Letter 112 ~ December 11, 1918

Minnie writes me about several new cases of flu in her school.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, Co E 2oth Infantry, Camp Funston, Kansas

Stockdale High School
[Wednesday night] December 11, 1918

Dear Ward:

I have been outlining my book this evening. I got over eighty-three pages. I think that’s pretty good for one evening. My hand aches so I can hardly write now.

I only have one girl at school now. Five [out of 17] of my pupils are out because of the “ flu.” I’ve been working on a Xmas program but am afraid it won’t amount to much but we can’t have anything in the evening anyway if there’s only a few of us going to school. If we can’t have a program, we can have a good time anyway. I know of lots of things we can do.

So you got a pass last Sunday and was home. I read in today’s paper that Camp Funston was quarantined so you were lucky getting home. They may not let you go again for awhile.

I would have gone home last Sunday eve for about 80 minutes. Chalmers went down to take some of their folks and came back again that night. They said if they had only thought they would have asked me to go along. I wish I could have.

I wonder if you are on your way to another camp? You would be going by this time, wouldn’t you, if you are to go?

I had a letter from you and Mama yesterday. About all either of you talked about was that [Grand] Review last Saturday. It sure made me provoked when I wanted to see it so much and couldn’t. I don’t have any idea when I’ll get home again. I may get to this weekend but probably not.

If you are home for Xmas dinner, you will be likely do better than I. If it should happen to be bad [weather] Xmas eve so the folks couldn’t come for me, I would be doomed to stay here. I don’t believe the Blue Valley train runs on Christmas Day (It never hardly does go if it can possibly escape).

I wish you could have come up last Sunday. It sure would have been fine. There’s not any news and it’s getting late. I’m almost asleep. Good night Ward, -- Minnie

Letter 110 ~ December 8, 1918

Leonardville, Kansas ca. 1915

Minnie writes me about her school activities and what she did over the weekend in Sherman Township.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, Co. E 20th Infantry, Camp Funston, Kansas

Stockdale, Kansas
[Sunday evening] December 8, 1918

Dear Boy:

Well, I had to stay here this weekend. I taught school yesterday and little Nellie Klein visited school. She intends to be in a little drill we are going to have. And we sure had one time of it. She’s only four years old and not the least bit bashful. Well, in the afternoon she began to cut loose and the things she didn’t know. She was playing with some blocks and she knocked them off the desk and they rolled all over. She jumped up in her seat and yelled out real loud, “Gosh! Darn!” She drolled it out long and loud. Well, that was just a beginner. I never heard tell of a child of her age using the slang and curse words she can, and she’d yell out any time and all the time. I just burst out laughing, I couldn’t help it, and so did all the children. I’m afraid we wouldn’t have much school if she was there all the time.

The mail man told me yesterday that all the schools were to be closed (just as they were before) the 20th of December. He said it was in that day’s paper. Well, I went into the school house & told the children what he said and we all went home thinking we would have no more school. When I got home I found nothing of the kind. The Manhattan schools were to be closed and I think that’s what he saw. So today I had to call all the children and tell them we would have school.

This morning I intended to do some of my school work that I have been putting off from time to time, then Mrs. Parkerson wanted me to go up to [William] Hoffman’s with her. There were three families there. Two car loads came from Manhattan last eve. We stayed there till noon. Then this afternoon we went to church and Sunday School over at Grandview, a rather nice country church and real nice people. It made me think of the day we went to Vinton Church. I met lots of people and sang in the choir. I would have much rather not have done that but they insisted so I thought I better.

Tonight Krause’s called and wanted me to go up on the hill to the German Church with them. I went and had a ‘good time.’ There wasn’t much preaching and I was with the craziest bunch of kids. So the work I didn’t get done between church this afternoon and church tonight, I had to finish tonight when I got home. It’s getting pretty late now.

I called Mrs. Dyer this morning and had a nice long talk with her. She is going to meet me in Leonardville next Saturday and take me out to her home if Parkerson’s or anyone around here goes to Leonardville which they are almost sure to do.

You know I wanted to go over to Camp Funston so bad yesterday [to watch the Divisional Parade Review] and Mrs. Dyer told me they were over there and saw my folks. She said they just passed them – that was all. I sure was raving when I heard that. It seems like I never do get to go when I want to go. I didn’t have any idea the folks would go up yesterday.

The German preacher said tonight that he was talking to a soldier boy today and the boy said that beginning with today, they were going to release ten members from every Company each day till they were all discharged. I hope you will be one of them if that’s true.

Next week is the end of my third month of school. It ought to be nearly the end of my 4th month.

Well, I must go to bed or I’ll not have any pep tomorrow in school. Keep good care of yourself boy and don’t get the flu. I’m sure afraid of that.

I wonder what you did today since you couldn’t get a pass. It was such a pretty day. I wish we could have been together. Your little girl, -- Minnie

[P.S.] Write often.

Footnotes:

• Nellie Klein was the four year-old sister of Zelphia Klein, one of Minnie’s students.

• Probably 48 year-old Mima (Carey) Dyer who lived with her 74 year-old husband Samuel Dyer and their three children on a farm in Madison Township, Riley County, Kansas. Mima and Samuel Dyer’s eldest daughter, Louisa, married Minnie’s brother, Jesse Frey, on 5 September 1916.
  

Letter 109 ~ December 6, 1918

Minnie writes me the news from Sherman Township where she is boarding with the Parkerson's while teaching school.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, Co. E 20th Infantry, Camp Funston, Kansas

Stockdale, Kansas
[Friday evening] December 6, 1918

Dear Ward:

The mail man sailed right by the school house today and didn’t give us a chance to go out. We didn’t see him till he was nearly by, but he always has honked his horn if he has any mail for me. So I didn’t think I had any mail today. When I got home tonight there was a letter from you. I was surely surprised. He had a man driving for him. I think that must have been the reason he didn’t stop. I was glad to get your letter. I haven’t heard from you this week but I wasn’t going to fall into a fit if I didn’t hear because it always turns out alright.

The folks didn’t come for me today so I’m going to teach tomorrow. Then I have plenty of work and a book to read over Sunday so I won’t have time to get lonesome except at night before I go to sleep. I always have plenty of time to wish myself home.

I had a visitor at school today – Miss Hazel Krause. She is the “bell[e]” up here, so I hear. She’s quite sociable but too cheap looking and not much to hear. And [she] has tuberculosis.

My books came yesterday that I ordered last winter. I was supposed to get them the first of September but didn’t. They are just great. They’ll help me a lot with my school work, especially the little folks. I can’t seem to find enough to keep them busy.

Say but I’m glad you got your pass just when you did. You were lucky to get off at all. That will sure be the limit if they send you way off and keep you six months longer. I hope they don’t, but just can’t ever tell what they will do.

I hope they will let you get weekend passes before I get a chance to get home again. For my part, I wouldn’t see you if you were able to get them for awhile. But just the same, I bet it doesn’t set well to have to stay there when you might just as well be at home over Saturday and Sunday. They will surely go to issuing them again soon, won’t they? My, I hope I get to see you again before they take you off... if they do.

I thought Saturday they must be issuing caps to the soldiers. I saw several with them on. You must look funny with a cap cocked on the side of your head. There’s nothing I despised more than to see you put a hat on the side of your head. But there was never any reason for you doing that. They always fit.

A person can get all the sugar he wants now. I’m sure glad of that now that Xmas is almost here. I’ll send you another box of candy some of these days, if you don’t leave.

Is the flu breaking out up at camp? It’s awful bad all around here again.

Good bye, -- Minnie F.

Footnotes:

• Hazel Krause was the 16 year-old sister of the Krause twins who attended Minnie’s school.
  

Letter 108 ~ December 4, 1918

Minnie tells me she was embarrassed that her papa was unable to say grace when called upon by my mother at the family Thanksgiving dinner gathering.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, Co E 20th Infantry, Camp Funston, Kansas

Stockdale, Kansas
December 4, 1918

Dearest Boy,

My, everything seems to be going just so smooth and nice. This has been the best week of school I believe I have ever had. Hasn’t today been just great? It was so warm and nice and this afternoon we didn’t have to have a fire at all. There was a honey-bee between the curtain and one of the windows all afternoon. It kept buzzing all the time. It seemed like spring. I wish it was time for spring. I just dread to think of winter.

We are well started on our Xmas program. I’m sure anxious to see what success it will be. Am afraid tho. The flu seems so much worse all around. We may not be able to have a [box] social. By Xmas we will have all our three weeks made up. If the children continue to work the way they have been, then maybe I will get Thursday and Friday off after Xmas day. I hope I do.

I would sure like to go up to Camp Funston Saturday [for the Divisional Parade]. The more I read about it, the more I want to go. But I guess I’d better teach instead and then anyway, my soldier boy didn’t invite me up.

Ward, I never will forget how embarrassed and what agony I was in the other evening when your mother called on Papa to ask the blessing. Ward Griffing, if there had been a hole for me to crawl into I would gladly have disappeared from this earth forever. I thought I had been in some very embarrassing situations in my life, but nothing has ever come up to that. Oh, if your mother had only called on Mama or any of the rest of the family almost, it would have been alright. But Papa never has done that. We always tried to get him to [say grace] at home. We told him it was absolutely ridiculous for anyone who professed to be a Christian not to, but he never would. Now he feels so ashamed, I believe he will [in the future]. Maybe some good will come of it. I would rather it would have happened anywhere on earth almost than at your home – and [with] Clause and Ruth there too. Glory, boy it is awful. And I tell you it kinda hurts to know your father has been laughed at, even if he does have his faults.

Isn’t Ruth a nice girl? I don’t know her, but she looks and seems like she would just be awfully nice if one was well acquainted with her – and jolly too.

I finished my book last night. I was sorry when it ended. I liked it fine and it would have gone on a little farther. Have you ever read it? (The Reclaiming) I don’t suppose you have unless at the “Y” at [Camp] Funston. It was just put out in October. Next week is the end of another month. I don’t like that I always have to put all the grades in the Register, make out report cards, and fill out the Monthly report to send in.

Ward, do you know how old children have to be before they are compelled to attend school? Dorothy [Condray] hasn’t been to school since a week before Thanksgiving. Her father called tonight and said he wasn’t going to send her for awhile yet. He’s afraid of the ‘flu.’ She’s seven years old and I thought they had to attend when they are seven. Mrs. Parkerson said I ought to report her but I’m not real sure. Maybe I’ve something around here that would tell me this.

I have another fine trade last for you Ward. Just the kind you would like to get, or at least I think you would. I can’t write it tho, there’s too much to it that I’d have to tell. I’ll bet this Christmas will seem rather lonesome. [My sister] Bertha won’t be at home for the first time, and she’s just great to have around then. I wish you could spend Xmas with me, at least part of it.

I see there has been one transport of men landed and two more on the way. I just wonder if there are any boys we know amongst them. I guess they are mostly wounded soldiers tho. That makes me think, have they heard anymore from Lester Foltz [not sure that’s the way to spell his name but you know who I mean] or have you heard. I hope he will be found alive. It seems worse to hear about them being missing now since the war is over than it did before.

Well, I must write home. Goodnight darling. Yours, -- Minnie

Footnotes:

• Corporal Lester Lawrence Foltz was the 24 year-old son of Cyrus Foltz and Hattie Whitney of Zeandale, Riley County, Kansas. In 1910, he lived with his 36 year-old sister Mildred, who was married to Perle Kimball of Ogden Township, Riley County, Kansas. Lester worked on a farm in Wakarusa, Shawnee County, Kansas just prior to the war when he enlisted in 1917. While serving in Company K, 140th Infantry, 35th Division, Lester was killed in action on 30 September 1918 following heavy shelling in the area between the town of Exermont and the Montrebeau Woods in the Meuse Argonne Offensive. He lies buried in the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery in France along with over 14,000 other WWI American soldiers.
  

Letter 105 ~ December 1, 1918

Minnie writes to say how good it was to see me in Manhattan over the Thanksgiving vacation.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, Co. E 20th Infantry, Camp Funston, Kansas

Stockdale, Kansas
December 1, 1918

Dear Ward:

Well, I wonder how you spent this long day. I know I would have been dreadfully lonesome if I hadn’t of brought a book to read. Mama got me a new book Saturday [called] “The Reclaimers” – one of Margaret Hill McCarter’s new books. I have it over half read. Then I brought another book, “The Riders of the Purple Sage.” When I get those read, I’m going to have Mama send me some more. I love to read and that’s something I can do this winter. My school work won’t keep me any where’s near busy, especially when I have to spend my weekends up here. Sometimes I think I’ll just go crazy with nothing to keep my mind busy. My school work don’t any where’s near do that. My school is all I know about now and people get tired of hearing about that. I was lot’s better company three or four years ago than I am now. I am certainly anxious to get in college where I’ll have my studies and nice places to go.

I wrote to [my sister] Bertha and [my brother] Jesse tonight so I’m about played out on the letter writing. I didn’t want to quit reading my book at all. It’s sure interesting. I’ve been reading all day. Sit in one chair awhile, then in another and so on, all day.

Say Ward, you sure did look nice this trip. Your hat and uniform and all looked so nice. You were certainly a fine looking soldier. Did you have your photo taken? I hope you do if you haven’t already.

Well, I must go to bed now and start to work in earnest again tomorrow. I don’t suppose I’ll see you again for a long time. I’m not planning on getting home again till Xmas. Write as often as you can and care to. Time goes so much faster when I get letters, doesn’t it for you?

Goodnight Boy, Yours, -- Minnie Frey

Letter 104 ~ November 26, 1918

Minnie writes me to say she wishes she were home when she hears I'm expected to get a four-day pass for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, Co. E 20th Infantry, Camp Funston, Kansas

Stockdale, Kansas
Tuesday, 11:25 A.M. [November 26, 1918]

Dear Ward:

I am doing something I thought I would never do [and] that is write during school but I am ahead just a little and I want to get this off in today’s mail. It being so nice today, he may come a little early.

Just think, you were to go home in about half an hour now. I sure hope you get to. If you do, I will see you before this letter gets to you but [I'll write anyway just] in case something should happen that you didn’t get to go home.

I wonder if they ever said any more to you about letting the gun stack fall. I don’t believe they will, to you it doesn’t look like it would be at all right for them to. I hope nothing interferes with your coming home today. I sure want you to be there tomorrow when I get home.

Our company is going to leave today. Parkinson’s took them to Manhattan yesterday. They did intend to go to Camp Funston but they didn’t.

Your mother said Mr. Finney told Willis that Kate [Taylor] and Frank [Blair] were married and were keeping it quiet. I don’t believe it at all but I don’t see what Finney wanted to tell that for if he didn’t know something about it. It can’t be true tho.

I haven’t anything new to write about. I wish I were going home today noon. I’m afraid if it clouds up again [and rains], I won’t get home till Thursday noon. I intend to go on the freight Wednesday night if the folks don’t come for me. But I may not get to.

Had a couple of letters from you yesterday. Good bye, Minnie G.F.
Footnotes:

• Probably Herbert C. Finney, a 56 year-old store manager with a residence on Fremont Street in Manhattan, Kansas.
  

Letter 103 ~ November 25, 1918

Minnie writes me after visiting her folks in Manhattan over the weekend.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, Co. E 20th Infantry, Camp Funston, Kansas

Stockdale, Kansas
Monday Morning, [November 25, 1918]

Dearest Ward;

I wanted to write to you last night but didn’t get a chance. I’ve a lot to tell you but not enough time – only fifteen minutes.

I called your mother Saturday evening and told her you called. She was glad to hear from you. I went to a [picture] show last night. It was fairly good; have seen lots better tho. Sunday we went over to Munger’s in the morning. Stella [Munger] said she would go home with us for dinner if I would wait till she got her things ready so she could go right out to her school as soon as she came home. So we went down to your place while we were waiting. [My brother] Lester wanted to see [your brother] Willis, but didn’t get to. He (Willis) had been out ever since early in the morning looking for his cows.

Your mother said she wrote to me last Sunday evening. She put the wrong address on the letter tho. So I didn’t get it. Sorry I didn’t.

Papa brought me home [to Sherman Township] last evening. He didn’t have to bring me any farther than Chalmer’s. Parkerson’s and their company was there. They waved at us so we stopped. We came home after supper and Hoffmans came down. We played the Edison [phonograph] and I nearly “died a laughing” if I ever did. Parkerson’s haven’t played it for a long time and before we oiled it and fixed it up some it sounded just awful.

Did I tell you about Parkerson’s company? [They are] Mr. & Mrs. Mondfort from Ohio. He is a very good friend of Mr. Parkerson’s but they haven’t been together for 17 years. He has all gold teeth and wears a wig. I just discovered they were ‘newlyweds.’ He is 59 and she is 58 -- the jolliest, nicest people. I wish they would stay. They are just like a couple of kids and Oh so sweet on one another.

Left my keys down home. Sure hope I see you. With love, -- M. F.

Letter 102 ~ November 21, 1918

Minnie writes me that she hopes to see me over Thanksgiving.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, Co. E 20th Infantry, Camp Funston, Kansas

Stockdale, Kansas
Thursday Evening, [November 21, 1918]

Dear Ward:

Had a letter from you today and I take it that you won’t be home this weekend. But if you get four days Thanksgiving, why that will be better. I sure hope you will now since I’m not going to teacher’s meeting.

You said we were about square on the letter deal. “Nix on it” Mr. Man. I wrote four at least last week and this is my third this week, and I didn’t get any letters last week and two this week. You’re about four behind. If you don’t want me to feel rather forgotten, you had better make up for lost time. Maybe that’s what you wanted. If you did, it had the desired effect alright.

This week has sure gone fast. Tomorrow is Friday already. I tried to call the folks this evening to tell them to come for me tomorrow evening. I didn’t get them but am going to try again in the morning. If they don’t come tomorrow, I’m going home Saturday.

Mama sent two of those pictures up that we took the 2nd Sunday you were home. If I don’t get to see you this weekend, I’ll send them to you. I think the [the first] one of you and Eben [Scholer] is just fine.

The school board is holding a meeting tonight. They have to borrow money to pay me and I told them I wanted my money tomorrow sure. I would like to be there at their meeting. [Then] I’d know what they thought of their teacher and whether there was a chance of her getting the same school next year. School is sure going fine from all appearances.

My, but I’m glad this horrible old war is as good as over. Ward, you can never imagine how I felt when the good news kept coming. I used to just love to think and think of you, and yet it just hurt because I never knew what would happen. But now I’m reasonably sure you will get back home someday not so very far off. Now I can just dream and dream of you and feel perfectly happy. God has sure been good to me. Just think how awful it’s been for some girls. The uncertainty of it all – and some few – my, but my heart sure goes out to them. I ought to be very grateful and believe me, I am.

Your Lieutenant didn’t know what he was talking about did he? You said the 20th [Infantry] may go to Utah for the winter. Don’t let the Mormons get you if you go. But you would see something worth while I imagine if you go near Salt Lake City, it must be awfully nice.

Some of the kids knocked my watch off the desk today and broke the face. I don’t see how it ever happened without breaking the crystal, but it didn’t. When I asked them who did it, everyone was perfectly innocent, of course. But it happened just the same. I saved the pieces that broke out. I suspect Smith can fix it up alright. The watch runs yet so it didn’t hurt the works.

I sure hope you get your four days off Thanksgiving. That sure sounds good to me. Did you see anything of the folks when you were home?

Folks up here that have seen you think you are a “husky big fellow.” I was up to [William and Pearl] Hoffman’s one evening for supper and Mr. Hoffman said, “Say, that fellow that was up here to get you the afternoon I was dragging roads is sure a big fellow. I’ll bet he will make a fighter. He looked like he could lick about three of me.”

I hope I can see Stella [Munger] this weekend. I don’t know how it will be, but I don’t want the “flu.”

I’m sure anxious to find out what they really will do with you. For a very selfish motive, I wish they would keep you at Camp Funston until you’re discharged. But I know you would like to go somewhere else where you’ve never been before and I sure can’t blame you for it either. I rather wish they would let you too if they don’t let you out fairly soon. Just so it’s as good as Camp Funston and they treat you good. You might just as well see some “sights” off of ‘Uncle Sam.’

Well I must go to bed. Goodnight dear boy, -- Minnie G. Frey

P.S. Have you forgotten how to write your name? One would think so from the way you sign your name or is it lack of time?

Picture Left. In addition to the picture above, Mrs. Frey sent Minnie this badly focused picture. I believe the family members, from left are: John C. Frey, holding his granddaughter Ruth Scholer, Eben Scholer, Hattie (Clarke) Griffing, Eliza (Brewer) Frey, Ward Griffing, Carol Cunningham, Minnie Frey, Bertha (Frey) Scholer, and Willis Griffing.

Letter 101 ~ November 21, 1918

Minnie writes me the news from Sherman Township where she is teaching school.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, Co. E 20th Infantry, Camp Funston, Kansas

Sherman, [Kansas]
Thursday Morning, November 21, 1918

Dear Boy:

Well I guess it’s time I’m writing again. Had a letter from Mama Tuesday. She said you were home this last weekend. I received a letter from you Monday that you wrote a week ago yesterday so I knew you hadn’t left Camp Funston Monday but not before.

Sunday we spent the day with Art Chalmers [and his wife Lena at their home in Grant, Kansas]. Had a dandy time in the evening. Then we went to the revival meetings up at the church.

I’ve been awfully busy with my school work this week. We’re trying to make up lost work. I’m not going to teach on Saturdays until after Xmas, if I do at all. We’re not going to have any Xmas vacation excepting one day. That may be all I’ll have to make up. I noticed in yesterday’s paper that the Teacher’s Meeting was to be postponed until January because of the ‘flu.’ That sure makes me peeved. But I guess it is best for all.

Isn’t this weather the limit? I’m going home this weekend sure. I can go down on the ‘Blue Valley’ [Railroad] and come back Sunday afternoon. Come to Riley, and then Mr. Brown will bring me out here. Since there is not going to be any Teacher’s Meeting, I will be home all Thanksgiving vacation – four days. Hurrah! Wish you could be home then too. I thought perhaps they would want me to teach on Friday but Mrs. Parkerson said they wouldn’t. She said I would want to go home for Thursday, then come back for Friday, then go home again Friday evening or Saturday and they wouldn’t expect me to do that just for one day.

I’m sure sorry Stella [Munger] has the ‘flu.’ It will put her back so with her work. Maybe I’ll hear from you today. I’d better – only one letter. Goodbye, -- M. F.
Footnotes:

• Probably Tom Brown, a 47 year-old garage mechanic. In the 1920 Census, he is the only Brown living in Madison Township where the town of Riley, Kansas was located.
  

Letter 96 ~ November 16, 1918

Minnie writes me a long letter from Parkerson's farm in Sherman Township, Riley County, Kansas where she is boarding. She tells me she became scared during a storm while alone at the Parkerson’s and ran to a neighbor's farm. The wet weather and the muddy roads prevent our getting together this weekend.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, Co. E 20th Infantry, Camp Funston, Kansas
Sherman [Kansas]

[Saturday morning] November 16, 1918

Dearest Ward:

We sure have had a siege of bad weather up here this weekend. I had planned to go home today. Mr. [William] Hoffman was going to Stockdale so I was going that far with him and then take the train home. But it was so muddy and cloudy, I was afraid I wouldn’t get back. I’m sure disappointed. I wanted to be home [on] my birthday and then I had so many things to buy for my school.

I wonder very much where you are. I hope you write pretty soon. I haven’t heard from you since I came up here [last Sunday evening]. I don’t understand. The paper says they didn’t send any of the 10th Division away after the Armistice was signed but I know you have left [Camp] Funston or you would have written to me. I wrote Mama this morning and asked her if your folks knew where you were.

Thursday, Parkerson’s went to Manhattan. Mr. Parkerson went to a sale over across the river so they didn’t get started home till late. Then they had a blow out near Stockdale. Well, I knew they intended to get home early because Mrs. Parkerson didn’t make any arrangements for me to stay anywhere as she always does when she thinks they will be late. So I came home from school and expected to see them coming any time, but they didn’t.

Well, it got real dark. I lit the light and thought I would build a fire and start supper. Well, the wind was blowing and the cows were bawling and this house seemed so big and lonesome. I began to get cold feet. Knowing what a coward I am after dark, you can imagine how scared I was getting. Pretty soon the dog barked up. I jumped and blew out the light and off to Hoffman’s I ran. [When the] Parkerson’s got home later, they called to see if I was there. Kenneth [Hoffman] brought me home then.

That day the [Krause] twins asked me if I wouldn’t go to the revival meetings with them. I told then, “Sure I would” but it was so rainy and bad Mrs. Krause called and said they had decided not to go.

A week from next Wednesday is Stella [Munger’s] box social. I hope it’s nice weather so I can go. Mrs. Parkerson is going to Kansas City to visit her daughter. She asked me tonight if I would stay with Chalmers' or Krause’s. I told her yes, certainly I would. She seems to hesitate so about leaving while I’m here. I may have my “shes” mixed up but I guess you can make it out.

Tonight’s the night I had planned on going to a [picture] show in Manhattan. Maybe I can next Saturday night. I’m sure going home then, rain or shine. I can’t hardly stand it to stay here over weekends – this is the second time. It wouldn’t be half so bad if I would get some mail. The mail man didn’t come today, but Mr. Parkerson got the mail at Stockdale. I was sure anxious for him to get home. I thought I would get a whole handful of mail – this being my birthday. I thought sure Mama, Stella [Munger], and you would write. Mrs. Parkerson hated it when she did tell me. But I think the folks expected me to come home until it rained so last evening.

Ward, you remember Capt. Willis [L.] Pearce that carried mail on Route 8 for ten years? I noticed in the paper tonight that he was killed in action October 9th. And that Riley County boy [named Henry Uhlenhop] that was reported dead the same time George Wingate was killed is alive. His folks got a card from him last week. He’s in a German Prison hospital. They think it may be that George Wingate is alive yet [too]. Neither one of the boys clothes were sent home. And they always are [once their bodies are found].

I have all the papers graded. Did some last night, did the rest up at the school house this morning. Just have my monthly report to Miss [Reppie] Carey to make out yet, and then I’ll be thru. I have the grade cards all made out. Well I do wonder where you are tonight, dear Boy. I wish we were both where we were a week ago tonight. As ever, Minnie G. Frey

Footnotes:

• Capt. Willis L. Pearce served in Co. F, 142nd Infantry. He was killed in action on October 8, 1918 while serving in the 36th Division's efforts to push the enemy from the area north of St. Etienne-a-Arnes (specifically, Hill 140) back to the Aisne River. The division was successful but Americans suffered heavy losses in their first action under fire. Willis was born in Kansas about 1882. His father was a farmer in Grant, Riley County, Kansas at the time of the 1895 Kansas Census. Willis is buried in Arlington Cemetery, Section S W Site 4348.

• George L. Wingate was born on August 5, 1894. The August 22, 1918 edition of the Manhattan Tribune reported that George was the first Riley County soldier killed during the war. He died leaving a wife and a baby that he never saw. Prior to his enlistment in 1917, George was a farmer near Ogden, Kansas.

• Henry Uhlenhop was indeed reported dead and the whole village of Leonardville, Kansas, mourned his loss at a funeral conducted shortly afterwards. He later turned up in a German Prison Camp where he had been well cared for by the Red Cross. He won the Croix de Guerre in the Second Battle of the Marne. He became the postmaster in Leonardville following the war.
  

Letter 95 ~ November 14, 1918

Minnie writes me on examination day in her school.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, Co. E 20th Infantry, Camp Funston, Kansas
Sherman [Kansas]

[Thursday morning] November 14, 1918

Dear Ward;

Today is examination day. I sure pity the kids. I know how I used to hate them.

I haven’t only a little time to write this morning but I guess it doesn’t make any difference for I haven’t anything to write. I have to go to school a little earlier than I used to. One of the little girls is taking to getting to school about twenty minutes after eight or before.

Parkerson’s are going to Manhattan today. I wish it were Saturday. Then I could go along.

School is going fine. But that little Dorothy Condray tells the biggest stories. She told her mother one night when she got home real late that the teacher made her stay in till dark. That was all a falsehood. I didn’t do anything of the kind. But her mother thinks it’s true.

It’s a little cloudy this morning. I suppose it’s going to get colder. It’s been so nice this week. I certainly expect a change.

Let’s see. Didn’t you say that if I didn’t hear from you for 3 days, I could quit writing till I did get one? Well I haven’t heard [from you] yet and I’ve been here three days. I guess I don’t need to send this.

I think I’ll go home Saturday noon on the Blue Valley [Railroad] if I can get some one to take me to the crossing. I’ll have to borrow some money to get home on tho. I forgot to bring my pocketbook and I only have two dimes up here. I’ll have my pay but that won’t do me any good till I get somewhere I can cash the check.

I wonder if you are coming home Saturday. Not hearing from you makes me think you might have been transferred. Good bye, -- Minnie

Letter 93 ~ November 13, 1918

Minnie writes me the latest news from the Parkerson's farm where she is boarding in Sherman Township, Riley County, Kansas.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, Co. E 20th Infantry, Camp Funston, Kansas

Sherman [Kansas]
[Wednesday morning] November 13, 1918

Dear Boy:

I read in yesterday’s paper that they were going to keep the boys at Camp Funston drilling and going on just the same until they had orders from Washington telling them to do different. So I suppose you are still over there at Funston. Isn’t this the grandest weather? It corresponds to the feelings of the people. I am writing this in the kitchen and in rather an uncomfortable position for writing. I had a letter from Mama and Stella [Munger] yesterday but none from you. Mama sent the letter with your address.

I received the bi-monthly examination questions yesterday so we will have that tomorrow and the next day. I will sure half to work some if I get to go home Saturday. I’ll have all those papers to grade first.

President Wilson said the war was over because the armistice made it so they couldn’t renew hostilities. Most people seem to think the 10th [Division] will go across [to Europe] anyway. But people don’t always think right.

School is sure going fine and just a little over four months yet to teach. May go to the Dutch church tonight [for] revival meetings. I wonder how long it will take them to pray the Kaiser out of purgatory.

I’m sure going to a [picture] show the next time I go home. I’d sure like to see a real good one. Stella [Munger] says she goes in with [your brother] Willis and sure did have a good time. It made me want to go.

Parkerson’s are going to saw wood and butcher today. So I’ll get some fresh beef. And I want to take the saw dust and make some sweeping compound for the schoolhouse. Well, I must go to school so goodbye Ward. – Minnie G. Frey

Letter 92 ~ November 11, 1918

Celebrating the armistice in nearby Leonardville, Kansas, on November 11, 1918

Courtesy of Jim Olson.

I receive a pass to leave camp on November 9-10. I surprise Minnie by driving up to Sherman Township and bring her home to Manhattan for the weekend. Minnie writes me following our visit, beginning her letter on Monday evening, November 11, and finishing it the following morning. She tells me that news is received of an armistice.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, Co. E 20th Infantry, Camp Funston, Kansas

Sherman [Kansas]
Monday evening [November 11, 1918]

Dearest Boy:

Well I suppose you are still at Camp Funston. You know Ward you wrote your address on that letter and I left them laying there on [the] dining room table. But I guess I remember your address. I ought to as many times as you have told me.

Well today has certainly been a hurrah old time everywhere – the stores were closed all day. Parkerson’s went over to Leonardville [Kansas]. I wish I could have gone somewhere but didn’t get to.

They gave the general ring early this morning before I was up. Then Mama called tonight about five o’clock but I wasn’t home. I came home from school tonight by moonlight. She said they had been [celebrating] in Manhattan all day.

My, just think how many happy people can go to bed tonight to rest their first night of peace. Of course we don’t know what may happen when it comes to talking peace, but certainly the worst fighting is over.

I must go to bed, it’s 10 o’clock. I’ll write more in the morning. I had to write to the folks tonight. I want Mama to get something and send me for my teeth and gums. I can’t hardly talk, they hurt so bad. (A bad condition for me to be in.) Goodnight dear Ward.

Tuesday morning [November 12th]

My, but this is sure a swell day – just like spring.

I wonder if you will get a pass again Saturday. I should think you would. Are they going to send any of the 10th [Infantry Regiment] away or keep them drilling right there?

You know I said that everybody would know just who came after me Saturday and all about it. Well they did. Monday morning one of the boys came in laughing. He said, “Teacher, you didn’t go home in the Ford or the Hudson either one Saturday, did you?” He also saw us sitting on the front porch at home. The little Wickstrum boy said, “We saw you teacher run out of the school house to meet that soldier. We were looking from the window.” I never heard tell of the like of it. But I don’t care a bit. And they all like soldiers so it doesn’t make any ‘dif.’

They are having revival meetings up here on the hill. We may go some evening this week. I wish I could be in Manhattan yesterday and today.

You said you bet the folks didn’t like it because you came after me Saturday. I don’t remember what I said, but you sure don’t need to think that they weren't glad. Some of them would have come for me that evening if you hadn’t so they were glad you came. Then they thought I would be so surprised and glad to see you that they wanted you to come.

Well Boy, I must go to school. Keep good care of yourself and be happy. You don’t know how nice it is to see you just the picture of health, and that sure is what you are. Mr. Parkerson said, “My, but he is a great big husky fellow, isn’t he?” You sure look good. Good bye, -- Minnie

Footnotes:

• The Allied powers a signed a cease-fire agreement with Germany at Rethondes, France on November 11, 1918, bringing WWI to a close. Between the wars, November 11 was commemorated as Armistice Day in the United States, Great Britain, and France. After World War II, the holiday was recognized as a day of tribute to veterans of both world wars. Beginning in 1954, the United States designated November 11 as Veterans Day to honor veterans of all U.S. wars.

• The Manhattan, Kansas newspapers reported that the largest crowd that the oldest inhabitant ever saw in Manhattan gathered on Monday afternoon, November 11, to celebrate the coming of peace and the burial of the Kaiser and Crown Prince and Von Hindenberg. The news came by A.P. service at three in the morning and was announced by blowing of whistles and ringing of bells. At nine o’clock the celebration started all over again.
  

• Possibly Lloyd or Glen Wickstrum, the young sons of Charles and Nancy Wickstrum of Sherman Township, Riley County, Kansas.
  

Letter 91 ~ November 7, 1918

Minnie writes me about plans for a Christmas program at her school.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, Co. E 20th Infantry, Camp Funston, Kansas

Sherman [Kansas]
[Thursday evening] November 7, 1918

Dear Ward:

Well I wonder where you are. It’s sure turning cold and it’s awfully muddy up here. I was mighty glad this morning [that] I had my high top overshoes. Tonight the mud was so deep and thick I could hardly drag my feet along. But we sure have a good stove at the schoolhouse. I can build a fire in it easy and it warms up in just a little bit.

We decided today we would have a box social Christmas, have a Xmas program and Christmas tree about six weeks from now. We’re going to begin on our program right away.

We are going to begin cooking Monday. Tomorrow evening we will appoint assistant cook and general helpers and decide on what we’ll have to eat. I hope they want soup all the time. I’m afraid the cooking will bother me more than my school work. I like to cook and think it will be fun. But there’s such a bunch of them. I’d hate to fix up a mess they wouldn’t eat.

I had a letter from you today. We came very near not getting any mail. I didn’t think we would. I don’t know whether I told you or not that the mail man up here doesn’t deliver the mail at all when it’s so he can’t take his car. They didn’t get any mail up here a couple of days last week. Sometimes he don’t go for quite a spell. So that means this winter Ward G. won’t get any letters from M. F. for awhile because I can’t send any out. But I’ll be worse off than you because I’ll not get any mail – not even the papers. He came today about 4 o’clock, went part way, then turned around and went back. I don’t ever see how he made it this far.

My, but the war news is great. I’m not going to tell you that trade last till you come back to stay after the war is over.

I’m not lonesome. I’m getting used to it up here or at least I’m not tonight. I’m feeling so good. I feel that the world is just more than treating me good. May[be] you would to if you had been reading what I just have been.

I don’t care whether I get to go home or not this week and since I can’t get there to see [my sister] Bertha off (or at least I don’t think I can), unless you should get your gun clean enough to pass inspection. I think that’s pretty poor, Boy. I’ll bet if that’s all that stood between me and my seeing you, I would have that gun clean if it was possible to do so. And you will too. If you don’t come home Sunday, I’m not going to think it’s because your gun didn’t pass inspection.

If you do come home, I hope I get to see you. If you get home Saturday or Sunday morning, and the roads are anywhere near decent, let the folks know you are at home and maybe they’ll come for me. But I guess you won’t get their letter before you would leave if you go Saturday.

They don’t seem to think up here that we ought to have any more than just one day off Xmas. I would like to have more. I’m not much afraid to bet, Ward, that you’re home to stay before I am, unless they keep you in the service for quite awhile after the war is over.

I read in tonight’s paper than Harlan Sumner has been located in a prison camp in Germany.

My, but I’m anxious for you to have your picture taken in your uniform. It will sure be dandy. And won’t we be proud of it tho, or more especially, the person it represents.

Good night, Boy -- Minnie G. Frey

[P.S.] I hope wherever you are boy, that you are well and happy. That counts for more than anything else.

Footnotes:

• A box social was a fund-raising event in which donated box lunches were auctioned off.
  

Letter 90 ~ November 6, 1918

Minnie writes me that the school board worked all day repairing the Sherman Township school house where she teaches.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, 164th Depot Brigade, 25th Company, Camp Funston, Kansas

Sherman [Kansas]
[Wednesday evening] November 6, 1918

My Dearest Boy:

Well isn’t this a stormy old evening. My but the weather acts funny. I waited at the schoolhouse tonight till one shower was over then I started home. I sure did get soaked. It rained awfully hard here tonight.

The school board worked all day at the schoolhouse today doing what they should have done during the vacation. They put new latches on all the windows and new screens. Also fixed the pump.

School’s going just fine. Nothing very exciting happens. But I just can’t get over Ray’s leaving school. It never can be so interesting without him.

If it hadn’t rained Parkerson’s were going to Alta Vista [Kansas] tomorrow to attend a sale. I was going to stay at Mr. Scott’s till they came home. I’m rather sorry they’re not going. I would like to go down there.

I got four letters today but none of them was the letter. I don’t suppose I will hear from you for awhile tho – unless you wrote before you were transferred, if you were transferred.

‘Round Robin’ came today. I sure like to get [it]. I hear from all the girls that way and it’s sure a lot of reading. They all write so fine so as to get a lot in as small a space as possible.

If it don’t stop raining I’m afraid I won’t get home this weekend. But of course there’s plenty of time for it to do that.

My, but I hope you are at Camp Funston, Boy, and not a thousand miles away or on your way for a distant camp. My, as I sit here thinking, I just wonder where you might be. I have no idea whatsoever.

I wonder how Willis’ hand is? I sure hope it gets well quick.

Today is [my brother] Jesse’s birthday. He’s twenty-four years old. I just now happened to think of it. Wish I could see him. Goodnight Ward, -- Minnie G. Frey

Footnotes:

• Round Robin refers to the practice of forwarding a letter among a group of correspondents, each adding their own bit of news. Minnie and her girlfriends from Manhattan shared information about what was happening in their lives this way. If they only had e-mail...
  

Letter 87 ~ November 6, 1918

Minnie writes me about her school house repairs and Eben Scholer’s visit.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, 164th Depot Brigade, 25th Company, Camp Funston, Kansas

Sherman [Kansas]
Wednesday Morning, [November 6, 1918]

Dear Boy:

Isn’t this the craziest weather? Looks so rainy and it’s just as warm as summer this morning. I wish it would clear off and stay clear. I want to go home Friday evening right after 4 o’clock.

School is going fine. The children seem to study better than before. I don’t half to speak severely hardly to any of them. It’s just great.

Mr. William Chalmers came up to the [Sherman] school house yesterday morning to bring some water. Our pump needs new leathers and we can’t get any water till it’s fixed. He said, “I hear that ‘spooks’ visited the school while you were gone.” He said he would get new latches for all the windows and get new screens for those that need it. The people couldn’t get in thru the windows anymore.

Isn’t the war news great, Ward? I’m sure anxious to see today’s paper. Last evening, the [Topeka] Capitol said that peace may come in 24 hours. If Germany accepted the terms, the Allies lay before her. I sure hope she does. Of course if she doesn’t, she can’t struggle on alone very much longer. But I’m so anxious for Germany to surrender.

I wonder if you are still at D[etention Camp] 2 or if you have been moved.

Eben [Scholer] came up here with us Sunday. I told them before we left that I bet Parkerson’s would think he was you. They did too. Mr. Parkerson talked quite awhile to Eben and didn’t know but what it was you till after they left. Mrs. Parkerson thought so till she was introduced to him.

I am sure glad to be back up here. I must go to school. Goodbye Ward, -- Minnie G. F.

Letter 84 ~ November 5, 1918

Minnie writes me about school activities, making up for lost time, and some Halloween shenanigans at the Sherman Township school house.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, 164th Depot Brigade, 25th Company, Camp Funston, Kansas

Sherman, [Kansas]
Tuesday morning [November 5, 1918]

Dear Boy:

Well school went off real smooth again. Children seemed ready to go to work. Two of my primary children have quit. The little fat boy that I thought so much of has gone to Manhattan to live and the little five year old girl has been sick so much they decided not to send her anymore this winter.

I guess I will make up my school on Saturdays. The patrons would rather not have the last time made up than keep the children in school longer in the spring. And the children all seem willing to go on Saturdays. So I’m going to see the school board this week and if it’s all right with them, that’s what we will do. It will suit me just fine. I won’t have to pay any extra for my board and I can go home on Saturday evening instead of Friday. That will be alright.

I was sure surprised yesterday morning when I opened the schoolhouse. I left it just as clean as could be – everything right in place, dusted well, etc. When I opened the door everything was in a mess, pencil boxes turned upside down on the children’s desks and everything about the schoolroom out of place. The first thing I thought was that they had been fumigating the schoolroom. I know the State Superintendent asked all schools to do so. But when I walked in I knew they hadn’t been, but someone had been real smart. The lamps were taken off their racks and put on my desk, the water jar put on my desk, nearly all my books put on a heap on my desk, and the contents of the desk drawer thrown on top. I had a couple of pair of stockings up there so if I should get my feet wet this winter during bad weather I could change them before school in the morning. They were pulled apart and thrown on top of my desk. Then they had tobacco strewn over everything and burned matches (a dozen or more) on the floor around the desk. They had spilled ink on the school register [and] marked on the report cards. They had my flowers on the floor under some of the desks. Well I didn’t know what to think. I couldn’t do anything for awhile. Then I heard the children coming down the road so I decided if they had a hand in it, I would have everything all cleaned up and act as tho nothing had happened. But none of the children had a hand in it, I found out. Every large pencil was taken and two fountain pens, and a pearl-handled knife. We thought possible they were hid but we can’t find them anywhere about. They wrote my name in the Library book and scratched all over the page with black ink. They spelled my name Fry, so it was someone that didn’t know me but knew what my first and last names were. It was one of the new books. I hate it awful bad and everything on my desk and in the desk drawer smell so strong of tobacco that I would feel so ashamed if anyone was to visit my school. They would think I was a habitual smoker, wouldn’t they? They also stole our box of matches.

The children think it was some boys out Halloween night. Parkerson’s think it was Charlie Scott for one and some other boy with him but we can’t imagine who. That Charlie Scott is a regular pill. Anyway he thinks he acts awfully smart. He’ll stand out in front of the school house when they are working roads and cuss a blue streak, walk crazy, and everything else to make the children laugh.

Well, I must go to school. Today is the day you thought you might be transferred. I hope it will be to [Camp] Funston. With lots of love, -- Minnie G. Frey
Footnotes:

• Charles H. Scott was a 21 year-old farmer in Sherman Township, Riley County, Kansas.
  

Letter 83 ~ November 3, 1918

A view of downtown Manhattan, Kansas (looking East) about 1918. The interurban railway trolley can be seen on the tracks that ran from Poyntz Avenue all the way to Junction City.

Minnie writes me that she is back at the Parkerson's farm in Sherman Township and ready to start teaching again on Monday, November 4th.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, 25th Company, 164th Depot Brigade, Camp Funston, Kansas

Sherman [Kansas]
November 3, 1918, Sunday evening

Dearest Ward;

Well I am back at the same old table writing my daily letter as usual. It seems good to be back. Children are anxious for school to begin; I’m surprised but glad of that. I suppose you got your [interurban railway] car and are safe back at camp.

Mrs. Parkerson says it seems nice to have me back. That’s the kind of a greeting I like to get. I guess she thinks she has someone to gossip with now. We sure talked some tonight. If we have anything to say, we sure say it as fast as we can. [We] only take time enough between stories to get our breath – not like you and I, are we?

Today has sure been a swell old day – just perfect. I wish we could go for a long walk on just such a day as this has been. I had the most fun this morning and afternoon riding. [I] had a dandy horse and it was such pleasant weather. I guess I was gone three hours or more.

I hope those pictures we took this afternoon were good. I left the roll and told [my sister] Bertha to have them printed this week.

I’m going to try to get home early enough next Friday evening to see Bertha off. She don’t leave till sometime around six o’clock. We think we can make it.

Well I must make this letter short and hike to bed. It’s a quarter after nine and at seven I was so sleepy I almost had to prop my eye lids open. I do hope [your brother] Willis’ hand gets alright and they won’t be put out too awful much. I know Papa and the boys will do all they can but at the best they can never make it up to Willis. Papa feels awfully bad about it. If he just hadn’t asked Willis for gas, it never would have happened and it spoiled your visit to a certain extent. I sure am sorry it had to happen. We were all so happy before [it happened], weren’t we?

There was a letter and a card from you here when I came today besides several other letters from Co. Supt., Colleges, etc. I’m anxious for the time to fly by. I want to see where you are sent and for the war to end. In the letter I got today, you told about your foot being so sore. That sure must have been awfully painful. You can stand the most and be the most cheerful about it of anyone I’ve ever known.

I have another fine trade-last for you Ward – the very best yet.

Let me know about your transfer as soon as you can, boy. Wonder what we were doing this time last night? Goodnight dear boy and good luck to you. Your sweet heart, -- Minnie G. F.

Footnotes:

• A “trade-last” is a favorable remark that one has overheard about another person and offers to repeat to that person in exchange for a compliment overheard about oneself.
  

Letter 82 ~ November 1, 1918

Minnie writes me from her parents farm near Manhattan. She tells me she is learning to knit.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, 25th Company, 164th Depot Brigade, Camp Funston, Kansas

Manhattan, Kansas
[Friday] November 1, 1918

Dearest Ward:

I had two letters from you yesterday – the one you wrote Tuesday evening and the one that had been held at Camp Funston. I’m going to write this morning. It was so late when I got home last night, I thought I had better go to bed.

You wondered what we were to do last evening Halloween. My, I had so many social engagements; I had to cancel them all. There’s so much doing, we are certainly in a whirl.

I didn’t do much on my outline yesterday as I had intended. I decided yesterday morning I wanted to learn how to knit, so I got Mama to teach me. I like it better than anything else I have done that way. I think I’ll do that all my spare time this winter. I’m ashamed to think I haven’t learned before, but Stella [Munger] and I were so busy last winter, we didn’t have time when other girls were learning to knit.

Yesterday afternoon, [my brother] Wayne wanted me to go to town with him. I wanted to get a few things so I went. And just my luck – Stella [Munger] came while I was gone. So I only got to see her about half an hour. I guess we sure are going back to our schools Monday. It will seem almost like beginning all over again and our work will be awfully mixed up, I’m afraid. But I don’t mind.

Mama, Wayne, Lester, Bertha, Ruth and I all went over to your home last night. Willis brought out the little bottles of grain. We went over them first and he told me what he thought I would want. Then he got the labels and we printed the names and put them on the bottles. It was fun. I’m glad they were not fixed up before. Willis was sure good about it. He said he didn’t think you wanted to sell them and I had better bring them back with me when I leave my school. So if you want them, I’ll sure take good care of them and bring them back. I sure am thankful to get them. It sure saves me a lot of work and time and then I wouldn’t have a collection like that. If I can complete my collection this winter the way I want to, the children will certainly be interested in that work. Those children seem better about fitting right in and taking up what I might start than most any of the schools I have known.

I thought when you left here [last] Sunday you intended to go back to Camp [Funston] that evening. So I didn’t look for you back here hardly. A least I made myself believe you were not coming so I wouldn’t be disappointed if you didn’t. My I wish you could have come back again. The time you were here, Boy, sure flew by. And if we hadn’t had company, I’m afraid I would have felt awfully bad when you left. It was gloomy and lonesome.

We certainly do owe you an apology, Ward, for not offering you any supper Saturday night. We never once thought of it till last night and from what you said about time you left camp, etc., we concluded that you didn’t have anything to eat that evening. That certainly was a bone head on my part and I wouldn’t have been so forgetful for anything. Willis said, “Believe me! When I get a girl and go to her home if I’m hungry, I’m going to ask for something to eat.” I wish Ward would do that too if his girl hasn’t got sense enough to give it him without his telling her. I guess I’ll make a rule of asking you every time you come if you have had your last meal, then I’ll not do anything like that again.

Your mother is certainly looking and feeling more like herself and Willis is just alright now. I don’t think you need to worry anymore about them. I’m certainly glad they were so lucky.

Hope you continue feeling fine. We are looking for you home this weekend. Do you think you can come? Goodbye and lots of love for you, -- Minnie G. Frey

Letter 79 ~ October 30, 1918

Minnie writes me that the flu has gotten worse in Manhattan and that her school may get canceled yet another week.

Addressed to Pvt. Ward C. Griffing, 25th Company, 164th Depot Brigade, Camp Funston, Kansas

Manhattan, Kansas
October 30, 1918

My Dear Ward:

Received the letter today you wrote Saturday and Sunday evening; also two cards from you. It sure seemed nice. My, but I’m glad you got back and it was alright. Wasn’t it nice tho for them to have the stove up and everything sailing. I was awfully surprised tho when your mother said this morning that you left about 2:30 Sunday afternoon. I supposed you stayed all afternoon anyway.

I was downtown this afternoon, saw [your brother] Willis for the first time since he’s been sick. He doesn’t look any the worse for it, does he? I wish I had of seen him before he shaved his mustache. I bet he sure looked funny.

I was going over tonight, but it was pretty late when I got home and the horse was out in the pasture so I didn’t get to go. I called your mother and told her I couldn’t come tonight but would tomorrow. She called later and wanted me to come tonight if I could [since] Willis wouldn’t be at home tomorrow, but I couldn’t so I’m going tomorrow evening.

I got a lot of my book outlined today. It seems like I might be going to school doing that.

I sent you a box of candy today. Be sure to tell me when you get it because I sent it insured and I’ll get my money [back] if you don’t get it. But of course you will. I wanted to send you some and it’s so hard to get sugar. I had to buy the candy instead of making it. I’d rather make it – it’s more fun.

I expect you are all nicely settled back at D[etention] camp, aren’t you?

The influenza is worse here in Manhattan again, much to my sorrow. I may not have school again next week. Isn’t that the limit? I hope I do tho. I don’t want to teach a whole extra month next spring, especially if you are at Camp Funston. I want to get home so I can see you as often as I can.

If you are moved down to Camp Funston next week, you’ll not be sent away very soon will you? That will sure be great if you can go down there and be in the barracks. Soon you’ll feel like you are in a palace, won’t you, after being in those tents and a little candle light at night, and land knows what else. Then you will probably get off every weekend.

The next quota for Riley County is 77 men. That’s quite a few. I don’t see who’s going to do the work next summer – we girls I guess.

Maybe I’ll think of something else to write tomorrow before the mail man comes. I’ve a lot of extra paper here I would like to scratch over. Good night Boy – Minnie G. Frey