George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - November 27, 1917
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[page 1] November 27, 1917 Ayer [Massachusetts] Camp Devens Dear Folks - Arrived in Camp Monday morning and finally joined my company This is certainly a big place – many wooden barracks cover this territory which is said to be 14 square miles. At the time over 40,000 men are in training and many divisions are represented – Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry, Ambulance, Engineers etc. Each are at practice at there particular branche. The camp is laid out like a town in squares with its paved streets and electric lighting. Everything is to be seen during the day – dispatch carriers on motorcycle. heavy artillery motor cars, ambulances, stretcher bearers, quartermaster trucks, cavalry, and thousands of
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[page 2] men drilling every where. The barracks containing the men are two story, steam heated and electric lighted. Each man has an iron cot, a straw mattress and three blankets, meals are good, each man carrys his mess kit. We are now drilling and exercising at many things to get in trim like all the other branches. Forgot to say we have hot water & shower baths. We certainly have the finest bunch of men in the camp 75% are college graduates have every University in the country. Our officers are technical men of renowned standing in the U. S. There are but 100 of us and I certainly feel proud to be among them. From all indications we will remain here for several weeks at least.
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[page 3] It is very cold here but we are out all day so that it makes little difference. This morning it was 12 above zero, but no snow. Outside this YMCA hut there is much excitement at the moment. As I look out of the window towards the general headquarters which is [situated] on a high hill over looking the terr., I can see the color lights on the towers flickering semaphore messages. And within at one end, the blue flash (so familiar) indicating that wireless dispatches are being sent. The sirens are also making a dreadful noise (a sort of fog horn). Men are runniing here and there and a messenger who has just left, has announced that all of the C Engineers (Railroad men) are to up out their barracks for immediate shipment. Already the gangs on the delivery
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[page 4] trucks can be heard coming up the road to take the companies to the station. They are indeed a happy lot all eager to get there to do their bit. Some day my call will come in a similar fashion and I hope that it may be soon. At the other end of this cabin the “Ava Maria” is being played on the victrola and I need not look to know that Ray Herbert is there for it has always been his favorite piece. [ms illegible: 1wd] Simpson (who graduated two years ago is also with us so you see we have company. You cant guess what I am doing Thanksgiving day? The wealthy peolpe of Boston (40 miles from here) have invited our company to spend the day with them. My chum and I will go [Wednesday] night to a [ms illegible: 1 wd] family.
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[page 5] Some class eh! And now for something I need very much – a toilet kit. Some girl friends are sending me first aid kits, sewing kits etc. but what I need is something for my toilet articles. Enclosed in the letter you will find a diagram of arrangement for the kit I have in mind. To be made of heavy kacki colored cloth the edges covered with a strip of some kind - look at something in the stores. [sketch of toilet kit with labels] one or 2 Flap short fold longer fold flap eyes to hang on wall oil cloth lined –pocket with flap for face rag Kaki Section strip on edge Rolledup
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[page 6] If you think I have too high an ideal let me know and I shall try to get around it. However it would be just the thing for me. This is a brief sketch and specifications so let me know anything you do not understand. Rember however that I need it as soon you are able to make it. Taps are about to blow so I must hurriedly close Yours sincerley George. 25th Engineers 419th [Depot] [Detachment] Camp Devens Ayer [Massachusetts]. My time is limited so don’t expect fancy written letters. – Please forward my mail.
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Folks - November 27, 1917 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Folks. 27 November 1917. George J. Maguolo Papers, 1917-1945. A0969. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | George J. Maguolo wrote to his parents from Camp Devens in Ayers, Massachuttes on November 27, 1917. Maguolo was in the 419th Depot Detachment, 25th Engineers and served in the 29th Engineers in France until 1919. In this letter he provided a detailed description of Camp Devens and asked his parents to send him a toilet kit. This letter was written on Y.M.C.A. letterhead. |
| Subject LCSH | Camp Devens (Mass.); World War, 1914-1918; Barracks |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I; 25th Engineers, 419th Depot Detachment |
| 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 | November 27, 1917 |
| Language | English |