June 14, 1918
Red Cross Nurses Hat from World War I – SCHS Archives
Somewhere in France
Dear Folks,
Settled at last for now and at work, and near the front. I sure have seen some wonderful country and some historic settings, and I am so perfectly well for all my travels.
Our boys are sure in it from accounts of their wounds and how they got them. We are sort of a second dressing station, and we evacuate almost as soon as they enter, getting as much treatment as is possible to give them. I am certainly glad to be here, even though it is dangerous, there is the fact that you can be of so much good when the time comes to do it. And if you are always on your guard, you will find that it helps to be as President Wilson said, “Watchful waiting.” I can just hear the distant bombing of guns from here.
The Boches (Germans) are still knocking heavily at our door, but we have pretty good ballast, and I for one am not one whit excited about it. Dirigibles and aeroplanes are continuous sights, and I can even hear one without looking up now and stopping work.
Everyone has great regard for the boys and while they haven’t had much training in this modern warfare, they persevere and simply win by their pure audacity. I am so proud of them all and now all I can think of is where my friends are? It sure would help a lot just to know.
All I know is that I am happy I am in France. It would have quite broken my heart if I had to stay in Blighty (England). But I would have stayed on, for in this day no one thinks of self, just the fact that you are doing your share, and that is all that matters. So tell them all that I am just where I wish to be “Somewhere in France” and don’t worry a bit for I am only just one of those “million” here.
Mother, I want you to tell Mrs. Goodwillie, or whoever is head of the Red Cross Chapter there, just how wonderful it is to get warm “comfy” clothes and to be privileged to be sons and daughters of such good American mothers. Oh, the warm U.S.A. comforts are so appreciated by the boys, who will talk about the states by the hour, and who are all longing to get back there.
Love to all. Your far away daughter.
Ruth Ione Ward
(Note: Ruth Ward was born and raised in Manistique. She was a registered nurse and served in France during World War I with the medical corp. She later married the Rev. Thomas who was an Episcopal minister and the couple lived in several states including Alaska, Ohio and California. They had three children. Ruth Ward Thomas passed away in the 1970’s and her ashes were spread in the family plot at Lakeview Cemetery in Manistique.)
Letters from the Hospital
(The following letter was written in August of 1918 to Mrs. John Nelson, who resided on Alger Avenue in Manistique. The letter concerned her son, Harry R. Nelson, who was a patient at a Red Cross hospital in France. Nelson served with Co. M of the 59th Infantry.)
Dear Mrs. Nelson,
Your son has been confined to this hospital since he was wounded in the head a few weeks ago. He cannot write you himself just now as it is so much of an effort, and [he] has asked me to tell you that although his left arm is still slightly paralyzed from his head wound, he is improving rapidly and is in good spirits. He sends you his love and asks you to give his best regards to everybody around town.
It has not been decided whether or not your son will be up for active duty, but the chances are he will be sent back to the United States for recuperation for awhile at least. You understand that this information is not official but judging from cases similar to his, that is likely to be the procedure.
With sympathy for you for your anxiety at this time, I am very sincerely yours,
Madeline Thomas, Home Communication Service, American Red Cross
(The following is a letter received by Carl Mickelson of Blaney Junction from Peter LaCroix, Mech. Co. H, 1st U.S. Army Hdqr. Regiment. The letter was sent in June of 1918 from a Red Cross hospital in France.)
Dear Friend Carl and Mrs. Mickelson,
Just a few lines to let you know I am well now and will be out of the hospital next week. But I surely hate to leave. The Red Cross is so good to the wounded, I don’t blame the lads when they say, “I don’t want to get well.” There is a big bunch of Red Cross nurses here, some from Michigan and Wisconsin. My nurse had me out raking leaves around the wards today, but I put in most of my time under the shade trees; It was an awful hot day today and the sun fairly burns a fellow up. The navy concert gave patients a big time yesterday (Sunday). There is going to be a big time here the Fourth of July. There will be lots of fireworks, not firecrackers though. The big guns make plenty of noise.
Well Carl I will close for this time, hoping to hear from you soon. I am as ever
Your Friend Peter