Time Machine Trip to October 1918

By Lyle Hansen

October 4, 1918

The Rev. J. S. Whiting of the Oneida M. E. Church on the Oneida Reservation is a war time pastor who is “making good.” His salary not being sufficient to make both end meet he has engaged in farming on the land comprising the Mission. He has succeeded in raising a fine farm crop. In addition, he has a herd of 15 cows which he milks himself.

Albert Koelm has brightened the face of the clock in the tower of Holy Cross church with a fresh coat of paint, finishing the work this morning.  The clock measures seven feet and the hands are two and a half feet long.

War has opened to women a variety of work hitherto regarded as men’s work. Today there are 1,500,000 women engaged on “War Orders.”

October 11, 1918

The St. Nicholas school in Freedom is closed this week on account of sickness. There is no Spanish influenza in Freedom, but an unusual amount of scarlet fever and other diseases make closing the school wise precaution.

Lawrence McDaniels, age 26 years, formerly of the south side passed away Monday at Muscle Shoals, Ala. Where he has been employed the past two years by the government in a nitro plant. Spanish Influenza was the cause of his death.

Leo Van Roy, aged 24 years, of Kaukauna, died at Camp Taylor, Ky. Tuesday of Spanish influenza. He was a soldier in the army in training to go to France.

The Dressmaker – Ah, my dear madam, I consider that the most perfect fit I have ever seen.

My dear Madam – Perfect fit, fiddle-sticks! You should see the one my husband will have when he sees the price.  

October 18, 1918

My Dear Mrs. Thorsen, Ashland, Wisconsin:

Do not think me intrusive for writing you but I was with your boy when he died, and I want you to know how sweet and calm he was when he left us. We did everything in our power to save him, but it was of no avail. He called “Mother” at the last. My love and sympathy are all yours and when I return to Wisconsin I would like to see you in person.

Most sincerely yours in sympathy, Clair Fell, nurse.

(Miss Claire Fell of Kaukauna is a nurse in France.)

The remains of Private Paul Thelan, who died last Tuesday at Camp Meade, Maryland, arrived here Monday morning and was taken to his sisters’ home in Sherwood for burial.

Mrs. Theodore Vanden Broek of this city received a telegram from the war department at Washington. “Regret to inform you that Private Martin Vanden Broek, Infantry, previously listed as missing in action July 20 is now reported as killed in action the same day. The sympathy of the community is with the parents of the young hero.

George McDaniels at Camp Zachary, Ky., died following an attack of Spanish influenza. The young soldier was laid to rest in the family lot by the side of his father at St. Nicholas cemetery, Freedom.

Private Joseph Creviere, 25 south side of Kaukauna, was the first one of Kaukauna’s soldier boys to be claimed by Spanish influenza. His death occurred Sunday at Camo Hancock, Georgia. On Saturday his parents Mr. and Mrs. Emery A. Creviere received a message informing them the seriousness of his case and Monday a second message followed informing the grief-stricken parent of his death.

John Heup, aged 28 years, passed away Saturday after a battle with Spanish Influenza. He is survived by his wife, mother, one brother and two sisters.  

October 25, 1918

Dr. Nolan, city health officer, received an order from the state board of health at Madison compelling him to take necessary steps to control the spread of the Spanish influenza. Public gatherings will not be allowed. This includes church services, schools, picture shows, lodge meetings and other public gatherings. The Public Library was closed last Saturday for an indefinite period due to the influenzas epidemic.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dreger of this city received a letter stating that their son William was killed in action on the French Front. An inquiry was initiated. He was reported as missing in action by his company commander and a search of the hospitals failed to locate him. It is equally likely that the young soldier may have been taken prisoner by the Germans instead of being killed.