USA > California > Santa Clara County > War history of Santa Clara County > Part 2
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For San Jose the number of subscribers was 4774. For the county 2228 making a total of 7002. The amount of the loan subscribed by San Jose was $1,611,300 averaging per capita, $337. For the county the subscription was $707,050 per capita average $317. The total bond subscription for city and county was $2,318,350 wiith a per capita average of $331, and only six and one half per cent of the entire population subscribing. The shoulders that Uncle Sam touched had been put to the wheel! Santa Clara county and San Jose "took the loan."
Invaluable aid was given during this and the Second Liberty Loan Drive by Fred Lewis Foster able secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. He was combination patriotic assistant secretary, counselor, solicitor and publicity man, working quietly but efficiently doing a tremendous service. On June 20, 1917, after the "smoke of battle" had cleared away, Dr. W. C. Bailey, President of the Chamber of Commerce and also Secretary of the Liberty Loan Committee, issued the following letter of sineere appreciation addressing it to "The Citizens: "'
"Now that the first installment of the Lib-
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WAR HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY
erty Loan has passed inte history," wrote Dr. Bailey, "as Secretary of the Liberty Loan Cem- mittee, and in behalf of the committee, I wish to congratulate yon upon the wonderful success of the issue and to rejoice with you in this great exhibition of solid financial assistance to the gov- ernment in time of need. We simply could not fail. Returns are sufficient to show that this lean knew no territorial divisions, no financial cliques, no racial factions, but that it was a grand out- pouring of the geld of the whole country by the rich and poor for united American democracy. We are proud of our local participation and we take this opportunity to congratulate all those who helped in any way to make this first install- ment of the Liberty Loan so splendidly successful.
W. C. BAILEY,
Secretary Liberty Loan Committee. COUNCIL OF DEFENSE
Council of Defense always sounded fermid- able. It made you think of a beleaguered castle with foemen at the drawbridge. It conjured up a picture of invaded homes and Israel Putnams leaving horses hitched to various and several plows while the plowmen hurried forthwith to grab their guns. Our lecal Putnams did. At least, under the guardianship of the council, they fermed a home guard and petitioned an obdurate state government to send along the guns. The hearts of the home guardsmen were in the right place; but it developed that the Hunnish hordes were not to be driven frem the Alviso seaboard. Our home defense organized itself along other lines.
Senator Frank H. Benson is the man who introduced the original state council of defense emergency measure requested by Governor William D. Stephens, to the senate. This was done on March 28, 1917, the measure passing without a dissenting vote. This proposed state council ef defense, te be composed of 3 members appointed by the governer, was to be empowered to investi- gate and report on all of California's resources and military needs.
Local members of the council appointed by the governor were Judge P. F. Gosbey, chairman; Henry M. Ayer, chairman beard of supervisors; Arthur B. Langford, sheriff; Arthur M. Frce, dis- trict attorney. Later Derol J. Chace was made secretary, and Goerge E. Hamilton of Santa Clara and H. L. Haehl of Palo Alto were added to the council's membership.
Derol Chase made an unselfishly patriotic secretary, giving not only his entire time, but the use of his automobile to the work of the council. Not every one was quite clear just what duties belonged te this body of men, for the reason that their work was of such a nature that much of it was a secret shared only with their Uncle Sam. The objects for which the nation-wide councils were formed was to safeguard the welfare of the people during the war, te increase food production and promete conservation. To co-operate in carry- on business and industrial pursuits in a manner as
near nermal as possible. To classify all unofficial military organizations and supervise their activ- ities. In short, this council was to co-ordinate patrietic effort.
San Jose citizens at this time were in a state of apathy to the imminence of war and the newly formed council seemed something quite unneces- sary.
No-war didn't seem imminent. Of course we were quite interested in that army camp at Sixth and Santa Clara streets, where companies B and M and a sanitary detachment were await- ing orders. Lieutenant L. M. Farrell commanded the real fighting contingents. Major F. H. Pater- son headed the sanitary detachment and called for volunteers. Don't you remember how queer it seemed for those beys te have to be uncomfortable in tents en that corner lot when their hemes were right here?
Telegraphic reports grew disquieting and the Sixth street camp was very real. It began to dis- turb mothers and sisters, sweethearts and wives. Women didn't want war-they protested. They voiced that pretest by a long, long petition against war, a petition forwarded te Washington. They were not disloyal-they just didn't want WARI It is a way wemen have to want to keep the loved ones safe at home. Then, unexpectedly, that corner lot camp was breken up. Companies B and M left April 2, 1917, under orders. Lieu- tenant Farrell, who didn't stay a lieutenant very long, sent a parting shot to the petition signers. Farrell was a two-fisted fighting man-and he was looking ahead. He announced in plain terms that the "time is upon us when unpreparedness is
madness."
The Council of Defense began to have meet- ings. The war cloud on the horizon was no longer the size of a man's hand. We heard talk of the war, if it came, net being "against the German people but against the kaiser." Fine lines were drawn that shells and shrapnel didn't ever recognize.
Dominic DiFiori, University of Santa Clara graduate, enlisted in the aviation corps and said goodbye. Local regiments were ferming. Major Herbert L. Partridge, retired, was acting colonel of one regiment. Captain Russell B. Tripp, N. G. C., retired, acted as adjutant and Captain R. B. Leland, formerly of the National Guard of Iowa, served as quartermaster. Four local companies were headed respectively by Lientenant Argyll Campbell, Lieutenant William L. Howe, Lieuten- ant Byron W. Gray, all formerly of the N. G. C., and Captain Clyde, A. Bostwick, formerly of the Missouri National Guard.
Then City Manager Reed began the organiza- tien of the Home Guard which was to take the place of departed companies B and M. A com- mittee of patriotic citizens met at the chamber of commerce-just 11 men-and decided to have a city Loyalty Demonstration. Ten Spanish War Veterans led by Captain B. B. Kavanaugh, pre-
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WAR HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY
sented themselves at this meeting and offered their services as a nucleus for the Home Guard. This was a memorable meeting. The San Joseans pres- ent beside the war veterans were Thomas H. Reed, Alexander H. Sheriffs, W. G. Alexander, Howell D. Melvin, D. M. Burnett, E. N. Richmond, Arthur B. Langford, Chief of Police Black, Louis Cam- piglia, A. B. Post and J. F. MeHenry.
San Jose's part in the great world war really started in a civic way at this meeting. The fol- lowing Tuesday there was a meeting of the cham- ber of commerce. Dr. W. W. Campbell came down from Mt. Hamilton to tell us about the stars which we were in a way of forgetting. He reminded us that "the earth formed but a tiny part of the great scheme of spheres and planets which strentch from us into infinity." In the trying months to come, months that tried the very soul fibre in a man, Dr. Campbell could have told us about other stars. There came a time when three blue ones shone in the window of his mountain home. Ken- neth, driving an ambulance on the fighting line in Italy. Douglas, Captain Douglas Campbell later, with the aviation corps in France, and Wallace with the fighting engineers.
The local Knights of Columbus and many other organizations adopted patriotic resolutions to stand by the president in whatever policy he determined should be ours. The Sons of Veterans offered their loyal services and everybody was asked to display the flag.
Not everyone knew that there were two Coun- cils of Defense in our city. Those who chanced to be down town on the morning of Saturday, April 7, understood without having heard the ·declaration, that we were in a state of war. The North Ninth street Council paraded! Led by Captain Harry Vance, aged 13 years, came a guard numbering 14. The contingent included a hos- pital corps consisting of three white-paper-capped Red Cross nurses, the crosses being artistically done in red crayon. Captain Claire Declair wlio owned to seven years led the nurses. The fighting squad, beside the Captain, was officered by three First Sergeants Ernest Delair, Ralph Guther and Milton Dampier. The rest were "just privates." Recruites were asked for at headquarters, 141 North Ninth street and special inducements prom- ised in the way of drum beating, flag raisings and marching.
One tremendous task undertaken by the grown- up Council was the listing of all farm equipment available to assist in increased food production.
At the time of the first registration County Clerk Henry Pfister took his place on the Council with a plan for handling the big task. This was done in response to an appeal from Sacramento- sort of a "ery from Macedonia" to "come over and help us!" "It's a big job you are putting on me," was Pfister's comment "but I can do it and want to do it for the cause." June 5, 1917, by the President's proclamation, was named Registration Day for all men between the ages of
21 and 31. This was a matter of very great importance and was responded to in a most patri- otie manner. Upon designation of the day, the Council of Defense launched a campaign of publicity. Letters were sent to all school heads and the children were told to carry the news home to "Daddy." Foreign speaking residents were reached through the officers of their societies and a speakers' committee. Sheriff Langford assisted by Dan J. Flannery, "covered Chinatown."
Finally a halt came. Postage stamps cost money. Down in their pockets went the members of the Council to the depth of $5 per member. That meant a treasurer. Derol Chace gained the treasureship by a unanimous vote. That was all right with Derol. He was ready to do anything for Uncle Sam-even to the buying of stamps. Only-he was getting interested in another kind of "Defense." On May 31, 1917, he resigned from the Council and shouldered a real gun and marched away. Fighting on the home lines couldn't hold Derol-not with the greatest adventure in the world promising glory overseas and his flag call- ing for men.
Not every man who longed to go accompanied him. Hearts young with patriotism were disguised with thick coverings of years. John Brokenshire, aged 59, and his 65 year old "pal," Mr. Peasley, engineer at the Southern Pacific Roundhouse wanted to fight for Old Glory. They went to San Francisco to enlist as stationary engineers. Each owned to being "45"-but there was a very dis- agreeable young officer who said "no." There was no use in argument and the "boys" took the first train home.
W. C. Short of the firm of Short and Ryan was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Derol Chace's enlistment. The Council almost went down for the third time in the struggle over regis- tration and naming exemption boards-and war gardens-and everything! Plans changed. It was decided that Clerk Pfister should have charge of all registration outside of San Jose and City Man- ager Reed and City Clerk Louis Bailey all that within the city limits. San Jose was entitled to separate registration because of a population over 30,000.
The Council wide-spread publicity campaign missed somebody. One morning a lean, lanky woodsman wandered into the municipal employ- ment bureau looking for a job. Before leaving town he connected with Uncle Sam's offer of $30 a month and board. This chap said he hadn't heard a thing about any registration. He had been chopping wood in the mountains not more than 30 miles from San Jose-but the news hadn't reached his lonely cabin.
One patriotic endeavor for which great credit is due the council, was the launching and helping to bring to success the 1917 war garden campaign. The council's efforts were successful in obtaining lowered water rates and free water for many vacant lot gardens in order to promote increased
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WAR HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY
food production. During this movement, much of the large amount of labor and detail involved was taken up by various committees, and, as Kipling is fond of saying, "that is another story."
Meetings were held from time to time when- ever matters of grave importance had to be dis- cussed as war activities increased, more members were added, until at the time of the November 16, 1918, meeting the personnel of the council was as follows: Mrs. J. P. Shambeau, chairman of women's committee; Mrs. W. H. Shockley, chair- man of women's committee food conservation; Mrs. John G. Jury, chairman largest group women 's activities; George E. Hamilton, chairman commiti- tee commercial economy; Miss Stella Huntington, chairman collection books and periodicals; H. M. Ayer, chairman fire protection; H. B. Martin, food administrator; H. W. McComas, four minute men; Byron Millard, city fuel administrator; E. A. Wilcox, eounty fuel administrator; D. J. Flannery, general speakers bureau; J. M. Parker, liberty loans; Judge II. D. Tuttle, non-war construction; E. N. Richmond, chairman Red Cross; Fred L. Fehren, Stanislaus plan; W. S. Clayton, chairman war donations; Joseph E. Hancock, war gardens; Prof. H. B. Leland, chairman war history; Dr. James B. Bullitt, chairman war savings stamps; C. S. Allen, war service league, and Mrs. L. T. Smith, women's mobilized armny.
At this meeting, November 16, 1918, reports of the chairmen of the various war activities were cither read or filed. If you think San Jose didn't accomplish any war work, after you finish this sketchy human interest story, just wade through those reports!
By this time the name of the council was changed to the Santa Clara County division of the State Council of Defense and almost immediately the council, as such, went out of existence, its war-reason for being having ended. At the last meeting held on January 4, 1919, Judge P. F. Gos .. bey presiding, with large generosity, "all the duties heretofore delegated to this body in con- nection with all war work" were assigned and set over to the community council, its "administrat- ors and assigns!"
(That wasn't quite the last thing. In a sort of postscript to the minutes is this notation: A motion was made and carried that ALL FUNDS remaining in the hands of the secretary of this organization be returned to the members pro rata from whom they had been received.)
FIRST Y. M. C. A. DRIVE
Wherever a "hut" was emblazoned with the "Red Triangle," wherever the Young Men's Christian Association planted its standard, whether in the mud back of the front line trenches, high in the snow elad mountains, in navy camp or army cantonment in the homeland-men read its mean. ing clearly. It stood unchangeably for human integrity; for the best and highest and purest things in the lives of temptation-tried men. In America it approximated the "little house on the
hill" and the light in the window and the loved ones who kept that light glowing. Overseas it stood for everything-for home and love-and God! The insignia of the Red Triangle on the khaki coat sleeve of the "Y" volunteer, unarmed except for his "sword of the spirit" was the sign and seal of knighthood, the * emblem of . broad humanity and a close bond of brotherhood.
The "Y" was "there"' with chocolate and comfort and care. It wrote letters home and held hands growing cold in the hour of final sacrificc. It kindled cheer in lonely hearts-and lighted cigarettes. It didn't go about with a Bible in one hand and a gun in the other. Its hands were ready for service-a whatsoever service that reached from the common things of every-day to the last earthly need. It was a messenger, a "runner" from enlistment bureau to front line trench, led by homely duty and upheld by the strength of a righteous purpose. It was the men's service for men-and the story of its war-time endeavor, even its local endeavor, will never ade- quately be told.
On May 5, 1917, the Young Men's Christian Association started work on a national campaign for $3,000,000 for war work. Of this amount Santa Clara county's quota was $5000. This fund, to be used for work among the soldiers and sailors of the United States army, was raised at the request of Uncle Sam. The request included a call for 1000 of the association's best trained secretaries to work with the soldiers.
For this drive, California was divided into nine sections with nine executive secretaries in full charge of the financial features. The Santa Clara county division with San Jose as head- quarters, included Santa Clara, Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties.
R. H. Gossom, a well known "Y" worker, had complete charge of the district and John R. Mott, general secretary, was at the head of the national campaign. The San Jose campaign received the hearty endorsement of the local "Y" directors on May 9, 1917, at which time R. H. Gossom was present at the meeting. Hiram A. Blanchard, president of the San Jose association, was delegated to select a district committee to operate the "drive," with the able assistance of John D. Crummey, vice president, and George C. Wilson, secretary. At a dinner on May I1, State Senator Herbert C. Jones "boosted" tthe local campaign with a full explanation of the associa- tion's objective. It was stated that the plan of mobolizing 1000 secretaries included extra equip- ment, educational and for amusements, for the benefit of the soldiers at every army post. This equipment was to include 200 pianos, 200 build- ings, 200 moving picture machines, 200 phono- graphs, 40,000 pounds of ice per day, 1000 pens and barrels of ink for the "home letters." There were to be added 95 trucks and tons and tons of reading matter.
Plans were completed and at a "Y" dinner
WAR HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY
on May 22, Senator Herbert C. Jones presiding, two "Generals" were chosen to head friendly opposing teams in the campaign for the $5000. These generals were District Attorney Arthur M. Free and Senator Frank H. Benson, who was also general chairman.
At Grace Baptist church on Sunday, May 20, Frank D. Keene, who had left the College of the Pacific to join the colors under the standard of the machines, and Hector Sawyer, local high school boy, also a "soldier of the sea," told an interested congregation of what the "Y" meant to the enlisted men. These San Jose boys were home on their first shore leave and gladly enlisted their time in the cause of the "Y."
On the evening of May 22, the generals, cap- tains and enthusiastic workers gathered fer din- ner at the Y. M. C. A. and the following morning, May 23, the campaign for "$5000 in two days" began with a rush. The two teams, headed respec- tively by District Attorney Arthur M. Free and Senator Frank H. Benson, had ten sub-teams, each with a captain and twe workers. Others were te be added as needed. The captains of the Free team were: E. N. Richmond, Judge F. B. Brown, A. S. Bacon, Rev. J. A. Sutherland, L. D. Bohnett, J. D. Crider, C. E. Kelsey, Prof. C. M. Osenbaugh and W. G. Rambo. Benson's team was captained as fellows: E. R. Wagner, D. J. Denhart, H. M. Barngrover, L. P. Edwards, Rev. George I. Long, J. D. Crummey, W. L. Atkinson, H. A. Blanchard, A. G. Wilkins and C. F. Crothers.
With that "officering" and the personnel of live San Joseans who lent their time and energy to the drive one understands how we "went over the top" in this first war work campaign for funds in two days! The first morning $1683.50 was subscribed. That same day the local workers felt the personal touch of Uncle Sam's call for "Y" secretaries. District Secretary George H.
Gessom received a message that he had been
selected and that he must hold himself in readi- ness fer service in France. That message was an incentive te endeabor. Men were needed and men were being called te minister to the physical and spiritual needs of "our boys." Frem stere to store, up and down the city streets, went these pioneer "Y" solicitors-and never were they turned away. The "Y" had proven its usefulness and now when it asked for help in se worthy a canse there was no one to say "ne."
The dollars rolled into headquarters in a steady stream. The evening of the second day, May 24, the cheers of the campaigners almost "raised the roof" of the "Y." They had the requested $5000 with $500 over-our loyal city's usual "eversubscription " to a worthy eause. Arthur M. Free's team reported $2331.50, but the honors for amount went to Frank H. Benson's workers when they turned in $3203.00. Cheer fol- lowed cheer! Speech followed speech! The "Y" president, Hiram A. Blanchard, Vice President John D. Crummey, Prof. C. M. Osenbaugh and
Senator Herbert C. Jones all delighted in telling the story of the two big days in lecal Y. M. C. A. histery.
After the money was counted and the werk- ers "rested from their labors" the letter of thanks came from District Manager Gossom, in which he said:
"I desire to personally express my apprecia- tion to the people of San Jose for the splendid way they have responded to the call of the Y. M. C. A. for the support of its work among the enlisted men. *
* * I have no hesitancy in assuring the public that its generosity has not been misplaced and that San Joseans in assuming their full pertien of the war fund requirements in the short period of two days have again set for themselves a record of which they may justly be proud. ""
A local. editorial commenting on the quick response of the city to this call said: "This response is an indication of the high character of the people and a fine manifestation of disinter- ested consideration for a cause that has done great things in the war for humanity."
This did not end our gift te the Y. M. C. A. During the dark days overseas and the time ef dread and waiting here eight Y. M. C. A. seere- taries left San Jose to minister to their soldier brothers in a beautiful "whatsoever way. The men who left their homes and went forth en this great errand of love that war made a perilous adventure, were George C. Wilson, local Y. M. C. A. secretary; Rev. William L. Stidger, pastor of the First Methodist church; Rev. O. P. Bell, former pastor of the United Presbyterian church; Senator Frank. H. Benson, John H. Tupper, Jesse H. Hedger, Fred Evans, Charles A. Miller and Rev. E. A. King. The intimate experiences of these unarmed crusaders for human liberty are chapters of history written by the white light of unselfish service.
Other men came into the work particularly. for overseas service, but in the persen of George C. Wilson, San Jose's Y. M. C. A. sent a "real" secretary to the front. This was his life work, the great endeavor that held his heart in its keep-, ing and to him came the gravest experience. Fer more than seven months in the St. Mihiel and other salients, he was constantly under airplane and shell fire. One night on an errand of mercy te the heys at the front, the truck in which he was rid- ing through the blackness of the unlighted night along a perilously shell-pitted road, collided with another machine. In the terrific smash Wilsen was very severely injured. Wandering away in a delir- ions condition he stumbled and fell into a shell hole and was gassed. Some time passed before he was rescued. Invalided to the south ef France he refused to be an invalid and soon returned to the horror of actual fighting scenes to minister to "his boys."
Jesse Hedger, previously in active. "Y" ser- vice at home, just "had to go." When the call
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WAR HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY
came Rev. O. P. Bell found his work among the Russian soldiers in France. Home on a furlough his heart is overseas and he expects to return to carry the light of the Red Triangle 'where it may be needed. Rev. E. A. King went to France after the signing of the armistice to help Uncle Sam carry out his educational campaign among the sol- diers along the lines of sex hygiene, a subject upon which this "Y" secretary is a recognized authority. At the date of this writing, June, 1919, Rev. King, Jesse Hedger and Charles A. Miller, who is engaged in athletic work, are still overseas.
One interesting thing to the home folks is the comparisons of impressions made by their war service on the local "Y" secretaries. Rev. Wil- liam L. Stidger, minister, and able writer, has told us of his experiences and chronicled them for all time in "Soldier Sihouettes." He brought back a picture of deep spiritual significance. The sacrifice, the service, the prevalent spirit of brotli- erhood evidenced amid the suffering and devasta- tion, sent him home with a broader vision and deeper spirituality. Senator Frank H. Benson lad little to say of the glory of war upon his return. To him the scenes of war were one vast horror with all the abominations of bloodshed and deso- lation. Brotherhood-yes. Beautiful sacrifice- yes. But the awful price! Upon his brain were indelibly printed pictures of "No Man's Land" with its shell ploughed earth, shattered bodieis and heaps of unburied dead.
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