George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - December 31, 1917
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[page 1] Camp Devens, [Massachusetts] [December] 31, 1917 Dear Folks - As you see we are still on this side of the pond. Nothing new has happened and we dont know any thing in regard to our next move. Like all government interests the army is subject to politics and “pull” is the big factor. I am beginning to see what an advantage it is to have “influence” with the higher authorities. The first hundred who are now organized and ready for shipment are a fine example of this. They say that the present appointments are temporary (but no one believes it). For example Ray Herbert and Simpson are privates and several stenographers are sergeants & even master engineers! So far my prospects for promotion look pretty good, but you can never tell but what some “friend” of the (one-time
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clerk) Lieutenant may walk over you. We shall wait and see what appointments are made in the 100 in which I am now a member. Believe me it is terrible cold here. When the temperature in Boston is 10 Below we get 20 to 25 Below, due to our elevation and exposure. In spite of the weather we continue drilling six hours per day. I wear two sweaters wristlets, a muffler, and a trench cap (over my ears) all knitted goods presented me. (By the way Mrs. King is making me a helmet.) These together with heavy underware and mackanaw keep me fairly warm. A broad leather belt that I wear concealed over my stomach also keeps me protected. This belt has pockets in it for valuables. I could not get off to go to New York as originally planned. They allowed two days and I went to Boston instead. Had a good time however and came back with two big boxes of fine eats. Visited the same party who invited me thanksgiving Among the many
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[page 2] pleasures, they took me to Cambridge there I saw Harvard and Boston tech, together with many historic spots spots: Longfellows Home, Washington Elm, etc. - Saw more of Boston. Much surprised to ride in cars below the subways called tunnel trains. It certainly is a busy town. Believe I wrote you of the trip didn’t I? Had a great deal of grub sent to me in fact I have been eating deserts for with meals for over a week. Some of the grub is as follows – 1-5lb box of candy – 1-3lb – 1-2 lb and 3-11lb boxes. ( Haven’t opened the two largest yet.) Big fruit cake, 2 boxes of cookies, your box, box of turkey sandwiches, two jars of jelly, couple of cakes and a box of nuts. Pretty good store of food don’t you think.
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Received a letter the other day from O.C. Cankling my photographer. He said he was sending you a rememberence of me. guess it is an enlargement of some previous picture. Be sure you dont hang hang it in the kitchen face to the wall! Hm! If I have any luck for promotion (because your height, build and voice count more than anything else in the army) shall have a picture taken in uniform. Do you remember in a previous letter my mentioning a little present that Mr. Berlindes gave me. (a silver locket. The interior is so constructed that a photograph may be carried. I am enclosing a templet showing the exact size of the photo. If you have a photo of Mari or anyone that size send it to me.
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[page 3] Wednesday Section #2 Herbert and Simpson were shipped away this morning to Hoboken, [New Jersey] on their way to France. I certainly hated to see them go. I still no nothing and continue drilling. In fact from the present attitude of some of the officers we will be here for a good while longer. I received Louis’s letter this morning and glad to hear the good news. In regards to the promotion I am losing faith. The other day we were called to the captains office and told that we (who applied for 2nd Lieutenants) would be expected to remain with the government after the war. This I did not wish to do and so withdrew my application. However we were told that a reserve group would be formed,
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for the duration of the war only, and would be notified when it came up. New Years has been celebrated here. We had a little dance at our Barracks a party of girls coming from a neighboring town. Refreshments were served and we had a nice time. Shall write with further developments – Sincerely George (Its pretty cold so excuse the poor writing)
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - December 31, 1917 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Folks. 31 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 31, 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 described his Christmas in Boston and the gifts he recieved. Maguolo also wrote that the first group of soldiers finally departed for France. 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 31, 1917 |
| Language | English |