Gov. Harding Visits Camp Cody – Dec 19, 1917

The Iowa Recorder reported that Gov. Harding and Adj. Gen. Logan and their party have returned from their official inspection of Camp Cody at Deming, New Mexico. The governor was very enthusiastic about Iowa’ troops and their advancement in their work.

Governor Harding said the soldiers from Iowa at Camp Cody work from 5:30 in the morning until 9 o’clock at night and understands the seriousness of the business they are entering into. He went on to say that the soldiers are well fed and most of them have proper clothing and bedding.

The governor had his meals with both the officers and the men. He found the kitchens at Camp Cody to be models of cleanliness.  Harding said that the bathing facilities were entirely inadequate. The Camp Cody soldiers were working on providing hot water and hoped to have it within a few days. The hospital also need to work on providing more even heat during the cold desert nights.