George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - March 12, 1919
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#73 Yea - Paris France March 12, 1919. Dear Folks And I certainly am one happy gazabo tonight! Isnt there enough reason? the War may be over but it do look like I am very near through with soldiering. In my last letter I mentioned a half dozen possibilities of things that may happen – one has most certainly happened for I am now to enter a school here. think of cashing in the old shoot-stick Springfield and go back to school! Such is my luck. . . . . While putting away a mess kit O’slum the top kicker comes up to me with a “you lucky dog – you go to Paris tomorrow for good! “ Boy! I done rushed the rest of that feed into the garbage can and began packing me junk and rolling a pack. For I begin to see the end of Langres – I was there too long anyway. In the course of the rush I made up 3 packages to mail home as follows #12 my first Helmit – 13# a ½ a dutch 105th m/m with notes 13# b – other half So by noon I was on my way to the station as a lone passenger of a Dodge! Then the Paris express to the gare d’ Est in Paris. then the subway to Port St. Denis and the Pavillion hotel from where I am now writing. Not on a bunk or a slat mind ye! But in a honest to goodness writing joint. And here I sleep for the night.
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[page 2] Paris is a different place now! In the days when Bertha dropped its 15 minute interval shells & the air raids when I first saw her it was gloom – but now the boulevards are gay. It reminds me of our own larger cities. I have just returned from a walk this wonderful evening and what a dramatic change from the dark crooked streets of Langres or the slop mud of the camp streets! the brilliantly lighted stores and the finely dressed people is great relief from the montinous khaki! New Life - In the metro (subway) I saw some german Officers in full uniform. Possibly delegates – it is strange to think of a gang of germans amongst the Parisienne population – And maybe you think there isnt some red tape for a soldier to get in and out these places. – You must see a half dozen officers and get yards of colored paper hand this and that gentleman a red or green stub go this way or that way. Oh Boy! I am glad I am now here to stay. I forgot to tell you that last night (my last in Langres was quite unique. The 21st French regiment was expected to return and so the town was decorated and
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[page 3] a fite prepared for their returning soldiers - after nearly 5 years! Such crowds Langres never saw. All the people were gathered along the streets they were expected to pass. the troops were to be billeted in the fort with us. I was down to see “Suzaine” our seamstress the “madolen” of the 29th [Engineers] and anybody (except Lusly Simpson will admit I have the best stand in. After sewing on my shoulder insignias we agreed to go see the parade together. Well – I was never so disappointed in my life! the great regiment proved to be a scant 3 companies of wretched poilus and a caravan of rickety wagons – bony naggy horses and some misfit artillery pieces. And the French went wild. All the yelling and falling upon each others necks you never saw! the regiment (?) had hardly entered the walls when wives – sweethearts and others fell into the parade to join their relatives & friends. I felt sorry for the outfit – but when one considers that over half of them are now sleep in the fields of the Marne it is pitiful. the details of this furlough I shall explain when I get more time. Ray Herbert who is now at Toul will be
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[page 4] recalled and joins me in a few days - Simpson had not as yet received order naturally is gloomy as to his luck. the order comes from [General Headquarters] from the general Staff so it’s beyond the control of the Regimental command. Lucky? I’ll say I am! Continue to address me at 29th [Engineers] at A.P.O. #714 until I get a permanent address here. Beaucoup love for all – think of me with sketch board again! Sincerely George Maguolo [Corporal] Co ”A” 29th [Engineers] -
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - March 12, 1919 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Folks. 12 March 1919. George J. Maguolo Papers, 1917-1945. A0969. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | George J. Maguolo wrote a letter to his parents March 12, 1919 while in France. Maguolo was in the 29th Engineers Company A and served in France until 1919. In this letter Maguolo explained that he was now at the American Expeditionary Forces Art Training Center, at Bellevue, Seine et Oise, France (near Paris). He mentioned that his friend from St. Louis, Ray Herbert, would join him at the school in a few days. This letter was written on American Y.M.C.A. letterhead. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918--Study and Teaching |
| 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 | March 12, 1919 |
| Language | English |