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

Letter 78 ~ October 30, 1918

Minnie writes me again from her parents farm near Manhattan. She says she is anxious to resume teaching in Sherman Township but the Riley County schools remains suspended due to the influenza epidemic.

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

Manhattan, Kansas
October 30, 1918

Dearest Ward:

Nothing much to write about, just the same old routine. These letters are so spicy I bet you just fall head over heels to get them.

I have just so much to do; I don’t know how to plan it to get all done. I’ve been fooling around the last two weeks and this week I know I must get busy to get everything I want to done before I go back to school. I’m going to spend most of the time writing that book review. I want to get it finished as soon as I can because when I get back up there I want to spend most of my evening’s knitting.

I talked to your mother this morning. You didn’t get a very long visit at home, did you? It would have been fine if you could have had a pass till Monday morning. We are hoping you can get off most every weekend, but of course you can’t tell.

I’m going to your home this evening to get those [grain] samples. I sure am glad to get them, boy. I asked you once how much you wanted for them but it was quite a long while ago and I’ve forgotten what you said. I should have paid you Saturday evening but didn’t think of it. You tell me how much – maybe your folks will tho – and I’ll pay you the next time I see you. I’m sorry to have bothered you about them – you not being at home.

[My sister] Bertha is going to live at Fall’s Church, Virginia – a little town out from Washington [D. C.]. An electric car line goes out there. [Her husband] Charlie [Scholer] says the country is so pretty around there. They can get rooms much cheaper out there and it will be just as nice for Bertha and [their infant daughter] Ruth and may be nicer.

[My brother] Wayne has a new book – “The Riders of the Purple Sage” by Zane Grey. He thinks it is fine. I want to read it if I get a chance before I leave or take it with me.

Ross Arnold goes up to Ogden every two weeks. You know Rosa lives up there now. I’m surprised that she doesn’t have a soldier boy living close to the camp.

Just now heard Bertha say it was getting awfully black in the west. I sure wish it wouldn’t rain. We had enough moisture today for months I think. Good bye, dear Boy, -- Minnie G. F.

Footnotes:

• Riders of the Purple Sage (1912) has been called the most popular western novel of all time. It is set in the mysterious canyon country of southern Utah, and the rugged landscape the novel inhabits is more than a backdrop for the action. Villains and heroes both try to use the stone labyrinth to their advantage, but it is the landscape's power and majesty that dictate the final result. Portraying the conflict between Mormon and non-Mormon settlers over the possession of land in the 1870s, the novel questions the right of a religion to tyrannize its followers and deprive them of freedom in the name of good.

Letter 70 ~ October 25, 1918

Minnie writes me news from Manhattan and lets me know that Harlan Sumner has been taken prisoner in Germany.

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

Manhattan, Kansas
October 25, 1918

Dear Ward:

Had a card from you today [and] was certainly glad to get it. But I’m afraid, Ward, the card was more appropriate for you than me. I had Mama ask at the Post Office for my letter but it wasn’t there. I’m afraid I won’t get it at all. I haven’t had a letter since the one you wrote a week ago last Sunday just before you went out to the [Smoky Hill] Flats. Your mother said I could read their letters if I would come over. I think I’ll go tomorrow. She had a letter and a card today. [My brothers John and Wayne] worked over there today. John read your letter. He told me a couple of things you said but I can’t get much satisfaction out of him.

John said you thought you were getting the flu one night. I’m mighty glad it didn’t turn out to be. It’s been so cold and damp this week. I’ve sure been thinking of you constantly.

Ethel [Arnold] came down this afternoon. It seemed nice to have the monotony broken and it’s the same for her. I guess there will be no school for we school mams’ again next week. We are getting anxious to get back. I hope the quarantine will be lifted at [Camp] Funston just the same tho.

Ross Arnold was put in Class C. He only weighed 119 pounds.

Harlan Sumner has been taken prisoner by the Germans. Something got wrong with his engine and he had to come down behind the German lines.

Ethel said Ray went out Tuesday to see you and another boy by the name of White who is also in the Depot Brigade. He found Mr. White but couldn’t find you. Ethel wanted to know where you were so he could find you another time. I told her you were still there but was out on special duty the last 2 weeks. I expect Ray will start out again. He has quite a lot of time off.

I guess I’ll have to send this. I had to stop writing and entertain [Bertha's infant] Ruth. She’s got her temper up and she sure gets cross. Bertha has a cold and aches all over. I sure have been scared this evening. I’m so afraid she will get the flu. But we’ve just about decided it wasn’t.

Ready to go. Good by dear boy, -- Minnie

Footnotes:

• Harlan R. Sumner was a 19 year-old student at KSAC in 1915. 1Lt. Harlan Sumner served as a pilot with the 139th Squadron, USAS, from 13 February 1918 to 26 September 1918 when he was taken POW. Source: Wings of Honor, American Airmen in WWI by James J. Sloan, Jr. It appears that Harlan served on the faculty of the KSAC Agricultural Department in the 1920's.
  

Letter 68 ~ October 24, 1918

Minnie writes me all the news from Manhattan.

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

Manhattan, Kansas
October 24, 1918

My Dearest Ward:

I’m sure going to half to write this in a hurry tonight if I get it sent with Papa – and I sure want to.

I suppose you know by now that General [Leonard] Wood is going to lift the quarantine Saturday noon. Isn’t that perfectly great? I’m so happy I’m almost flying. Sure am looking for you home this weekend. Hope you are well yet. Everybody here is alright now. I was talking to [your brother] Willis tonight. He says he’s been up nearly all day. He thinks someone ought to be giving a party [as it’s] getting near Halloween. I told him I didn’t think anyone ever thought of a party anymore.

I went downtown this afternoon, met Stella [Munger], and we were going up to Miss Stuart’s. Stella suggested that it might not be a bad idea to call and see if she was to be at home before we went up. So we did. She was not there, but it happened we met her on the street. [We] had a dandy chat but short. She said High School didn’t seem the same since we left. They missed us. I don’t see how it could. It must be rather quiet since we’ve left.

Willis wanted to know why Ethel [Arnold] and I didn’t come over to see him. I told him I wanted to know it was perfectly safe first. I think I will go over the last of this week. I bet Willis sure gets lonesome housed up so long [with the flu].

My, I hope you won’t half to drill Sunday or anything like that. I can’t hardly write or think anything but that you are coming, coming, coming.

I ought to get your letter Saturday. Hope I do. Willis said you must be “broke.”

We talked to Georgia Moffit today. She said college wasn’t so very much fun. About all the boys belong to the S.A.T.C. and you can’t ever see any of them. She says her [school] work is easy tho. I’m glad to hear that because she is taking the general course and has some awfully hard subjects. And I am about to the place where I’m afraid to start in to college. [I’m] afraid I can’t learn and would flunk out in everything.

Don’t know for sure yet whether we will have school next week or not. My boy, it’s getting to seem like you are thousands of miles away. With lots of love dear, -- Minnie

Letter 66 ~ October 23, 1918

I tell my mother and brother about the trench attack we staged and also about what we hear as far as camp rumors.

Addressed to Mrs. Hattie P. Griffing, Manhattan, Kansas
Smoky Hill Flats
October 23, 1918

Dear Folks,

Well, I can still eat my ration of beans and cabbage with the rest of them. This living in the open and working as we do sure gives a fellow an appetite and I have never felt better in my life.

I sure had a sore foot a few days ago. The issue socks are thin and when they got wet, they rolled up behind my heel, and before I came in at night I had a good sized blister. The next day I wore them again and of course that made it no better. The blister festered and swelled. Believe me, I had a hard time dragging that foot around at 120 steps per minute. I have been wearing those woolen socks you sent me since Sunday and my foot is well now. I am not going to wear another cotton sock as long as I am in this army if I can help it – and maybe longer. Those wool socks are so much better when a fellow keeps getting his feet wet.

I thot sure I was coming down with the “flu” the other day. My head ached severely and I just felt bum. I went to bed early and I am sure I had a little fever, but I was so determined not to get it that I didn’t report to sick call in the morning. It was rainy and nasty and we went out and dug trenches. Pretty soon we were called in and policed up camp, and were given the rest of the forenoon to clean our pieces and police up ourselves. I sure was glad because I had a chance to keep in the dry.

In the afternoon, we were ordered to strike our tents and we moved camp back farther away from the river. That was last night. Tonight we are so much at home here as tho we were born here. This is a better place and the camp is lined out better because it is to be here for quite awhile. They even started a good road in front of the kitchens.

We understood last night that we were to stay here for about six weeks, but again today we hear that we are to return [to Camp Republican] at the end of the week. So you know just as much as I do how long I will stay here. We men out here will probably do one of two things – either be transferred into the 10th Division, which has now started to move, or be held as the skeleton of a new division which will be formed at Funston as soon as the 10th moves. We have heard both things and don’t believe either.

The weather sort of half-way cleared up today and things are getting dried off a little. We had another trench attack today, only on a larger scale. The riflemen were issued 60 rounds and the automatics 120 rounds. The bombers had eight grenades apiece. Some of the fellows get so nervous they don’t want to throw their grenades but I think it is more fun than a picnic and it sure is good practice for a fellow because we have to charge thru wire entanglement and charge over trenches.

Well, I hope Willis is all right now but I expect he doesn’t feel very well yet. This is bad weather for influenza.

There is a fellow in my tent has a stationary outfit that is might handy for the barracks bag. I wonder if you could find one in town like it for me. It is covered with paper and folds like a book. These are pockets for envelopes and stamps and letter paper and a tablet, and places for pencil and pen. It is handy and everything is together.

A fellow just now came in who had gone over to the camp after some of his luggage. He said that there was quite a lot from there transferred to the 10th [Division] but that the men who were over here and had their names on the transfer [list] were crossed out so maybe we will not be in the 10th after all.

Here’s hoping I get to see you soon. Goodbye, -- Ward

Letter 65 ~ October 23, 1918

Minnie writes me that she hears the quarantine at Camp Funston will be lifted soon. She also says that my brother Willis is nearly recovered from the flu.

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

Manhattan, Kansas
October 23, 1918

Dear Ward:

I didn’t get to write to [you] yesterday. This evening is the first since Monday I’ve felt good enough to write to you. I’m going to write every day tho the rest of the week. Your mother said you only had two letters from me last weekend. I know there should have been at least four if you didn’t get them since the Sunday before. I haven’t heard from you for a long time and expect it will be a longer time yet. Your mother said she had a letter from you yesterday.

I’m glad you like your work and hope you get to stay at Camp Funston a long while yet. Maybe you will get a chance to come home soon. Papa heard today the quarantine was to be lifted at Camp Funston. My, but I’m glad. If that’s true, there’s only one thing then stands in the way – that is your pass, but you surely will be able to get that.

I was so disappointed today. I thought maybe I would get a letter from you, and here came a card from the Camp Funston Post Office saying a letter was held for [insufficient] postage. I’m going to send it tonight but it will not get here before Saturday and probably not till Monday. My, boy, you don’t know how I hate to half to wait for that letter. I want it so bad.

Mrs. Arnold was down this afternoon. She heard from Cecil yesterday. He’s just fine and has been right up to the front lines lately.

Brownie had a letter from Ernest again. She said it was anything but cheerful. I guess he’s getting tired of staying in one place so long and he says the scenery is getting old. He’s down in the Southern part of France near the seacoast because he writes that he walks down to the shore often. He hasn’t been doing a thing.

Ross Arnold and John Hylton were downtown today for their physical examination. Ross just about didn’t pass because he is so small. John didn’t pass the examination at the college. I think it is a shame. He hadn’t entirely recovered from the ‘flu’ was the reason. They said his heart was weak. Everett didn’t have the ‘flu’: he was sick from vaccination and they thought it was the influenza, so they sent him to the hospital. He’s alright now. Homer sure had it tho.

[My sister] Bertha has hopes of getting to leave soon. [Her husband] Charlie [Scholer] says the epidemic is dying down in Washington [D.C.], and it sure is around here. Only two new cases at college today, we heard.

Stella [Munger] and I are going down to see Miss [Stella K.] Stuart this week. She told [my brother] John we had better come. She wanted to find out how we were getting along.

I just now had to stop writing to you to write a business letter for Papa. I sure like to do that and if I’m around Papa nearly always asks me to.

I wish I could clear up this weather. Isn’t very nice for you dear, is it? And I’m afraid if you don’t get to drill during the week, they will make you drill on Sunday. And I want you to do something else lots different, if it is possible. I heard one of the finest compliments on you the other day, Ward. I don’t think I had better tell you now.

You know, it sounds so funny [to hear] everyone talking about Xmas presents. You know they have asked that they all be sent (those that go thru the mail) by December 5th. And the boys in France by the 15th of November.

Your mother said that you didn’t get the cake she sent you. That certainly was too bad. Too bad you didn’t get it and then the sugar which is such an item these days. Ward, maybe you will get to be here my birthday this year. It’s only three weeks from Saturday and you ought to get off by that time. I hope before then. I don’t care when just so it’s soon. With lots of love, -- Minnie G. Frey

P.S. Of course your mother tells you that [your brother] Willis is getting well fast. He’s up and around the house now. I don’t believe any of us will get it now. It’s almost thru with.

Footnotes:

• Ross D. Arnold was Ethel Arnold’s 19 year-old brother.
  

• John B. Hylton was the 19 year-old son of house carpenter Albert Hylton and his wife Hattie.
  

Letter 64 ~ October 22, 1918

I write Minnie to let her know I am still at the Smoky Hill Flats training area but we have moved our camp to higher ground.

Addressed to Miss Minnie G. Frey, Stockdale, Kansas

Smokey Hill [Flats]
October 22, 1918

Dear Kid:

Well kid, I have another new home. General [Leonard] Wood came out here this morning and issued an order that this detail would stay here for about six more weeks. The place where we were camped was terribly muddy so we had to move back on a little higher ground & make a more permanent camp. We are in a lot better place although it is quite a ways to water. But we can’t expect to have all the advantages. We hear all kinds of reasons why we had to stay out here & we can’t believe any of them. One that sounds reasonable is that there is a strict quarantine on Detention Camp 2 [D.2.]. They will keep us here & send us to [Camp] Funston sooner. But again we hear another rumor that the quarantine goes off tomorrow. At any rate, we are here until about Thanksgiving. I don’t know what will be done about passes after the quarantine is lifted, but I know it will be some time before I can expect to get one. Even if it is a little unpleasant here, I am glad I got a chance to come because the fellows left at [detention] camp have just been monkeying around the whole of last week.

I got the letter today that you wrote on the 17th, one from mother, & one from [my sister] Gussie. It was the first mail for 5 or 6 days & believe me, it was welcome. You can write everyday now & it will come to me fairly regularly now.

Last Sunday I got a pass to D.2. to get some more of my luggage & to take a bath. As soon as I saw John Conrow, he told me that [my brother] Willis was sick with the influenza. Well it sure struck me in a heap. I had no idea that he would get sick. I had gotten no mail from home telling about it so I went over & put in a call at the “Y.” I had to wait about an hour for an answer but finally I had quite a good talk with mother. She said that Willis had been sick since Monday [Oct. 14th] so you see how the mail service is out this way. Well it relieved me to know that he was getting better but I don’t see how they get along with him in bed. It looks as tho it should have been me who should have gotten sick. I sure hope that this weather clears up & gets settled or we will be sick here because we don’t stop for rain, mud, or anything. Maybe it is a good thing to get accustomed to mud because that is the only thing we will have a plenty of over there except cooties.

We were issued several overcoats Sunday morning & believe me, they sure are warm. My issue socks were thin cotton & when they got wet, they rolled up behind my heel & before I came in at night, I had quite a nice blister. The next day I wore them again & of course my heel got no better. Sunday I put on my wool socks & have been wearing them ever since. They fill up my shoes better & when they get wet, they absorb the moisture. My heel festered in the blister & believe me, it sure hurt to keep up the regulation 120 steps per minute. I have had it dressed twice now & it is lots better. We moved today and didn’t have to drill on it tomorrow. It will be alright I think.

You asked if John Conrow came with us. No, it was Aubrey. John probably would have but he was put on guard the night before we came over. As I understand it, these men will instruct the rest but, of course, things are changed overnight in the army.

I don’t think it is probable that we will go with the 10th [Division] although it is altogether possible. I sure hate to think of staying out in this camp till Thanksgiving but I suppose it could be worse. The worst part is that the field kitchen is not as efficient as the cook shack & there are no floors in our tents. But I think maybe they will improve things a little if we stay here so long.

I wonder if you are teaching school this week? I am going to address this to Stockdale & take the risk. Have you gotten those grain samples yet? I don’t know what kind of shape they are in.

I am sure getting a lot of experience out here & am learning how to soldier, if you know what that means. Well maybe I can spoil another page of good paper. This bunch that was drafted September 5 is the largest bunch that has hung together so long in the Depot Brigade. Three weeks is usually the limit but we have been in now nearly two months. If no changes are made, the Brigade will form the skeleton of a new Division which will be formed up at [Camp] Funston as soon as the 10th [Division] can move out. These beastly quarantines have kept the 10th [Division] here nearly a month longer than the original plans & there is no telling how much longer. That fact only prolongs the war.

Well Kid, I must write a card to the folks to let them know that I am still better than the influenza & the meningitis, so good night & don’t worry about me in the least. As ever, -- Ward

Footnotes:

• Augusta Griffing, called “Gussie” was Ward’s older sister. She was born 16 August 1885 and was married to Harry Vaughn Harlan 15 November 1905. They lived near Washington D.C. where Harry worked for the Department of Agriculture.

Letter 63 ~ October 21, 1918

Minnie writes me about riding horses with her friends. Mentions Willis’ bout with the flu.

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

Manhattan, Kansas
[October 21, 1918]

Dearest Ward:

We are awfully busy this morning but I want to get a letter off to you before the mail man comes if I possibly can. We are washing and have a lot of hay bailers for dinner.

Yesterday morning we didn’t get up till late so it wasn’t very long before dinner time. After dinner, I read three magazine stories and had just tried to get a call thru to Mrs. Parkerson when I heard someone outside yell, “Minnie.” I thought it sounded like Stella [Munger] so I skinnied out there and there was Stella and Kate a horseback. I had them come in while [my sister] Bertha and I got ready. Then all four of us went out riding. My, but I had the most fun. We went down past Strong School, then straight east on that road till we came to the [Blue] River. It’s the first time I’ve been down there. When we came back, the boys put the saddle on [our horse] Dan and Kate got on him. I didn’t want her to [get on] at all. I was afraid she might get hurt. But she wouldn’t listen to me. She’s the first girl that’s ever been on him. He didn’t do a thing. The folks said he would be alright for me to ride if he gets a chance. I’m sure going to ride him this week.

Well, altogether I had just such a good time, and then best of all, when we came home, Mama said you had called your mother. While Mama and [your mother] were talking, someone [on the party line] wanted the phone to call a doctor, so they were cut off. Stella and I went over to your mother’s and she told me what you had to say. It was so dark then that Stella came home with me and staid all night, [then] went home in the morning.

Who told you [your brother] Willis was sick? Conrow? I don’t suppose it makes much difference but I was talking to your mother the Tuesday morning [Oct 15th] when they had decided Willis had the “flu” and I asked her if she had written it to you. She said she had not, and we thought it just as well not to say anything about it till he was well. It wouldn’t help matters a bit for you to worry about him. Mama talked to your mother a few minutes ago. She said Willis was getting along real well. He’ll be alright now. I would hate to have your Mother get it. She’s so kinda worn out, but I don’t believe she will. There don’t seem to be any that age get it.

I’m feeling fine about you, boy. Your mother said you sounded like you were in such good spirits and then you are alright. That certainly is grand.

If I were [James] Sparks' girl, I wouldn’t be very proud of him if that’s the way he has to get off to see her. I’m glad, Ward, you don’t do that way, even if we would love to see one another.

I have given up hearing from you at all this weekend when I heard you were to be out there yet this week. I surely was glad when I did. I suppose you got your mail since you were at the D camp yesterday.

I talked to Mrs. Parkerson this morning and she said everyone up there [in Sherman Township] was well but didn’t expect to have any school. She asked me how the soldier up at Camp Funston was. She knew I was awfully anxious about you when I left up there.

Stella and I are going to Topeka to the Teacher’s meeting. I think it’s about two weeks off. I’m sure looking forward to it. That French Lieutenant is going to talk one day on “The Battle of Verdun.” You know he was that grand man we heard talk last winter. I didn’t expect to ever hear him again, and I’m sure glad of the opportunity. He’s great.

With lots of love, Ward. – Minnie G. Frey

Letter 62 ~ October 20, 1918

I write my mother a short letter to let her know I am concerned about my brother Willis who has contracted the flu.

Addressed to Mrs. Hattie P. Griffing, Manhattan, Kansas

Camp Republican
October 20, 1918

Dear Folks,

I am writing in the “Y” while waiting for an answer to a call I put in for you folks. I got a pass today from Smoky Hill Flats to [return to] D.2. [Detention Camp 2] and Johnnie Conrow said that his mother told him on the phone that [my brother] Willis had the influenza. I am afraid I can't get my call thru because I have been waiting a long time. It sure is tough that Willis had to get sick. I don't see how you can get along now. I want to hear from you as soon as I can but my mail out there is uncertain.

It is fine weather now and things are getting nice and dry so we will get along fine out at Smoky Hill Flats. I am feeling fine so you don’t need to worry a bit about me. It seems as tho it would have been better if I had gotten sick because it must be awful hard to get along at home. I am going…

[Later at] Smoky Hill Flats. Well I got my phone call all right and had a good talk with you. It sure surprised me to know that Willis had been sick since Monday. He must be very careful after he gets out because it will still be dangerous. We were issued our overcoats this morning. They sure are nice and warm. After I talked with you, I got my mess over at the 25th Company and then after that we got a jitney and rode over to Ft. Riley. From there we walked back over here. Well it is late and I must work hard this week so goodnight and good luck to you all. With love, -- Ward

Letter 61 ~ October 19, 1918

I write my mother and brother to tell them about the special training I have been receiving.

Addressed to Mrs. Hattie P. Griffing, Manhattan, Kansas

Smoky Hill Flats
October 19, 1918

Dear Folks,

Yesterday I got 3 letters from you folks and 2 from Minnie. Some of them were written last week. It sure was good to get them. We will have to stay here another week so I borrowed some paper and maybe I can get an envelope somewhere.

We used to think that D.2 [Detention Camp 2] was a bad hole to live in but it would seem like home after being in this place. It is all muddy [here] and the trenches have water standing in them in places. I am sure glad to have come out here tho because the stuff we are getting is lots better and more interesting than the men at D.2. are getting.

Today we went thru a trench attack. Each man was issued 20 rounds of ammunition and 2 grenades. The automatic gunmen had sixty rounds each and the bombers had 5 extra grenades. Next week we are going to pull off quite a fussy attack and they are going to bring men from Funston and the Detention Camp to watch it. I wish I had a Kodak so that I could send you a picture of me in my helmet and gas mask. We have the Enfield rifle now too. Our Lieutenant said today that we who are getting this special training will be the skeleton of a new division which will be formed at Funston when the 10th leaves. Of course that is not absolutely a fact because plans are changed over night.

I hear that the quarantine for Spanish Influenza was lifted this morning and that another was put on for spinal meningitis so it may still be sometime before I can see you folks.

You wrote in your last letter as tho I didn’t try to get a pass to come home. I did but it was useless. No single men were given passes, I know. Noble is married and so he got his pass and [James] Sparks [who is not married] went to town without a [real] pass. He had one of his friends typewrite an imitation of a pass. The passes issued here are just typewritten on a slip of paper and signed by the company commander and the major. Sparks signed this slip with a pen and got by with it. In the pass, he said he was going to Manhattan to visit his wife, Mrs. James Sparks. He nearly got caught too because 3 men escaped from the guardhouse that night and Sunday morning all passes were copied by the M.P.’s and were supposed to be checked up at headquarters. But that takes so much work that they probably didn’t [do it]. You may be sure that I will have a pass just as soon as I can.

I never did get that cake you sent in the mail.

We are supposed to be issued overcoats tomorrow. We were issued sweaters last night. I sure wish I could get back to camp and get my wool socks. Maybe I can tomorrow. It sure is hard to keep your feet dry here in this mud and water. Some night next week we will spend all night in the trenches. I am slowly beginning to get accustomed to this life. In a little while I expect I will like it. I don’t mind the grub a bit anymore and it is worse here than it was at camp because they just have a field kitchen and there are about 250 men to feed. We walked clear over to Fort Riley night before last for a bath but we haven’t any place to wash our clothes.

Minnie asked me in one of her letters about those samples of grain we got in Crops Lab. I had told her she could have them for her school work if she wanted them, so Bill [Willis], will you label them for her and tell her how to fix them up?

Well, I hope you folks are keeping as well as I am. Goodnight, -- Ward

Letter 59 ~ October 18, 1918

Minnie writes me a long letter to let me know she thinks her school will be canceled another week due to the flu epidemic. She also mentions efforts to raise Liberty Loan funds on College Hill.

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

Manhattan, Kansas
[October 18, 1918]

My Dearest Ward:

I haven’t been writing, boy, the last few days because I knew you wouldn’t be there to get to your mail and I might as well put all I have to say in one letter and you will be there to get this.

Tuesday or Wednesday Herbert Bales’ mother called your mother. She said Herbert said you were well. (Doesn’t that sound crazy?) We have been feeling pretty good about you until yesterday. Then we heard the “flu” was getting worse up at Camp [Funston] and we know it is worse at College and around Manhattan. A professor (haven’t heard his name) and three S.A.T.C. boys died yesterday. We went downtown yesterday evening and I hadn’t been there fifteen minutes till two hearses come along taking boys to the depot. I tell you it made me feel awful. I don’t like to see those things. We got some medicine and we are all spraying our throats, so I guess we won’t get it.

Last evening’s paper said there probably will be no schools next week yet. I do wish I could go back but I don’t think I’ll get to at all.

It sure has been nice this week and that’s been so nice for you, boy. I’ve been hoping every day that it would stay nice and it did till today. But it’s awfully cloudy and rainy today. I suppose you will be coming back to D. Camp today or tomorrow. I’m anxious to hear how you got along out there. Ward, I sure think that was fine being picked out of all those men for that training. I should think it would be hard work, especially working with that old knife, but I’m not worrying about your not being able to instruct. You know how to say it and right to the point. You wouldn’t have to go a mile around to get it said as a lot of those boys would.

Does that ‘Model Company’ instruct the rest of the regiment and are the boys that stay there for the bunch of new men brought in taken from this company? You said once that they would keep some there. Was John Conrow one of the picked men?

I can’t hardly wait for the days to fly by. The latest bulletin said that Washington [D. C.] was expecting some great events in the course of a few days. But in the meantime, we must make the Liberty loan go over the top. Riley County is way behind yet but they are working hard. Papa and his bunch of men went out today to visit those that wouldn’t give when they first went around. Messer’s Rhodes, Willis, Munger, Kimball, and Teagarden, went around over College Hill yesterday. By noon they had received $1,800 more. He told each group of workers they would send out a strong man from downtown for the last rounds if they wanted him. Mr. Willis said, “Well I’ll tell you men when I get thru with them, there’ll be no use for anyone else to go to them.” That sure sounds like Mr. Willis. Papa said he made them come across tho.

This ink I’m using is just awful. Then pen won’t hardly make a mark. Then all the ink comes down at once. It makes the letter look awful.

Ernest said in one of the letters he wrote home that one of the higher officers told his men he could always tell when any of them hadn’t received letters from home. Ernest said, “What do you think about me?” The officer said, “I don’t think the devil himself could worry for you more than five minutes at a time.” I think he has Ernest about sized up, don’t you?

Eben called [my sister] Bertha yesterday. He is alright now, but he don’t think he’ll ever get out of quarantine.

George Haas has been called, so Edith is coming home to stay right soon now. I haven’t heard how the Willis boys are but I guess they are getting well or I would have heard. I’ve been intending to call Mrs. Willis but haven’t yet.

If it doesn’t rain too hard, I’m going over to your mother’s this afternoon. It’s rather hard to talk over the phone at times. I don’t see why you were not able to get me [on the phone] Saturday evening. I was right here in the dining room all evening because I was waiting for a call from your mother. So I know Central [Switchboard] didn’t call out here. I wish I did live in town if it would mean I could talk to you. I would sure like to hear your voice again, Ward. I don’t suppose there is any chance of the quarantine being lifted yet this week. But surely will be next weekend. I think it’s a good thing and yet it makes me so mad. Why couldn’t this have been the first two or three weeks you were up there? Because you couldn’t have come home then – but now you could.

Mrs. Arnold told me that the 10th Division was going to begin moving next week. Land, I was scared. Because until I got your letter and card Wednesday, I just knew a group of the best men had been picked and were going to have special training. Your mother told me that. And I just felt sure that meant you were going to be sent across [to Europe] soon. And then hearing about the 10th Division leaving, I thought you would probably be attached to it. And with this quarantine on you would be sent off without my ever seeing you. Maybe you think I wasn’t happy when I got your letter.

I’m glad you got the things we sent over Sunday alright. Mrs. Conrow said she didn’t see you but she sent them to you by the boys so we thought you would.

Be sure to let us know just as soon as you get back how you are. I hope and pray it will be, “I’m well yet.” My dear boy, you don’t know how happy I am when I read that. Good bye Ward, -- Minnie G. Frey

Footnotes:

• 21 year-old Herbert Bales’ mother was Alpha Bales, the 55 year-old wife of W. W. Bales – a helper at the College Barn. Herbert’s older sister Ethel was a teacher of domestic science at KSAC.

• William H. Rhodes was a 48 year-old farmer on College Hill.

• Richard A. Willis was a 56 year-old farmer on College Hill.

• John M. Kimball was a 42 year-old farmer on College Hill whose farmhouse was next to the Griffing’s.

• Thomas P. Teagarden was a 63 year-old farmer on College Hill.

Letter 55 ~ October 13, 1918

After being in camp for six weeks, I write Minnie about being picked for the ‘model company’ of the Regiment.

Addressed to Miss Minnie G. Frey, Manhattan, Kansas

Camp Republican
October 13, 1918

Dear Little Girl,

Well Kid, I am glad to say that I can still write, “I am well.” In fact, I am not a bit afraid of the “flu” now although a man in the next tent who had been feeling well all the time was sent out just this afternoon. One of the boys from Kansas State Agricultural College by the name of Norman was taken out last evening & died during the night sometime. It sure shocked me because apparently he had been well before. But don’t worry anymore because the “flu” is nearly thru up here. I am hoping the quarantine will be lifted by next Sunday & that you folks can come up & get me, if I can get a pass.

I tried to get a call thru to you last night but didn’t have any luck. If you lived in town as Alice Bobeck does, I could talk to you occasionally.

I sent out a card last night saying something about extra drill. Now I will explain how it is. Friday night the company commander called the noncoms & some of the acting noncoms (I was one of the latter) down to the orderly room & picked out about 18 or 20 of the best, or perhaps I should say 18 or 20 from among the best. These men will be formed into a company along with other picked men from each company in the regiment. This company of picked men will be trained as the ‘model’ company of the regiment.

We go down to Smoky Hill Flats tomorrow morning & will receive very intensive training along such lines as bayonet fighting, hand grenade throwing, bomb throwing, gas attacks, trench fighting, automatic drill, etc. then we will be brought back to act as instructors – that is, those of us that can teach. Some can learn the work fine & all but can’t teach it. I am afraid that will be my trouble. I am not afraid but what I can stand the work & keep up with the others even if some of them are old men & old noncoms, but I never did teach anybody anything. I sure think I am lucky to get to go because it is quite an honor even if we did have to drill on Saturday & Sunday when the others were laying off. We only drilled till noon today, however.

We will only take our bare necessities – blankets, toilet articles, a change of socks & underwear, mess kit & cup, raincoats & maybe our sweaters -- those who have them, and of course our rifles. We who are going were issued the new Enfield rifle this afternoon. It has a bayonet about 18 inches long. As I heard one man say, he thot the army life was alright until he got to working with that bayonet & then he said it was nothing to laugh at after he got that old knife out there on the end of his rifle. It didn’t look funny anymore.

I won’t get a chance to send or to receive any mail so don’t worry if you don’t get any mail for a week. Sunday evening. Gee whiz, somebody yelled “Ward Griffing’ so I stopped writing & went out & Sergeant Conrow said there was something down at his tent for me. I went down & he had just come from the road where his folks left your box of candy & a box of cake & a bag of apples from Mama. Believe me, we had a feed. I called in [James] Sparks, Johnny Clarke, Walter Creviston, & Roy Drown. Oh my, but it seemed like Christmas. We had to eat everything tonight because I can’t take anything like that with me & I am going at 7 in the morning.

Well, I must hurry & get packed before taps & it is late now so goodbye & take care of yourself. With lots of love Minnie, -- Ward

Letter 50 ~ October 11, 1918

I write a letter to my mother to let her know that I am still alive. I finish the letter the following day and inform her that I have been selected with 19 others from my company for special training. I also include a note to my niece, Carol Cunningham, who lives with my mother and brother Willis.

Addressed to Mrs. Hattie P. Griffing, Manhattan, Kansas

Camp Republican
October 11, 1918

Dear Folks, Well the “flu” hasn’t gotten me yet and I am beginning to think that I will get by without getting it. If I do, I will consider myself lucky because so many got it. It sure pays to take care of yourself as much as possible when you’re in the army because nobody else will look out for you.

October 12, 1918

Well this letter is somewhat broken up but I expect it will reach you sometime. Last night when I was writing the first part of this letter, [Clinton] Scott brought in that package of candy and nuts so we celebrated and I thot I would get to finish my letter today but I couldn’t because I had to drill instead of having a holiday as most of the others did.

Last night about 20 picked men from the company were ordered to report to the orderly room. I was lucky enough to be one of them. These men will join other picked men from the other companies of our regiment and will form a crack company. We had to drill today and we will drill tomorrow. When I say drill, I mean drill too because it was sure hard. Old non-commissioned officers and new non-commissioned officers are drilling right in the ranks with us. In fact, most of the picked men are noncoms or at least acting noncoms as I am.

The first of next week, this picked company will be taken to Smoky Hill Flats where it will receive special intensive training along such lines as bayonet work, trench fighting, bomb throwing, etc. It will be very hard work but I am sure glad I will get to go because it gives a fellow a chance to see what he is made of and it is quite an honor too. If I only keep well, I think I can stand up with most of them and I think I will. I sure am tired tonight. We have drilled fairly hard all the week and were looking forward to a good Saturday and Sunday layoff but instead of that, we have to work about twice as hard as usual – but I wouldn’t miss it for anything.

The influenza seems to be slacking up here but there are still plenty of cases. Quite a large number are dying but I think that is slacking up also.

Don’t be surprised if you don’t get a letter from me for a while because during that special training next week, I may not have the time or accommodations to write. But I will try to at least drop you a card to let you know I am still alive. I got a letter tonight that you wrote on October 4. It must have gone to some other company first. I got your letter today telling about the Cunningham troubles. They sure are having their share, and then some. You folks must be careful and keep well because you can neither one get along with the other sick.

Bill [Willis], you sure are blowing yourself on calves. Don’t sell too short of feed. Both of those deals sound good; better than going to Kansas City. Don’t you think Mr. Munger’s old mare is too big for our purposes? She would be hard to mate. What you said about Hays’ sale surprised me.

Do you remember Becker? He was one of the men picked from the 36th Company for that special training and I saw him out on the field today, but didn’t get a chance to talk to him.

I got Lew [Griffing’s] letter [that you forwarded to me] all right but forgot that you wanted it back. I will send it in this letter. Say, you don’t need to send me any stamps because I can buy them at the “Y” now. I don’t suppose I will be transferred to any eastern camp so that I could see [my sister] Gussie but it sure would be fine if I could. Well, I must go to bed, so goodnight. – Ward

WHY DON’T YOU WRITE ME A LETTER, CAROL? HOW DO YOU LIKE SCHOOL NOW? I HOPE I CAN SEE YOU SOMETIME SOON. – UNCLE WARD

Letter 49 ~ October 11, 1918

Minnie writes me about a moment when she thought the school board was going to fire her. Says she still likes her school and enjoys playing with the children.

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

Manhattan, Kansas
October 11, 1918

My Dear Boy:

Home again [in Manhattan. My brother] John came up this evening and got me about six o’clock. I wasn’t quite thru cleaning the school house when he came. I had to do an extra good job. I don’t suppose I’ll go back next week. Then I had to grab things together in such a hurry when we got down to Parkerson’s. On our road home, we got stuck in the mud. John said the road was just fine going up and it had rained while he was up there waiting for me. It was awful for a mile or so and we didn’t have any chains.

I guess [my brother-in-law] Charlie [Scholer] has had the influenza and is getting over it. Fay Seaton called out tonight and asked [my sister] Bertha if there was any word. She wanted him to take to Charlie. He is going to Washington [D.C.] to see Mr. Seaton. Mrs. Seaton and the two babies were buried here today.

Ethel [Arnold] came home yesterday. She will be home for a week now at least.

Kate called my sister] Bertha tonight and told her that Frank [Blair] said the influenza had died down in Washington [D.C.]. She’s happy. Bertha is going to send Frank’s address to Charlie.

The school board came to my school this afternoon. I was scared. I thought they had come to fire me. No, they came up to see what I thought about closing school [due to the influenza epidemic], turning the clock back, etc.

[My brother’s] John and Lester went to a party tonight down at Blockasky’s. They wanted me to go with them, but I was altogether too tired. I sure would have liked to tho. I haven’t been to one since Ethel Arnold’s birthday party, I guess. I wouldn’t care much about going to one on College Hill tho. I would miss you too much.

Bertha has changed her plans about going to Washington [D.C.] a week from today. She’s afraid it wouldn’t be wise to take her baby then. Ruth is awfully fussy tonight – she isn’t feeling well.

I didn’t hear from you today so I thought perhaps you were transferred or you might be sick, but the folks had a card from you today so I guess you are all right yet. That is certainly fine.

I took a picture of the [school] children today. I sure hope it is good. Ward, I am getting to like teaching up there better every day. I know I’ll just hate to leave when spring comes. I just love all those children – better than I ever thought was possible for a teacher to. But they are every one so good to me. It’s teacher this, and teacher that. They are just wild for me to play with them at recess and noon. And I sure like to get out and tare around with them. We play “keep away” with the ball, mostly. I like teaching lots better than going to school. I used to think I’d rather go to school than anything else. Not anymore do I think that. And I feel so much better. I’ve never in my life felt so well physically and in such good spirits as I’ve been since I began teaching (not that I’ve ever been an invalid – far from it).

I’m going to college next winter, I guess, because I feel it would be best for me. My brain needs developing. And as George Haas would say, “I must be a cultured woman.” I don’t look forward to it with the anticipation I use to tho. Maybe I will if you come back soon. I’ve always been so anxious to go to school with you. Along school lines, we’ve never been interested in the same thing. Even if we are not in the same class, we would be in the same school.

I brought your picture along this time. I didn’t think I would get to see you this weekend and I couldn’t get along without seeing that picture all next week. Boy, I wish you were going to be at home all week. We would sure have a time, wouldn’t we? I wish I could go up to Camp [Funston] Sunday, but I guess there’s nothing doing. It’s twenty minutes of twelve, so good night, dear Ward. – Minnie G. Frey

Footnotes:

• Daylight Saving Time was not formally adopted in the U.S. until 1918. 'An Act to preserve daylight and provide standard time for the United States' was enacted on March 19, 1918. It both established standard time zones and set summer DST to begin on March 31, 1918. Daylight Saving Time was observed for seven months in 1918 and 1919. After the War ended, the law proved so unpopular (mostly because people rose earlier and went to bed earlier than people do today) that it was repealed in 1919 with a Congressional override of President Wilson's veto. Daylight Saving Time became a local option, and was continued in a few states, such as Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and in some cities, such as New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

• Ruth Lillian Scholer was born 24 February 1918 in Topeka, the daughter of Charles and Bertha (Frey) Scholer. Ruth would grow up to marry Howard Liebengood, a graduate of the KSAC Veterinary School. Ward’s son, William J. Griffing – also a veterinarian – would eventually buy out Howard’s practice in Bremen, Indiana in 1945.

• Probably 39 year-old George Haas of Madison Township, Riley County, Kansas, a German immigrant who ran a hardware store.
  

Letter 48 ~ October 10, 1918

Minnie writes me that she is frightened by all the cases of influenza in camp and neighboring towns but that she fears spinal meningitis even more. She also mentions Kansas Governor Capper’s proclamation.

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

Sherman, Kansas
Thursday Evening, October 10, 1918

Dearest Ward:

I got another letter from you today. You don’t know how nice it is to get a letter from you everyday. I’m so glad you were still well when you wrote that letter, but I wonder if you are yet. I would be so glad if you would escape it but I’m afraid you can’t from what you said in today’s letter.

I had a letter from Mama today too. She said your Mother said if you got sick, she wanted to go up there and be right with you all the time if they would let her. But of course they don’t do that. I wouldn’t worry a bit if she could because I know you would be all right then. I’m sure getting scared. Mama also told me about Claude [Cunningham’s] brother, and Mr. [Roy] Seaton is very low. If the boys could just keep other things from setting in I believe they would be alright but Parkerson’s were in Manhattan today and they said from 60 to 70 boys were dying every day. It’s worse at Leonardville than at Manhattan. Mama said if I got sick, I was to come right home. But I’m not in the least afraid of getting it and wouldn’t worry if I did. But it’s the boys in the camps that I do think about. I’d hate to think you had to walk guard all night if you were getting it. That would give it such a head way.

Clint Scott is getting well. He said he went right over to the infirmary as soon as he began to feel the least bit bad and they sent him to the hospital. He said he was awful sick for about four days but will soon be alright now. Parkerson’s heard that the Spinal Meningitis was breaking out again in camp. If they get that over there where you are, then’s when I’ll turn black because I’m strictly scared to death of that.

Governor [Arthur] Capper has issued a proclamation asking all schools, churches, theaters, and public gatherings of all kinds to close for a week beginning Saturday. So maybe I’ll not have any school next week. That will be a nice little vacation but it will put me a week behind in spring.

I’m beginning to wonder again if you were transferred Wednesday. Your letter sounded like you thought there might be a chance.

Ward, doesn’t your Major think there will be peace soon? I can’t see how there can help but be the way the papers sound. In a way I’m glad for you that they do think you’ll get across anyway – I believe you want to go. But I’m not the least bit crazy about you getting on the firing line. And I wouldn’t shed any tears if you didn’t get to leave the U. S. But if there weren’t so many diseases in the camps, chances for ships to be sunk, etc., it would be kind of nice for you to go across to be there for the finish. It would sure be some experience for you and I’m wild to hear your stories when you come home. I often think about that. I know I would just sit for hours and hear you tell about it all.

I just love Mr. and Mrs. Parkerson. They are so good to me. And I have the most fun with them sometime. They are the happiest people and so good to one another. They speak so kind to each other and both are so willing to do for the other. It’s sure pleasant to be around them. I certainly have the boarding place.

Boy, don’t say “when I leave for good” because you are not going to leave for good. You’re coming back again and I hope mighty soon.

In your letter today you were talking about that April night over three years ago. Just last night I was thinking about it. If you are gone a long time, we’ll have to get acquainted all over again. I don’t believe it will take us very long tho, do you? It will be grand.

Has the married man had the influenza yet? What will his wife do when he gets that? She sure can’t see him then. They are talking of closing the College [in Manhattan].

Well it’s raining some tonight. If it doesn’t rain too much [and the roads get too muddy], I suppose the folks will come for me. I’ll be at home this time tomorrow evening. Guess I’ll not get to see you again this week. If you are not taken away from Camp Funston, I may next weekend. Good night my dear boy, -- Minnie G. Frey

Arthur Capper's Campaign Poster for Kansas Governor, 1912

Letter 47 ~ October 10, 1918

I write Minnie about such romantic things as taking care of my rifle and my feet.

Addressed to Miss Minnie G. Frey, Manhattan, Kansas

Camp Republican
October 10, 1918

Dear Little Girl,

It got so rainy this morning that we came in from drill about 10 o’clock, so I will take some of this extra time in writing to you. There isn’t any news so I will write about most any old thing & so don’t be shocked if the letter is a little more chopped up than it always is.

The first thing we must do when we come in on a day like this is to care for our rifles – clean off all the dirt & water & then give them a light coat of oil. Then if our feet are wet, we must change our socks. The infantryman’s first care is for his rifle & then for his feet. They are very particular about the condition of a man’s piece.

I just now wrote a card home & asked Mama to send me a cake. One of the men in my squad got one from home & I never tasted anything so good in my life except some candy I got a while ago. There are so many men gone to the hospital now that we get all we want to eat & then some – but it is rough stuff. I believe the “flu” is slacking up now but if it stays cold & sloppy, it may go on. Some say tho that this change of weather will help fight the disease.

That sure was too bad about the Seaton’s. I pity Mr. [Roy] Seaton. He sure has had his cupful of sorrow. It will be nice if Charlie [Scholer] gets to go to France. I hope he gets his commission. Our Major said that more than likely we would get to go before snow flies. He said that the war couldn’t be over for a year yet even if the papers are talking so much about peace. We drilled in the trenches for the first time this morning.

I am afraid that you had better stop planning on seeing me, for then you won’t be disappointed when I don’t come for I am beginning to feel that my pass is still quite a ways off. In the letter I got from you last night, you said that if I could come home just once it would be the happiest moment you ever experienced. Kid, I am afraid it might be worse than none because I would just hate to have to come back [here], but I am coming as soon as I can just the same. I guess we are both looking forward to that day when I can come home & stay with such eagerness that it will make years out of months. Of course if you want to be a nurse, go ahead. But Kid, do you know that if you aren’t home safe & sound when I get out of this army, I will wish that something had happened to me too. Take care of yourself & I will do the same.

Goodbye Sweetheart, - Ward

Letter 45 ~ October 9, 1918

Minnie writes to tell me she hopes I don’t get the flu. She also tells me of her plans to go home to Manhattan the following weekend to see her sister Bertha before she leaves to join her husband in Washington D.C.

Addressed to Mr. Ward C. Griffing, 25th Company, 164th Depot Brigade, Camp Funston, Kansas
Sherman, Kansas
Wednesday Evening, October 9, 1918

My Dear Ward:

I am sure happy I got a nice long letter and a card from you today. The card was sent yesterday and I got it today. I wonder why it is that sometimes I don’t get your letters till five days after you write them and this one only took two days? I’m glad you are feeling so well. Clint Scott wrote home last week that he was feeling fine. Then they had a letter from him a few days afterwards saying he was in the hospital. He’s there now but he’s getting well.

After what you had told me about your barracks, boy, I sure had to laugh when I read that article. I had told Mrs. Parkerson what you had said about them. Then I read that article to her tonight. She just laughed and laughed. She told me I wanted to keep that.

What in the world did I write that makes you think I’m making such a “grand success teaching?” I am getting along fine, but why shouldn’t I in this school? It’s mostly keeping on the good side of the parents.

Ward, your [post] card was certainly comforting. “Don’t worry about my getting sick, over fifty cases went out of this company today.” It would be strange, wouldn’t it, if I should worry?

Parkerson’s are going to Manhattan tomorrow if it doesn’t rain. I wish I could go along. But I’ll get to go Friday. A week from Saturday is teacher’s meeting in Riley. I’ll go to that, and then I’ll go home from there. This weekend is going to be the last for me to see [my sister] Bertha for a long time. I hate for it to come for that reason.

Did the wind blow your tent over the other night, or didn’t it blow hard over there?

Hope I hear from you tomorrow saying you are all right. That is sure good news to hear. Good night, darling. – Minnie Grace Frey

Letter 44 ~ October 9, 1918

I write my mother to let her know I'm still okay and to update her with camp news. I tell her that I have enrolled in the War Bonds automatic deduction from payroll program.

Addressed to Mrs. Hattie P. Griffing, Manhattan, Kansas

Camp Republican
October 9, 1918

Dear Folks,

Well the “flu” hasn’t got me yet but I had better not brag because it is going thru the company. I believe tho that it is slacking up a little. Some of the men are coming back from the hospital. Our company had a very good percentage of men that didn’t get it as compared with others in camp. Our company is the largest with about 1400 men [and we have only had] about 140 cases while some companies of about 200 reported 150 cases. I have had my throat sprayed nearly everyday and have kept my bowels open and have been careful to not cool off too quick so I may escape.

We sure had a rain Monday night. I thot our tent was going for sure. The walls were rolled up and we had to crawl out and let them down and move our luggage and bunks out from under the leaks. My bedding got a little wet but the sun yesterday dried it out and I sure slept fine last night. After the rain was over during the night sometime, the sergeants came around and made us roll out and tie up the walls again.

We didn’t drill yesterday P.M. The men were sure glad because we drilled hard in the morning and it was so close and I don’t believe a man in camp was feeling just right.

We got paid late yesterday evening. We received pay for time from September 5 to October 1 – 26 days. Then they take out $1.50 for insurance and $1.00 for laundry (the laundry is a steal because we can’t get any laundry work done). That left $18.50. Not much for a month of hard labor, is it? Then they want us to buy [war] bonds with what is left. I signed up for 1 bond. They take $5 out of my pay for 9 months and $4.75 on the 10th month.

I guess I will send home $10 to help pay back what you sent me. I would like to buy a nice present for Minnie on her birthday but if you folks are buying cattle, it will come in more handy there.

You asked if my arm got sore [from the vaccination I received]. It only itched a little while. I don’t believe you could call it a “take.” I can’t feel it now.

They sure drilled us today – forenoon and afternoon both. We go to a different drill field now. It is quite a little farther away and they make us walk there and back at a cadence of about 140 steps a minute. Willis knows how fast that would be. It brings the grease out of a fellow.

I heard the other night that measles were in camp. It certainly is one thing after another. I have my doubts as to whether the quarantine will be lifted by Sunday or not. Yesterday we heard that today a bunch of about 65 were to be transferred to the medical corps but they weren’t. I hoped I would be one of them because then I would get out of here. Well I hope your dinner turns out all right. Did that airplane light out in [Washington] Marlatt’s [fields]? We see them everyday here. Goodnight, -- Ward

Letter 43 ~ October 8, 1918

I write Minnie about the influenza cases, about receiving my pay, and the possibility of my getting transferred and possibly sent overseas.

Addressed to Miss Minnie G. Frey, Stockdale, Kansas
Camp Republican
Tuesday Evening, [October 8, 1918]

My Dear Little Girl –

Well another day has past and the influenza hasn’t caught me. It has finally gotten into my squad. There are only four of us left. I believe half the company has left for the hospital. Some are beginning to come back now. It lasts about a week. It is very similar to lagrippe if no complications set in. I expect everyone in the company will get it before it stops but it is nothing serious. The worst part of it is tho I heard tonight that measles had broken out in camp so there is no chance of the quarantine being lifted. I am glad I have had the measles.

It sure rained last night & the way it blew I thot we wouldn’t have any tent left. When the rain started, we had the walls of the tent rolled up so we got out & let them down. We moved around as best we could to avoid the leaks & then tried to sleep again. I had gotten to sleep when the sergeant came down & made us roll up the walls again [as] the rain had stopped. It was a good thing tho because the tent was stuffy after being used to sleeping with it open. My bedding got a little damp but the sun today dried it out.

We didn’t drill this afternoon. The men were sure glad because we drilled hard this morning & hardly anyone feels real good. Not drilling gave me time to put out a wash. I am getting to be an expert along laundry lines now.

We were paid this evening for time up to October 1. From September 5 to 30 inclusive was 26 days but they take out $6.50 for insurance and a dollar for laundry (the dollar for laundry is a steal because we can’t get any laundry done) so I received $18.50. Not very much for the work I have done, is it? And then they want us to buy Liberty Bonds with that.

I hear that quite a bunch of men are to be transferred out of here tomorrow. I sure hope I am lucky enough to be one of them. With all this talk of peace, etc., the men sort of quit working hard and today the Major gave us a talking to. He said that there wasn’t a man among us but what would go across [to Europe] & probably before snow flies. The war isn’t over yet. Our Lieutenant said ---

I just now had to stop for mess. It is away after dark. Supper was late tonight because it took so long to finish the pay line. Our Lieutenant said that if the war should stop tomorrow, we would [still] go across because there will be so much reconstruction work to be done. “Policing up” he called it.

Minnie, when I left Manhattan for the army, I thot I would surely get a chance to go back in a short time. I wanted to get you something before I left for good but thot I would do it when I got a pass. Now I may not get to a town for some time & may be transferred most anywhere so it may be sometime before I can get [you] anything. There are some things in the way of souvenirs to be bought here but they are cheap.

A man just brought in the mail for my squad. I got your letter written Sunday night. You expect to see me next Sunday but I am afraid you will be disappointed the same as I.

Kid, as I look into the candle flickering there in the breeze trying to think of something interesting to write, I keep seeing you as I have often seen you just as you were that night over three years ago. Kid, when I can hold you in my arms once more after this war is over, it will be with the same feeling of joy that I experienced on that night in April. Well, dear, good night. Write often & don’t worry about me. With lots of love & dreams of better days, -- Ward

Footnotes:

• Another soldier named Charles L. Johnston who worked as a medic in the Camp Funston hospital during the worst of the influenza epidemic wrote home to his sweetheart on October 8, 1918. He described the conditions they were working under by saying, “The roof of our hospital has been leaking in several places and we have been having some time keeping the poor devils dry. The lightening burned our lights all out at once, and we had a hell of a time. It was a real hard electric storm for a while. They are keeping our beds all filled with new patients as fast as we send the old ones "home well" or to the hospital, half dead. There haven't been so many cases the last 48 hours. I sure hope that they all get well soon, for I am sure getting tired of the job. Don't like to stay up every night the best in the world. We put 6 more of our boys in bed today. We are getting real short handed.”

The hospital at Camp Funston during the height of the Spanish Influenza Epidemic