USA > New York > The first hundred years : records and reminiscences of a century of Company I, Seventh Regiment, N.G.N.Y., 1838-1938 > Part 42
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1. Lieutenant Thomas A. Moore 244x250 4. Private 1st Cl. F. H. Glinsman 237
2. Sergeant J. R. Downing 240 5. Sergeant F. S. Johnston, Jr. 237
3. Captain R. A. Devereux 238 6. Corporal S. S. Irsay 236
It is noted by the writer that Captain Devereux has registered a MISS at "prone rapid" in both 1934 and 1935 record firings.
VERY RED)
The answer, Captain, is "master that bolt manipulation" for unless one can do this he cannot hope to become a real good shot. It also shows us conclusively that you have been neglecting your indoor rifle club duties. JOIN THE RIFLE CLUB NOW and once you get so that you can operate the bolt freely and easily the "misses" will disappear, your improvement will be amazing, and you may even find yourself a candidate, for one of the Company I teams !!
Guard mount was scheduled for Tuesday, July 16, and without doubt we were ready to put on the most amazing guard mount exhibition ever seen at Camp Smith. The old-timers tell us that back in the 'nineties Major Landon, when Captain of Company I, put on a guard mount at double time to the tune of the famous "Landon Trot."
Company I, Peekskill, 1935
491
1930-1938
The present Company was all primed to do it first in "riot" squad rushes (just to demonstrate that we really learned how last winter) and then to retire and do it again at extended order. However, the best laid plans go wrong, and just as we were falling in preparatory to marching out the lightning light- ened, the thunder thundered, the heavens opened and the rain came forth. The Company retired in order to their respective dugouts "bewailing" fate for interfering with our sensationally planned exhibition.
The Fire Superiority Problem was scheduled for July 23 and Company I fulfilled all expectations by winning with a score of 4,243 points, and placing first in the State; Company L with 4,127 points, finished second in the Regi- ment as well as in the State. This was an improvement of 935 points over our last year's effort and was 825 points more than scored by Company C, last year's Regimental winner.
Company I, Peekskill, 1935
492
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
MARGIE HART
MIKE SACHS.
NE ZULIEKA
MIDNITE SHOW
SATURDAY
Billy Minsky's
illy Minsky's
REPUBLIC A Daily
....
BURLESQUE
The soldier's dream on the range
At the beginning of the Wednesday night drills, September 4, the Company was startled to find that "squads east" and "squads west," et al., seemed to be on the decline and that a "New Deal" had taken possession of the High Command.
Someone had conceived the strange notion that the individuals making up the organization might be possessed of a certain amount of gray matter.
The idea is a radical one that could hardly be held feasible in any other age than this when conservatism and tradition are being subjected to so many rude jostlings.
The Rifle Club opened its sixty-first season, November 22, with its annual Turkey Shoot and six Company I pioneers and backwoodsmen, viz .: Messrs. A. Anderson, Batstone, Devereux, Glinsman, Matthews and Moore, strode proudly off with birds hanging from their belts. The mystery of how Andy succeeded in crashing in on this select group is explained by the rumor that he was startled by seeing the turkey making ready to charge him, and that he threw his bayonet at it, severing the head at the first joint.
It was an unusually jolly Ninth Company crowd that gathered in the Rumpus Room December 18 for the annual Christmas party. With its exchange of "gifts" and kidding, but the big surprise of the evening was the announce- ment by Captain Devereux that the second lieutenancy, which had been vacant for nearly two years, was to be filled and by none other than our popular and beloved Sergeant John K. Batstone, Jr. No one is more deserving of this promotion, and the Company roared its approval down to the newest man.
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1930-1938
G.L.
Lieutenant Batstone, besides being a most thorough soldier, has always been active and prominent in Company sports, being a member of the indoor base- ball, basketball and Company relay teams. He is also one of the Company's best rifle and pistol shots, and a member of the Regimental rifle teams of 1934 and 1935. In 1934 Jack won the coveted "Governor's Run" in the State matches at Peekskill with a fine score of 98 x 100 from a field of 140 entries. Jack was also a member of the famous five Sergeant team of Company I (shown below) that set an all-time shooting record of 234 x 250 for outdoor qualification at camp last summer. Jack was presented with a sabre as a gift from the Com- pany on review night.
Sergeants, Peekskill, 1936 J. Batstone, F. Johnston, C. Peltin, W. Potter, R. Waite, J. Downing
494
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
1936 GAMBOL OF THE ANCIENTS
In the spring of 1923 about the time nature spread its verdant splendor over the countryside, an idea arose among the older veterans of Company I that they too should renew and refresh the living spirit of friendship founded upon many years of close and happy association in the old Company.
The idea was eagerly accepted and it was proposed that the men enlisted between 1880 and 1890 should meet somewhere in the country for an after- noon and evening together.
The New York Athletic Club at Travers Island was the happy choice for the rendezvous. The first meeting took place on June 6, 1923, and was en- joyed by eighteen men tried and true to all things associated with the Com- pany and their service in it. The day was sparkling and the party was an instant and unqualified success. Everyone thought that so pleasant an event should be continued and from that small beginning sprang the annual Gambol of the Ancients. Every year since then these ardent veterans have met at the same time and at the same place and each year the party has increased in charm.
In 1926 it was thought a larger number of veterans of the Company should be made eligible to share the pleasure of this festival and the period was ex- tended to include the men enlisted up to 1900; and in 1934, as a liberal ges- ture, the eligible period was put forward again to permit all men enlisted up to 1909 the enviable privilege of joining in the frolic. During all these years the "Gambol" has flourished nearly one hundred Veterans have enjoyed this an- nual event and by his presence each one of them has contributed to the pleasure of all the others.
The party has taken on a fixed form almost as rigid as the manual that controlled us in active days. No change of form has been suggested for the idea seems to have been cast in perfect mold.
We meet at the New York Athletic Club in New York about 4 o'clock and drive to Travers Island in motors; the men with cars taking along the others who came without them. In less than an hour we reach our delightful destination and there we sit upon the lawn beside the blue waters of the Sound or watch athletic practice on the track.
There is much talk of old times and events. The gentle warmth of ripened fellowship is about us and everybody is merry. After an hour or so, if one looks closely, a certain restlessness may be noticed, a feeling of anticipation, quite restrained but present beyond doubt. A lull falls upon the chatter and furtive glances are directed toward the clubhouse, and presently someone gets up and moves about aimlessly, and then another and another, and soon every- body is on his feet moving toward a door all know leads to an inviting room presided over by a slim young man clad in a white apron upon whose amiable face is an expression of a desire to please. He is at rest when we appear, quite sedate but alert and watchful. Someone suggests that perhaps he might con- tribute to the success of the party by a demonstration of his skill and he springs
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1930-1938
into action. Ice tinkles into waiting glasses and bottles are brought forward- tall bottles and 'short bottles, some round and others square-each to con- tribute in making concoctions to please the most exacting taste. Each of us becomes interested in the health of his neighbor and pledges every good wish in a most agreeable manner. If anyone should omit to contribute to the pleas- ure of each one of this jolly company by failing to pledge eternal friendship it might be considered reprehensible, but it never has been done!
This pleasant phase of the party goes on apace with sustained enthusiasm. Presently the unassuming Peter enters to tell us dinner is served. Interest changes direction and we go upstairs, across the polished dance floor and out to the enclosed veranda. There an alluring picture is disclosed; a great table set in the form of a square with one side open, brilliantly lighted by the setting sun, is before us. Tempting delicacies are spread upon it, heaps of crisp brown rolls and dishes of celery and other dishes of olives and bright radishes add their color and savor to the coming feast. We sit down in any order we choose and nibble these tempting morsels. We are quite restrained but there is an air of expectancy everywhere, a moment of suspense, and sudden- ly waiters dash down upon us bearing great heaping tin dishes of steamed soft clams! Eager hands reach for them and the enjoyment of a mighty feast be- gins in earnest. A cup of broth yielded by the clams is at every place and a shallow dish of a sauce of enticing flavor is within reach of everyone. Shells are pried apart and the succulent clams extracted, dipped in the piquant sauce and devoured. No more fascinating delicacy can be imagined-the peerless gift of the sea. We work at high speed, clams keep coming, heaps of empty shells are taken away to make room for other heaps. Pitchers of foaming beer are set upon the table, the only acceptable addition to this perfect moment. The last clam vanishes and the comfort of fingerbowls of clear water and fresh napkins restore the composure of the most fastidious. A deep feeling of satisfaction rests upon us, a desire fulfilled-but wait! The waiters appear again, this time bearing half a chicken broiled to a state of golden excellence for each of us accompanied by asparagus served cold with a dressing that brings out perfectly its delicious flavor. Less valiant souls might shrink from this substantial fare added to what has gone before, but not this merry com- pany: no morsel remains to reproach the least robust among us. Ice cream of varied colors appears with the little fancy cakes always found by its side. A cup of coffee is a fitting culmination to the dinner of the frolic of the vet- erans, all friends for many years, drawn together each springtime by this sparkling event.
We wander to another room and sit for an hour or two completely satisfied simply to be in each other's company. Some good stories are told for we have much unusual talent among us in this difficult field of accomplishment, but no speeches are permitted.
The hour of departure approaches and we fade into the night all well pleased to have enjoyed another Gambol with cherished friends.
-WALTER CLARK
496
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
"Get the oil spots off your uniform, Have your shoes well polished quite. Sure your hat brim's smoothly flattened, And your puttees clean and tight. Get your piece and learn its number, Have it clean and shining bright. Be snappy, prompt and steady, For INSPECTION'S on tonight."
-Last charge of the First Sarge.
Federal Inspection on January 22, found the Company spick and span and full of the right answers. Captain Haleston, the Inspecting Officer, didn't miss an item from the crowns of our newly blocked hats to John's dazzling shine on the shoes. Incidentally he must have obtained from Company I the in- formation on various obscure points of military science which he had been seeking elsewhere in vain. (See Regimental Memorandum No. 22 and note that the report on Company I is not exactly like any other !)
Again the Company looked its finest at the review on January 31 in honor of our new Chief of Staff, General Malin Craig. On this occasion Wilson Potter, John K. Batstone, Charles F. Pettinato, Stephen J. Masse, Edward L. Atkins, Robert J. Matthews, and Edward M. Porter were awarded Reserve Officer commissions, National Guard of the United States.
A most perplexing problem that stumped all the "sharks" on etiquette and good form was presented by Private Joseph A. Adams. The question was whether it was proper to wear his "Van Dyke" inside or outside the chin-strap.
Joe finally put the strap outside, but he intends to ask for a ruling from the Regimental Adjutant (our own Captain Morris) for the benefit of future generations.
The Rifle Club victories continue to roll up with Company I breaking records in the most reckless manner.
There were thirty men who qualified (a new Regimental record); 8 dis- tinguished experts; 8 experts and 22 sharpshooters.
497
1930-1938
What can you do with a crowd like this?
In the Regimental trophy competition, the I's sweep the field for the second consecutive year, setting a new record for the Clark 50-man team of 2,149 and beating Company B's 2,144 made in 1879 !
The present record score includes a prone total of 1,155 which is also a new record.
The rifle trophies are very much at home now in the Ninth Company room so they will enthusiastically greet the Adjutant's pistol trophy !
Did you know, by the way, that Major Francis G. Landon shot a "pos- sible" in competition for the same trophy ?
On March 21 the Company celebrated its ninety-eighth birthday with a supper dance in the Appleton Memorial Hall that was a pronounced success. Gus Lundberg, worthy addition to that long and honorable line of Ninth Company artists, was responsible for the attractive menu.
G. L.
9+ CO. ANNIVERSARY PARTY- 1838 -1936
The Annual Dinner of the Veterans at the New York Athletic Club, on April 18, was the usual enjoyable get-together at which you meet someone of the old gang you haven't seen for years, etc., enlivened by the presence of many youngsters of the Active Company.
498
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
At the conclusion of the dinner when, the hilarity and singing being mo- mentarily shushed, there was a pleasant surprise disclosed in the following letter :
DEAR CAPTAIN DEVEREUX :
No Veteran of Company I could fail to be thrilled with pride upon receiving the invitation for tonight's Dinner and learning of the shooting triumphs of the Active Company during the past drill season. It seems fitting that some recognition should be made of such a remarkable accomplishment. Therefore, it is with much pleasure that this (signed) Barye Bronze entitled "Panther Attacking Young Deer" is presented to the Company by two Ninth Company Veterans. In consideration of what Major Landon has done to maintain the interest of all Company I men-both Veteran and Active-we would like this trophy named "The Landon-Devereux Trophy," to remain (if feasible) the property of Company I to be shot for in competition, as you may elect. Of course such details are left entirely to your discretion and there are "no strings" attached.
With heartiest congratulations upon your past record as Company Commander and with hopes of continued victories, we are,
Yours sincerely,
(Signed) EUGENE G. AND J. HEGEMAN FOSTER
This magnificent gift will be formally accepted on May 20 at a dinner to be given by the Actives to the Ninth Company Society in honor of Major Landon and Messrs. Eugene G. and J. Hegeman Foster.
Ninth Company trophies displayed at the Centennial Dinner
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1930-1938
.
Church parade, Fifth Avenue, 1936
THE VETERANS ROYALLY ENTERTAINED BY THE ACTIVE COMPANY
At a formal review and dinner in honor of Major Francis G. Landon and Messrs. Eugene G. and J. Hegeman Foster, the active Company was host to the Veterans on May 20.
The evening started with the review in which the Company made a splen- did appearance and was highly complimented by the enthusiastic crowd of Veterans assembled. Following the ceremony the Company was marched to the room already filled with oldsters where the time honored custom of kid- ding a new honorary member took place. Major Roeliff H. Brooks, the Regi- mental Chaplain, was the victim. It was some time before he really discovered that the wild cheers over his futile attempts to speak was an old Ninth Com- pany leg-pulling custom. When he realized what was going on he enjoyed it as much as the rest of us.
The old punch bowl from the Armory fair having been duly investigated the whole party moved up to the Appleton Memorial Hall which was most beautifully decorated for the occasion. The tables were resplendent with newly won shooting trophies and Regimental plate, and in the center of the speaker's table was the new Barye bronze "Panther Attacking Young Deer" presented by Messrs. Foster and now known as the "Landon-Devereux Trophy."
PHOTOGRAPHERS, N.Y.
Dinner tendered to MAJOR FRANCIS G. LANDON by the Ninth Company, Seventh Regiment May 20, 1936.
Dinner to Major Francis G. Landon by the Ninth Company, May 20, 1936
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1930-1938
Following a dinner that did Mueller great credit Captain Devereux acted as toastmaster. After welcoming everyone to this festive board he spoke for the sincere appreciation of the entire Company in thanking the Messrs. Foster for their fine gift of a shooting trophy and also for the creation of a new annual Company award to be known of our generous benefactors as the "Foster Medal."
The Captain certainly brought down the house when he said: "The Foster Medal which I have just described is awarded by unanimous decision of the Officers of the Company to Sergeant Rupert T. Waite for his outstanding loyal and devoted service to the Company during the past year." The cheers that shook the rafters left no doubt of the popularity of this choice.
Major Landon was next called upon and in part said :
These irrepressible Foster men whom we might call our heavenly twins, at our last dinner presented to the Company a magnificent bronze of some sort of wild animal eating up slackers.
Their philosophy of life is strange but fascinating. For instance they have on more than one occasion subscribed twice when solicited for funds. Then, when remonstrated with, their reply was, "I want to," showing that they have never mentally grown up. These Foster men joined the Company in 1890 and from that moment until the present day this Ninth Company has never had two more reliable and sincere lovers. Always willing to help whenever help was needed, giving of their time and money generously, enthu- siastically and whole-heartedly-they represent the type par excellence of a "Ninth Company Man."
The newly elected "Private" Brooks was then asked to say a few words and prefaced his splendid talk by saying that he had a good mind to refuse after the treatment he had received in the Company room. (Laughter.) But on sec- ond thought decided that he could cause more punishment by talking than by keeping still. The popular chaplain then paid a fine compliment to the spirit of the Ninth in particular and the 7th Regiment in general as exemplified in the gathering and remarks of the evening.
There seemed to be no opposition to the wildly proclaimed sentiment that this was one of the swellest and all round most enjoyable parties in the history of the Company.
SHOOTING HONORS OF 1936
Only nine of "I" Company's riflemen made the Regimental rifle team this year! This is undoubtedly the largest number of men ever placed on the team by any one Company. All of our experts were prominent in winning both team and individual honors during the entire week's State matches. Four of them were "Governor's Honor Men," Captain Devereux with a score of 509, Lieutenant Moore with 493, Sergeant Downing, 493, and Corporal S. Irsay, 481.
An impromptu surprise dinner was given these heroes on Wednesday, June 17, by the rest of the outfit amid great enthusiasm.
Friday, July 24, the Company was shocked to hear of the untimely acci- dental death of our beloved comrade, Corporal John E. Nilsen. The Company gave him a military funeral from the Armory and he was laid to rest at Cypress Hills, Long Island.
.
502
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
- 1936 CAMP
One one of the hottest Sundays of the summer Company I, sweating patri- otically in their nice woolley O.D.'s, left the Armory for Camp Smith and after reaching their destination and making camp they nearly froze to death during the first night. Only hardy New Yorkers can survive such violent changes of our exceptional climate.
Amid the usual incidents of camp life so familiar to the old timers and so trying to the rookie, the Company again showed its superiority with the ser- vice rifle and the automatic rifle as well. Our recruits proved themselves real Company I material by making remarkable scores for first year men.
Here again are the records: For the second consecutive year the Company took first place in the combat "musketry" firing, leading not only our own Regiment but also all other Regiments competing throughout the summer.
Came another blistering Sunday. And also came many wives and sweet- hearts all to swelter in that healthy killing heat.
That afternoon the ceremony known as Consecration of the Colors took place. Brass was at knife-sharp brightness. Body belts and white pants twinkled in a noble line (well, anyway, a line). Newsreel cameras hummed and stared. Hand clapping and squeals from the side lines. And you stand there and won- der just how long you can take it. Hills baking in the distance and your pals baking by your side. High above, a clear blue sky. That's Camp Smith.
A fitting reward for the splendid work done at camp came in the announce- ment that Company I had finished second in the 54th Brigade Figure of Merit award with 85.87% which brought with it $75 in cash-promptly spent to provide a beautiful, suitably inscribed, desk lamp for the First Sergeant's desk.
GOVERNORS ISLAND
Saturday, September 12, at the personal invitation of General Frank R. McCoy, Commander of the Second Corps Area, the Company put on a formal guard mount for the Army Relief Society at Governors Island. That we should be chosen out of all the other National Guard Units was an outstanding tribute. The Company turned out in force on another scorching hot day.
An unsuspected pleasant surprise to all was the "drafting" of our beloved Major Francis G. Landon (Captain, Company I, 1895-1902) for "Officer of the Day," although this caused an anxious moment or two because of the Major's reputation of having formed the guard at Peekskill on the double and to the justly famous "Landon Trot." The Major, however, assured everyone that he had no such thought in mind this time. Rifles were loaned by the 16th In- fantry stationed at Governors Island, and Company I never put on a better performance as evidenced by the enthusiastic applause and compliments re- ceived.
After guard mount was completed the Company stood retreat, then headed by the fine 16th Infantry band started off the field. Suddenly the thunder clouds which had been more or less quietly mobilizing overhead, opened and poured
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1930-1938
their contents on all. While cooling to fevered brows it was rather destructive to newly starched "whites" and all hands sympathized with the 16th whose rifles we were using! The confusion was only momentary as our "Rover Boys" had their O.D. umbrellas out in a jiffy and continued on their way without a break.
The party was continued at Fraunces' Tavern where many enjoyed the historic Revolutionary atmosphere until the wee small hours.
Friday, December 11, Major Landon gave us a party, the largest Ninth Com- pany gathering in twenty years, on our Captain's second anniversary. More than a hundred Veterans met us in the Company room for preliminaries and then proceeded to the Veterans' Room for "High Lights of the First Hundred Years." This was a magic lantern show in which pictures from every stage of the Company's history were projected on the screen with informal explanatory talks by the Major and other Veterans. It was a grand party. Major Landon announced a drive to increase membership in both the Company and Regi- mental Veteran Associations during the Company's one hundredth anniversary year.
1937
The new year began most auspiciously when it was two months old by the announcement of the marriage of Captain Richard Austin Devereux to Miss Dorothy Wolverton on February 27. This brought out all the latent poetical talent of the Ninth Company resulting in a full page of spring fever in which we discover the following touching verses:
504
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
+3 ZING
11
LUNOBĂRE 11'38
Our Captain lost a shooting match Dan Cupid was the foe The rifle, rod, and cleaning patch Were humbled by the bow.
The pen, 'tis said, excels the sword, And now the bow, the rifle! Our armament is moving toward Some weak unwarlike trifle.
The Captain, too, must change his ways No more nocturnal quaffing. He'll find an early hour pays In Friday Field-and-Staffing.
No more he'll go on shooting trips To Peekskill and Camp Perry, He'll stay near home, drink tea in sips And be discreet-yes, very.
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