We started about eight o’clock through some lonely country. One place we passed through had Americans scattered around. A spy had been captured the day before. He had pictures of the town and a wireless concealed on his person. A German airplane was brought down here also. The place is 15 miles behind the firing lane.
We reached the town of Denage where The Salvation Army has a hut. Here, the 26th regiment were in camp. There were 3,000 boys here, and we were sure glad to see them. Ensign and Mrs. Hickie have charge of the hut. Some others were staying here for a few days, and we all had lunch together. Lieut. stayed here, but Ensign and I went to another place. On the way, we passed another hut called Houdlin Court. Staff Capt. Halpin, Major Achens, Capt. A. Anderson, Capt. J. Marshall, and Envoy Fenton were there. We stayed a few minutes and then onto our place of business. Staff Capt. Cova, Adj. Case, Capt. White, and Envoy Andrews have a tent, but the hut is on its way. Well, it was dinner or chow time, and the cook had our rations ready. Off to the dining room.
The dining room was in the barn. The table was a couple of boards and branches. The seats were old boxes, cans, and boards. The decorations were a complete success in cobwebs and dust. We had pie pans for plates and one-pint cups. Our menu was white bread, butter (in the tins it came in), potatoes, sugar, and coffee. The smell is what is known as prosperity. The side board was a wagon; the side table, a buggy. The floor had a large heap of bread on it. Our first meal in camp went well enough.
The boys were all glad to see us and gave us a real welcome, trying to be good, as they are a rough bunch of regulars.
Then we had a good meeting and talked to the men awhile. The lights must be out at nine, a law of the country on account of the war, so the air raids can’t do so much damage.
To bed. We had a room with a very high bed but very narrow for two people. We only have candles for light and they cost five cents apiece. So we went to bed.
Diary of a World War I Donut Girl 