Jefferson Barracks Citizens Military Camps - Jeffersonian Yearbook (Lemay, MO)

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THE JEFFERSONIAN A cmwtaamrnomas THE CHAPLAINS' VVORK rr The United States Government, recognizing that the influence of religion, directly or indirectly, is neces- sary in the development of the youth of America, appoints Chaplains to assist in the workings of the CMT Camps. This Work at Jeilerson Barracks during the year 1926 was in charge of Chaplain C. Higgins, assisted by Chaplain N. A. Borup and Chaplain Thomas. Both Protestant and Catholic services took place regularly every Sunday morning in the Post Chapel and a non-sectarian service was held Sunday evenings in the Chaplains, tent. Through the kindness of the Y. M. C. A., a Jewish service took place Friday even- ing, July 30. A large tent, referred to above as the Chaplains, tent, was erected near the Post Hall. In this tent were tables,on which the boys could write their letters, stationery, pens, and ink being furnished gratis. Most of the stationery was furnished by the generous spirit of civilian agencies. A stamp counter was also established in the tent. If the consumption of sta- tionery and the sale of stamps can be accepted as a criterion, the number of letters written by the boys was exceedingly high. A system was devised by which the boys could deposit their money at the Chaplains' tent and draw it out as they needed it. Needless to say the boys were on the job during the hours appointed for bank- ing. In this tent were various games-checkers, chess, dominoes, puzzles, indoor horseshoes-which were placed there for the boys, amusement. Outside the Chaplains, tent were games of horse- shoes and some amateur and freak boxing matches. The piano in the tent needs tuning as the result of hard usage by the boys who often gathered around and played and sang, and enjoyed themselves. Several entertainments furnished by talent from outside the camp, mostly girls, were given in the tent. The Chaplains visited the hospital every day and rendered little services for the boys there, which were much appreciated. They were always ready to give advice, counsel, and encouragement and the boys came to them at all times and in all places seeking their help. The Chaplains realized that they must be fathers to the boys, guiding and helping them in everv wav possible. ' ' CHAPLAIN HIGGINS Page Om' Ilufzdrml fi0u7'fL'L'7L i I l 'U

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f g f JEFFERSON BARRAOKS-CENTENARY THE JEFFERSQNIAN' These hills and woods, with their inspiring view of river and prairie, have witnessed many stirring scenes during the century since they ceased to he commons of an old colonial settlement. They have resounded with the footsteps of hundreds of thousands of armed men ,who have served their country, well and many of whom have given their lives for it. Regiments have come and gone, men whose names are written large on the pages of our history have lived here. What they may witness during the next hundred years, we can not foresee,l9ut there must always be annarmy post somewhere , near the great city that lies to the north of us and in all probahility, the second century of service here at the Barracks will not be inferior in import- ance and in practical results to that which has just preceded. This old post has deserved well of its country, and all those who love their country can do no less than render to feferson Barracks also a full tribute of respect and ajectionf' -From Centennial Day Address by Arthur E. Bostwicle, fuly 4, 1926 One hundred years of existence-crowded with historic names and episodes-was rounded out by JeHerson Barracks, Sunday, July 4, when the centenary of its establish- ment as a regular army post was appropriately celebrated with a patriotic program. Significantly, the celebration was arranged by the Sixth Infantry-the regiment which played suchan important role in the establishment of the post just one hundred years ago. Cannon boomed out the national salute of forty-five guns, and the entire garrison, under Colonel Moor N. Falls, assembled to take part in the centenary commemoration of the founding of Jefferson Barracks. Interesting sidelights on the history of the post were given by Arthur E. Bostwick, Librarian of St. Louis, who sketched the story of the last one hundred years, as follows: On the Fourth of July, 1826, one hundred years ago today, the track of land where we have now assembled was part of the commons of the settlement known as 'Vide Pochoi, meaning 'empty pocket', having been named partly in ridicule to a body of settlers who had a particularly hard time to maintain themselves and their families. Such lands for common use formed a regular part of all French settlements made in Louisiana territory. ln the previous March, General Gaines, commanding the lliestern Department, and Brigadier General Atkinson, commanding the Sixth Infantry, had selected this locality as the site for a large garrison to be established in the lX4ississippi Valley. General Jacob Brown, the 'hero of Lundy's Lane and in command of the United States armv, had already decided that this garrison should be located near St. Louis in order that 'detachmentis could be sent to re-inforce or relieve garrisons stationed on the Lakes, the Blississippi. the Arkansas, the Red, and the Sabine rivers, and at New Orleans, forming thus what is known as a 'Corps de Reserve'. L There had, of course, been a garrison of United States troops in or near St. Louis ever since the acquisition of the Louisiana territory. The troops first occupied the en- closure knoiwn as.'The Fort on the Hilll, bounded by Fourth, Fifth, Elm, and Market streets, which had been erected years before for the Spanish military garrison. This they occupied only two years, when they moved'to Fort Bellefontaine' at the mouth of the Missouri river. The abandonment of this site in 1826 was due to the belief that it was unhealthy, there having been much sickness during the twentv vears of its occupancy. The terms of occupancy by the government seem to have' been vaguely stated if first and the result was a long litigation which was not finallv settled until asilate as the year 18Q2. 'In that year the legislature of Missouri ceded toithe United States exclusive jurisdiction tothe territory on which this military post now stands. ln a deed Given bv the city council of Carondelet in 1854, the tract was stated to embrace 1 702 acreshbut this was reduced by Act of Congress in 1894 to its present area of 1260 iici-es the b'il'1ncc being released to adjoining owners. i K ii i 1 Page One Hundred Sixteen Q Yl 'u's'uQ'u' QQ' QVVQVSYVQKQQQYQKQV D .v-v-v.mv.v.vmv.v.v.v.v.wv.v.v vvy, .v.v.v.w a -- lg C