The Intelligencer June 14, 1918 (page 2)
“National Badges Of Honour Presented To Soldiers Of The Soil. At the Y. M. C. A. building last evening an event of interest to the boys who are members of the Soldiers of the Soil branch of national service, which at the present time is doing splendid service for Canada, took place. It was the presentation of National Badges of Honor to those boys who are working upon farms in this locality.
The gathering took place in the gymnasium and a number of spectators were present. The boys, of whom there were about fifty present, looked robust and happy and apparently are enjoying life in the open. Previous to the programme of the evening being carried out the boys under the leadership of Mr. P. Brockel, rendered a number of songs. …
Mr. P. Brockel, Belleville Y.M.C.A. Secretary, who is also superintendent of the S. O. S. of this district, spoke briefly in reference to the work. In his district some 800 boys were helping in greater production and the boys were making good. All should realize that they are not doing this simply for a monetary purpose, but for a higher purpose. … Physical development was impressed upon the boys by the speaker. …
National Badges of Honor presented by the Dominion Government through the Dominion Food Board, were presented to the following boys, who are Soldiers of the Soil in this locality: Soldiers of the Soil: Fred Deacon, Clark Diamond, Carlos Clapp, Digby Denike, James Ketcheson, John McIntosh, Jack McCullough, Alex Kerr, W. Bruce Tower, R. Watson, Arthur H. Blackburn, Greer Roberts, J. E. Vanbuskirk, Reginald Cooper, Harold C. Barnes, Arthur Leavens, Glen Meyers, Thomas J. Herity, Charles Hall, Harry Hurley, Glencoe Hogle, Edward G. Wallbridge, Murray Denike, A. Max Herity, Gilbert Waite, Gerald Bass, Charles L. Jeffery, Leslie L. Allen, H. E. Collins, Stanley Hagerman, Clarence Ketcheson, Gordon Robertson, R. C. Mott, C. R. Pitcher, W. J. Osborne.
A vote of thanks moved by Max Herity and seconded by Gordon Robertson, was unanimously passed to Mr. Brockel for the interest he took in the boys’ welfare. The singing of the National Anthem brought the pleasing programme to a close.”
The Intelligencer June 14, 1918 (page 7)
“Address and Presentation. The other evening a number of neighbors and acquaintances assembled at the home of Mr. C. A. Palmer, fourth concession of Thurlow, to bid bon voyage to his grandson, Clarence A. Martin, on the eve of his departure for Barriefield camp. The following address was read by Rev. Mr. McMullen, the presentation being made by Mr. Bruce Martin:
Dear Clarence,—We, a few of your many friends, assemble here tonight, having heard of your early departure from our midst at the call of our country for military service. We felt we would not be true to our best manhood and womanhood if we permitted this opportunity to pass without expressing to you the high regard in which this entire community holds you as a true friend, useful citizen and manly man. …
As a slight token of our love and esteem we ask you to accept this wrist watch and fountain pen. May the face of this watch remind you amid the vicissitudes of military life of the loving faces of friends in Thurlow and may you be able to find time to use this pen to send us your love from afar. Signed—Bruce Martin, Caleb Garrison.”
First World War Belleville 