George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - December 20, 1917
Transcript
Camp Devens [December] 20, 1917 Dear Folks - Little new has happened since I last wrote and aside from drilling we have nothing in our minds but the coming holidays. Everybody is anxious to get away and the topic of conversation everywhere is “How are you going to spend the Holidays?” An order from Washington was received today stating that only 5% of the men of each Company would be allowed to leave the grounds. You can imagine how blue the men feel, especially those who live close. As for myself, I have little hopes of getting to New York for I do not live there. Most likely the majority of us will make the best of of it at the camp. In regard to presents, I have been more than fortunate. allthough this is
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but the 20th I have already received a half a dozen presents. These include wristlets, a knitted cap, box of cakes, couple of boxes of candy, handy kit half dozen khaki handkerchiefs - and Mr Berlendis has sent me a large box of candy together with a beautiful silver locket of which I will tell you more of in my next letter. Old “Nick” is treating me well dont you think? What a contrast this camp is to the bustle of a city so near the Christmas Holidays. I can imagine the crowds downtown elbowing their way through the shoppers, every body carrying a bundle. And the eager children silhouetting the toy windows tugging at their mother’s skirts. I can almost hear the old familiar tingle of the Salvation Army pots. Everything decorated in green and red. But here the post office is the only medium we have between the camp and the outside world.
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As far as I know this is the first Christmas that I shall spend way from home. So far as I know it is the only one for I have a suspicion that we will be back for Christmas in 1918. However we will enjoy the occasion for the Knights of Columbus are to entertain us. Of course I shall not hang up my socks for old “Nick” comes through the mails here. This must be due to the fact that we have steam heat and consequently no open chimneys through which he could descend. But all joking aside, I can never realize that we are so far separated. I get on an average of three letters a day which brings my memoring back home. Although I am not with you my thoughts will be there, on the left side of the guest (Mr. Debrlach or whoever he
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may be). I can see three boards inserted in the dining room table and a fine line of treats spread out over it! Perhaps Marc will be home (hope their camp had better luck than we had). And do I hear a victrola playing in the southwest corner of the parlor? Well may you have a Merry Christmas with lots of good eats and many pleasant rememberances. Lets hope that next year this time has a better story in view. Sincerely yours George Maguolo [sketch of Christmas tree] A Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - December 20, 1917 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Folks. 20 December 1917. George J. Maguolo Papers, 1917-1945. A0969. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | George J. Maguolo wrote to his parents from Ayers, Massachuttes on December 20, 1917 while at Camp Devens, Massachusetts. Maguolo was in the 419th Depot Detachment, 25th Engineers and served in the 29th Engineers in France until 1919. In this letter he discussed plans for his first Christmas away from home. This letter was written on Y.M.C.A. letterhead. |
| Subject LCSH | Camp Devens (Mass.); World War, 1914-1918 |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Site Accession Number | A0969 |
| Contributing Institution | Missouri History Museum |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond those allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the Missouri History Museum: 314-746-4510 |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. Contact the Missouri History Museum's Permissions Office at 314-746-4511 to obtain written consent. |
| Date Original | December 20, 1917 |
| Language | English |