100 Years Ago: Returned Veterans Organize, George Maracle Killed in Action, Post Boxes for Postal Use Only, John Robbins Died in France

The Intelligencer May 11, 1917 (page 2)

“Returned Veterans Have Organized. At a meeting of the returned soldiers held at the Corby Building last night and which was fairly well attended, it was decided to form a Returned Soldier’s Club and to apply for admission to the Great War Veteran’s Association of Canada.

The following officers were elected: President, Corporal Ed. Blaylock. Vice-President, Sg’t. Maj. Chas. Gibson. Secretary, Private Porter. Fin.-Secr’y, Private Duffy. Treasurer, Serg’t. John Gilbey. Ex-Committee, officers of Club, Pte. Melburn Sprague, Cpl. Carr.

The idea of the club is to assist returned men to secure suitable employment and to assist them to fit themselves for better positions, to protect the interests of the men abroad and to be in a position to help them when they return.

It is the intention of the club to endeavor to open club rooms and for this purpose they intend to have a tag day the date to be arranged later. The club will meet again on Wednesday night the 16^th inst., and all returned men are cordially invited to attend.”

The Intelligencer May 11, 1917 (page 2)

“Killed in Action. Official word has been received that George M. Maracle, son of Mr. Albert Maracle, of Point Ann, was killed in action on April 12^th. He enlisted and went overseas with the 157^th Battalion. He was a member of the Mohawk band and very popular in this vicinity.”

[Note: Private George Mark Maracle died on April 12, 1917. He is commemorated on Page 290 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer May 11, 1917 (page 5)

“For Postal Use Only. The public in general—particularly in general—seem to persist in confusing the waste paper boxes with the Post Office parcel post boxes, stationed throughout the city. Collectors are continually delayed by finding paper scraps and refuse material in these boxes. A degree of intelligence on the part of our people would be appreciated by the Postal Department.”

The Intelligencer May 11, 1917 (page 5)

“Another Home Bereaved. Word was received at Bancroft on Monday that Pte. Jno. Robbins, who enlisted with the 155^th Battalion, had died from pneumonia in France. Pte. Robbins leaves a widow and four small children.”

[Note: Private John Robbins died on April 15, 1917. He is commemorated on Page 316 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]