Not much to do but cheer and keep happy. Had plenty of chores to do. All is well.
Author: Margaret Sheldon
Captain Margaret Sheldon became a commissioned Salvation Army officer in 1904, she was born in Millvale, Pennsylvania to English parents. Margaret volunteered to serve in France and Germany during World War I, cooking doughnuts and serving them along with other treats to the US Army soldiers. After the war, she came back to the US and served in the Honolulu, Hawaii Boy’s Home. Margaret died in Elgin, Illinois on August 2, 1963.
Sunday, March 10, 1918
Sunday, a bright day. Had a very good meeting. Had no supplies. Talked to many of the men and helped to cheer some. The Germans are making things hum, but our boys are doing their best. Had a fierce time and hope it don’t last.
Saturday, March 9, 1918
A very wonderful day. I made 15 hundred donuts and then went to see the French Soldiers graves. A sad time. I saw a fight in the air between a lot of French and German planes. Gen. came to say goodbye; he is going back. It is a very noisy time and the air is … Continue reading Saturday, March 9, 1918
Friday, March 8, 1918
Made some pies and they went like mad. Miss Van Harden went to visit in the side car. It was a pretty day and a busy one. The planes were busy and there was a good bit of noise. Said goodbye to some of the boys from the 18th. They were going to the rest … Continue reading Friday, March 8, 1918
Thursday, March 7, 1918
A very busy day. I made cookies and took care of the counter. Made some coffee and was told many stories about the front. All is well and I tried to do my little.
Wednesday, March 6, 1918
Did not sleep much and got up early and made the fire and tried to get up the kitchen clean but could not because the men crowded in the hut and I was the only one to wait on them. I was a busy person. Mr. Wood and Mr. Fergesen came, and Miss Van Harden … Continue reading Wednesday, March 6, 1918
Tuesday, March 5, 1918
Had a bad night but a quiet one. A quiet morning till about eleven, then it took all we could do to take care of the canteen.. Col. came and brought supplies and it made us very busy. He brought Adj. back with him; he is very sick, poor man. Maj. Achens came and we … Continue reading Tuesday, March 5, 1918
Monday, March 4, 1918
It was a very noisy night. It snowed. One of the poor boys had his leg and arm shot off. Col. I. and H. left for the rest camp. I made pies and Gladys attended canteen. Adj. Starbed came and looked like a ghost; he has been sick and is not any too well yet. … Continue reading Monday, March 4, 1918
Sunday, March 3, 1918
Quite a day. It was payday for Co. S., Co. K. and I. Went to see the Gen. and they looked like real soldiers as they passed the hut. Five of the men were given the French War Cross and one was a Segt. who had been a soldier for 29 years and he was … Continue reading Sunday, March 3, 1918
Saturday, March 2, 1918
Went to the hospital and it was a very cold day, lots of snow. Made pies. It was payday, and there was much excitement over the coffee and candy. Heard many stories about the front, many of the boys lost their comrades. Sixty of our men wounded; think of it.
Diary of a World War I Donut Girl 