George J. Maguolo letter to Nellie - November 12, 1918
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November 12, 1918. Dear Nellie – “Notre Victorie! La guerre est gangne!” So stated the French paper “La Matin” yesterday in confirmation to the rumor of the communique that the Armistice had been signed. It was a wild and happy message for us which went from mouth to mouth like a field afire. Shouts for joy could be heard everywhere and Poilu and Americans danced for joy. This will be old news by the time it reaches you and perhaps the peace shall have been signed by that time. In the evening we went to a small neighboring town to celebrate. It was a memorial sight to see all the lights of the quaint old village
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[page 2] aglow after fiveyears of absolute darkness (on account of air raids). Little French kids carried large Japanese lanterns and flags whistling the bugle call for retreat (they are well acquainted with the armies after so long a time.) Frenchman and Algerians locked arm in arm singing the Marseffaris with an excess of wine under their belts perhaps. At the town square a doughboy was shooting colored signal flares into the air (a german trophy he had captured). And so the little old town was mad with joy. The cafe’s jammed with soldiers drinking and singing. The five of my party took in a half dozen cafe’s drinking in excess but - it was the big night so who
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cared. A band of doughboys carrying a large flag entered the cafe and imediately everyone arose, except one, to toast the flag and sing the National [Anthem] Some one busted the poor bob’s nose so that he had to be taken home. French women would kiss the flag and dance in the streets. A pretty wobbly bugler in company in the Petite Poilu was blowing everything from “Mess Call” to “Pay Day” but who cared. Finally he filled the bugle with wine and poured it in the Poilu’s helmet from where it run down his neck. But they are always happy the French & American always get along well. So the big day was celebrated even in this dinky town. Can you imagine what must have taken
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place in Paris! And in America, how did they celebrate? Conditions are changing so rapidly that it would be impossible for me to keep you informed. In fact we now expect to move some where on the Rhine! In germany can you beat it! “Ach, Ya wier mus Dutches studiein” “Nous ne employe pas le Francais en Alimand”. And then again their may be an early return to the States. However no one expects to get back sooner than six months. America will probably be one of the first to return while we as headquarters troops may be the last. There is also another path which may develop. The armies have some educational
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plan in mind. That is – students may be mustered out on this side for the purpose of going to school. Would it be luck for me should I be allowed to remain for a year or so to study at Paris or Rome? Simpson, Herbert, & I who are still together are doing our best to make this (with the aid of (major Hornbostil the Pittsburg Architect who is acquainted with gabriel Ferrand) would like to hear the opinion of the Folks on this matter. It strikes me as a wonderful opportunity if possible. A recent letter from St. Louis to Simpson states that another Maguolo is on the quad at [Washington University]. Can it be that Louis has joined the Military school at
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Washington [University]? You must understand that no mail has reached me from home for about two months! this is not your fault perhaps as we now in a miserable location with the worst of accomodations. Am very pleased to know he is again in school. So there are three of us in Kaki. If they lift the censorship on our letters you will receive some interesting news as to what we are doing. Have you heard from America? No letter reaches me for some time. When I first came to this country at my first location due partially to my knowledge of French. I met a very pleasant girl who has written
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me repeatedly. She was much interested to know I had a sister and as she is a high school girl learning English she may write to you and tell interesting facts about the conditions of France. Inclosed are the last flowers she sent me (a common practice with the French) she is - : Jeanne Aubrey c/o Madame Poussin 44 Rue des trois Merchands Blois Lois-et-Cher. France. We expect very little this holiday season with the amount of work on hand. Perhaps the package you were to send me is too late. Food conditions are hardly normal. But we are thankful that the end is in sight. We have won.
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Sorry that I did not get some little souvenirs to send home but you know we are not in a position to do so here. Sending you a post card photo with the next mail. It will probly be corn beef for me this season but we are in the Army now. Undoubtedly all of us will be in the better position to appreciate what we had at home. Best wishes for a Merry Xmas should this be the first letter you get. Also pardon the writing for it is pretty cold here now. Sincerely [Corporal] George Maguolo Co. “H” 29th Engineers A.P.O. #714 [American Expeditionary Forces] I shall be in the Army 1 year the 19th [censor signature]
Details
| Title | George J. Maguolo letter to Nellie - November 12, 1918 |
| Creator | Maguolo, George J. |
| Source | Maguolo, George J. Letter to Nellie. 12 November 1918. George J. Maguolo Papers, 1917-1945. A0969. Missouri History Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | George J. Maguolo wrote a letter to Nellie on November 12, 1918 while in France. Maguolo was in the 29th Engineers Company H and served in France until 1919. In this letter, Maguolo described how he and his friends celebrated the Armistice. He also inquired about how it was celebrated in St. Louis and around the world. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918--Armistices |
| 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 | November 12, 1918 |
| Language | English |