George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - March 30, 1919
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#76 Bellevue – Paris March 30, [1919] Dear Folks – Still no mail from you but I shall continue the weekly letters. things continue very interesting. I have been roaming the Paris Museums & gardens all day – since my last letter we finished another problem – some interesting lectures, on textiles, Romanesque arch. and history of Paris. An auto trip to important spots – was given long pants which I shall wear during the week (breeches and leggings for weekends only. Casual pay [$7.86] was give me! And many letters received. Early this morning Ray [Herbert] & I beat it on the local express and had breakfast at a Red Cross hut. there was a light snow fall [written in margin] You may be interested to know I now tip the scales at 143lbs (clothed.)
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[page 2] during the night – strange for Paris. this time of the year. We went to the Luxembourg – Louvre – & Tricaduo Museums. Had dinner at the Soldiers & Sailors Club and looked over the Peace Commission Blds. the Pres. home etc. All the people & soldiers connected with the commission wear a blue band on the left arm with a silver balance surrounded by a wreath. Place de lu Concord and the Great Boulevard of Champ Elyses is still covered with many german guns of all varieties. And the people are gradually turning civilian. Saw many snappy Italian Officers today. Serbs-Portugese-Russians-Tarz and german officers are not uncommon. I was much touched by an old French Poilu lying in the subway. He had been in the Army nearly 5 years. A little son of
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[page 3] three years had since grown to seven years of age. Upon the return of the father to his family he critized the boy for some of the bad habits he cultivated during the father’s absence. The youth unaccustomed to criticizing ran away from home and his dad was vainly seeking his whereabouts! So you see what a pitiful lot is this of the Poilu. The war generation must certainly suffer the neglected schooling of the fatherless children. He has cultivated a “trench” slang, to mar the beautiful language the celebrated honesty of Normandy where “receipts” were never used – is no more. But thanks to the French Women industry has been saved! Everywhere she does the book keeping of her husband – so when he was called away the business went on just the same – her ability to handle any or all
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[page 4] phases of any business has been demonstrated – and as clerical heads , unexcelled! Vive la suffregette! in France at least. But economic conditions are terribly low. I now realize the tremendous cost of living here. England having forfeited France’s credit placed her on the wave but not with America’s withdraw the currency drops from $1 = 5.35 [francs] to 1 = 5.90. [francs] From this you may readily see that the American soldiers as well as civilian is the prey of any bargaining. Yet and all there is no place like Paris! I love it more each day. the beautiful boulevards with out unsightly telegraph poles or car tracks would in itself be an attraction. But the circular system of streets - each view being a brista in itself
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[page 5] Where ever you look there’s [ms illegible: 1wd] – the boulevards terminating an important blds. – or “places” - parks etc. then there’s the gay populace of Parisennes and the throng of foreigners now marked by the variety of uniforms. How fortunate I am to be among them! Inclosed are some relics which speak for themselves. I hope you continue to save all my letters which will act as a sort of Diary of this experience. It would be impossible for me to remember the details of all. A big surprise was made me this eve when a letter from Ray Leirukechen stated he was located at Paris at the Ecole a branch atilier (Studio) of this place. So he too is studying Arch in Paris. Although at a different
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[page 6] Atilier he is doing about the same as I. Perhaps I have the advantage (even though he is living with in the city walls) because this is the main atilur and we are more closely watched. I shall probably see him next week. One happy guy, Ray! It is impossible for me to keep up with correspondence. In the stack that awaits is one from Mr. Debilach whom I shall answer “Tort l’heur.” Best wishes from lucky George – P. S. My French Prof. Mr. Delcomare finding that I knew some Italian invites me out next week to a party at his home. Really I speak French far more easily than Italian. Same classy people. Expect to sleep in pajamas next week! think of it. The silver lining has appeared at last [George Maguolo]. Hello the mail man for me.
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - March 30, 1919 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Folks. 30 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 30, 1919 while in France. He studied architecture at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, prior to entering the Army in November 1917. Maguolo was in the 29th Engineers Company A and served in France until 1919. In this letter Maguolo described his daily life at school and his excursions to Paris and other cities. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918--Study and Teaching |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I; Effects of war; French economy |
| 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 30, 1919 |
| Language | English |