Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 August 1917 — BIG CELEBRATION FOR COMPANY M [ARTICLE]

BIG CELEBRATION FOR COMPANY M

Captain Jerry B. Garland Now in Command of Troops MAY LEAVE HERE ANY DAY Hundreds of People Are Expected Here This Evening to Pay Homage to Our Soldier Boys. - Jerry B. Garland, for some time past first lieutenant of Company M, was commissioned captain Saturday evening and immediately took charge of the mobilization of the troops, who began coming in earlier in the day. H. B. Tuteur was further advised of his new duties, having been assigned as field regimental quartermaster, and while he will be at Indianapolis temporarily his work will keep him with the Third regiment through their service. Mr. Tuteur, together with George Healey, left Sunday morning for Indianapolis to take up their, new duties.

The promotion of Captain Garland left the office of first lieutenant vacant, and Second Lieutenant Watson was promoted to this station. Jay Nowels was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant and Don P. Warren was made top sergeant. the place formerly held by Nowels. Company M was mobilized early Sunday morning and camp was established on the vacant lots east of the residence of Frank Foltz, and has been designated “Camp Kurrie.’’ Those members of the company who reside in the city are permitted to sleep at home, but all others sleep at the camp.. . Throughout Sunday hundreds of visitors came to Rensselaer and visited the camp and watched the work of the soldiers. The men get their meals at the College Inn and three times each day march fr»m the camp to the eating place, and it is indeed an inspiring sight to witness this body of stalwart young men clad in khaki marching with military step along the streets. Not many months at best can elapse until they shall march into that vortex -of shell and fire that has torn almost beyond recognition the whole of central and western Europe. But the cause is a just one and their action noble, and what little reverence and respect we tender them now will probably be insignificant to what they must encounter-soon. Plans are being made for a gigantic demonstration in honor of the troops this afternoon and evening, and it is expected that one of the largest crowds ever in the city will be present;

The lawn fete being planned by the ladies of Rensselaer will be the biggest thing of its kind ever pulled off here. Ice cream and cake will —be —served on the' court house lawn, a part of the proceeds going to the ‘‘Socks for Soldiers’’ fund, but the major portion will go toward a mess fund for Company M. The Wolcott and Rensselaer bands will be here to furnish music for the occasion and there will not be an idle moment throughout the evening. The troops will be on hand and render a few drills, which will be something everyone Will want to see. Preparations had been made for a union service in the court house

yard Sunday evening in honor of the soldiers, but rain Game and prevented ’any move toward carrying out the program. ■ Garry Parker is compiling a souvenir booklet which will be placed on sale today and the proceeds devoted to the above funds. This souvenir booklet will be one of the neatest products of its kind ever turned out and everyone will want one. Ur. Parker has put in much work in preparing' this souvenir and his efforts should be rewarded. by a ready response from all the people. Miss Ruth Wood will have direct charge of the sale of these souvenirs. Those in charge of the celebration have asked that the city in general, both business houses and residences, decorate extensively for the occasion and make it one of the most memorable ever held in the city. The rapid increase in the membership of Company M has exhausted the available uniforms, .perhaps fifteen or twenty men yet being without them, but it is expected that these will be supplied within the next few days., Just • how long the troops, will remain in camp here is not known. They may be here for a week or two, and again they may receive orders any day to at once to some' 'camp. It is probable they will go from Fort Benjamin Harrison .and later to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. ;