Soldier News - June 1942

More Young Men Join the Service

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 25, 1942

 

The young men of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] have responded to the call and this week finds the youthful population of the town slowly and steadily diminishing as another group of enthusiastic Americans complete or have completed their plans for enlistment in the various branches of service of the United States.

 

Included in the group of fellows are four former classmates who graduated together in 1940 from Bainbridge Central High School--Bryce Wilcox, the son of Fayette Wilcox, who left Tuesday for the U.S. Navy; Henry J. Gardner, Jr., son of Henry Gardner, who also left Tuesday for the Navy; John L. Burgin, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Burgin, of Franklin, formerly of Bainbridge, who leaves for the Navy next week; and Ivor Bosket, son of Mr. and Mrs. Merle Bosket, who left Monday, another new Navy man.

 

All four of these boys figured actively in sports and extra-curricular activities during their years in high school.  Bryce and "Hank" Gardner both played football, basketball and baseball with gusto and were valuable additions to the sports department of the school.  Ivor was a member of the band, football manager, played baseball and is as well known for his dramatic ability as well as his music and athletic prowess.  He played important parts in the Senior Play of 1940 as well as in the Contest Play which won first prize for the section in his last year of school.  In addition to this, he was a member of the Echo Staff and was invaluable in editing the yearbook.  John Burgin, known as "Berg" to his friends, was also a popular member of the younger set of town.  He was vice-president of his Freshman Class, played baseball, basketball, football, participated in several track meets, was member of the Echo Staff, sang in the Glee Club, a member of the Art Club, played in the school band, was Football Manager and played in tennis tournaments.  "Berg" was known in school for his easy-going ways and humor. 

 

Prior to their enlistment the four boys had all been employed, Bryce at the Casein Co., John at the Separator, "Hank" at the Casein and Ivor at Noyes' Drug Store. 

 

In addition to these four schoolmates, Stirling Hodge, John Newcott and Reginald Nichols,  all Bainbridge men, have volunteered their services for Uncle Sam.

 

Stirling Hodge, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Hodge, left last Monday for the U.S. Navy.  Prior to his enlistment this popular local boy had attended B.C.H.S., where he, too was an active participant in baseball, football, tennis, and basketball.  On leaving school he was employed in the American Separator which he later left to work at the Scintilla. 



 

John Newcott outstanding athlete of this area, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Newcott, of Peckville, Pa., has enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guards and will leave today, Thursday, for the induction center.  He is a graduate of Peckville High School.  "Johnny," as he is known to all his friends, was prominent in baseball and basketball.  He pitched on the Bainbridge baseball team in the Binghamton Sun League for two years.  Two years ago, while pitching with Deposit, he defeated "Red" LaFlamme of the Albany team at Downsville.  Last season he was quarterback of the Sidney Cardinals, semi-pro football team.  He was a speedy backfield man, a good pass receiver and a fine blocker. Under his guidance he lead the team through the season, undefeated.  He was employed at the Scintilla Magneto Co. before enlisting.  Johnny also has a brother in the Coast Guards, and has a sister, Miss Martha Newcott, who also resides in Bainbridge.  Last Thursday night, John was given a farewell party by Mrs. Reno Smith and Mrs. Arthur Wearne at the home of Mrs. Smith.

 

Stirling Hodge Joins Naval Air Corps

Bainbridge News & Republican,  June 18, 1942

 

Stirling Hodge, son of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Hodge left Monday of this week for Albany where he underwent his final examination and was accepted into the United States Navy Air Corps as a mechanic.  A large group of friends accompanied Stirling to the local railroad station on Monday morning to wish him luck as he boarded the train for this new job with Uncle Sam.  Prior to his enlistment, Stirling had been employed at the Scintilla and had previously attended B.C.H.S. where he was active in football and other athletics.  Stirling has the good wishes of all his friends who admire his spirit. 

 

Russell Elander Joins Navy

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 25, 1942

 

Russell Elander, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Elander, of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], left Monday for Albany to be assigned to a post after having enlisted in the United States Navy.  Known to all his friends as "Rusty," he had graduated from the Bainbridge Central High School after having starred on the B.C.H.S. football and basketball teams during his four years of high school.  In 1935, Russell joined the United States Navy and served a term of four years during which time he became adept in Frist Aid.  On completion of his four years of service, "Rusty" moved to Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] where he became a popular resident and for the past three years was employed nights as First Aid man at the Scintilla Magneto Corp.  His fellow workers, who will miss "Rusty's" good natured manners, presented him with a very generous purse before his leaving, Monday.  Russell returns to the Navy with two higher ratings than when he first emerged, now being a second class pharmacist.  Mrs. Elander, the former Miss Helen Bartlett, of Sidney, and their two children, Harvey Bruce and Lee Russell, will remain in their home in Sidney until Russell's post has been designated.