George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - May 15, 1919
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#82 Bellevue (Seine et Oise) May 15, 1919 – Dear Folks – Mare will undoubtedly be with you by the time this letter reaches home. From what we gather over here the 35th are (or have been given) same reception. Capt. J. K. Moll of the 35th whom Mare knows is now an MP superior in Paris and the other night he came out in a machine and little [Washington University] crowd here went out on a little joy ride to Versailles. A bunch of mail reaches me from Louis. I am glad to know things at home continue smoothly. We continue the design & sketch work which is most fascinating. I have certainly
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[page 2] gained considerable in the few months here. And this brings me to a very important Topic which I wish you would consider and express an opinion. By the end of June the school will close. At that time I shall be given the choice of returning to the states and being mustered out at Jefferson Barracks -or discharged over here and free to return when ever I choose. In the second case the government will give me transportation on land from here to St. Louis – the steamer fare however I must pay myself i.e. ($70 or so.) the object of a discharge over here of course would be to visit Italy and spend July & August there. (The warmest months of the year) and return in September.
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[page3] I understand that our efficient army will pay me next month 2058 [francs] - on top of that the $60 will be given me upon discharge. I have practically no debts. Should I return to the “outfit” they will sail the early part of July from Marseilles to Newport News and be confined in Washington D.C. for a few weeks to transfer our material over to the regular Army. then to [Jefferson] barracks where I throw down the pack and they give me a ticket & a thank you to get home. So in the army either as a student-casual or a member of the 29th Engineers it will be late July or early August. As a “pekin” (as the French say) I have nothing more to do with the army. Could see the folks
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[page 4] in Venice cross the ocean as a human being – See New York and finally home with 40 ropes around my neck. An answer would have to come quickly to arrive before the decision. Frankly I am very anxious to make the trip but fear that living conditions are high – and those two months are rather warm. Tuesday the [Eiffel] tower was opened to the public again. I happened to be among the first to ascend since the war. the Spanish [Ambassador] was with us. I’ll say its high! A few of us reached the base of the flag staff. During the war several machine gun ports were located on the tower together with various signal lamps.
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[page 5] this letter undoubtedly forms a striking contrast with some of the early ones. From it you must realize that we live in state although still in the army. And also you know that we can appreciate it! this eve we are going to have a concert out here. Some French artists are entertainer. We are allowed to bring girls in uniform – [Y. M.C. A.] –Red Cross etc! Shortly you are to receive the “L” series of packages which are architectural reference plates books photographs - etc. the pictures of Louis are fine I enjoyed A-B buy much. Surprised to learn that Emil is back so soon. So he thinks that my Marraine “le n’est pas nai”, I’ll have [written in the margin] Have still a few trinkets to send
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[page 6] some convincing photographs – upon my return. Next saturday we have a box at the “Comedie Fromgais” and a midnight lunch. Will probably go to Senlis next Sunday and return early enough for the Students dance at the Sorbonne University. Hello Emil for me – and politely let him know that for the last two months yours truly has not been in the Army but in Paris at a school where no distinction is made between majors & buck privates Sincerely, George Maguolo Pavilion Bellevue Bellevue (Seine et Oise) A.P.O. 702 A.E.F. C’a quest life – I see Ray L quite regular now. Went to a dance with him a couple weeks ago.
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American E.F. ART TRAINING CENTER, Bellevue, Seine et Oise, France. CONCERT MAY 15, 1919. Program Piano: Helene Barry Soprano: Helene Baudry Violin: Claudio Gavioli Horn: Morley Pegge 1. SONATE EN SOL . . . Crieg piano and violin 2. CAVATINE du BARBIER DE SEVILLE . . . Rossini at the piano ... Paul Diey 3. PAVANE POUR UNE INFANTE DEFUNT . . . Ravel piano and horn 4. a. NOOGLETTE . . . Schumann b. BERCEUSE . . . St. Heller c. SCHERZO . . . Mendelssohn piano 5. a. MENUET . . . Valensin d. DANSES . . . Naguez violin 6. LAKME (air des clochettes). . . Delibes Mlle. Baudry. 7. TRIO . . . Brahms piano, violin and horn.
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Later - Enjoyed the concert very much especially this charming soprano. the French people present absorb of this stuff like most of us do vaudeville. For appreciation we have a few things to learn from them [George Maguolo]
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[sketch of Eiffel Tower with labels]
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - May 15, 1919 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Folks. 15 May 1919. George J. Maguolo Papers, 1917-1945. A0969. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | George J. Maguolo wrote a letter to his parents May 15, 1919 while in France. 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 a recent excursion to the Eiffel Tower. Maguolo also discussed what would occur once he was discharged from the Army. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918--Study and Teaching |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I; Jefferson Barracks |
| 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 | May 15, 1919 |
| Language | English |