Thursday, June 15, 1944
Our Army and Navy Boys
Mr. and Mrs. Austin Nottingham, of Durbin, are happy to report that they have received a telegram from their son, Gerald H. Nottingham, of the Navy, that he was well and safe, but could not say where he was. Gerald’s ship, the U. S. Block Island, was sunk by the enemy.
Mrs. Vernon Ware, of Clover Lick, has received word that her brother, P. F. C. George W. Ray, has landed safely in England.
P. F. C. Ray Thomas has returned to duty at Camp Phillips, Kansas, after spending a 15-day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Thomas, at Cass.
Sometime in May, somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, the aircraft carrier Block Island was sunk. Among the sailors on this ship was Edward Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alva Johnson, of Marlinton. On last Thursday, Edward wired his parents that he was safe and well.
Private Ralph W. Elliott, who has been stationed at Camp Wolters, Texas, has returned to duty at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, after spending a ten-day furlough here with his wife, Mrs. Ruth Elliott.
PVT. Winters Pritt was at the home of his grandmother, Mrs. C. M. Pritt, for a few days. He has just returned from thirty months’ duty overseas. He has been in the service three years and eleven months.
Sgt. Henry W. Hefner, of Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Robert F. Hefner, who is at Camp Peary, Virginia, have returned to their camps, after visiting their parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Hefner. Another son, Andy, is with the 101st Glider Division, now fighting in France.
– – –
Mrs. Wm. H. Arbogast received the following letter from her son, S. Sgt. Pershing A. Arbogast, now in Service in the Marshall Islands. They have another son, Golden, serving in England.
Dearest Mother;
It won’t be long until Mother’s Day and I’ve sent you a card, but a card just can’t say all I want you to know on this Mother’s Day.
You know when a boy is young, the care his mother gives him and her love and teachings largely make him what he is to be when he grows up. One of a person’s fondest memories is of the time he’s spent with his mother. I can remember very well. Sometimes I was pretty mean and I know it made you sad, but I’m sorry and if I could just undo all the hurt I’ve done, I’d be very happy. I can say that no mother has a son anywhere who thinks more of her than I do.
Being away made me realize just how wonderful you were and the absence has only made me love you more. Please remember that, and I’ll be back some day to see you. Just keep your hope and your faith in the goodness of things.
You have known much sadness since this war came on, and the fear of what could be, has worried you very much.
Don’t worry, everything will be all right. Only try to get well and be there to greet Golden and I when we come home. Home would be so empty without you, and no one knows that better than I. Try to be happy in the knowledge of your children’s love.
May God bless you and keep you.
Love, Pershing
Farm Women’s Club
On May 31, Minnehaha Farm Women’s Club met with Mrs. Julian Lockridge.
Eleven members and sixteen visitors were present.
The devotional was led by Mrs. Arndt White.
Miss Bly Ann Dever conducted the lesson on “Making War on Garden Pests.” Very interesting talks were given by Miss Mary C. Mann, Assist. Home Demonstration Agent, and Mrs. Howard Barlow. A demonstration was given on how to dust plants.
A book report was given on “The Man Without a Country,” by Mrs. Elva Wilson, followed by the Flag Salute. Following the recreation period, refreshments were served.
The meeting adjourned to meet with Mr. E. W. Ruckman, July 5th; lesson topic “Care and Repair of Home Equipment.”