Friday June May 17, 1918
My dear Family,
You will think I am on my way to France but not yet. This has however been a strenuous week. We drilled Monday morning, our equipment came that afternoon, and we drilled again that evening. Drill again on Tuesday morning.
In the afternoon we St. Barnabas nurses donned our uniforms and Mrs. Briggs took us to the Plaza up on 5th Ave and 57th St for tea. We had tea, sandwiches, strawberry ice cream, and assorted cakes. We refused the cigarettes. Undoubtedly we will not do so upon our return from France! It is a very pretty tea room and we quite enjoyed the music and people. Rode both ways on top of the bus. Drilled again that evening.
Wednesday morning drilled and I spent the afternoon marking my equipment and sewing on buttons. In the evening about 20 of us went to the 29th St Theatre to see William Hodge in "A Cure for Incurables." Some kind hearted wealthy is treating us to it about 20 at a time. I enjoyed the play-a comedy-and after it was over we went behind the scenes and shook hands with and chatted with Mr. Hodge.
Yesterday drill as usual in the morning, finished my equipment in the afternoon, washed, and ironed. In the evening all the Red Cross nurses in the city went to the Madison Square Gardens as the guests of the management. We formed in line, Squads of four, in Madison Square, and marched into the theatre and around the ring before taking our seats. Mother and Frances, do you remember the circus Uncle took us to see there? Didn't care greatly for the performance, "The Daredevils." They did high dives, tight rope walking, looped the loop on bicycles, etc. Such daredevils should get into the front line trenches. After the awful accident at the Hippodrome I am less keen than I ever was for such things. I believe all three of those men died.
Yesterday morning after the drill we had our pictures taken for the Monies marching down 4th Ave also the enclosed which came out in last evenings paper. There are two units in it. I hope the movies made of us reach Minneapolis. Also those which undoubtedly will be taken on Saturday.
Drilled again this morning, mainly marching down Madison Ave. Have a fine Lieut. Drilling us and he gives us lots of taffy. Undoubtedly we are a fine looking bunch! Anyway, Unit 26 leads the Nurses' section of the parade and the tall ones are in the front line.
President Wilson is to speak Saturday night and I hope to hear him, but expect there will be an awful mob. We hope he is here to review the Parade. 5th Ave is being decorated today with Red Cross banners on every post.
Have just been told the men left Ft. McPherson yesterday. Our trunks must be ready by Monday morning. I'll have to pack Sunday night. A letter from Uncle. He dines out three nights this week and has Koko in for dinner once.
Letters this week from Alice, Margaret and Fanny. You are peaches to write. Also from Clara, Marion Dow, Mrs. Pearce, and Edith Thor of Chicago who has a 8 lbs son.
Frances, would you not like our pictures for the catalog? Be sure and send us one. Miss Dundas is so pleased she is being added to the flag. She was sure Miss Lawrence would remember her.
Are you sending a dollar to Mrs. Reed, or will my news be sufficient? Dr. Reed is head of the orthopedic department, and I know him quite well.
Herman Beck must be a great little patriot taking you to Red Cross meetings, Margaret.
Have done a little washing and must iron this evening. Final drill at 3 PM and must wear a fresh white waist and another fresh one tomorrow. I'll write you Sunday about the Parade. Wish you were to be on the reviewing stand. Do not know who is to have the honor of the President is not here.
Two o'clock and I must dress if I walk to the armory. This week ups at seven and in bed around midnight. This military life is strenuous!!
Love to all, Jane.