USA > Indiana > Howard County > History of Howard county in the World War > Part 37
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Howard County in the World War
WAR MUNITIONS
In carrying out the second step in the war program, the War De- partment adopted measures to supply the army with all the munitions and equipment necessary for an aggressive campaign. All of the manu- facturing industries of the United States were notified to be prepared, wherever possible, to manufacture war materials at the earliest possible moment. Kokomo's manufacturers made immediate preparation for the change, and began to bid on war contract work. With the assistance of the Cham- ber of Commerce, the local manufacturers kept a repre- sentative, Charles Muckenhern, a man of unusual ability, in Washington to secure contracts for their factories. In this he was very successful, and as a result Kokomo's entire circle of industries was kept in steady operation during the war. Deliveries were made so promptly to the War Department, and the goods were of such superior quality, that the local concerns had no trouble in holding their contracts and securing new ones whenever they were needed. Much credit is due those who had the manage- ment of these factories in charge, because they not only increased production of war supplies but made Kokomo the second city in the state in the number of manufac- turing concerns holding war contracts. Not all the indus- tries making war materials held contracts directly from the Ordnance Department, but secured them through other concerns.
Incendiary Drop Bomb, made by the Liberty Pressed Metal Co , Kokomo, Ind.
The list of factories and munition products are as follows: Superior Machine Tool Company made shells of various sizes, chiefly 155 M.M. dummy drill projectiles. In addition to these were the 4-inch Stokes trench mortar gas, incendiary and smoke shells, which were the only shells of this size made in America that were used in actual warfare; Conron- McNeal Co., later known as the Liberty Pressed Metal Company, drop incendiary bombs, and rifle screwdrivers; Globe Stove and Range Co., ranges, packing boxes, 6-inch trench mortar shell; Kokomo Steel and Wire Company, steel shell forgings, ingots and barb wire; Kokomo Brass Works, aluminum castings, magnetos, carburetors, and 4-inch trench mortar gas shell projectors; Haynes Automobile Company, motors and transmissions ; Apperson Brothers Automobile Company, motors; Pitts- burg Plate Glass Company, glass bull's-eye for ships; D. C. Jenkins Glass Company, water glasses, molasses cans and lantern globes; Great Western Pottery and Kokomo Sanitary Manufacturing Company, hos- pital appliances, faucets and tanks for cantonments; Kokomo Rubber Company, truck tires; Hoosier Iron Works, shell castings; and the Haynes
Six-inch Trench Mortar Shells, made by the Globe Stove and Range Company. Kokomo, Ind.
The picture shows projectiles which were made for guus of various calibers: 37 m. m. gun, 3.8 inch Howitzer, 4.7 inch Howitzer, 5 inch seacoast gun. 6 inch llowitzer. 6 inch seacoast gun. § inch Howitzer, S inch seacoast gun, 9.2 inch Howitzer. 10 inch seacoast gun, 240 m. m. Howitzer. 12 inch seacoast gun. 12 inch seacoast mortar, 14 inch gun, and 16 inch gun. These shells were made by the Superior Machine Tool Company. Kokomo, In l.
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Howard County in the World War
Stellite Company, mirrors, minor operating knives, and tools for making shells. If sworn statements on file in the company's office and testimony of experts on shell production count for anything, it is altogether prob- able that by the use of stellite, shell production was increased fifty per cent. That being true, it is safe to assume that the end of the war was materially hastened by the use of a Kokomo product. Because of the superior workmanship and prompt delivery of material, the Superior Machine Tool Company was kept working on war orders for a con- siderable length of time after the armistice was signed. Kokomo's fac- tories were kept running through the war, giving employment to thou- sands of men and women, and contributing liberally to all war activities. The growth and prosperity of the city was largely due to the wise and efficient management of the business men who were at the head of the in- dustrial and financial institutions of the city. During the entire war there were but two labor disturbances, and these were quickly adjusted. The transition from a war to a peace basis was accomplished without the slightest interruption to business.
FOOD ADMINISTRATION
The third line of action determined upon by the government was the production of more food. Agricultural experts were sent to all parts of the country, lecturing to the farmers and admonishing them of the necessity of increasing the wheat and corn acreage for the coming years. Clubs for the women were organized, and housewives were urged to can their own fruit, as the entire output of factory canned goods would be needed for the army. During the summer of 1917, Miss Clara Edna Berry, teacher of domestic science in the Kokomo High School, conducted a canning school, where correct methods of canning fruit and vegetables were taught. In order to stimulate school gardening, the mayor of the city offered to break lots for those who did not have the means to have it done. War gardens proved to be popular, and during the summers of 1917-18 almost every vacant lot and back yard in the city of Kokomo was under cultivation.
Under the direction of Purdue University a meeting was called at the court house April 7, 1917, for the purpose of discussing ways and means of increasing food production in Howard County. Resolutions were passed strongly recommending that a county organization be formed, having for its purpose the stimulation of food production and the con- servation of resources. These were passed when presented by T. A. Hanson, W. E. Grinslade and George Lybrook. After listening to stir- ring addresses by O. A. Somers, at that time Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, Judge W. C. Overton, George B. Jones and Warren R. Voorhis, the body proceeded to perfect an organiza- tion. Following this meeting a great publicity campaign for food con- servation was launched. Attractive placards, suggesting the necessity
20 48017
E.A.SIMMONS
ELWOOD HAYNES - HARMAN . ALAIN ARMY URIVE
DR.J. R.MORGAN FOO' ADM NISTRATOR
RICHARD RUDDELL EX COMIT -'ERTY - N
GEORGE W. LANDON CARMAX P .A.C.A.
HENRY C. DAVIS CHAIRMAN LIBERTY LUAN
V
O. C. SMITH CHAIRMAN VICTORY LOAN
J.A.KAUTZ GOVERNMENT APPEAL AGENT
J. C. HERRON COM' T. LIBERTY LOAN
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Howard County in the World War
for saving food, were displayed in conspicuous places. Clever slogans touching some phase of conservation were printed on posters and scat- tered abroad throughout the county by means of the mail and airplane. But the most important factor which constrained the people to conserve food was the department of food conservation. The success of the de- partment in Howard County was assured when Dr. J. R. Morgan was appointed administrator. The task was a difficult one, yet in his char- acteristic and forceful way he assumed the duties of the office and made a success of it. His report is as follows :
DR. J. R. MORGAN, HOWARD COUNTY FOOD ADMINISTRATOR
When the war with Germany had reached the point where there was a question of the ability of the Allies to hold out against the Central Powers, the United States went into the war to help the Allies and save her own country. It was evident that if Prussia won, America would have to defend her own territory, for the Kaiser had set out to dominate the world. There was begun the building and equipping of a great army and navy.
Congress organized the people in the greatest civilian enterprise by establishing the Food Administration. The man selected as head of this work was the one who had done so much for Belgian relief-Herbert Hoover.
Mr. Hoover built up an organization in each State to take care of and ship all surplus food to the allies. Much was done by eliminating unnecessary meals and eating only those things that were essential. Civilians were required to use a certain amount of substitutes, thereby relieving staple articles for army use. Mondays and Wednes- days were wheatless; Tuesdays and Fridays were meatless; Saturday was pork- less, and it was in order to save sugar every day. Public eating houses were limited to four ounces of meat, two ounces of bread, and one-half ounce of butter per person per meal. Barley, oats, buckwheat, and corn products were substituted for wheat products. At first 20% of other flours were to be sold with all wheat flour; then the order came to make it 50%-50%. This order brought forth a protest from those who wanted their breakfast bacon. To enforce such stringent measures, the food admini- strator was given power to inflict heavy penalties against those who disobeyed. All food handlers were licensed and pledged to support the rules or go out of business. This applied to public eating houses. Private families were reached wholly on patri- otic grounds, except that they were required to buy a certain amount of substitute with each purchase. The majority of the people responded heartily to the food re- striction measures, and I never heard one objection after the first American blood was shed on foreign soil.
Before the war America used eighty-eight pounds of sugar per capita per annum, but during the war we were restricted to twenty-four pounds per capita.
Dr. Harry E. Barnard of Indianapolis was chosen head of the Food Administration in Indiana, and was so successful in building up an organization in each county that the State was second to none in the nation. His wonderful executive ability, his great earnestness, his quick, unerring judgment, his strong determination, together with his courtesy, won for him the respect and admiration of all the people who worked under him and established for him a record with the national administration. His counsel was sought by Mr. Hoover, and Indiana was cited as an example to other States.
Early in the organization I was notified of my appointment as Federal Food Administrator for Howard County, and I accepted the same, filing an oath to support the constitution of the United States and to enforce the rules of the Food Administra- tion to the best of my ability.
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I put my whole soul into the job, neglecting my own business, giving my whole time, and working my own office force without fee or reward. I received a reimburse- ment from the government for one month of clerk hire fifty dollars-and from the Council of Defense reimbursement for supplies, $425.15, and one-half pay for stenog- rapher. All other office expenses and clerk hire were paid by me in addition to my personal service, which represents my services to my country and to humanity.
Rules were administered without fear or favor and as pleasantly as possible. At times we waited on from 300 to 1,500 people in the office in a single day, and I wish to thank them for their patience and the way they responded and assisted in the work. I want to thank the people in general for their faithful compliance, and I wish to particularly thank the dealers in food products and the people of the eating houses for the kindly way they accepted the regulations and for the special efforts they made to keep them. As a rule the people accepted the rules gracefully, and all contro- versies were caused by misunderstandings. One case only was punished for violation and that was hoarding sugar and flour-the supplies were taken and sold and the proceeds given to the Red Cross, and the offender was allowed to make a liberal contribution to the cause. Another case came to my attention, and that was where a party moved from the city and turned in a large store of sugar and flour, showing that he had been hoarding.
I had for my assistants in this great work the following persons, who were enthusiastic, faithful and zealous in the fulfillment of their duties. The two general office deputies were: Mr. Harry W. Vrooman and Mr. B. Roy Russell, to whom I am greatly indebted for their splendid assistance. They were constantly on the job when needed, and for their most excellent work they have as their pay the satisfaction of knowing that they helped to make the food administration a success.
There were two deputies in charge of the eating and food establishments of the county : Mr. A. E. Deardorff, hotel and restaurant deputy, and Mr. C. S. Williams, deputy in charge of weights and measures. Mr. Arthur Goyer was a special deputy in charge of mills and elevators in the county. Mr. Sidney Banner and Mr. Floyd Imbler were labor deputies: Rev. David H. Shields, church deputy; Judge Fred J. Byers, lodge deputy; Mr. W. H. Mohler, baker deputy; Mr. John McKee, Mr. C. A. Malaby, Mr. Martin Coady and Mr. C. M. Anderson represented the grocers, and the following special deputies served throughout the county: Mr. H. H. Weaver, Green- town; Mr. H. M. Brubaker and Mr. J. M. Todhunter, Russiaville; Mr. John Fenn, Hemlock; Mr. D. E. Thomas, Center; Mr. Nehemiah Main and Mr. C. B. Tudor, Oakford; Mr. S. D. Ramseyer, West Middleton; Mr. O. A. Thomas, Alto; Miss Edna Ellis, Phlox; Mr. John Ritchey, Cassville, and Mr. J. W. Long, Sycamore. These deputies were engaged principally in the work of issuing sugar cards, and they per- formed a most excellent service under strenuous circumstances.
There was a threshing committee of three deputies: Mr. E. E. Stone, Green- town; Mr. John Fenn, Hemlock, and Mr. William Prather, Clay Township. In addi- tion to these, every manager of a threshing ring was made a special deputy to enforce the conservation of grain.
The following persons served on a special committee in an advisory capacity : Mr. Elwood Haynes, Mr. E. J. Humpe, Mr. John B. Joyce, Mrs. W. C. Purdum, Mrs. W. E. Sollenberger, Mrs. G. W. Ross, Kokomo; Mrs. C. J. Davis, Greentown; Mr. Robert Kincaid and Mr. A. C. Shilling, Russiaville. The schools were represented by Prof. A. F. Hutson and Prof. C. E. Hinshaw. The county president of Food Clubs was Mrs. Howard Cottey, whose duty it was to organize township clubs for educa- tional purposes. In addition to the persons above named, I want to mention my own office force, consisting of Mrs. J. R. Morgan, an office deputy: Mr. B. E. Day, Miss Gladys Heaton, Miss Esther Park and Miss Ruth Simmons, clerks, all of whom served faithfully part or all of the time in the food work and contributed to its success.
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Howard County in the World War
The Food Administration was dissolved Feb. 15, 1919. Although the war brought us many hardships, all will agree, no doubt, that it has been eminently worth while to have lived during those stirring and strenuous times.
In conclusion I wish to thank everyone who has been connected with the food administration, and to thank all with whom we came in contact, and to thank God that it is all over, and to hope that the world will be the better and that it will never be necessary to have another war.
I append in closing the final words of my superior officer, Dr. H. E. Barnard of Indianapolis, who says in his notification of discharge on Feb. 15, 1919: "In connec- tion with this announcement, I cannot refrain from a further expression of my sincere personal gratitude for the splendid assistance you have rendered. It was your efforts and those of others associated with us that made possible the proud record of Indiana. We have received only thanks from the Washington officials for the splendid manner in which our task was executed, with never a word of criticism. I am sure I am wholly within the bounds of truth when I declare to you, as I have so many times verbally, that your duties were just as important and consequential, in their place, as were those of any soldier, and for those who contributed to the defeat of the arch enemy of civilization I know posterity will cherish only the kindest reverence." In addition to this I have received personal letters from Dr. H. E. Barnard and Mr. I. L. Miller, his chief deputy, containing words of appreciation and recognition of the work we have performed, and it is such expressions as those contained in these letters that make life really worth living.
LIBERTY LOAN
The fourth line of action as planned by the government was the raising of money. Several billions, an amount almost beyond human comprehension, was to be procured by the sale of bonds. This method of raising money was altogether new to the people of Howard County. Heretofore only the wealthy could afford to own government securities, but under the proposed plan bonds were to be sold to individual purchasers in as small denominations as fifty dollars. It was argued that the owner of a bond had made a good investment for himself, had favored his coun- try, and would become a booster for his government. Howard County was thoroughly organized under the efficient leadership of H. C. Davis, who was appointed county director. Each occupation, city ward, town- ship and precinct had its own sales organizatiion. The men were not alone in this work, but were assisted by the women who were well or- ganized throughout the county. A good-natured rivalry sprang up be- tween teams to see which one would be the first to go "over the top." It was the common opinion among the workers that if the mingling of neighbor with neighbor, farmer with city fellow, and the rich with the poor, had done nothing more than create a closer feeling of friendship and interdependency among the citizens of Howard County, all the time and effort spent in the sale of bonds would have been worth while.
The First Liberty Loan Drive began May 4, 1917, and the allotment to Howard County of $560,000 was quickly subscribed by the banks of the county. The rate of interest was three and one-half per cent, and the purchasers had the privilege of exchanging their bonds for any later
W. H.ARNETT SEC RED CROSS
JOHN E. FREDRICK CHAIRMAN W. S.S.
J. W. JOHNSON CHAIRMAN K.OF C.
C.H.WILL S - KINMAN UNT C WAR WORK.
ISAAC WRICHT, MAYO .! CHAIRMAN CITY AND COUNTY OF IGIAL
A.L.THALMAN CHARMAN ITI -WIN" RELIEF FUND
M.F. BRAND. U.S PUBLIC SERVICE RESERVE · ENROLLING AGENT
REV. OTIS A.SMITH FOUR MINUTE SPEAKER
A. H. HUNT COM'T. LIBERTY LOAN
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Howard County in the World War
series bearing a higher rate of interest. The Second Liberty Loan (Oc- tober 1-27, 1917) for $1,325,000 was oversubscribed by $37,000. These bonds bore four per cent interest and were convertible into those bearing a higher rate of interest. The entire allotment of this loan was taken by the people. This was also true of the Third and Fourth Loans. The use of the four-minute speakers was an innovation of this campaign. John B. Joyce, who was chairman of the speakers' bureau, supplied speakers for the local theatres, rural churches and for special meetings held in the county. These speakers played an important part by bring- ing the issues of the war constantly before the people. This method of education proved to be so effective that it was used in all subsequent drives.
Howard County's Third Liberty Loan (begun April 7, 1918) allot- ment was $950,000. The rate of interest was four and one-fourth per cent, and the quota was oversubscribed by $21,300. The Fourth Liberty Loan (begun Sept. 28, 1918) of $1,900,000, was oversubscribed by $29,550. On April 21, 1919, the Victory Loan was floated, and Howard County banks took the entire allotment of $1,425,000. These bonds run for a period of five years and bear interest at the rate of four and three- fourths per cent. Individual purchasers were given an opportunity to buy. When compared with other counties in the State, Howard takes rank with the first in meeting her allotments, and the number of indi- vidual purchasers.
THRIFT STAMPS
It was shown by the war that the people of the United States were the most profligate on the face of the earth. It was stated on good authority that the American people wasted enough food during the war to have fed the Allies. Whether that statement is true or not, no one will deny that vastly too much was wasted. To counteract, in part at least, the wasteful habits which had been formed, the government offered the thrift stamp as a means of saving in small amounts. One thrift stamp was worth twenty-five cents, and sixteen of them could be exchanged, by paying the accrued interest, for a war saving stamp, which in five years would be worth five dollars. No one person was permitted to purchase more than one thousand dollars in stamps. The War Savings and Thrift Stamp campaign began Dec. 3, 1917, and at that time the sale of stamps was confined largely to school children. In May, 1918, the campaign took on a more serious aspect and the county was thoroughly organized for a strenuous drive. June 28 was designated by President Wilson as W. S. S. day, when all the people were to take an inventory of their stamps already purchased and pledge themselves to buy as many more as possible during the year. A large bulletin board was erected in the court house yard, where the names of all the persons in the county were posted who had
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Howard County in the World War
purchased the maximum number of stamps permitted by law. Thrift clubs were organized in every part of the county, in the churches, schools, stores, factories and banks where stamps could be purchased. All city postmen carried stamps as well as the rural carriers. Howard County's efficient organization, headed by J. E. Fredrick, chairman, sold over $700,000 in stamps during the year 1918, and by the postmaster's report in January, 1919, only ten per cent had been redeemed. So fundamental in its application is the thrift stamp movement that no doubt, in time, it will become a permanent part of the postal system. The State Board of Education of Indiana has planned a course in saving, which will be used in all the public schools beginning in September, 1919.
FUEL ADMINISTRATION
Early in the summer of 1917 it was predicted by those who were in a position to know, that in all probability there would be a shortage of coal during the coming winter. On Oct. 24, 1917, a fuel administrator was appointed whose duty it was to see that coal was not wasted and that those who needed fuel were supplied. In case of necessity coal could be taken from the factories, schools, or any concern, and delivered to those in need. Mr. William H. Turner was appointed fuel administrator, and he was ably assisted by O. H. Buck, J. P. Davis, O. C. Smith, Harvey Lybrook, Wilbur Turner and W. H. Arnett. True to prediction, the city's supply of coal was exhausted during the severe cold weather early in 1918, when it was all but impossible to get a new supply, due to a heavy snow and lack of railroad facilities. On Jan. 18, National Fuel Administrator Garfield ordered all non-essential factories closed until the 23rd. Also for ten weeks all business houses, except those handling foods, were ordered to close on Mondays. There were many anxious days in Kokomo when it looked as though the factories might any day have to close their doors and many families would be without fuel. By an order of the fuel administrator, all electrical display signs were to be discontinued for the time being; business houses could not open until nine in the morning and must close at six in the evening. Householders were ordered to turn off the heat from unoccupied rooms in the homes. For a short time all places of amusement, pool rooms and churches were closed, but the schools were well supplied with coal and were permitted to operate. On one Sunday, in order to save fuel, all the churches in the city held a union meeting in the high school auditorium. With moderat- ing temperature the coal situation grew gradually better and Kokomo escaped without serious results. The position of fuel administrator was one that few could fill, and it was generally conceded that the affairs of this office were conducted in a fair and business-like manner. It was impossible to please all the people, but all will agree that the orders com- ing from the State and nation were carried out without fear or favor.
DR.JAMES W. WRIGHT CHAIRMAN MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS
JOHN B. JOYCE CHAIRMAN FOUR MINUTE SPEAKERS
MAJOR R. DOYAN COM'T. LIBERTY LOAN
GEORGE W. STIDER CHAIRMAN LODGE COM'T. LIBERTY. LOAN
LLOYD MCCLURE CHAIRMAN COUNTY COUNCIL DEFENSE
FRED L. TREES BANK COM'T, LIBERTY LOAN
W. W. DRINKWATER COM'T. LIBERTY LOAN
B.L. DANNER COM'T. LIBÉRTY LOAN
D. C. SPRAKER EX-COM'T, LIBERTY LOAN
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Howard County in the World War
HOWARD COUNTY COUNCIL OF DEFENSE
LLOYD MCCLURE, Chairman
One of the first organizations formed after war had been declared was the National Council of Defense, and its subdivisions, one of which was the county unit. It was the duty of this body to keep the national authorities fully informed as to local conditions, and to further all war activities. In fact, it was to be the leader, the organizer, and the guardian of the safety of the people. The members of the Howard County Council were chosen from the citizens about whose loyalty and patriotism there was no question. Much of the work was done quietly, but effectively, and through its influence the fair name of Howard County was never disgraced by disloyal acts. A brief report of the work done was pre- pared by the chairman of the council, Lloyd McClure, and is as follows:
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