Dear Folks,Have not written you for several days, owing to the demand for my services which are both a pleasure and a time killer to me. You know from my previous letters that I was assisting the supply sergeant keeping records and evading details. Now comes the important part (if you have tears, prepare your handkerchiefs) - four days ago, the Y.M.C.A. established a canteen in our town. Where is the canteen? In the town mayor's office. Where is the town mayor's office? In the supply room. Where am I? In the supply room. Do you see where I come in? Immediately and automatically I became an assistant to the town mayor who became the acting secretary of the Y.M.C.A. The work was and is very interesting, selling sweets, cigarettes, towels, biscuits, etc. at very reasonable prices.
Last night I received an order to report to an entertainment officer -- what took place follows:
Scene: Room (parlor) two beds, table, half a dozen chairs, a piano, most of the good furniture was removed before we came in (reason unknown).Louey turned to the rest of the gang, gave instructions, asked questions, and offered suggestions. I suggested that we adjourn and have a little time to think it over. I returned to the supply room, the Y.M.C.A. and the town mayor's room which is all in one and is no bigger than a double telephone booth.Time: Nine o'clock
Cast: Lieutenant and a dozen other soldiers
Enter, I, myself.
I entered. The room was in silence. The officer offered me a chair, don't remeber whether it was a request or a command but I obeyed. The room was still in silence, I turned to one of the men and said, "so this is what you have been discussing?" "oui" he replied, in his best evening French.
Lieutenant: "Now, Cohen, we are about to start a company show, and the boys say you are funny."
I: "I don't see what they see."
Lieutenant: "Well, I mean there is an order from headquarters to start a theatrical troupe in each particular company and I want you to help us."
I: "I will do anything in my power to help you Louey"
Louey: "What we want is something that will keep the men in the place, a show that will keep their interest, what do you suggest?"
I: "Confine the company to quarters."
Louey: "Cohen do you tell funny jokes?"
I: "I don't know but I will give you a sample of what I know." and I told two or three good ones, all were asleep but the two Frenchmen who were up to watch the valuables and piano.
Louey: "Do you sing?"
I: "No"
Louey: "Good we want you, we can use you."
I: "I can police the theatre, sell programs, etc."
Louey: "We can use you, now you can write a monologue and a dialogue, a few gags -- you know."
I: "Oui, that's as easy as taking candy from a tiger"
The town mayor who is a corporal noticed my stern serious countenance and inquired if I had gotten into trouble or ----- In a few words I gave him an idea of what had passed at the meeting ----
Just then the supply sergeant rushed in. "Listen George!" he cried, "my furlough came through just now, I am leaving tomorrow for ________ (a town in France) that left me with three good positions on hand and nothing to worry about. To make matters more complicated we received a lot of clothing which had to be distributed to the men in conjunction to selling at the counter. However, the work is very interesting, the time flies, four or five days pass and it's Thursday, so what do I care?
This is the reason for neglecting you for several days.
Will write again in a day or two.
Your loving son and brother, George
P.S. In a short time we entertain in New York.
Somewhere in France March 10, 1919 Dear Folks,
While the rest of the company is busy cleaning equipment and brushing up on their general appearance, I am in the supply room figuring out requisitions, checking and doctoring records so that when the finale comes all will be well.
Tomorrow is a day set aside for a review. The whole company with the exception of a half dozen and me are going out to make a display of themselves, to show the general that we are fit to go back to the States. The boys are working very arduously to create a good impression. In general the run of the schedule has been improved. First of all, they seem to have found where the leak was, it has stopped raining and the days are beautiful. Just like the April days in New York, beautiful sunshine and balmy breeze and everything ---. The hours have also been reduced, more recreation, more fun consequently it has brought up the morale of the company. Athletic games are another feature which the boys enjoy. Somehow as the days pass conditions are getting better and pleasanter.
Our theatrical production is doing very nicely. There is no doubt in my mind that our President's main motive in going across was to see us perform. All we need now is the theatre and the audience, the play is set and we are waiting. It is a great relief for me to while away my time rehearsing and fooling. An hour a day is a wonderful stimulant.
Have neglected all my correspondence on account of many jobs and positions. Topics are few, am very restless, "I want to go home", that's all I know---
For the last ten days there has been no mail for me. I presume that you think it worthless to write at this stage of the game. Fear not, you will know exactly when we sail for the dear old U.S.A. --- The last rumors are April 10th or the latest April 15th so that it will not be long after you receive this letter that you will receive some more soldier male.
Good bye and love to all, George
Somewhere in France March 19, 1919 Dear David
"Busy" is too mild a word, it doesn't do me justice. I am the busiest man on the four Eastern hemispheres. I wrote you about a week ago of my several positions and responsibilities and if you harken a moment I will relate the story of our successful production and my debut.
Saturday night was the night set for the long expected and anticipated event. Lack of hall or indoor place to perform delayed the tremendous stupendous spectacle but finally it was agreed to stage the "PIECE" outdoors. There being no way out and no choice we consented to do our best though handicapped.
A stoop, an ordinary stone stoop served as the stage, a wire supported by two poles (or Hebrews) was used to uphold the curtain which was constructed and sewed together with safety pins by the company mechanics. Of course, the curtain was of khaki hue with a grease spot here and there, a pretty thing. So much for the outward appearance. The stage proper consisted of two benches and a soap box. The room which led to the stoop, no other than the Y.M.C.A., the supply room , the mayor's office, and the cantonements office was converted into a dressing room.
Imagine fifteen men making up black face with only two mirrors, picture the noise, the excitement, it reminded me of going over the top, it was so different.
Six o'clock the mob outside awaiting anxiously the long promised treat, was clamoring for us to commence the execution. Fearing a riot, or that they would demand their money back, we took our positions prepared for the worst, so was the crowd, the feeling was mutual.
What we do and what we are supposed to do are different things. The scene was intended for a camping party, consequently our song was the lost strains of "camping tonight on the old camp grounds" this is done behind the curtain so that the audience does not know who is responsible for the singing.
Now, assume that the curtain has been drawn, the electrical (d)effects flashed, both candles are burning, we use whole candles instead of halves, they give more light. Although they were the last we had and we were ordered to go "light" on them. From the tenting song we swing into two popular airs and stop at the end same as good actors.
Now the two end men, (I am guilty of one end) have a few words between them. For laughing purposes only, followed by another song led by one of the men and chorus by entire company. Then comes another barrage of funny jokes between the two ends, we quarrel, make up (we made up before we started) and quarrel again. Oh, it's a pretty thing. Just then a fellow breaks through the crowd, looking for the company, he has a pack and rifle and when he finally reaches the stage, recites a poem -- of course we are all surprised at the interruption but we expect it, it shows clever acting, nor has he carried the pack the distance he claims in the poem. It's all make believe, this is inside information I don't want it to go any further ----
Another song by the interlocutor, and then a few more hilarious jokes, etc. Then a quartet made up of four men, a tenor and three soldiers, push out some very harmonious melodies. As they bow for the applause the two ends again let loose about something or other --- and then as a filler just to kill a little time they give me the floor for a monologue. Owing to the poor stage and facilities I was forced to sit, there was no room to stand. The talk is about the army, a collection of stories that I have saved during my stay in France and it would be worth money if they were only good. At the conclusion of my talk which resulted in no casualties I tried a little trick, I once saw Ed Wynne do at the Winter Garden. The crowd wanted more stories and I said that if they mentioned any topic I would tell them a joke. One fellow hollered out "stew" - - I thought a moment and then told a story of a little boy who went fishing and happened to fall in, a preacher came along and fished him out. Now the preacher said, "Little boy how did you come to fall in" and the boy replied, "I didn't come to fall in, I came to fish." "Now, is there any other topic?" I inquired. The point may not be very clear in writing but no matter what the topic is, the story remains the same, but the audience is kept in suspense anticipating the story to be about the topic that was given from the "cash customers" and at the conclusion of the "GESHICHTE" I asked for another topic. I just bring this one joke to illustrate what sort of an audience we are playing to. The following morning one fellow remarked, "Cohen, didn't that guy say stew and you were talking about a fellow fishing, didn't you make a mistake?
The next song is 9:30, that's the name of it. It can be sung at any hour if the M.P.s allow. This ends the first part. Like all regular productions it has two parts and if the populace remains we will resume the show ---- they did.
Part Two
Same scene -- NIAGARA FALLS ---- HEAVY
Niagara is a bride's name, she stumbles over a broken board enjoying the trip immensely.
The plan of the stage has been changed completely, another soap box is added to make a platform. Now comes a military wedding, home made, never been used and contains a tremendous number of legitimate laughs. Appreciated by men who have had some knowledge of the military terms and commands. It was the treat of the evening, resulted in a bigger thing than we expected. The crowd cheered us heartily, maybe because it was the end and was well because it ended well. We, the troupe, enjoyed the show in spite of the fact that everything was dark.
The worst is the dash for water to wash off the make up. However, actors don't mind such little things. After an hour of scrubbing, I succeeded in reaching my original and only genuine face. Same one that I have been using for years.
The comments were very favorable, so good that an officer who happened to witness the performance promised to book us for the Argonne auditorium, no doubt you have heard about the Argonne players, that's the 77 divisional show. We laughed at the statement but Sunday as we were rehearsing a memo arrived that we are expected to play in the aforesaid auditorium on Monday night at 7:30.
This is another topic that I will write you about in the near future as soon as some of the actors recover the injuries.
Remember where I left off so don't expect any more letters about the train ride. I will be telling of my boat ride soon, compri?
Yesterday I received two letters, the first in two weeks, you are treating me worse than I am treating vous. But what's the use by the time you receive this letter and reply to it, why you know ----
Regards and love to all George
Somewhere in France March 28, 1919 Dear David,
I promised to tell you of the performance in the town where divisional headquarters is stationed.
At ten o'clock on St. Yonkel's Day, two trucks pulled into town for the troupe. I cannot think of any reason why they were on time, to the minute, unless because they overslept. We packed in all our belongings, props and two lieutenants and off we went to Sable, that's the name of the town ---. As we entered the town we noticed that (in our honor) the street cars stopped or maybe because they haven't any. The men were all in uniform promenading along the avenue. Eventually we arrived to the Argonne Auditorium, nothing more than a big barrack hand made and decorated, a seating capacity of about four hundred including corporals and plenty of standing room. A stage, a little above the orchestra and foot lights available if you have the candles.
It was about twelve o'clock when everything was arranged. Being time for dinner we disbanded and promised to be at the theatre at two o'clock for the rehearsal. After a light meal which relieved us of enough money to support a family in New York for a week provided they only have twelve children, we again congregated in the auditorium to polish up our bits --- It resulted in the worst rehearsals we ever had. All kinds of mistakes were made, miscalls, interruptions and everything imaginable. At five we were told by our entertaining officer that a certain company had prepared a special meal for us for dinner and had also made supper and was expecting our presence. We regretted that we disappointed them a lunch hour for many reasons but decided to go there for supper.
Special supper -- another ladle of water in the stew and a thumb in the coffee -- one by one we stole into a restaurant and partook in a special supper prepared for any man having the necessary ----.
On our way back we stopped in a drug store and purchased several tubes of cold cream, parted with a dozen francs. Imagine how much cream you could buy for that in New York ($2 ) you'd need a push cart ---.
We arrived in the theatre about six o'clock, it was already half full (I suppose they didn't know who was going to perform). We entered through the stage entrance and started to "make up". The crowd grew larger and larger. At seven o'clock the S.R.O. (standing room only) sign was doing a big business. At seven thirty the advertized time we gave the signal that we were ready for the drive, ready to go "over the top".
We started with a rush, the opening chorus was wonderful, the applause gave us the greatest confidence. The gags got the required results and the next song almost brought the house down ("How're you going to keep them down on the farm after they've seen Paree?") The harmony was superb. Another barrage of jokes awoke several of the men and our M.P.s and immediately another fellow charged with a song drew fire and was forced to send for re-enforcement's. Next other good jokes and then a poem followed by another song closed the first half. By personal request I was moved out between the two halves, served sort of an intermission. Well, I am here to tell the tale. And then the military wedding, the funniest thing ever shown on any stage. For the number of laughs drawn bigger than anything you ever saw. The crowd liked the performance, we were pleased because the clean wholesome entertainment had proven a success. Half an hour later we were on our way to our town all in best of spirits and jolly moods. At eleven thirty we were back in our town and under cover ---
The moral: Try and you will succeed (see the Kaiser). This is enough about the theatricals, I am anxious to see a real show. Perhaps Shubert could get a discharge for me on grounds of support.
As things and rumors stand or rather stood this afternoon we are to sail April 23rd. but I have not seen the officer since so you cannot base conclusions on this bit of information.
That grandstand you talk of the parade of the 27th, the celebration, the ovation and welcome is just a dress rehearsal for the 77th, we are fifty ahead of them, figure it out for yourself.
At present I am in the Y.M.C.A. or supply room, it is nine o'clock, the town is very quiet, the boys are either in the billets or in the cafes -- Picture nine o'clock Friday in New York, now stop.
Love to all, your brother George
Somewhere in France March 31, 1919 Dear Folks
Our sailing day and date is nearing, the orders that are arriving seem to be of serious nature. They mean business, the officers are certain that by the twenty something of the month we will be on board ship. The days are more pleasant since the last latest report is materializing. Everything in general is much brighter. It has even stopped raining and the sun, when out, is a real American Sunshine.
Am writing little these days. There seems to be nothing to write about. Our theatrical production has been disbanded owing to the "FLU" that has broken out in some of the other companies we were supposed to play to. Our last stop was in a barn, I will never forget the scene when we started to the so called barn -- Our props (all good shows have props) were put into a cart each actor played the part of a horse at certain intervals. The rest followed behind the cart ready to take position when the team "fell out". It resembled one of the traveling minstrel shows you read about in good magazines. When we reached our destination we were allowed to carry the costumes to the top floor of the barn which was the sleeping quarters of the company. The fellows stood by and told us how to do it whenever we found it difficult to mount the stairs. They were nice that way.
We didn't blacken, it was dark enough, the piano was out of the draft, probably served in the other European wars, it was wished on us for music. The white keys could not be distinguished from the darkies. A beautiful instrument, one that could not be found in any millionaire's house in New York. The boys preferred singing with out the piano, only the finale we marched around the room accompanied by the "KAILE", what I mean is.
As I turn to my diary and decipher the hand writing it tells of the many inspections we had a year ago today. The days are coming back, history repeats itself, every day there is another "show down" inspection when we are required to bring on the field all equipment that we possess. How much more pleasant the men are at these shows than at the ones in Upton. We have learnt by experience that when the government begins to examine the companies and when shortages are replaced in a hurry that it means going over the ocean and this time its going back ---
Have managed to get the loan of a camera after which by several business like maneuvers I obtained film now and when the sun will honor us with a visit, I will snap and be snapped, just for fun.
You can see how little there is to tell, the town offers no excitement and no diversion.
Good-bye, just for a little while longer, it will seem ages but will come eventually
with love, George
Somewhere in France April 11, 1919 Dear Folks,
Tuesday afternoon we leave for Brest, my motto is Brest or Bust, you know there is a slight error in the letter, you speak of me taking part in a show given by the division. It is far from that, it was only a company show but somehow we were given the privilege and opportunity to perform in the town where divisional headquarters is located. For a company entertainment it was considered as one of the best in the division. This written by ----- is far off. I monologued a monologue that was almost original but other than that I play left end in the minstrel for which I have no right to claim any credit. It was just a matter of diversion for me, a little different than the general routine of things. At present the troupe has disbanded owing to our sailing orders and preparations for going back to perform in our "theatre of life".
Yesterday we were inoculated against something or other. I hope it is anti Francitis so they can get us out in a hurry. We are all more or less weak in the left arm. Fortunately it had little impression or effect on me. It did not interfere with my talking. The afternoon brought me eight letters from the States, they were a great surprise and made me forget the "needle". Eight letters in one delivery brought back the days in the lines when after an interval or two or three weeks I would receive a dozen letters.
Now I have lost all desire to write, somehow I cannot scribble more than a page without stopping for breath.
Owing to the "JOB" the breakfast was late, half of the men slept late and sacrificed the morning repast. At noon the men were all out enjoying the sun which has lately been a daily visitor. The afternoon was of a more serious nature; it consisted of a rifle inspection, I cleaned my gun for several hours but did not go out for the formation. No one was the wiser, I passed on my own rifle 100% pure contains no benzoate of soda.
My what a bundle of foolishness but maybe I will be home in time to receive this and also explain it.
With love, George
George's sister Ida, who worked as a secretary, borrowed each letter as it was received and typed a copy; all these were collected in a large notebook and presented to George on his homecoming. This notebook has been a treasure in our family for over 70 years and the letters form the basis for this web page.