Dear Mother: Sunday May 1918 Well this is my third day at sea and so far nothing important or exciting has taken place. The first day out of (censor) the water seemed a little rough to us but the sailors all said it was a smooth sea. At first the rolling motion bothered me slightly but now I am enjoying it all. Of course there is nothing in sight but some other transports and water and sky. Now the water has become a beautiful blue, while at first it looked like other deep water---a greenish color. Because of the censor I can't tell anything about the ship or any military news. It happens that the 108th Band is on the ship with us so that this morning when we had Church services on the deck, the band played the hyms (sic). This is Mother's Day. Six days out and the ocean is still as calm as can be. Yesterday it was almost glassy. There is five hours difference in time between Paris and New York time so every day as we go east our time changes a little. We get a little wordless news every day. It gives the big league baseball news, a little United States news and some War news. The only piece of news that seems of special interest was that. The Rochester, NY street car strike had been settled. The boys laughed when they read it. On board there is a Y.M.C.A. man going across with us, he has a small library with him and everybody is reading. I have been studying French and reading Mark Twain's "Roughing it" We are sleeping down in the hold of the vessel. Believe me; I prefer a cold night at Camp Wadsworth than any night here. It is too hot to suit anybody. This boat was formally an immigrant ship, and we are living under almost the same conditions. later I decide that now I have my sea legs. The other day we had some real rough weather. The sailors said it was a little rough and I couldn't help but wonder what a real rough sea was. The waves seemed like huge mountains. The ships rolled and rolled. The decks of the vessel was at an angle of 45 (degrees) and it was too funny for anything to watch those who didn't have their sea legs. The funniest sight of all was in the mess hall. The floor was slippery for spilt water caused by rough weather. Every once in a while there would be an extra-large wave and dishes -- breakfast and men would slide to one side of ship. they would just start to get their footing, when they would slide to the other side of the ship and all the time trying desperately to grab a hold of something. We will land. Where of course I cannot tell. Address my mail Jas. F. Spencer Machine Gun Company 108th Inf. U.S. A. American Expeditionary Forces via New York I received your letter written to me at Camp Stewart and was very pleased to get it. Remember me to my friends and with love to all James F. Spencer Article from Newspaper, date unknown, paper unknown. "Co. L, 108th Infantry Inspected by King George of England. Members of Company L, 108th Infantry, A.E.F., the majority of who are residents of Elmira, NY, had the honor of being inspected by King George of England on August 6. Captain James Riffe, in command of the company, has received a letter from Major General John F. O'Ryan congratulating him and his officers and men on the fine appearance made by the company on that occasion. A few days after the inspection the company was chosen to represent the 17th Division in the big military parade in France. Company L is part of the regiment, of which Companies A, G, and H of Rochester form a part. Peliham Bay Machine Gun Co. 3rd NY Inf. City Island, P.O. N.Y.City Dear Folks Things have been going very well here. I mean by very well, the way they should. Thursday Uncle Joe Hawkins was here. It was sort of a surprise for me to look out of the tent and see him. I was just wiping my mess kit, as I had only finished dinner. I didn't suppose he knew I was even in the Army. He stayed until I had to go drill. During the while he was here I showed him about camp. He seemed very much interested. This morning we had general Inspection, which was pretty still. One man in one of the other companies got thrown into the guard house for being drunk and also bringing whisky into camp. Last night we all got paid, pay being all most a month overdue. We were paid for the month of July on the 24 of August. Last night a great number "ran the guard" and went to the city. It happened that I had a pass to go out for a while. When the inspecting sergeant took "tabs" he found 17 men still out who shouldn't be (letter stopped) from James F. Spencer envelope dated 16 Aug 1917 to Mr. F.W. Spencer, Spencerport, NY The following is a letter from C.O. Eggert, 57 Maplehurst Road, Rochester, NY, dated 18 Feb 1986, to me, Dana R. Spencer "My dear Mr. Spencer: . . .My remembrance of Jimmy is as follows: He and Ed Ferris of Spencerport enlisted in Rochester that 1st part of April, 1917, when war was declared while we were waiting to be formally turned over to the U.S. Authority we were sent to Bushel Basin where the Barge Canal had broken away and was contained by a wooden flume. After 6 or 8 weeks we returned to Rochester and entrained for Pelham Bay, NY. While there, all our physical ailments such as teeth, being repaired--eye sight, ears and feet taken care of. We then entrained for Spartanburg, SC, where we proceeded to build streets, put up canvas tents, and become familiar with various types of machine guns; also going to school under allied "instructors in signaling bayonet work, instruction in gas masks, digging trenches, proper way to throw hand grenades, and a host of other things. The following spring we entrained for Norfolk, Virginia where another physical exam took place and then sailed for France. We arrived in Best, France and stayed at the Pontenessen Barracks which was built for Napoleon. After 3 days we piled into box cars---forty men or 8 horses, and were rushed to the British sector up in Belgium. It was after the 1918 German drive and the British were just able to hold the line with an insufficient number of men. We were blooded early at the railway junction of Abbeville before we got near the front. There were 5 American divisions in Belgium, but Pershing needed the American Sector to have 3. The 17th and 30th Division remained with the British throughout the rest of the War. It was around July 4th that we succeeded in driving the Germans back from Mt. Kemmel which dominated the territory for 30 miles around. It was around this time that Jimmy was informed of his wife's death and he took it pretty hard"""(this statement does not correspond with wife's death 13 Jan 1919) Shortly after this phase the British 4th Army down on the Somme River were stymied by the Hindenburg line between Cambrai and St. Quentin. On the first 50 miles of our trip south, we had to hike with full equipment and despite orders many men drank water from farm wells and creeks and became very ill with bloody dysentery and were sent to hospitals. It was here that I lost track of Jimmy. In the meanwhile from the 17th of Sept to the 20th of October we were in continuous battle with only 20 men left when we were relieved. I did not see Jimmy until after the Armistice again. . .Sincerely, Clarence O. Eggert, Commander of 108th Machine Gun Association, 16 Feb 1986 She (Mrs. Almira Spencer) was a graduate of the University of Rochester, and was entering upon her third year as preceptress of the high school at Phelps. Mrs. Spencer resigned her position when she went to visit her sister, where she expected to be joined by her husband on his return from France. Besides her husband, she leaves her mother, Mrs. Thornton Mills, of New Jersey; one sister and four brothers. The funeral will be held form the home of F.W. Spencer, Union Street, Saturday afternoon of this week, 18th January, a 2:45 o'clock. Rev. Peter Birrell will officiate. Interment at Fairfield Cemetery. Information from his High School Yearbook: James F. Spencer graduated 1916--in the Yearbook "Die Erinnerugn", Spencerport High School, Spencerport, NY. Class motto "From the life of the School to the School of Life"---"Von dem Lebender Schule zu der Schule des Lebens" Color: Purple and White, Class flower, White Rose. "Jamie", as he was called, was class president, 1914, artist of "Die Erinnerung", Senior Farce; secretary and treasurer of A.A., 1916; James or "Jamie" is the model young man in the Class of 1916, and the class considers itself fortunate in having him as a member of it. Although Jamie is a model young man, he does not fall back when there is any fun or candy around. He is also quite well-informed on the Chinese Question. Class Day Program--James F. Spencer did Presentation Oration. The Class History of 1916--". . .at this important council James Spencer was elected to pilot our canoe though our second year (referring to him being class president). . ." Class Prophecy ". . .this steam is surely growing denser, A message reads for one James Spencer. The symbols if an art career, for you is marked both strong and clear; you'll study far across the sea, and a famous artist you will be. Many laurels you will win, and proud will be your kith and kin. . ." Class Will---". . . Eleventh, James Spencer will s all the affection bestowed upon him by the girls of the Senior Class to Howard Amish..." Have you ever Seen. . .James Spencer not ready to defend the "Allies"? He played basketball: Games won 10, Games lost 6. Spencer scored 3 field baskets. Of the 9 players on the team, the field baskets were 0 to 63. Things about James in high school: "wrinkling up his nose", saying "The Saints Save Us", drawing young ladies pictures, and ability "To join the Allie(s)" SS# 115-01-9398 Birthday Card with the following from James F. Spencer to R. Milford Spencer. "Tucson, Arizona Nov 5 1974 Dear Milford: Many returns of the Day! Hope this find you and yours all well and happy. See by the paper that you have already have had some winter. Here we have had some cold weather! Yesterday's high was 64 and the papers stated that winter is two months early this year. I heard from someone that you have been working with Bud Nichols on the old Ryan House. I would have liked to have gone thru the old house and its fourteen bed rooms. l Did you happen to know whether Ed and Mary Ryan are coming out to Tucson? I planted sweet peas about a week ago and within a week most were up. The week before I planted broccoli and they are doing good. Have a Happy Birthday and keep well. Sincerely, your brother, Jim (Spencer)" Birthday Greeting to R. Milford Spencer from his brother's wife for James F. Spencer "Nov 6 1975 Dear Milford and Frances---I am writing this note for Jim as at the present time he is unable to do so. you perhaps have heard through Betty or Ruth that Jim had an operation for cataracts on both eyes the early part of October. At present he is wearing temporary glasses and he manages to sign checks, but that is the extent of his writing. The Dr. thinks that Jim will possibly be able to have his permanent glasses by the middle of December--we are keeping our "fingers crossed". We are having beautiful fall weather here--it has been in the 70's and 80's during the daytime and in the 50's and 60's at night of recent. Hope you both keep well--and remember us tot he rest of your family. Sincerely, Carena and Jim." Postcard to James Spencer, given to Dana R. Spencer by Jean Chase Widener. She and Ruth Spencer Gartland, went to AZ to clean up the estate of James and Carena (Loosemore) Spencer: "1910 This is where I am, am going home to-night Caroline" "1909 Am having a fine time. We rowed to Strait Lake yesterday and am going to Manitou today. W. T." "Helen Blackford will be pleased to have you take dinner with the Seniors at her house, Friday evening, June 9, 1916, at 7 o'clock" "1901 Dear Jamie, I would like you to come down this summer and we'll go to "White City" and a good time Cousin Edward" "1911 Hello Jamie, How do you like the mountains. Write C. L." "1912 So was I sorry. However, some Sunday afternoon will do as well won't it? Leo wrote to both Amelia and I the same thing. When did he move to Adams Basin? C. Wood" "1911 Am having a fine time. How are the B. S. and how is everything in the port. Have you been out scouting lately. Bug Austin is with me and I am expecting George Benton today. How are you and Bob? Write Lloyd Brown" "1911 Went to a party last night Caroline Write Soon" "1915 Hello Jim I am writing this in the post office of the big boat. Henrich Hudson one would think it was a palace. I've been intending to send you a card for a long time but just got around to do it. I have taken quite a few photographs with my new camera. It's a No. I Kodak Junior you friend, Frank Strong" "I bet you'll wish more than ever that you had come with us when you hear of the great time we're having. Thanks again for helping me out Frid morning. Anna" "Erie Beach, Ont. Canada I just happened to be in Buffalo the a.m. your card came. I only saw Elwood of your family when I was there. C.R.A." "1910 Having a fine time climbing the hills and paddling a canoe. It's terrible hot and I go swimming in the river every day. Seward" "1912 You are so fond of books. I thought this might interest you, your sincere cousin, F. L. Hawkins" "Apr 25 1916 I don't wonder you wanted to come again this year. The buildings and scenery are great. We are having a fine time but we can't stay long enough Landis" "Apr 24 1916 We are having a fine time. Wish you were here. Visited the Great Falls of the Potomac this A.M. and are busy every minute. Helen" "1912 I think this is one of the prettiest spots here. The lake has been so rough since I have been here. We haven't been able go out Allie" "1909 I think the boy with the white sweater must of had on my shoes. They look like them anyway! They (the boys) must have been deer hunting and found only an appetite. How are the birds? and what are you doing this vacation. Aunt Emily" (Emily Hawkins Slayton) "1908 Dear Jamie I recieved (sic) your postal in due time so I thought I would send you a view of one of our prettiest parks. Hope you are all well and having a good time, your cousin Edward R. H." "1916 Jamie, Oh, how I wish you were here! We are having a fine time. You would enjoy again I know Lillian" "1911 Jamie, your letter at hand expected to write letter. Will another day. All well working for S. School picnic today had social Monday night. fire last week exciting times you see. Pick berries three times this week. Little bird hatched Sunday died. no more glad you are enjoying your vacation hope it will do you. You help Aunt Emily all you can and don't forget what I told you about your washing--bring it home just as it is any that you cannot do With Love to all, your Mother (Bertha Hawkins Spencer)--postcard address to James F. Spencer Twitchell Lake, Big Moose, NY c/o Mrs. L. E. Slayton (Louis Ernst Slayton, M.D.) "July 21, 1907 (View of East Mountain from Island) just outside of the cove where our camp is. We have walked about an hour up around one side of the pond.--called East Pond, but we cannot go to the top without a guide. It is cool and pleasant today. How are Mama and all? Did Mrs. Pledger take our class? I've studied our lessons under the trees this morning. Aunt Emily (Emily Louise Hawkins Slayton)" "Jun 13 1908 Dear Jamie I was looking through my birthday book a few days ago and found that you had placed your name opposite Jan 13 telling me you had passed over the childhood line into your teens. Young man ___?___ may you be a true man, do the manly acts every day of your life, and the judge of us all will reward you. This be the happiest years of all Miss Moore"
Spencerport High School Senior Class of 1915
The history of the class of 1915, as recorded in their yearbook, Jours des Seniors, describes its members as "the brightest, largest, and best class ever known in the history of the school…" Members of this class dominated sports and academics for four years and many of the men and women went on to become prominent citizens in Ogden and Spencerport, one of them being Merton Colby. The class members shown here are posed during a trip to Washington D.C. in the spring of 1915. Eighteen of the twenty class members traveled to Washington by train during Easter vacation, and spent a week exploring the capital. A three page essay in the 1915 school yearbook describes the trip in great detail, including their visits to the Center Market, the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian, the Congressional Library, and Mount Vernon. The class members had a "splendid time with the monkeys and peacocks" at the Zoological Park, and apparently caused an uproar in their hotel when one of the young men, tired of waiting for a porter to operate the lift, decided to do it himself. He had no trouble starting the lift up, but stopping it was another matter. Based on entries in the yearbook, good humor and mischief seemed to be a trademark of this class.
Spencerport High School Senior Class of 1915
The history of the class of 1915, as recorded in their yearbook, Jours des Seniors, describes its members as "the brightest, largest, and best class ever known in the history of the school…" Members of this class dominated sports and academics for four years and many of the men and women went on to become prominent citizens in Ogden and Spencerport, one of them being Merton Colby. The class members shown here are posed during a trip to Washington D.C. in the spring of 1915. Eighteen of the twenty class members traveled to Washington by train during Easter vacation, and spent a week exploring the capital. A three page essay in the 1915 school yearbook describes the trip in great detail, including their visits to the Center Market, the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian, the Congressional Library, and Mount Vernon. The class members had a "splendid time with the monkeys and peacocks" at the Zoological Park, and apparently caused an uproar in their hotel when one of the young men, tired of waiting for a porter to operate the lift, decided to do it himself. He had no trouble starting the lift up, but stopping it was another matter. Based on entries in the yearbook, good humor and mischief seemed to be a trademark of this class.
Dear Mother: Sunday May 1918 Well this is my third day at sea and so far nothing important or exciting has taken place. The first day out of (censor) the water seemed a little rough to us but the sailors all said it was a smooth sea. At first the rolling motion bothered me slightly but now I am enjoying it all. Of course there is nothing in sight but some other transports and water and sky. Now the water has become a beautiful blue, while at first it looked like other deep water---a greenish color. Because of the censor I can't tell anything about the ship or any military news. It happens that the 108th Band is on the ship with us so that this morning when we had Church services on the deck, the band played the hyms (sic). This is Mother's Day. Six days out and the ocean is still as calm as can be. Yesterday it was almost glassy. There is five hours difference in time between Paris and New York time so every day as we go east our time changes a little. We get a little wordless news every day. It gives the big league baseball news, a little United States news and some War news. The only piece of news that seems of special interest was that. The Rochester, NY street car strike had been settled. The boys laughed when they read it. On board there is a Y.M.C.A. man going across with us, he has a small library with him and everybody is reading. I have been studying French and reading Mark Twain's "Roughing it" We are sleeping down in the hold of the vessel. Believe me; I prefer a cold night at Camp Wadsworth than any night here. It is too hot to suit anybody. This boat was formally an immigrant ship, and we are living under almost the same conditions. later I decide that now I have my sea legs. The other day we had some real rough weather. The sailors said it was a little rough and I couldn't help but wonder what a real rough sea was. The waves seemed like huge mountains. The ships rolled and rolled. The decks of the vessel was at an angle of 45 (degrees) and it was too funny for anything to watch those who didn't have their sea legs. The funniest sight of all was in the mess hall. The floor was slippery for spilt water caused by rough weather. Every once in a while there would be an extra-large wave and dishes -- breakfast and men would slide to one side of ship. they would just start to get their footing, when they would slide to the other side of the ship and all the time trying desperately to grab a hold of something. We will land. Where of course I cannot tell. Address my mail Jas. F. Spencer Machine Gun Company 108th Inf. U.S. A. American Expeditionary Forces via New York I received your letter written to me at Camp Stewart and was very pleased to get it. Remember me to my friends and with love to all James F. Spencer Article from Newspaper, date unknown, paper unknown. "Co. L, 108th Infantry Inspected by King George of England. Members of Company L, 108th Infantry, A.E.F., the majority of who are residents of Elmira, NY, had the honor of being inspected by King George of England on August 6. Captain James Riffe, in command of the company, has received a letter from Major General John F. O'Ryan congratulating him and his officers and men on the fine appearance made by the company on that occasion. A few days after the inspection the company was chosen to represent the 17th Division in the big military parade in France. Company L is part of the regiment, of which Companies A, G, and H of Rochester form a part. Peliham Bay Machine Gun Co. 3rd NY Inf. City Island, P.O. N.Y.City Dear Folks Things have been going very well here. I mean by very well, the way they should. Thursday Uncle Joe Hawkins was here. It was sort of a surprise for me to look out of the tent and see him. I was just wiping my mess kit, as I had only finished dinner. I didn't suppose he knew I was even in the Army. He stayed until I had to go drill. During the while he was here I showed him about camp. He seemed very much interested. This morning we had general Inspection, which was pretty still. One man in one of the other companies got thrown into the guard house for being drunk and also bringing whisky into camp. Last night we all got paid, pay being all most a month overdue. We were paid for the month of July on the 24 of August. Last night a great number "ran the guard" and went to the city. It happened that I had a pass to go out for a while. When the inspecting sergeant took "tabs" he found 17 men still out who shouldn't be (letter stopped) from James F. Spencer envelope dated 16 Aug 1917 to Mr. F.W. Spencer, Spencerport, NY The following is a letter from C.O. Eggert, 57 Maplehurst Road, Rochester, NY, dated 18 Feb 1986, to me, Dana R. Spencer "My dear Mr. Spencer: . . .My remembrance of Jimmy is as follows: He and Ed Ferris of Spencerport enlisted in Rochester that 1st part of April, 1917, when war was declared while we were waiting to be formally turned over to the U.S. Authority we were sent to Bushel Basin where the Barge Canal had broken away and was contained by a wooden flume. After 6 or 8 weeks we returned to Rochester and entrained for Pelham Bay, NY. While there, all our physical ailments such as teeth, being repaired--eye sight, ears and feet taken care of. We then entrained for Spartanburg, SC, where we proceeded to build streets, put up canvas tents, and become familiar with various types of machine guns; also going to school under allied "instructors in signaling bayonet work, instruction in gas masks, digging trenches, proper way to throw hand grenades, and a host of other things. The following spring we entrained for Norfolk, Virginia where another physical exam took place and then sailed for France. We arrived in Best, France and stayed at the Pontenessen Barracks which was built for Napoleon. After 3 days we piled into box cars---forty men or 8 horses, and were rushed to the British sector up in Belgium. It was after the 1918 German drive and the British were just able to hold the line with an insufficient number of men. We were blooded early at the railway junction of Abbeville before we got near the front. There were 5 American divisions in Belgium, but Pershing needed the American Sector to have 3. The 17th and 30th Division remained with the British throughout the rest of the War. It was around July 4th that we succeeded in driving the Germans back from Mt. Kemmel which dominated the territory for 30 miles around. It was around this time that Jimmy was informed of his wife's death and he took it pretty hard"""(this statement does not correspond with wife's death 13 Jan 1919) Shortly after this phase the British 4th Army down on the Somme River were stymied by the Hindenburg line between Cambrai and St. Quentin. On the first 50 miles of our trip south, we had to hike with full equipment and despite orders many men drank water from farm wells and creeks and became very ill with bloody dysentery and were sent to hospitals. It was here that I lost track of Jimmy. In the meanwhile from the 17th of Sept to the 20th of October we were in continuous battle with only 20 men left when we were relieved. I did not see Jimmy until after the Armistice again. . .Sincerely, Clarence O. Eggert, Commander of 108th Machine Gun Association, 16 Feb 1986 She (Mrs. Almira Spencer) was a graduate of the University of Rochester, and was entering upon her third year as preceptress of the high school at Phelps. Mrs. Spencer resigned her position when she went to visit her sister, where she expected to be joined by her husband on his return from France. Besides her husband, she leaves her mother, Mrs. Thornton Mills, of New Jersey; one sister and four brothers. The funeral will be held form the home of F.W. Spencer, Union Street, Saturday afternoon of this week, 18th January, a 2:45 o'clock. Rev. Peter Birrell will officiate. Interment at Fairfield Cemetery. Information from his High School Yearbook: James F. Spencer graduated 1916--in the Yearbook "Die Erinnerugn", Spencerport High School, Spencerport, NY. Class motto "From the life of the School to the School of Life"---"Von dem Lebender Schule zu der Schule des Lebens" Color: Purple and White, Class flower, White Rose. "Jamie", as he was called, was class president, 1914, artist of "Die Erinnerung", Senior Farce; secretary and treasurer of A.A., 1916; James or "Jamie" is the model young man in the Class of 1916, and the class considers itself fortunate in having him as a member of it. Although Jamie is a model young man, he does not fall back when there is any fun or candy around. He is also quite well-informed on the Chinese Question. Class Day Program--James F. Spencer did Presentation Oration. The Class History of 1916--". . .at this important council James Spencer was elected to pilot our canoe though our second year (referring to him being class president). . ." Class Prophecy ". . .this steam is surely growing denser, A message reads for one James Spencer. The symbols if an art career, for you is marked both strong and clear; you'll study far across the sea, and a famous artist you will be. Many laurels you will win, and proud will be your kith and kin. . ." Class Will---". . . Eleventh, James Spencer will s all the affection bestowed upon him by the girls of the Senior Class to Howard Amish..." Have you ever Seen. . .James Spencer not ready to defend the "Allies"? He played basketball: Games won 10, Games lost 6. Spencer scored 3 field baskets. Of the 9 players on the team, the field baskets were 0 to 63. Things about James in high school: "wrinkling up his nose", saying "The Saints Save Us", drawing young ladies pictures, and ability "To join the Allie(s)" SS# 115-01-9398 Birthday Card with the following from James F. Spencer to R. Milford Spencer. "Tucson, Arizona Nov 5 1974 Dear Milford: Many returns of the Day! Hope this find you and yours all well and happy. See by the paper that you have already have had some winter. Here we have had some cold weather! Yesterday's high was 64 and the papers stated that winter is two months early this year. I heard from someone that you have been working with Bud Nichols on the old Ryan House. I would have liked to have gone thru the old house and its fourteen bed rooms. l Did you happen to know whether Ed and Mary Ryan are coming out to Tucson? I planted sweet peas about a week ago and within a week most were up. The week before I planted broccoli and they are doing good. Have a Happy Birthday and keep well. Sincerely, your brother, Jim (Spencer)" Birthday Greeting to R. Milford Spencer from his brother's wife for James F. Spencer "Nov 6 1975 Dear Milford and Frances---I am writing this note for Jim as at the present time he is unable to do so. you perhaps have heard through Betty or Ruth that Jim had an operation for cataracts on both eyes the early part of October. At present he is wearing temporary glasses and he manages to sign checks, but that is the extent of his writing. The Dr. thinks that Jim will possibly be able to have his permanent glasses by the middle of December--we are keeping our "fingers crossed". We are having beautiful fall weather here--it has been in the 70's and 80's during the daytime and in the 50's and 60's at night of recent. Hope you both keep well--and remember us tot he rest of your family. Sincerely, Carena and Jim." Postcard to James Spencer, given to Dana R. Spencer by Jean Chase Widener. She and Ruth Spencer Gartland, went to AZ to clean up the estate of James and Carena (Loosemore) Spencer: "1910 This is where I am, am going home to-night Caroline" "1909 Am having a fine time. We rowed to Strait Lake yesterday and am going to Manitou today. W. T." "Helen Blackford will be pleased to have you take dinner with the Seniors at her house, Friday evening, June 9, 1916, at 7 o'clock" "1901 Dear Jamie, I would like you to come down this summer and we'll go to "White City" and a good time Cousin Edward" "1911 Hello Jamie, How do you like the mountains. Write C. L." "1912 So was I sorry. However, some Sunday afternoon will do as well won't it? Leo wrote to both Amelia and I the same thing. When did he move to Adams Basin? C. Wood" "1911 Am having a fine time. How are the B. S. and how is everything in the port. Have you been out scouting lately. Bug Austin is with me and I am expecting George Benton today. How are you and Bob? Write Lloyd Brown" "1911 Went to a party last night Caroline Write Soon" "1915 Hello Jim I am writing this in the post office of the big boat. Henrich Hudson one would think it was a palace. I've been intending to send you a card for a long time but just got around to do it. I have taken quite a few photographs with my new camera. It's a No. I Kodak Junior you friend, Frank Strong" "I bet you'll wish more than ever that you had come with us when you hear of the great time we're having. Thanks again for helping me out Frid morning. Anna" "Erie Beach, Ont. Canada I just happened to be in Buffalo the a.m. your card came. I only saw Elwood of your family when I was there. C.R.A." "1910 Having a fine time climbing the hills and paddling a canoe. It's terrible hot and I go swimming in the river every day. Seward" "1912 You are so fond of books. I thought this might interest you, your sincere cousin, F. L. Hawkins" "Apr 25 1916 I don't wonder you wanted to come again this year. The buildings and scenery are great. We are having a fine time but we can't stay long enough Landis" "Apr 24 1916 We are having a fine time. Wish you were here. Visited the Great Falls of the Potomac this A.M. and are busy every minute. Helen" "1912 I think this is one of the prettiest spots here. The lake has been so rough since I have been here. We haven't been able go out Allie" "1909 I think the boy with the white sweater must of had on my shoes. They look like them anyway! They (the boys) must have been deer hunting and found only an appetite. How are the birds? and what are you doing this vacation. Aunt Emily" (Emily Hawkins Slayton) "1908 Dear Jamie I recieved (sic) your postal in due time so I thought I would send you a view of one of our prettiest parks. Hope you are all well and having a good time, your cousin Edward R. H." "1916 Jamie, Oh, how I wish you were here! We are having a fine time. You would enjoy again I know Lillian" "1911 Jamie, your letter at hand expected to write letter. Will another day. All well working for S. School picnic today had social Monday night. fire last week exciting times you see. Pick berries three times this week. Little bird hatched Sunday died. no more glad you are enjoying your vacation hope it will do you. You help Aunt Emily all you can and don't forget what I told you about your washing--bring it home just as it is any that you cannot do With Love to all, your Mother (Bertha Hawkins Spencer)--postcard address to James F. Spencer Twitchell Lake, Big Moose, NY c/o Mrs. L. E. Slayton (Louis Ernst Slayton, M.D.) "July 21, 1907 (View of East Mountain from Island) just outside of the cove where our camp is. We have walked about an hour up around one side of the pond.--called East Pond, but we cannot go to the top without a guide. It is cool and pleasant today. How are Mama and all? Did Mrs. Pledger take our class? I've studied our lessons under the trees this morning. Aunt Emily (Emily Louise Hawkins Slayton)" "Jun 13 1908 Dear Jamie I was looking through my birthday book a few days ago and found that you had placed your name opposite Jan 13 telling me you had passed over the childhood line into your teens. Young man ___?___ may you be a true man, do the manly acts every day of your life, and the judge of us all will reward you. This be the happiest years of all Miss Moore"
Spencerport High School Senior Class of 1915
The history of the class of 1915, as recorded in their yearbook, Jours des Seniors, describes its members as "the brightest, largest, and best class ever known in the history of the school…" Members of this class dominated sports and academics for four years and many of the men and women went on to become prominent citizens in Ogden and Spencerport, one of them being Merton Colby. The class members shown here are posed during a trip to Washington D.C. in the spring of 1915. Eighteen of the twenty class members traveled to Washington by train during Easter vacation, and spent a week exploring the capital. A three page essay in the 1915 school yearbook describes the trip in great detail, including their visits to the Center Market, the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian, the Congressional Library, and Mount Vernon. The class members had a "splendid time with the monkeys and peacocks" at the Zoological Park, and apparently caused an uproar in their hotel when one of the young men, tired of waiting for a porter to operate the lift, decided to do it himself. He had no trouble starting the lift up, but stopping it was another matter. Based on entries in the yearbook, good humor and mischief seemed to be a trademark of this class.
Spencerport High School Senior Class of 1915
The history of the class of 1915, as recorded in their yearbook, Jours des Seniors, describes its members as "the brightest, largest, and best class ever known in the history of the school…" Members of this class dominated sports and academics for four years and many of the men and women went on to become prominent citizens in Ogden and Spencerport, one of them being Merton Colby. The class members shown here are posed during a trip to Washington D.C. in the spring of 1915. Eighteen of the twenty class members traveled to Washington by train during Easter vacation, and spent a week exploring the capital. A three page essay in the 1915 school yearbook describes the trip in great detail, including their visits to the Center Market, the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian, the Congressional Library, and Mount Vernon. The class members had a "splendid time with the monkeys and peacocks" at the Zoological Park, and apparently caused an uproar in their hotel when one of the young men, tired of waiting for a porter to operate the lift, decided to do it himself. He had no trouble starting the lift up, but stopping it was another matter. Based on entries in the yearbook, good humor and mischief seemed to be a trademark of this class.
Family Members
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