One Hundred Years Ago

[Rix Gins]

The Seattle Star, May 1, 1917.

[pyewacket]

RIP to all those lost in  WW1- the 'War to End All Wars'.

"Only the dead have seen the end of war" - George Santayana

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqba0IUdiBk

[Rix Gins]

https://youtu.be/i2CgUIrBHoo

[Rix Gins]

Jimmie Rodgers got married on this day, one hundred years ago.

https://youtu.be/qEIBmGZxAhg

[Rix Gins]

Victory N0. 49
April 29, 1917.  12:05 in the afternoon.  First victory of the day.

  "With several of my gentlemen, I attacked an English Spad group consisting of three machines.  The plane I had singled out broke to pieces whilst curving and plunged, burning, into the swamp near Lecluse."  signed, Baron Von Richthofen. 

  The three Spads were all single-seaters so no observers were among the lost...but all of the Spads were lost.  The Spad that Von Richthofen shot down was piloted by Lieutenant Richard Applin, who was listed as missing when he failed to return to base.  Oddly enough, information confirming Applin's death was delivered via a message dropped over British lines on September, 1917.  His body was never located and his name was placed on the Arras Memorial to the missing.

  The other two British pilots were Major H. D. Harvey-Kelly who was downed by veteran German pilot Kurt Wolff, and W. N. Hamilton who was shot down by Manfreds's brother Lothar.  Pilot Hamilton managed to survive his wreck and was taken prisoner.  After his release he made some wild claims about how he was set upon by fifteen of the enemy and that he had scored a kill before his guns jammed, but German military records would show that only the three German pilots were up in the air at that time.

  Von Richthofen had promised his mom that he would take a vacation after achieving 50 victories so he was most eager to get back up into the skies and achieve that milestone.

Info and photo of Richard Applin: https://southamptoncenotaph.com/richard-applin/

https://youtu.be/YP1XziouJJY

[Rix Gins]

The Evening Star, May 2, 1917.

[Rix Gins]

The Tonopah Daily Bonanza, May 2, 1917.

UNDERGROUND WORLD AS SEEN AT VERDUN

  VERDUN, France. May 2. The visitor to Verdun must approach it stealthily, clad in steel helmet and carrying carefully his gas mask in its waterproof bag. Thus fortified and with his eye watchful for any commencement of activity by the distant German batteries, he may walk and climb among the ruins or follow the debris-cluttered bank of the lovely Meuse, broad, green, calm, and indifferent to solitude such as it has not known for a thousand years.
  Visitors are rare, but the town holds out to them emphatically the freedom of the city, every door and window open and no human eye to watch. Along the river bank are the little restaurants and cafes, the floors strewn with cups and saucers, glasses ranged on the counters, the open ledgers on the cashiers' desks inviting the inspection of the curious. It has been many months since the customers sat around these upturned tables or out on the terrace and watched the green Meuse slide below the bridge on sunny afternoons.
  From one of the buildings on the hill, above the narrow winding streets of the upper town one may look down on the worst-shelled central parts, all pounded into shapelessness, the finest street obliterated, workshop, warehouse and tenement all reduced to crumbled brick and mortar of yellowish hue. Outside this devastated area, the rest of Verdun stands with a specious look of being hale and habitable, only with the jagged outlines of a broken gable showing here and there.
  There is nobody above the surface of the ground in Verdun, but the subterranean fortresses beneath the citadel, deep down under the mountain rock, are still animate with men, soldiers who are keeping up the defensive that months of German activity failed to break.


The French city of Verdun after German bombardment, 1915.  By Internet Archive Book Images -  https://archive.org/stream/thegreatwar04alle/thegreatwar04alle#page/n375/mode/1up, No restrictions, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43646353



THREW POISON TO DOG

  The fine bull terrier belonging to Pete S. Booth was the victim of a cowardly attack Friday evening when somebody threw poisoned meat over the fence to the animal. There is no use wasting words describing the miscreant who should be severely punished, if caught. The dog may survive, as it received prompt treatment.



FREIGHTING TEAM WILL LEAVE FOR TYBO

  One of Wittenberg's big 12-animal teams will leave tomorrow morning from Tonopah for Tybo with one of the heaviest loads ever packed across the desert. Part of the equipment will be a 25-horse-power gas engine and a quantity of lumber and a monster 7000-gallon tank that is estimated to weigh five tons. The shipment is for the Louisiana Consolidated Mining company.

Photo of a present day 7000 gallon tank: http://www.valves2u.com/website/7000%20Gallon%20T-304%20ELC%20Stainless%20Steel%20Tank/7000%20Gallon%20T-304%20ELC%20SS%20Tank%20(Pic2).jpg

[Rix Gins]

Evening Capital News, Boise, Idaho, May 2, 1917.

NO SUBMARINE KISS; WATER TOO MUDDY

  Chicago, May 2. "Submarine kiss? the idea's not bad, but it couldn't be done in Reed's lake. That lake has a four-foot mud bottom and the transparency of a beef stew."
  Thus did Mrs. Irene Goodspeed refute the charge of her husband that she had indulged in such a kiss with Rev. Francis Godolphln of Oak Park, Ill., at Reed's lake, near Grand Rapids, Mich. She came to Chicago to clear her name and the pastor's.
  "The tightwad!" she exclaimed, referring to her husband. "Why two weeks after I was married I suggested that we go to a vaudeville show. And what do you think he said?
  " Oh, let's not. I've seen a vaudeville show.'
  I endured him for 11 years and then broke loose. Now I understand he is going to marry the woman who started all the gossip about me. Luck to 'em. I don't know which I pity most."
  Mrs. Goodspeed says she has been offered several movie contracts since her divorce.

[pyewacket]

The workmanship and mechanical function of these old instruments are a marvel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTnGI6Knw5Q

[Rix Gins]

The workmanship and mechanical function of these old instruments are a marvel.

Yes, it's amazing, Pye.  Freddie Mercury would have been proud.  I read in the comments section that the folded cards with holes were made for this organ alone and that they wouldn't play in other self playing organs.  Truly magnificent, and kind of haunting, too.

[Rix Gins]

Victory N0. 50
April 29, 1917.  4:55 in the afternoon.  Second victory of the day.

  "I attacked, together with five of my gentlemen, an enemy group of five Vickers.  After a long curve fight, during which my adversary defended himself admirably, I managed to put myself behind the enemy.  After 300 shots the enemy plane caught fire.  The plane burnt to ashes, and the occupants fell out."  Signed, Baron Manfred Von Richthofen.

  Needless to say the pilot, Sergeant George Stead and his observer, Acting Corporal Alfred Beebee, didn't survive the Red Baron's attack.  They had been sent up on yet another photo operation and whether or not they had valuable photo evidence to share with headquarters will never be known.  Pilot Stead was nineteen at the time of his death and his observer was a mere eighteen.  They are both commemorated on the Arras Memorial to the Missing.

  Interesting to note, that if the Red Baron were to have landed at his old Jasta II base, he would have found himself in the middle of an ongoing battle.  Apparently, the battle lines were shifting in the British army's favor.

  Von Richthofen had now achieved his 50th victory and was free to start his vacation.  However, the day must have still appeared young to him because he made preparations for yet another flight. 

Photo of a plane at Jasta II: http://www.jasta11.co.uk/USERIMAGES/Boelcke%20Abschuss1.jpg

[albrecht]

The workmanship and mechanical function of these old instruments are a marvel.

They still have some big ones in the marketplaces in The Netherlands. Though most have been modernized (so guy doesn't need to crank so can collect $) most still use the wooden/cardboard-like cards and the guy walks around and shakes a tin cup and you drop in your change. I think they are awesome. I've always wondered if the proprietor makes enough money to support maintenance and hauling the organ from marketplace to marketplace but knowing the country it wouldn't surprise me if there is some kind of "fund" or tax-break for them. Also, sometimes you get a sort of "carney" or "gypsy" vibe from some of the operators.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzVhjAiw_Ts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EHZM4TXa0k

[pyewacket]

Yes, it's amazing, Pye.  Freddie Mercury would have been proud.  I read in the comments section that the folded cards with holes were made for this organ alone and that they wouldn't play in other self playing organs.  Truly magnificent, and kind of haunting, too.

They truly are hand crafted and distinct. I'm impressed by the hand carved figures and the mechanisms that can produce that unusual music. Beautifully preserved. 

[Rix Gins]

Everett True, May 3, 1917.

[Rix Gins]

The Seattle Star, May 3, 1917.

Cynthia Grey's LETTERS - TAKE THE CHAPERONE

Q.  We are eight girls and eight boys who have grown up in the same neighborhood. We are planning a house party, just for the weekend, at a summer resort not far off. The girls, some of them, say we ought to have a chaperone. We think it isn't necessary, as we all know the difference between right and wrong and are respectable young people. What do you think?  THE BOYS.

  A.  If you are respectable young people and know the difference between right and wrong and intend to observe the difference, I can not see any reason why you should object to take along a nice, jolly chaperone. She will prove to be a real help for all of you in many ways. She will take responsibility of making sure that supper is prepared, probably, by the time you are all hungry and tired. She will help think up outings and trips. She will be someone to go to in case of an emergency. I warrant you'll be grateful you invited her before you've been out a day.
 
  But apart from all of this it is proper that she should go, too. The girls are right. Think it over and you'll see that they are. Don't ever place girls whom you respect in any position that can reflect on their good character or good name. You should be the last to advocate anything that will cast a shadow on them. Remember, you are their protectors, and. as such, should try to do everything that will shelter them from gossip or malicious tongue.
  Take the chaperone.

[Rix Gins]

The Tacoma Times, May 3, 1917.

[Rix Gins]

The New York Tribune, May 4, 1917.

[Rix Gins]

The Richmond Palladium and Sun-Telegram, May 4, 1917.

SQUEAKS
From the editor's swivel chair

Of course it would not do to begin to serve whole wheat bread, while the French commission is here.

We've been expecting it all the time. Now the coal dealers are blaming the panicky consumer for the high prices.

Let 'em have their inning. Our Uncle Samuel is coming to bat pretty soon, and our Uncle is some slugger, too.

A local sport writer saw 3,200 fans at the Central League opening, yesterday. The gate record showed 759. Please don't draw any conclusions as to the previous conduct of this sport observer as he is not that kind of a man.

A woman called our office this morning and said: "Is this trouble?" We said yes and asked what kind she wanted and now she thinks we were kidding her.

There are some men whose idea of patriotism is to try to drink the country dry before Congress has a chance to enact prohibitory legislation.

Judging from Mr. Ackerman's article, Germany's morals must stand right along side those of the ancient Romans back in the days before civilization and Christianity became popular in the world.

Missionary societies might consider the Kaiser's empire as a future field for activity at the close of the war.

[Rix Gins]

Victory N0. 51
April 29, 1917.  7:25 in the evening.  Third victory of the day.

  No one will ever know what was on the minds of Lieutenant David Evan Davies (pilot) and Lieutenant George Henry Rathbbone (observer/gunner) when their two seat BE2e came under direct fire from Baron Manfred Von Richthofen.  Did they have enough awareness to realize that bullets were ripping the wings off their plane, or were they in fact, already dead?  We can only guess.  Hopefully they were not conscious of the fact that their wingless plane pile drived onto an active battlefield (Battle of Arras), at which time it proceeded to burn to a crisp.

  Von Richthofen had been joined by his brother Lothar for the evening flight.  Lothar shot down another BE2 shortly after Manfred had downed his plane.  One of the airmen on that particular plane died soon after it crashed and the other succumbed to his injuries on May 7.

  In the book "Under The Guns of The Red Baron"  by authors Norman Franks, Hal Giblin and Nigel McCrery, the authors noted that Pilot Davies had attended Cardiff University College and had graduated as Master of Science.  He had taken a government post in the West Indies before returning home shortly after the war began.

  Observer George Rathbone was a Canadian who had started out as a volunteer with the 12th Regiment York Rangers (Militia) before successfully transferring to the Royal Flying Corps on February 15, 1917.

  Both the pilot's and observer's bodies were never located.  Their names were placed on the Arras Memorial to the Missing in France.

  Manfred and his brother remained in the air, looking around for further game.

An interesting Digital Collection on George Rathbone.  (Scroll down a little bit for photos and clippings.): http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/1620173


Lothar von Richthofen (seated on the ground) with other members of Jasta 11. His brother, Manfred, is in the cockpit. Photographed April 23, 1917.  By Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-2004-0430-501 / CC-BY-SA 3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5348354



 

[Rix Gins]

The Evening Star, May 5, 1917.

[Rix Gins]

The Seattle Star, May 5, 1917.

[Rix Gins]

https://youtu.be/IDe9FNb5gRo

[Rix Gins]

Victory N0. 52
April 29, 1917.  7:40 in the evening.  Fourth victory of the day.

  Manfred Von Richthofen, his brother Lothar and some other fellow pilots found themselves under attack in the air over Billy-Montigny and Sallaumines on the German side of the lines.  A group of Royal Naval Air Service planes were doing the attacking, some Nieuports, Spads and even some Sopwith Triplanes (three wings.)  It appears that the end results favored the Germans.  One German plane was shot down over Douai aerodrome and the plane actually crashed atop the building.  A number of the Naval planes were badly shot up and had to return to base.  Some of the pilots were wounded and had to ditch their airplanes but they managed to make it past the German lines.  One pilot by the name of Wallace brought his shot up plane down into a field and despite an arm wound, managed to burn his machine up before the Germans got their hands on it.  Come to find out that he had actually made it across the German lines, into friendly territory.

  Several Naval planes were shot down, among them, a Triplane piloted by Flight Sub-Lieutenant Albert Edward Cuzner.  Albert was a Canadian who had successfully flown 15 previous missions for the RNAS but this would be his last, and his defeat would be at the hands of the Red Baron.  (It is interesting to note that this would be the first and only Triplane that Von Richthofen would ever shoot down.)  As Richthofen noted in his combat report, "The plane I had singled out caught fire after a short time, burned in the air and fell north of Henin Lietard."  Albert Cuzner's body was never found and his name is commemorated on the Arras Memorial to the Missing, France.

  Manfred Von Richthofen would later land and climb out of his familiar Albatros DIII.  I'm not sure if he knew it or not but it would be the last time that he would fly that particular plane.  He would begin his leave on the very next day and wouldn't return to action until June 18, 1917.

Info and photos of Albert Cuzner: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/746534


Sopwith Triplanes of No. 1 Naval Squadron at Bailleul, France.  By Leslie, S - Imperial War Museum, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36731

 

 

[Rix Gins]

Clipping (PDF) from The New York Times, May 6, 1917: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9F0CE0DF123AE433A25754C0A9639C946696D6CF

Info on Robert W. Wood: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_W._Wood


Robert Williams Wood, taken c.1910.  By The original uploader was Vinograd19 at Russian Wikipedia - Transferred from ru.wikipedia to Commons by Magnus Manske using CommonsHelper., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4307494

[albrecht]

Clipping (PDF) from The New York Times, May 6, 1917: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9F0CE0DF123AE433A25754C0A9639C946696D6CF

Info on Robert W. Wood: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_W._Wood


Robert Williams Wood, taken c.1910.  By The original uploader was Vinograd19 at Russian Wikipedia - Transferred from ru.wikipedia to Commons by Magnus Manske using CommonsHelper., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4307494

Miscellaneous
Wood was the last person who took photographs of the flying Otto Lilienthal only one week before his fatal crash

"Flying Man"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_Lilienthal

[Rix Gins]

Miscellaneous
Wood was the last person who took photographs of the flying Otto Lilienthal only one week before his fatal crash

"Flying Man"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_Lilienthal

Cool.  Glad you were able to open the PDF ok.  I've been looking for something a little different now that the Library of Congress stopped displaying the Chicago Day Book.  I think on the next one though, I will give the clipping a title.

Yes, Lilienthal was a genius.  I recall reading an article about him regarding his early test phase on his gliders.  On one of his first tests, his test pilot was ready and willing to take off but Lilienthal had second thoughts and replaced the live pilot with an equally weighted bag of sand.  They pushed the glider down it's slide and off the cliff where it plummeted straight down, crashing to bits on the boulders below.   

[Rix Gins]

The Topeka State Journal, May 7, 1917.

[Rix Gins]

The Rogue River Courier, (Grants Pass, Or.) May 7, 1917.

[Rix Gins]

Some clippings from the New York Times, May 7, 1917.

Sailors get in a fight.  http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9404EEDF123AE433A25754C0A9639C946696D6CF

An item on Caruso.  http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9507EEDF123AE433A25754C0A9639C946696D6CF

Secretary Baker says war will last three years.  http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9E0CE7DE123AE433A2575BC0A9639C946696D6CF

Man kicks alien maids out of house.    http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=940DE6DE123AE433A2575BC0A9639C946696D6CF

[Rix Gins]

British actor David Tomlinson was born on May 7, 1917.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Tomlinson


Screenshot of David Tomlinson from the trailer for the film Mary Poppins.  By Trailer screenshot - Mary Poppins Trailer, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5389599