Fairmont High School - Maple Leaves Yearbook (Fairmont, WV)

Page 6 text:

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e———WKaWWKKKM ■ ■naBBBBMBMBBOBBB ■ ■ ■ —— , Deration To James Otis lidtson. our Sponsor, whose character and ever ready assistance in our work have been an inspiration to the Class of 1916. this book is respectfully dedicated

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FOREWORD On the morning of September 8, 1.M4 all Fairmont was silent. A mighty calamity had arisen. Young men ami boys w -rc standing here and there on the streets apparently discussing a very exciting subject. Across the top of the morning pa- per was written in large letters. “War.” A great battle was prophesied. The commander in chief and other officers had lulled for volunteers. From all directions young people were seen bravely leaving their homes on their way to the battle- field. which waf situated on Fifth Street, near I tenon i Avenue. Some were fresh recruits while others had been enlisted in the army for some time. A great many of the recruits when entering the Held seemed rather backward as they were upon a strange ground and among so many experienced soldiers. However, they soon inquired about the recruiting station where they entered and enlisted. The major gen- eral seemed very kind and after a short talk, informed them that they were to enter the infantry. By about 9:00 A. M. fully 450 soldiers had assembled in one portion of the Held. Here interesting addresses were given by both the major general and the commander in chief, explaining the importance of victory and the plan of battle. About noon all sol- diers were dismissed. Bright and early on the following morning the troops reported for duty. They again assembled in one place and each soldier was assign- ed to a captain. The captains then led the soldiers into different portions of the Held which they were to guard. Here the captain assigned to each one work which he was to do. This being thoroughly explained the soldiers were again dismissed. Oil the following morning the Held was covered with inspired soldiers. Suddenly a mysterious noise was heard and all the soldiers arose from their positions and marched into different parts of the Held. Many of the recruits became greatly amazed, but after inquiring found that this was the first signal announcing that they were to report to their captains at this time. Hereupon the roll was called and the announcements were given. When the second signal was heard, each soldier went to the supply house where he was furnished with ammunition. The sold iers. being eager to use their new supplies, immediately went to their various | ositions and it was then that they did their first fight- ing. After more than three hours of continuous fighting, some of the soldiers retired to the camp kitchen where lunch was served. After this the soldiers resumed their posi- tions and fought until late in the afternoon. As the battles progressed it was seen that they were fought with great zeal and enthusiasm; it was also evident that the sol diers were deriving much pleasure from their work. It was not long until the soldiers began to realize the significance of the camp bulletin. As a result, the first thing done upon their entrance to tin field was a general survey of the hul letin. Sometimes it announced a furlough, an item that was re-