Bainbridge NY War Activities - June 1917

What Bainbridge is Doing for the War Effort

Bainbridge Republican, June 21, 1917

The patriotism of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] has been finely demonstrated.  It has rung out clear and true.  This town of 2,000 population subscribed $80,000 to the liberty loan which far exceed the original allotment of $49,000 based upon bank resources.

 

The officers of the First National Bank of this village threw their great influence into the campaign and the tide of patriotism began to flow toward financing the war. The Bank received the subscriptions for the liberty bonds and furnished the clerical work which required additional help without any charge. The officers of the Bank and the Bank itself took large subscriptions.

 

Postmaster Ira B. Cushman was active in interesting the people and worked strenuously in the movement.  $2,800 was subscribed by the Postmaster and the employees in the office.

 

The American Separator Company entered the liberty loan campaign with their usual vigor and earnestness. The officers of the company subscribed largely and as an inducement for their employees to invest they paid $5.00 on each bond purchased and as a result the employees took $2,750 bonds which is a splendid tribute to their high patriotism and devotion to flag.  Officers and employees of the -?- Company, the John Wildi Evaporated Milk Company invested.  Citizens throughout the town put their money in the liberty bonds and for a week prior to June 14 when the subscriptions here closed, there was a continuous stream of people manifesting their cooperation and endeavor toward the support of the war against Germany until on the afternoon of Thursday last the grand total swelled to $80,000.  The investment was a magnificent expression of loyalty to the United States, of confidence in the administration and of excitement for the prosecution of a war which is in the defense of our country, the protection of our homes and free institutions and the perpetuation of democracy.

 

This $80,000 which Bainbridge contributed to the liberty loan represents 277 subscribers.

 

Twenty-one Enlist

 

Bainbridge has further signified her devotion to country and grandly manifested a spirit to uphold the honor and safety of this land. Twenty-one of her finest young men have enlisted in the service. The fairest and most promising youth of the village have voluntarily and eagerly sought an opportunity to fight under the flag. They have their uniforms and are in training waiting the call to arms.  They are Thomas Collins, Jr., Edwin Collins, Algwynne Collins, all sons of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Collins; Donald Copley, a junior in Colgate University; Howard Bartholl of Syracuse university, Thomas Cartledge of the Bainbridge High School; Wendell Fletcher, Kenneth Payne, Charles Bentley, Clifton Oles, Harold Seeley, Ray Lowry, Ray Stillman, Roy Lyon, Lloyd Silvernail, Jasper Partridge, Patrick Brennan, Leon Yale, Hobart Page, Paul French and Howard Fuller, teacher of manual training in the Binghamton schools.

 

These young men have gone forth with fire and patriotism and are eagerly awaiting the time when they can prove the worth of their young manhood in the service of their country.  No other town the size of Bainbridge can speak of so many brave hearts beating in hopes and passion to avenge the murder of innocent lives, the violation of our national rights and to hold aloft the stars and stripes upon the citadel of principles and freedom for which their forefathers fought and died.

 

Other Activities

 

In every search of activity in war activity -?- is in the lead.  A Red Cross organization having a membership of over 300 has been formed and it is constantly growing in numbers.  Harrison L. Beatty is chairman and an enthusiastic board of directors has been named who are working for the improvement and success of army conditions.

 

When the Government called for the selective draft registration, 162 young men of the town went forward cheerfully and gave their names.  There was not a slacker in town.

 

The census and inventory of the military resources of the State and the enrollment of persons liable to service in the militia are now being taken at Town Hall.  Last week nearly five hundred gave their names and the others must register by June 25th.  Harrison L. Beatty is the supervisor of the registration in the towns of Bainbridge, Afton, Guilford and Coventry and is attending to every detail.  The work of receiving names is being carried on in Bainbridge by ladies who have volunteered their services. George E. Searing is also assisting in the work.

 

Throughout the town the people are awakening to the grim reality of war and are enlisting in the various activities which the Nation has imposed with a sense of duty and patriotism which is quite marvelous, and this work and energy must not slacken but must continue till the end.