi-forgotten conflict. Need a refresher course on why American joined World War I months before its conclusion and why the United States entered the conflict? Check our archives for articles about the American experience during World War I.
Now, on to the presidential trivia… Who served in the military during World War I and in what capacities? Answers ahead! Continue reading
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