100 Years Ago: Enlisted Men Under Eighteen to Be Discharged, $3,000 Each Month for Patriotic Fund, Khaki Club Reopens

The Intelligencer January 25, 1918 (page 1)

“All enlisted men in the C.E.F., who are under 18 years of age will be discharged, according to District Orders. …  From this date no men will be included in drafts for overseas unless over 18 years. In cases of doubt a birth certificate will be procured before attestation.

Drummers and buglers, in accordance with establishment, now enlisted, may be carried under the age of 18 years, but will not be permitted to proceed overseas until they reach the age of 18 years and six months.”

The Intelligencer January 25, 1918 (page 2)

“$3,000 Each Month for the Patriotic Fund from the County Council and More If Necessary. Afternoon Session. Council resumed at 2 o’clock. …  A lengthy communication was read in reference to the Patriotic fund and the necessity of a continuance of the grant.

Mr. Vermilyea thought the council should be generous in this matter and give the same as last year. Mr. Burns endorsed the remarks of Mr. Vermilyea. …  Mr. Walsh moved that the grant be the same this year as last, namely $3,000 per month, but to be increased at the June session if the disbursements exceed that amount. The motion was unanimously adopted.”

The Intelligencer January 25, 1918 (page 8)

“Khaki Club Re-Opens. The cozy quarters of the Khaki Club which in times past have been used with great appreciation by the soldiers quartered in Belleville are once again open and dispensing good cheer and comfort to the soldier boys stationed here who now number 247.

The Khaki Club was formally re-opened for the use of the soldiers for club rooms and recreation purposes on Wednesday evening with a concert and luncheon which was largely attended and very much enjoyed. …

The spacious club rooms nicely furnished have been turned over to the soldiers who take great pride in keeping the rooms spick and span and always ‘homey.’

Miss Sybil and Dorothy Grant, furnished the music for Wednesday evening, and the soldiers had a sing-song. …  Another feature of the evening was a very brief call by Capt. Harper, originator of the club, who has just returned from overseas severely wounded. He was heartily received and welcomed once more to the Khaki Club by the soldiers present. The officials of the Khaki Club served refreshments.”