Racine County, Wisconsin - Chapter 17: The Effect of War on Home Life, 1920

Chapter 17: The Effect of War on Home Life

THE pomp and glory of mai'ching hosts, the excitement and din of battle, are far removed from the quiet hearths of a nation at war. Young men find compensations even for the weariness and discomforts and dangers of campaigns against a powei'ful enemy. Youth provides its own panacea for ills such as these. But heavy rests the hand of the war god upon the shoulders of those who are left at home to wait and watch and endure, while their loved ones are facing unknowi\' and terrible dangers, and they are powerless to offer aid.

It has been the lot of mothers in all ages to see their babes grow to stalwart manhood and face the hour of duty and sacrifice; to watch, sad-eyed and heavy-hearted, as their sons marched away, and yet to smile encouragement and seek to strengthen them in the patriotic purpose which might cost their lives. The father shouts a last and perhaps a jovial farewell to his boy departing for an adventure the end of which no one can foresee, and turns away to hide his unaccustomed tears.

Then, like mothers and fathers everywhere, the parents wend their way homeward to mutually pledge that none but messages of good cheer and optimism should go forth from them to their young hero, and that thenceforth every bit of energy, every ounce of strength, should be exerted to the end that their boy and other boys in khaki and in blue should have the clothing and equipment, the guns and ammunition, the food and the medicines, which are necessary to insure an early and decisive victory for American arms. No words of criticism, even though deserved, must hamper those directing the nation's destiny. No call for money or labor or supplies must be ignored if needed to aid our growing armies. No habits of life, no social customs, no individual's convenience, must be allowed to stand in the way of America's thorough mobilization of all resources in this titanic struggle against a foreign foe.

That was the predominant spirit in Racine. And no more remarkable sight was ever seen in the history of the world than the voluntary placing of almost every citizen of this free land under the discipline and direction of the governmental authorities. Few laws were passed to control the actions of our people. Few were needed, because a suggestion, a request or an appeal from any recognized agency met with a whole-hearted instantaneous response which resulted in the accomplishment of any task, no matter how difficult.

Was more food needed? The farmers produced it. Was more clothing necessary? Women's hands provided it. Did the government require huge sums of money? Millions of dollai's more than was asked for was forthcoming in a twinkling. Men, gold, suppliesall were offered without stint, and the people of America asked only that they be taught other ways in which to show their patriotism and support of the country's ideals. There was little time for cheers - or tears. All must keep busy, lock out of their minds all thoughts of possible tragedy, and do everything to back up the men at the front.

A letter written by a Racine woman to her son in France in November, 1918, is so interesting a story of the experiences of one person during the dark days of 1917-1918, and so typical of the cheerful messages sent by hundreds of parents to boys across the sea, that it is reproduced here almost without alteration. It tells better than a mere author could of the meaning of war when applied to the "home sector:"

My Own Dear Son: We have been reading good news in the paper these days. It seems as if our prayers are about to be fulfilled, and once more an American army is to return home ci'owned with victory. Oh! you boys have been doing some wonderful deeds over there and everyone appreciates it and praises you to the skies. I hope that you are still well and as happy as when you wrote before. Please do not risk your life needlessly; that can do no good. Remember, dear boy, that we want you home again to tell us of your great adventures.

The city really seems changed. People have a different attitude toward life. Working for others does us all good, I think, and that is what American people at home are doing now. Women who have not done work in years now spend hours every day knitting and sewing on hospital garments. I even heard that Mrs.

for a long time, forgot all about her supposed illness and is dashing around doing this thing and that, collecting garments, soliciting money and even making speeches occasionally. I don't suppose she will ever have time to be ailing again until the war ends.

We all await letters from our boys in France very anxiously, of course, and when a bag of foreign mail arrives everyone in town knows it. We run to meet the postman, who tells us whether the letters have been distributed or whether we must wait until afternoon to get ours. Those who receive letters first call up the other mothers and shout the glad news that "everything seems to be fine; a few boys have been slightly wounded, but none seriously," and then we settle dowii to wonder whether you tell us the whole truth about your hardships and perils. Perhaps you are trying to keep us cheered up!

You never saw people read newspapers the way they do. One can hardly wait to get a daily paper and scan the bulletins to see whether the Americans have driven these awful Germans back a few more miles. Usually they have! The long casualty lists make sadder reading, but there are few surprises in them, for the government notifies families of the wounded and dead before the names are given to the press. Racine appeal's in the list quite frequently lately, as you probably are aware. How our hearts go out to the mothers who have lost their boys!

I suppose the censorship of soldiers' mail is necessary to keep spies from getting news, but it seems hard that you cannot write all of your experiences and let us know where you are and what your regiment is doing. You must remember everything, and tell us later when you come home.

Ever since the war began the women have been spending lots of time knitting so I suppose you will have plenty of sweaters and warm socks when winter comes. It is the custom for us all to carry our knitting and start working just as soon as we are seated anywhere - in a street car, on a train, at lectures or while making calls. There are no parties nowadays - just gatherings to work for the soldiers. Refreshments are never served by patriotic people, excepting sometimes just a cup of tea, outside of the regular three meal hours. I think there would be a riot if someone were to give an old-fashioned reception or luncheon this year.

These customs give time for work, and save food. You probably remember that a meatless and a wheatless day each week were instituted before you sailed. There is no law, but everyone is very strict in obsei'ving them. Mrs.

got up from the table, grabbed her wraps, and departed without saying good-bye! That's the way good people feel about such things. Wo have wheat flour, of course, but we are supposed to use as great a quantity of substitutes (such as corn meal or rice) as we do of the wheat and everybody is very careful to do so. In fact you have to buy the substitute when you buy the flour. When someone remarked that she might feed the substitutes to the chickens, as she could aff"ord to buy plenty of wheat flour for her family, she got a cold shoulder right in the knitting bee the other day, and although we were all friends, somebody reported her to the food administrator to have her case investigated! You see, people are not supposed to even joke about cheating you boys of your food and clothing. It is not considered decent, when so many are suffering and dying for us.

The coal situation was pretty bad last year, and most of us ruined our wall paper and perhaps our furnaces by burning soft coal and anything else we could get for fuel. But we all are willing to wear our vwaps in the house occasionally if it will help give the navy the necessary coal. The heatless days in stores and public buildings certainly saved a great deal of fuel. I hope next winter won't be as cold as the last. For a while we had two heatless days a week for stores and offices.

plied to work of this sort done for one's self when we are supposed to be knitting for service men. Rather a descriptive term, don't you think? One doesn't dare wear any knitted material, no matter how old, for fear she will be accused of pig-knitting.

It is astonishing how many service flags are displayed around Racine. It seems as if threefourths of the houses have them, many bearing two, three or even more stars to represent men in service. I think it is a pretty custom. Some have gold stars, now, to stand for those who have given their lives for the cause. The blue stars on a white field, surrounded by a rectangle of red, are very striking and significant. I am so proud of mine. The Stars and Stripes fly from almost every home.

Sugar is scarce with us, as I suppose it is with you. We are limited pretty closely, and no one uses it any more for such useless things as frostings, puddings, etc. Restaurants give one lump per customer, to be used on the spot. We can get 10 pounds for canning if the sugar deputies are sure we will not waste it. Perhaps we can get more for this purpose if the supply equals expectations, as they try to encourage canning in every way.

One funny thing has resulted from the war. Attics that have not been cleaned for years and years are being emptied to meet requests from the government for war material. Old books and magazines, old copper kettles, feather beds, woolen and leather goods, and almost any kind of metal, is wanted. The Red Ci'oss collects old automobile tires, and car ovsTiers are expected to throw them in a heap which has been started on Monument square. We even collect nut shells and peach stones for making chemicals to go into gas masks. Rubber is badly needed and high in price. Long ago they asked for field glasses for the navy; old lenses of all sorts for cameras, etc., and worn out gloves to make wind-proof vests for aviators. We don't buy many new things either; it is considered unpatriotic to waste money on clothes, or decorating homes or in hiring done what we can do ourselves. Labor must be used for war work. Travel is also discouraged excepting when on government business. When one does go on a train, as likely as not he will be awakened in the middle of the night between stations to be informed that the car is to be taken off' and attached to a troop train. The meals on trains are avrful, too, since the government took hold. Even the little children have learned to refuse candy and to cut down their sugar ration at home to help the soldiers. They are so enthusiastic, and trj so hard to help! Many of them contribute their pennies to aid the funds raised to adopt orphans, and they help in every other way they can. Little Genevieve went without sugar on her oatmeal for two weeks, and said she did it so you could have plenty in your cofl^ee in France. Wasn't that sweet?

Lately we have been having "gasolineless Sundays" at the request of the fuel administration and it warmed my heart to see how promptly everyone discontinued the use of automobiles on Sunday. The streets were actually deserted excepting for occasional old ramshackle horse-drawn rigs, and puffing pedestrians. And every Sunday has been beautiful weather for riding in the country, too. Howevei', people have that much more time to sit in the parks or on porches and knit for the Red Cross. It never was comfortable knitting in an auto, anyway.

We have seen the order that we can send small packages to our boys in France for Christmas but we must have a form letter from you authorizing it. Only one package, the size of a 2-pound candy box can go to each soldier, and there is lots of speculation about what to put into it. We know so little about what you need. One woman plans to get thirty articles in the box, such as a stick of gum, stamps, a couple of cigars, cigarettes, kodak picture, fountain pen and so on. As nearly as I understand from your letter you would like a good pocket knife and some candy. If you really need anything else, please let me know when you send the order. I want so much to give you something you want. It has seemed hard not to be able to send you your cigarettes and candy every week as we had planned, but I presume if everyone did that there wouldn't be room on ships to carry food and ammunition to the two million over there.

Father sends his love and tells you to keep after the Kaiser until you get him. He is working day and night on all sorts of war work. Liberty loans, etc., and I think he is feeling blue because he can't take a riffe and jump right into the thick of it. He is so proud that his son is on the firing line. You should hear him talk about you! Write us as often as you find time and tell us all you can. Mav God bless and keep you, my dear, brave boy. MOTHER.

foodstuffs. To this purpose was dedicated the extra hour of daylight gained by setting the clocks ahead one hour. There were many blisters created and many spinal columns ached from the unaccustomed toil, but Racine people raised hundreds upon hundreds of bushels of vegetables and assisted mateiially in supplying the home demand for food. This not only saved money and relieved market conditions, but saved transportation by obviating the necessity of bringing so much foodstuffs to the city by rail. This was an important consideration and every community wliich tried to make itself self-supporting was doing a big work for the nation.

Whatever was asked, whatever was demanded, it was the intense public sentiment which kept every one hard at work, no matter how he might view any particular decree of the government. "Slackers" were not tolerated; evasions of any nale or order were looked upon as little better than treason. Public opinion did what no autocratic law could ever have done in Ameiica, and it was fortunate that the goveniment was prompt to see this fact. The only legislation regarding civilians which was needed was an espionage law to control enemy aliens. Even the censorship of the press was voluntaiy - and therefore much more strict than if the authorities had attempted to force it upon the newspapers.

What America accom.plished in her homes, and the way in which it was done, will be an eternal testimonial to the ability of a free people to adjust themselves to any conditions to uphold the nation of which they are a part.

In addition to all organized war work, there were, of course, innumerable individual plans for helping the government and the men in sei-vice. Mrs. L. K. Merrell, for example, traveled to Waco, Tex., while the 32nd Division was encamped there, and spent several weeks sewing and darning for the Racine boys there. The number of socks repaired and buttons replaced is not a matter of record, but if the figures were Known they undoubtedly would be astonishingly large. This unique service was much appreciated by the boys, not only because of the work itself, but because of the spirit in which it was done. Later on Mrs. E. B. Belden did similar work at Camp Custer, where her husband. Judge Belden, was gi\ang his time to camp Y. M. C. A. w'ork.

One rather odd incident of the war was the attempt of some sentimental goveniment official to tack the name "Sammy" onto the American soldier. It was intended to be used as a casual greeting to a soldier, much as "Tommy" is applied to the English fighting man. There were two prompt reactions. The first was an acceptance of the idea by thousands of civilians all over the nation, who felt that any suggestion from Washington should be obeyed. The second was a sharp and unmistakable roar of protest from every army camp and bivouac clear up to the front in France. No such "kiddish" title for thern! Well meaning and bene\-olent gentlemen were snubbed and even rebuked profanely for using it in addressing soldiers to whom they had not been introduced. All American soldiers . were "Yanks"; sailors were "gobs"; one man addressed another as "Buddy"; members of the infantry demanded and were granted the honored title of "doughboys." All the welfare artists in the world could not give birth to a poetical name that would be accepted in place of these. Among themselves, sei-vice men might yell to some stranger, "Hurry up, Jack," or "Hi, there, leather-legs," or even more weird and profane expressions, but the men preferred to have civilians call them "Soldiers" or even "Mister." They detested the idea of petting and coddling, and the diminutive "Sammy" smacked of this, even though it was derived from the name of the American national figure. Uncle Sam. This very objection to being considered as a crowd of little boys was what caused the fei-vent protest against measures taken to keep them from drinking, to protect their morals and to force them to save money. They were willing enough to admit the merit of all these ideas, but it grated upon them to have a part of the home-staying public assume a "holier than thou" attitude which allowed civilian "slackers" and "profiteers" to do about as they pleased while eveiy reformer and platfoiTn lecturer and paid welfare worker insisted upon all sorts of restrictions being placed upon the habits of "our poor, innocent boys." Psychologists probably can discuss the whys and wherefores of this feeling on the part of the soldier better than can a mere writer. One veiy evident reason for it was that the majority of American soldiers were not boys, but gro\\'n men old enough to vote and conduct themselves as men. Another was that the nonnal activities of a member of an army in training- allowed no opportunity for any carousing or dissipation, and he objected to hearing the constant implication that he was on the way to perdition, and needed the watchful care of some salaried uplifter. The American army had the highest rating of all aiTnies for morality because it was composed of

One of the tragic incidents in connection with the war was the epidemic of Spanish influenza, or flu, as it was called. This diead disease had taken its toll of deaths in Europe at intervals for many centuries, but never in modem times had it appeared in such malignant and fatal foi-m as in the autumn of 1918.

Cases were reported during the summer from Austria, Spain, Gennany and France. Whispers were heard of its ravages in Europe during July and August, but the real extent of the scourge was not realized at first' because of the belief of many physicians that its victims had succumbed to pneumonia, grippe, quick consumption or other diseases. It became epidemic in Spain before its existence was really acknowledged.

Late in August, 1918, reports of numerous deaths began to be publi-shed in .seaboard cities. By the middle of September the newspapers were commenting upon its spread in America. On September 30, an Associated Press dispatch told of seventy-five recent victims, and health officers everywhere were warned to be on the lookout for it. Within three days it was announced in Washington that a careful survey had shown nearly 14,000 cases in the anny camps. Movements of troops and draft contingents made its control impossible for a time, particularly as medical authorities were not certain of the exact steps to follow. Men going to camp were dying on trains. Morgues eveiywheie were full of flu victims. The civilian population was assailed by the plague. Hundi'eds were reported dead eveiy day in the larger cit'es.

On October 7 a general warning was issued to close all theaters, prohibit public meetings, close public libraries and limit all traveling to a minimum. Eight thousand soldiers and sailors had died in American camps up to October 10. Hospitals were unable to care for all the patients, and the over-worked nurses and doctors were giving way under the strain of almost constant labor without a chance to rest. Many of them contracted the disease. The average daily deaths in camp rose to 800, and every effort was made to find a way to check the pandemic before it should wipe out the whole population. Bodies of several Racine soldiers were returned home here for burial.

In Racine the disease made terrible headway. The Red Cross society was granted pemiission to use the Stephen Bull mansion. Eleventh and Main streets, as an emergency hospital and volunteer nuises were called for and provided. The house was filled with patients and every possible agency was enlisted to insure suitable care of the victims. Doctors worked day and night. Professional nurses were rcarce in civilian life, and in many cases provision had to be made to assist families where all the members were ill at the same time. The soldiers' canteen furnished soup to all who asked it. Newspapers published instructions for preventing the spread of the disease and caring for those who were ill. Placards containing similar information were posted in public places. In infected houses and hospitals, nur.ses and visitors wore gauze masks over their faces. People were warned not to sneeze or cough when others were near.

The epidemic here died down for a time, but there was a recurrence in December. Schools were closed for nearly a month. Even church sei-vices were taboo. By the first of the new year the disease was under control, but the long list of dead was sad evidence of its dire power. In all it is estimated that 500,000 persons died in the United States of the flu, and 227 of these were inhabitants of this city. Many others were broken in health and some of these became victims of other diseases while in their weakened physical condition. Two hundred died here from pneumonia which resulted from, or at least followed, the flu.

During the long months between the arrival of the first contingents of American troops in France in 1917, and the ending of the conflict, the people at home did but little celebrating of American victories. Experience with "official bulletins" of other governments in 1914-1.5-16 had caused them to place small faith in the communiques. So when the first official accounts were given of the successful exploits of our armies in the early summer of 1917 the rejoicing, while sincere, was not noisy. As the days passed the fears of possible untold disasters dissipated; the progress of the Allied aiTnies became too evident to admit of pessimism. By October, when the Yankee hordes had begun their drive through the hitherto impregnable fastnesses of the Meuse-Ai'gonne sector, there could no longer be any doubt of the superiority of the American fighter over his foe, and then the daily reports began to be the subject of hearty cheers and enthusiastic applause undimmetl by any dread of possible defeat.

Maps were posted up in almost every home, and families gathered around these each evening, with colored pins and long strings in hand, to mark out the progress of the Allied armies since the last communiques. The

No overconfidence was permitted. Everyone settled himself to work more diligently than ever to perfonn every task which might help clinch the victory. On Oct. 12, thousands paused in their work, in response to a semiofficial suggestion, to face the east and shout "No! No! No!" simultaneously as an answer to the reported proposal of the Germans that peace terms other than unconditional surrender might be arranged. America was determined to see the thing through!

Yet, by one of the strangest freaks of newspaper reporting in all history, the close of the war actually seemed but little more than an anticlimax to an announcement made on November 7, which spread from one end of the earth to the other despite frantic efforts of government officials and news bureaus to stop it.

It had been known for a week that the Allies had the Germans so completely "on the i-un" that only capitulation could save their soi'ely harassed armies from capture or annihilation. An exchange of peace notes had shown the Kaiser that only by unconditional surrender could his legions be saved. The world awaited the result with nei-ves aquiver.

Suddenly there came a message fi-om France to the United Press Association that the armistice had been signed. Not a word of explanation followed, and the censorship prevented further communication on that subject for some reason still unknown.

Before noon a bulletin had been posted by the Racine Times-Call at its office, and by newspapers all over the country. It consisted of these two brief dispatches:

"Paris, Nov. 7 - The Allies and Germany signed an armistice at 11 o'clock this morning. Hostilities ceased at 2 o'clock this afternoon. The American aiTny took Sedan before the armistice became effective."

"Paris, Nov. 7 - The greatest war of all times came to an end at 2 o'clock this afternoon. The Allies and GeiTnany signed an armistice three hours earlier on the field

The news spread like wildfire. Wliistles were blown and church bells rung. Men stopped work, put on their coats and left shops and offices without asking permission or saying goodbye. Women locked the doors of their homes and joined the throngs. Flags were flung to the breeze ever.vAvhere. For an hour or more thousands of celebrants besieged the newspaper offices for further news. None w^as forthcoming. There could be no denial obtained, either. Officials of the government at Washington merely replied to all queiies, "We have received no word. We cannot get into communication with headquarters in France. We do not know." This was considered as good as an acknowledgment of the truth of the story. The entire country accepted this view.

The subsequent celebration seemed to run lai'gely to noise. Automobiles tore up and down the streets with strings of tin cans and bells tied behind. Homs were blown continuously. Men yelled. Women cheered. Children shrieked. Perfect strangers shook hands with hitherto dignified citizens, and slapped them on the back, and the usually dignified ones responded to the strange assault by Comanche-like cries and outrageous antics.

Evening came, with no further infomiation, denials or details. The Racine Joumal-News continued to stand fast on the word of the Associated Press that the government knew of no aiTTiistice, and was hooted for its pains. The Times-Call could get no confirmation or proof from the I'nited Press, which said it had told all it knew and believed its correspondent.

Effigies of the Kaiser appeared in the hands of howling marchers, and were "burned" or "drowned" to the music of the crowds' screams. Hundreds of reputable and some disreputable citizens got frankly and openly drunk and even disorderly, while other thou- -sands were apparently as intoxicated with excitement and joy as those who had looked upon liquor when it was red.

Mayor Thiesen issued a proclamation calling on everyone to join in a big time downtown in the evening, and the bedlam received renewed impetus. Before the sun had set every band in town was playing around Monument square, and those who did not belong to hands brought various noise-making instru-

Racine'S Greatest Parade In History

It took place May 29. 1917. - The first picture shows the lad on a pony leading- the 30,000 marchers who turned out to *'show" the Kaiser. Then come Spanish War veterans, a throng at a corner, a motorcycle float, a fraternal order's contingrent, a Jackie band on Main street, a section of be-bloomered workwomen, another women's section, the loyalty meeting at the park and at the end is shown the ceremony of scattering flowers on the waters in honor of sailors who had given

The joyous uproar continued until early moming. When official denials of the signing of the aiTnistice finally came, nobody would believe them. They seemed too preposterous after everyone had celebrated so unanimously. It was noon the next day before the town had fairly settled down again and there was a general acceptance of the fact that something important had been missing in the affair; namely, a good reason for it.

But Racine did not need to be embarrassed among her neighbors. From Alaska's icy shores to the wind-swept plains of Argentina, from the villages of France to sunny Australia they were all doing it. Paris, London and Rome celebrated even as Racine, Corliss and Burlington. Chicago and New York were as bad as Milwaukee. And, strange to tell, in eveiy city and town evei-j-where, as far as can be learned, the same things happened in the same way. The people just naturally quit evei-ything and went out on the streets to make all the noise and uproar and disturbance that they possibly could to demonstrate their approval of the war's end. On November 8 and 9 the public awaited impatiently for news of the actual finish of the war. On Sunday the 10th extra editions told of the abdication and flight of the Kaiser, and it was forecast that the annistice would be signed the next morning. Many sat up all night awaiting the fateful dispatch. Early in the morning the news came - authentic and correct beyond a doubt. Again the whistles blew and the bells rang. Again men, women and children sallied forth with all thoughts of the day's work cast aside. Once more the city, the nation and the whole world gave itself over to a day of noisy celebration. Joy was unconfined - and often unrefined.

improvement on that of November 7 in only one way. After the populace had awakened after the first fete, many persons had thought, "If I had only done so and so, I could have made lots more noise yesterday." All these "hindsight" ideas were now put into execution, and new and improved devices for raising the Old Harry made the welkin ring more tumultuously than before. However, it is difficult to call forth at will such a spirit of mischief -making and general abandon as arose spontaneously throughout the land on November 7 and the justified celebration appeared a trifle forced. Too many of the people on the streets were there to get amusement from the antics of others, rather than let themselves go \vithout restraint in expressing their joy. At that, it was the second biggest day the country had ever seen. An old-fashioned national election celebration was a Quaker meeting in comparison. But that first affair - well, that was SOME day. No one participating will ever forget it. In connection with the "fake armistice," as it was called, it probably should be stated as a matter of history that a full explanation has never been made. The United Press, a very large and reputable news association, has always maintained that it i-eceived the infonnation regarding the annistice from a confidential source which it considered absolutely reliable at the time, and which it is still inclined to credit. Soldiers in France in large numbers maintained that the "kitchen wireless" carried some likely sounding stories to the effect that the agreement to end the war was actually made on November 7, but that delays were required in making it public so that the Kaiser could ran away before his people learned their fate. Probably there is nothing to the yam. The complete stoi-y of the ending of the war has not yet been published, and it may make some revelations bearing on the great hoax.