Dear Mother,
We arrived OK this morning about ten o’clock. We had a very enjoyable trip all the way up. The train ran a little slow part of the time, but we were comfortable and warm. It was a great night coming through the mountains. We were always going around a sharp curve, and then ducking into a tunnel like a rat in a hole. The mountains were covered with snow and the river along which we ran ws frozen over. Just on the line between W Va and Maryland we passed John Brown’s monument and grave. It is right beside the R.R. in the edge of the mountain.
We got into Phil last night about seven o’clock. The Red Cross met us thee and gave us apples, candy, cigarettes and post cards already stamped. I sent one of them to Marjorie. Got into Jersey City sometime during the night and stopped in the yards. At four this A.M. we got up and had a light break, and loaded our baggage on the ferry boat. They wouldn’t pull our train through the tunnel to Long Island because all the cars were not steel. We started out into the bay near the Statue of Liberty just as the sun was coming up. It shown on the statue and all the big buildings and made a grand sight. The boat went right by the Singer building and the NY Life bldg and lots of other big buildings. We went up the Hudson river under the Brooklyn bridge and five or six others. Past the Brooklyn Navy yards and saw several big battle ships and one interred German ship. One torpedo boat destroyer went right past us.
Then we landed and got on the train and came out here. It is about twenty five miles out on Long Island from N.Y. There are only a few soldiers here now. Most of them have gone across. We have sure got a dandy camp. Hot and cold water. Steam heat and electric lights. They have a dandy YMCA here. I am writing in it now. This is a big camp, but nothing but barracks. There is no flying here. It looks as though we would be here two or three weeks, but you know we can’t tell a thing about it. Some of the fellows are getting us passes. Well I must close now. Will write soon again.
Love to all.
Will
17 Aero Sqdn
Aviation Camp #2
Garden City NY

January 9, 1918

17th Aero Squadron entrained at Garden City, New York, for New York City, and immediately upon arrival at New York embarked on SS Carmania, one of a convoy of 14 ships.

Dear Mother,
We are some place on the Atlantic Ocean now. I don’t know where or when we will land. We expect to land before very long though. I am writing on the ship and then the mail will be returned as soon as we arrive in port. I got your telegram just before we left NY, but didn’t have time or get a chance to answer it. We are having as good a trip as could be expected, although our eats are none too good. The sea has been pretty rough, but very few have been sea sick. I haven’t been sick at all, but everyone is sure getting tired. There isn’t much to write about since we left NY and what little there is, we can’t write, so all I can say is, that I am well and getting along all right and expect to land before very long. The mail has to be censored on the ship.

My address is 17 Aero Squadron
A.E.F.
via New York

I must close now, with love to all, Will

January 24, 1918

17th Aero Squadron arrived Liverpool, England, after an uneventful voyage. Many rumors had been rife as to what assignment was to be made of the squadron but no definite information had been received. The squadron after landing immediately entrained for Romsey Rest Camp, arriving late in day,

U. S. Army Camp Hospital No. 34, Romsey, England: Lunch hour parade to the mess tent

Dear Mother
We’re settled down in camp on hard ground once more and it sure feels good. We were all same tired when we arrive here. We didn’t get into camp until nearly midnight as we had a long train ride after we got off of the boat. I have been working in the office all day and it is getting late now and I have to hurry. I think I will get to stay in the office all the time now.
I don’t hardly know what to write, as I can’t describe our trip and there isn’t much use to say as we haven’t been here long enough. We are in a rest camp now and will probably move to a regular camp in a few days. The weather is warm here compared to what the weather of this time of year in U.S. It has been awfully damp which makes it chilly. The grass is all green and it seems like spring. It is sure fine …unery… around here though.  There are lots of smalls and channels or canals and clipped hedge around nearly every field.  Women and girls do nearly all the work.  I seen some shoveling coal and loading freight cars and also a bunch working in a flour mill.  They all wear overalls.  They are sure  … particular with everything to eat around here.  We dosent waste a crumb of bread.  Everything saved.

They just announced that all mail had to go in now to catch this mail.

Love to all, Will

Dear Mother and everyone,
It has been several days since I have written. I am working in the office now and haven’t hardly had time to turn around. Have had to work late nearly every night, but it isn’t so bad as the rest of the bunch are either on guard or doing some other work. We are still at the rest camp in England. English food rations sure don’t agree with the American soldiers. We are not allowed out of camp, but this afternoon I had to go to the little village near by to get some paper but could only stay…

17th – Squadron sailed from Southampton, England, for Havre, France, aboard channel boat with shipment of mules and equipment destined for use by a Jewish Regiment on its way to Palestine.

Dear Mother,
It has been some time since I have written. I have been awfully busy and time goes fast too. I have been working in the office most of the time. We moved to another camp and got here day before yesterday. We got out January pay last night. Mine was sixty and one half francs or about ten dollars and a half. Anything except sweets is much cheaper here than in U.S. A hair cut cost six cents and a shave three. A big cup of cocoa for two cents. Beer is about the same here as it is there, but has a little different taste. We can buy it in the canteens in the camp.
We are not allowed outside of camp because we never know how long we will be in one place until we get to our base, which I hope will be soon. Maybe I will get some mail then. None of us has received any yet.
Well, I am well and happy and getting along fine. Travelling in this country is not near as comfortable as it is in the States and eats not quite as good, but we get plenty, which is more than I can say for when we were in England. There is nothing more I can say, so I must close for this time. Lots of love to all.
Your loving son
Will
17 US Aero Squadron
A.E.F. Paris

17th – Arrived Havre, France and immediately split into detachments. Headquarters Flight was ordered to the 2 7th Squadron R. A. F. at Martigny; ” A” Flight was attached to the 84th Squadron, R. A. F. at Quizancourt, France; “B” Flight ordered to 60th Squadron, R. A. F. at St. Marie Cappell on the Flanders front and “C” Flight ordered to 56th Squadron, R. A. F. at Baizieux, France.

Somewhere in France

Dear Folks,
Just a few lines to let you know that I am well and getting along OK. I received a letter from you a few days ago, one you wrote Jan 21. I guess you didn’t know that I had left by that time yet. I also got a letter from Irene written the same day. Everything is running along nicely and it is getting warm. We had a little snowstorm a few days ago, but it warmed up again the next day. “Jerry” still comes over to see us once in a while, but hasn’t got very close yet. The guns keep hammering away at night, but we are used to them and don’t mind it now.
I was on guard the other night and it looked like a thunderstorm off in the direction of the front line. The flash of the guns looks just like lightening.  I suppose you would like to know more about where I am and about everything, but our letters go through two censors and the rules are very strict.  Be sure and write me all the news as I am clear out of civilization and don’thear anything.

Write me to the 17th US Aero Squadron, via France.  If you get all my letters I gave you a different address but this is the right one now.

Lots of love to all. Your son Will.

Dear Mother and Dad,
I received four letters from you tonight and have spent a very pleasant half hour reading them. Two written Feb 17. One from mother who had just received my first letters from “over here” and one from dad of the same date written in KC. I also received the one written Feb 10 and one written Jan 4. So you see they were pretty well scattered out. I was sure glad to hear that you had heard from me. It sure must have been a long wait. It was for me and I don’t doubt but what it seemed longer to you. I got a letter from Jean day before yesterday, written Feb 17, saying that neither her or you had heard from me yet and that you were beginning to get worried. I suppose she hadn’t got the mail that night yet. There were lots of the fellows got mail tonight and every one is busy writing. I must hurry with this as the fellow is here to take our letters away. I am getting along fine and am well.
It is getting warm now and everthing is nice here now. Everything is about the same here now as it was when we arrived. There is not much I can write as the censorship is very strict. You might send me a box of eats, as some of the fellows are getting them. i would also like to have some snapshots of Marjie and Eulala if you have some. Well, I must close now, hoping you are all well.
Your loving son,
Will

17th – Headquarters Flight remained behind when the 24th Squadron, R. A. F. vacated the airdrome at Moreuil, and only a few hours before the Germans reached it. The flight burned the buildings and such supplies as it was necessary to abandon, Before the task was completed the flight was under machine gun fire from the advance elements of the advancing troops. The flight then proceeded to Bertangles ,with the transport of the 24th Squadron. “A” Flight per formed a similar task for the 84th Squadron, R. A. F. at Qui2ancourt and proceeded to Roye to rejoin the84th Squadron. “B” Flight burned the buildings and supplies abandoned by the 60th Squadron, R. A. F., at St. Marie Cappelle and rejoined the squadron at Belluvue.

17th – “A” Flight retreated from Roye to Vert-Galland Farm in the face of the advance elements of the German attack.

17th – ‘IC” Flight destroyed airdrome installations at Bai2ieux to prevent their failing into the hands of the enemy when the 60th Squadron, R. A. F. was forced to retreat from original airdrome to new airdrome at Vaheureaux Farm.

17th – ” B” Flight remained when the 60th Squadron, R. A. F. vacated the airdrome at Belluvue to destroy the installations and rejoined the squadron at Fienvillers.

17th – “A” Flight destroyed abandoned supplies at VertGaland Farm when the 84th Squadron, R. A. F. retreated to Maison-Pontheiu.

17th – Headquarters flight detached from 24th Squadron, R. A. F. and placed under control of the 22nd Wing, Royal Air Force, as an Independent Salvage Section.

Somewhere in France

Dear Mother,
I don’t know just how long it has been since I wrote to you, but I am sure it has been quite a while. I have been right in the fuss, and haven’t had time to write and couldn’t have mailed it if I had. I suppose you get part of it in the papers. I am all together and well and getting along fine. Am learning a little French as we go to a village quite often. The towns here are only about three miles apart. The last letter I got from you, you had just got my first letters from me over here. I don’t remember whether I answered it or not. It is getting pretty warm here now only it rains quite often.
I must close now hoping you are as well as I am. Will write very soon again if circumstances permit.
Lots of love to all,
Will

17th – “All Flight moved with 84th Squadron, R. A. F. from Vert-Gailand Farm to Bertangles when unit moved up after lines were straightened.

Somewhere in France

Dear Father, Mother and All,
I received your letter written March 10 today. It was the first letter for nearly a month and the only one since the drive started. I have only had time to write one letter since then and I doubt very much whether you got it or not. That was about a week ago.
Believe me we have seen some excitement in the last month and have also seen considerable country moving around. Just five nights ago several of us took a walk to a town near here. It is quite a large town and we were quite surprised to see that nearly every one had evacuated and no stores were open. We had been there about twenty minutes when we heard a “whiz-bang” and big shell landed less than a block from us. It broke all the windows for a radius of over a block and completely wrecked two large buildings. Shells kept landing close around there and so we made our visit short. We stopped in one of the suburb towns on the way out and finally persuaded an old French woman to sell us some fried eggs and potatoes. They sure tasted good. We also bought some champagne for four francs a bottle that is about 80 cents and it costs about $6.00 or $7.00 per bottle in KC.
We are getting so we don’t feel right if we don’t hear the heavy artillery. One half day here everything was quiet and we couldn’t hear a sound. Everyone was restless and wondering what was going on. It has been dull and rainy and we have seen the sun very little in the last two weeks. Cloudy nights are much more desirable in France than clear ones. I am getting used to the sound of enemy bombs so I don’t worry so much although everyone is scared of enemy aircraft.

I certainly feel sorry for the French women around here. They are in constant terror of “Jerry”, (enemy aircraft).

I will have close now as we will soon have to put the lights out as I can hear some bombs dropping near here. This is the first night I have had a chance to write for a long time. Will write soon again if possible. Hoping you are as well as I am. We are living in tents now and are very comfortable. Tell me all the news and send me a paper once in a while.
Lots of love to all
Your son Will

17th – “B” Flight destroyed installations at the airdrome near Rougefay when 60th Squadron, R. A. F. retreated in face of German advance.

Somewhere in France

Dear Folks,
I received your letters of Mar 14 and 24 and also the box of candy. Was sure glad to get them and the candy was fine. Believe me, we don’t get very much of that over here. I am still with the 84th RAF but expect to leave in a very few days. …all be together again. I got eight letters tonight, two from you, one from Albert written Feb 6. One from Aunt Rose and one from Marie Eresch. I am going to answer them as soon as I possibly can. It is getting late and I have to write another letter yet I had to go back to work after supper tonight.

I am well and getting along fine. I told you about everything in my letter a couple days ago. Well, I must close now with love to all and don’t worry about me as I am all OK and expect to stay that way.
Lovingly yours
Will

France

Dear Mother and All,
I haven’t heard from you for some time, but as it has been quite a while since I wrote you I will just write a few lines to let you know I am well and getting along all right. I wrote quite a bit about things over here, in my last letter or two is I won’t say anything this time, as it is just about the same and if the censor stopped them this one will go through any way. The sun shines about one day in a week and it rains about three or four times a week. There is a picture show over at another Airdrome near here tonight and I think I will go over. I was over last night but they had to shut down after the first reel was over. It is cloudy tonight so I guess we won’t be bothered. I don’t know of anything else to write so I will close.
With love to all
Will

Somewhere in France

Dear Mother and All,
I received your letter written Apr 12 tonight and one written about a week earlier the other day. I was sure glad to get them as we don’t get much news over here. I am well and getting along fine. It is real warm now and we hardly ever wear our coats any more. It is raining or cloudy over half of the time. I don’t suppose there are very many young fellows around there anymore. I have been wondering for some time whether Carl and George had been drafted yet. I would like to see them over here. Well it is time for lights out. I didn’t know it was this late. Time seems to go fast and we don’t know one day from another.
Lots of love to all,
Will

p.s. May 6 I didn’t get this mailed this morning and I will hand it in tonight. I am sorry you haven’t been getting all my letters. I write at least once a week. Sorry I cannot tell you where I am, but it is active around here all night. We got new caps today. They don’t wear the hat over here any more. Our caps are nearly like the french caps and O.D. color.

Dear Mother,
It is Gen Pershing’s request that every US soldier in France write to mother today. It has been nearly a week since I have written and longer than that since I have received any mail.

I have had a little cold the last few days but it is all right now again. We have had quite a few nice days lately except yesterday and today it has been damp and cloudy. I and a couple other fellows are figuring on going out to a village about five miles from here tonight to get a feed. We can buy fried eggs and fried potatoes there. That is considered a great treat and is worth walking ten miles for. Of course we have a choice of getting a ride on a truck along the road going down, but there is no traffic after dark and at least very little. That is what we call a “dead” day. That is, it is too rainy for flying so there is not much work. Even this afternoon hardly any one is doing much. We won’t have to work tonight nor we didn’t last night either. Things have been pretty quiet over here lately, but we are expecting something doing soon again. It has been so dead here lately that I can hardly think anything to write. They have a picture show at a squadron near here twice a week. They put on some pretty good shows too. About a week ago a French band was over and gave us a concert during the show.

Well, I must close now as it is nearly supper time. Hoping you are all as well as I am, with lots of love to all,
Your loving son,
Will

17th – Headquarters Flight relieved from 22nd Wing, R. A. F. and established as separate organization. The Headquarters Flight in five weeks had salvaged 25 enemy planes and fourteen British planes. “A” Flight was relieved from the 84th Squadron, “Bl’ Flight relieved from the 60th Squadron, “C” Flight relieved from the 56th Squadron, R. A. F. and united with the Headquarters Flight to again establish the unity of the squadron which was then assigned the 3rd Squadron, Royal Air Force, to learn about maintenance of the Sopwith Camels which were to be assigned the unit.

Dear Mother’
I received your letter written April 18 yesterday and was certainly glad to get it as it had been over two weeks since I received a letter. It has been real summer weather here the last week. I guess France is just as hot a place as Kansas. We started out on that walk a week ago yesterday, the one I said I was going to take in my last letter. We only visited eight towns before we got back. Three of them were about as big as our home town and the others were just small villages. We figured it up after we got back and it was about 30 kilos, or eighteen miles. I was sure all in when we got back. The other day we went on a scrounging party in a town up near the lines. The shells were bursting close, and we could smell gas very distinct. Although we didn’t have to use our masks. About half of the houses and buildings were wrecked. The people left everything when they left. In several houses we were in the table was all set for a meal and was never disturbed. The clothes were strewn out on the floor and on the beds. It looks as though they had to grab what was most valuable and could carry and then run. A woolen mill we went in, the machines had just been stopped and the machines were all threaded and parts of rolls all made up were in the machines. There is a beautiful big cathedral there and it has big holes in the sides and about half of the roof has fell in. The country around here is sure pretty. It is all little valleys and small bunches of trees and green fields. The streams are just as clear as crystal.
Well, it is getting dark and there is not much to write about. I am well and getting along fine.
Lots of love to all,
Will

The Group established a bath at the rear of the camp. All who preferred to do so were authorized to bath in the creek at the foot of the hill but all squadrons were assigned separate days, both for the baths established by the group and the creek.

GROUP – Orders issued for all concerned to keep to the roads, not to cross the airdrome due to gradual building of paths which revealed the location of the Group; to extinguish vehicle lights at night and that water stored in the reservoir was not to be wasted and under no circumstances was it to be used for the purpose of washing cars or vehicles.

My Dear Mother,
It has been quite some time since I wrote you the last time. I just got your letter the other day with the clipping about the yellow streak around the bank. It sure made me mad. Some of the fellows seen the clippings and asked me if I knew them. I said I knew them but was ashamed to say anything else. I wish I had been there to help them. I think C & G will change their mind some when they get over here which I hope they soon will. I would like to see them eating some of the meals we do for about six months and maybe they would wish they had bought some L.B. so that the US could feed and clothe her troops a little better. I think that if there were a few less of those kind of people over there and sooner they realize that there is a war on over here, the better we will get along and get it over with. By the time you get this letter you will probably know more about the way things stand than I do now. I certainly expect to see some change in the next month. Things are far from cool here now. After this I wish you would deposit my allotment in the other bank and I would like to have what is in the First Natl taken out. I do not care to help any one who refuse to help the boys over here who are fighting for freedom.
I am well and getting along as good as could be expected. We are still the English but with a different squadron so we are in a different place than when I wrote last. It is a very nice place. We have wooden buildings to sleep in and lots of trees for shade as it is getting pretty warm. The weather isn’t the only thing that has warmed up in the last week, so we are now expecting to have to move any minute.
I don’t know of anything else I can write and don’t worry about me, as I am quite well and safe. Write soon.
With lots of love to all,
Your son
Will

p.s. I write to Jean P quite often so if some of my mail to you gets lost she might get a letter as I usually write you and her at the same time.

GROUP – Orders were issued for all units to be ready to move to the rear at a moment’s notice due to the threatened German Drive.

GROUP – A baseball team picked from among the squadrons of the Group journeyed to the grounds of Evacuation Hospital No, 9, and defeated the Hospital team by a close score.

17th – All flights were reassembled at Petit Snythe (near Dunkirk) and consolidated as one unit under 1st Lieutenant Samuel P. Eckert, as Commanding Officer, and assigned 65th British Wing, Royal Air Force. The –First night that the squadron was at the new station a German air raid had as its objective the airdrome near Petit Snythe and material and rations of the squadron were destroyed by bombs

Dear Mother and All,
I just received a letter from you tonight written May 10, and one written day before yesterday May 17. Have seen some more of France since I wrote last. We made that trip on the train and it took about eighteen hours. We are about the same distance from the front as we have always been. Our squadron is all together now for the first time since we left England. We are through working with the British now and I am sure glad. You are getting my letters addressed all right and am getting them as good as could be expected. I have just been out watching a ball game. The first good one I have seen for a long time. We are figuring on having a game with some sailors Sunday. We have got a dandy place now. Nice wooden huts and right near a good sized town. It has been cloudy and rainy nearly all the time since we have been here. It sure suits us too, as the first night we were here it was clear and moonlight and we got a rather warm reception. I was just half asleep when I heard it and I guess I went up in the air five feet. About the time I came back on my blankets several windows fell in and it sounded like an awful hail storm on the roof. A second followed in quick succession. Then we heard the hum of motors as we were high balling for the dug out, but he didn’t drop any more in this vicinity, although we made several trips to the cave during the night.

Well it is getting so dark I can hardly see and it is time to go to bed as I have lots of work for tomorrow. Hoping you are all as well as I am.
Your loving son
Will

p.s. If Ernest is going to join the Navy, tell him I would advise the Naval Air Service as a mechanic. He knows enough for that to get along.

Expanding the Brand

The Democrat Opinion
May 16, 1924
McPherson, Kansas

Located on N. Rubey Street in Macon, the Jobson Opera House was opened October 31, 1889 with 800 seats. It has had many changes of ownership and names over the years. It became the Royal Theatre on August 25, 1923. On December 31, 1929 it became the Dickinson Theatre and October 28, 1936 it became the Macon Theatre. Next in 2004 it became home to the City of Maples Repertory Theatre.

Bill Assumes Full Responsibility

A note from Lill’s little calendar book.

Cutting the Commute Time

Moved 160 miles west, closer to work.

Gabel Sells Interest In Dickinson Theatre

W. J. Gabel Will Relinquish Duties
To New Manager Within
a Few Weeks.

Sale of his one-half interest in the Beloit Dickinson theatre to F.. J. Griffith was announced by J, Gabel upon his return from a business trip to Kansas City this week. The transaction includes Mr. Gabel’s interest in the lease, the theatre business and equipment. At the request of Mr. Griffith, it is agreed that Mr. Gabel will continue to manage the theatre until he is succeeded by a new manager to be chosen by the new proprietor.

About one year ago Mr. Griffith purchased a half interest in the Dickinson chain of theatres located in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska towns, while last month Griffith bought Mr. Dickinson’s interest. This company operates about 25 motion picture houses, and Mr. Gabel served as manager of the Beloit movie house, also sharing an interest in the Beloit theatre business with Messrs. Dickinson and Griffith. The new theatre owner holds a lease on the building, which is owned by W. S. Gabel.

Decision to retire from the theatre business, in Beloit means that W. J. Gabel will consider some other , line of work. However, the family hopes to remain in Beloit, a desire shared with the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Gabel and children. They recently purchased a home and the family is happily situated.

During his service as theater manager “Bill” has given generously of his time and talents to many community projects. His influence and assistance is appreciated by his co-workers in the Chamber of Commerce, Community Hospital executive board, county fair, Rotary club and other organizations of the community. Mrs. Gabel ‘is an active member of the Women’s Civic club and various other organizations.

The Gazette has been privileged to have many business dealings with – Mr. Gabel, and the entire personnel of this office appreciates Bill’s unusual ability as an advertising man and theatre manager.  It has been a pleasure to serve W. J., and it will be the desire of all those connected with this paper to establish the same cordial relationship with the new manager. Knowing Bill as we do, the Gazette publishers are confident that W. J. will succeed on any job that he undertakes, and the editors join with other friends in expressing the hope that our friend will soon establish business connections that will require his residence in Beloit.

Off to California.

First 235 miles a flat tire, then another 240 to Raton.

MR. AND MRS. W. J. GABEL

INJURED IN ACCIDENT

Two Children Suffer Minor Injuries and Car Demolished in Utah Wreck.

Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Gabel are patients at the Lunitah hospital at Vernal, Utah, as the result of serious injuries suffered in an automobile accident that occurred about 50 miles east of Vernal on U.S. Highway 40. Mr. and Mrs. Gabel and three children were enroute to Beloit from a trip to California.

The accident occurred Friday 5 p.m. on a level stretch of pavement near a C.C.C. camp. A car in which three C.C.C. youths were riding was coming from the east, and it was said that the young men were not watching the highway. The Gabel car was headed east at a moderate rate of speed, and it is presumed that Bill thought that the Utah car would pull over to the- right side of the highway. However, the C.C.C. man evidently failed to see the approaching car in time to avoid a crash, and the two cars collided with terrific force. The Gabels were taken to the C.C.C. camp for first aid treatment, and later the victims were removed to the Vernal hospital.

Mr. Gabel’s major injury is a broken right knee.  He also has a minor cut on the chin and his jaws were painfully injured. Mrs. Gabel has a broken neck bone and seven cuts on her face.  Two stitches were required to close a cut on Connie Gabel’s face.  Bob suffered a back injury. Carol suffered from shock but escaped injury. Mr. and Mrs. Gabel suffered crushed chests. 

As soon as word of the accident was received here, W. S Gabel and Harold Hill left for Utah. They left here about 4 p.m., spent the night at Limon, Colo., and reached Vernal Sunday afternoon about 3 o’clock.  Messrs. Gabel and Hill returned to Beloit Wednesday afternoon with the Gabel children.

Mr. Hill said in company with W. S. Gabel they visited the scene of the accident, which occurred on a straight stretch of highway with clear vision. Harold also stated that Mr. and Mrs. Gabel are getting as well as could be expected, and that W. J. was just coming out of the effects of an operation on the knee when the Beloit relatives arrived at the hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Gabel are sharing a double room at the Vernal hospital, and the accident victims are well pleased with the service provided. W. J. is a member of the executive board of the Beloit hospital, and knows something about the hospital business. 

W. S. Gabel told the Gazette today that it was indeed fortunate that the accident occurred near the Macedona camp. Two doctors were seated on the porch of a camp building and heard the crash. The physicians were at the accident scene within a few seconds. One of the doctors said that if the accident had happened further away, Mr. and Mrs. Gabel

might have bled to death. W. S. Gabel also stated that the town of Vernal is a Mormon community, and that the town residents, doctors and nurses are very kind and friendly. The C.C.C. doctors are making frequent trips to

Vernal to visit the accident victims.  The W. J. Gabels and Mrs. W. S. Gabel left Beloit some weeks ago for California. Mrs. W. S. remained in California to visit relatives and to attend the San Francisco fair. Bill, Jr., was anxious to return home in order to assist at the Harvest Festival held Tuesday night by the St. John’s parish. If the accident had not occurred, the Gabels would have reached Beloit Saturday evening.

The many relatives and friends of Bill and Lillian sincerely hope that the accident victims will respond to treatment, and will be able to return to their home in a short time.

Word was received’ today that Mrs. Gabel’s neck was placed in a cast ordered from Salt Lake City.

1940

A New C. of C. Manager

Bill Considine Succeeds Bill Gabel, Who has Accepted U.S.O Duties at Lebanon, Mo.

Chamber of Commerce directors Wednesday accepted W. J. Gabel’s resignation as secretary, and employed Bill Considine to assume the duties of office manager. In accepting Mr. Gabel’s resignation, the directors extended a vote of appreciation for the efficient services rendered as C. of C. secretary, and expressed best wishes for success in his new work as a United Service Organization worker.

The retiring secretary has been quite anxious to become affiliated with some line of work that offered increased opportunity for service, and naturally increased remuneration, hence the decision to accept an offer from the National Catholic Youth Association. While in Kansas City last weekend attending a conference, Mr. Gabel was informed that his first assignment would be at Lebanon, Mo., which is located about 30 miles from Ft. Leonard one of the largest military training camps the country. Bill left Wednesday morning for Lebanon to spend a few days familiarizing himself with the setup before going on to Washington, D. C. for a conference.

During the present emergency all service groups such as the Salvation Army, Knights of Columbus and others are joined in the United Service Organization.  As in the World War, the organizations will provide entertainment and recreation for soldiers, sailors and marines in the vicinity of training camps. At Lebanon the Catholic church is building a large community building, and the basement has been completed. The U. S. O. has made arrangements to lease the structure of which Mr. Gabel will be in charge.

Mrs. Gabel and children, Carol and Bob, will remain in Beloit for the present. Miss Connie will attend school in Kansas City. Beloit people hope that Mr. Gabel will return here at some future time to engage in business and to resume his community activities. Bill is a member of the executive board of the Community Hospital and was chairman of the financial campaign. He has always been active in Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and other affairs. Meanwhile his many friends wish him good luck and success in his new field of labor.

Heading for California

The year is 1944, just a new year brain fog.

Looks like the Connie, Carol and Bob left on one train at 1:30, then Bill and Lill on the next train at 12:30.