The Adj. Starberd and Col. and Capt. Renton are here on business. We had a fine time getting them some dinner. They brought my coat. Just been trying to sweep. Went to buy a broom but didn’t know what it is called in French. Went to one store and showed them the handle but … Continue reading Wednesday, October 17, 1917
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.
Tuesday, October 16, 1917
This was a lovely day, only rather cold. In the morning we made a fire and got hot water and washed dishes. Watched some French soldiers pass on their way to the lines to relieve the men already there. About fifty head of horses came in and there were some in very bad shape. In … Continue reading Tuesday, October 16, 1917
Monday, October 15, 1917
After breakfast, Ens. and I took a walk through the village into the country. Saw some fine scenery and an old-fashioned separator and got some flowers. Arrived home in time for dinner very tired and muddy. After dinner went and got Madam Callo and daughters and took them to our tent; showed them pictures and … Continue reading Monday, October 15, 1917
Sunday, October 14, 1917
The river has overflowed its banks and all the low ground is flooded. The water looks fine flowing through the trees. Twenty French soldiers and Capt. Mires of the U.S. went hunting in the forest and shot a wild hog. He was a big one. The one who fires the shot that kills the hog … Continue reading Sunday, October 14, 1917
Saturday, October 13, 1917
Saw a wedding today. The bride was dressed all in white. They all walked to the courthouse and back to the church. The bride leaning on the father’s arm and the groom walked with the mother. All the friends and relatives followed. There was a small baby and many children. The priest led the procession, … Continue reading Saturday, October 13, 1917
Friday, October 12, 1917
Last night was a terrible night. The cannons roared and they shook the house. It rained a hard cold rain, and today it just poured and the wind blew. It was an awful day. All we could do was try to keep sweet. The lady in whose house we stay fixed a box to send … Continue reading Friday, October 12, 1917
Thursday, October 11, 1917
Today they took a lot of horses to the front. They expect to have about nine hundred here and many more men. We are about 45 miles from the firing line and we can hear the guns and the raids at about 25 miles. I am real blue and I am sick but will … Continue reading Thursday, October 11, 1917
Wednesday, October 10, 1917
At six we heard Reveille and the six fifteen call (mess) and the six thirty call (first fatigue). We got up and coffee, bread, and butter at the house. Then went to the Post Office. Such a time we had getting our mail. At least we got it. I received a letter from Mrs. … Continue reading Wednesday, October 10, 1917
Tuesday, October 9, 1917
Still raining and cold as ever so Staff told us to have our breakfast at home, so we did. At dinner it was safer as the men were a little better. They have a very nice dog and he has made friends with us. This morning a man was found dead in the … Continue reading Tuesday, October 9, 1917
Monday, October 8, 1917
It snowed all day and was very cold. We had breakfast at the ladies. Coffee and bread, the regular French meal. Another bad day. The tent blew down so we stayed in our room and wrote letters. Hemmed some tablecloths and napkins. Went to lunch and supper. Wrote some more by the light of … Continue reading Monday, October 8, 1917
Diary of a World War I Donut Girl 