Wagoner William J. Cones, of the 134th Infantry (5th Nebraska), in company with a companion, was run into by a service car, a six cylinder Hudson, bearing license tat 260, driven by Frank Beeker, last Wednesday even at 10:30, about 100 yards east of the new Camp Cody base hospital. Six soldiers were occupants of the car at the time. The car was said to be traveling at the rate of from 15 to 20 miles an hour. The car struck Cones in the back with the headlight. He was carried into the new Camp Cody base hospital, where he died five minutes later. Upon examination it was learned that the skull was crushed at the base of the brain.
William J. Cones was a bright young lawyer, formerly of Wentherford, Oklahoma. He leaves a little daughter, Ethel, three years old. She will inherit $25,000 insurance, of which $10,000 is war insurance, paid by the government at the rate of $57.50 a month of 240 months. He enlisted at Lincoln, Nebraska, with the 6th Nebraska Infantry which was broken up in the late reorganization. – Deming Graphic Newspaper – January 25, 1918
Saturday evening. January 20, a minstrel composed of enlisted men, under the direction of James B. “Scotty” Downie, will appear at Y No. 2. The personnel of this minstrel troupe are all members of the 68th brigade, commanded by Brigadier General F. E. Resche, and possess extraordinary talent.
“Scottv” Downie, the director, is a musician of wonderful talent, with ability to play fifteen different instruments, and seven instruments at one time. Musician Nelson considered the greatest player in America. Wednesday night of this week Downie’s troup appeared at the Knights of Columbus Hall and drew a splendid audience. – Deming Graphic Newspaper – January 25, 1918
The 133rd Ambulance Co. Of the 109th Sanitary Transportation regiment stationed at Camp Cody in Deming, New Mexico made a trip to Silver City this week on a practice hike. They spent Thursday night in the city and were camped at Plata Vista. Capt. R.W. Smith was in charge of the company and was accompanied by Capt. Hooker of this city. There were 14 trucks in the outfit. – “The Silver City Enterprise February 8, 1918
At Deming, New Mexico, a community of two thousand population, the Government set up Camp Cody. Deming, obviously, was not equipped to entertain forty thousand soldiers in their off time; so the War Camp Community Service stepped in and with its money—contributed voluntarily by people throughout the United States built a great athletic stadium in an abandoned water-supply reservoir, created more than fifty places of amusement in Deming, including a 160acre amusement park with a half-mile of “Midway,” a race-track, an automobile speedway, and a grand stand seating ten thousand; staged a huge Wild-West show and a barbecue, constructed many swimming-pools, and brought in athletic directors. – St Nicholas – Volume 45 – Part 2 – Edited by Mary Mapes Dodge
US Army Ambulances , Camp Cody, Deming, New Mexico, 1917-1918
It became the custom for the various divisions entering into the composition of the new army to choose names for themselves and to adopt divisional insignia, as a means of creating a spirit of solidarity and pride in the organization. In February, 1918, the 34th Division tentatively chose the name “Sunshine Division,” in recognition of one of the outstanding characteristics of the Camp Cody climate.
It was discovered a little later, however, that this name had already been appropriated by the 40th Division, in training at Camp Kearney, California. The 34th then selected another characteristic feature of New Mexico, with the result that it became known as the “Sandstorm Division.” Not only was the name reminiscent of weather conditions at Camp Cody, but it was intended to call attention to the grinding and wearing qualities of the division as a military organization!
The insignia, which was adopted after much consideration, was both striking and artistic and it was likewise reminiscent of the southwestern country. The background was a black silhouette, representing the Mexican olla, an earthenware water flask or jar, and against this was a red device representing a conventionalized bovine skull, suggested by the many evidences of death found upon the parched ranges of the desert of New Mexico. The insignia also bore the number it 34 and the name “Sandstorm Division.” – El Paso Herald Newspaper – Date Unknown
A farewell reception was tendered to Reverend T. J. Devine, C. M., the chaplain attached to the Knight of Columbus building, Wednesday, May 22, at 8 p. m. Father Devine had been ordered to France, but while on a hasty visit to Los Angeles was recalled, hence the reception was arranged hurriedly. He goes to France at once. Despite this a large number assembled, and after a few musical numbers by the 133rd infantry band in their usual finished style, several friends addressed those gathered to bid farewell to their revered friend.
In a few words one of the secretaries stated the purpose of the gathering and called upon Lieutenant and Chaplain Albert Hart.
The chaplain spoke feeling of the work father Devine, and stated the efforts had been directed toward the betterment of the soldiers by whom he was highly regarded.
Assistant librarian Day, of the A. L. A. of the camp followed. He had known the chaplain since his arrival in camp last fall, and dwelt upon the fact that father Devine had been most eminently fitted for the position and had admirably handled the may duties with great success.
Mr. Day had mentioned the Knight of Columbus effort to “go over the top” I their drive for funds when he was at Portland, Oregon, and then of having attended the Washington birthday celebration at the Knight of Columbus hall in Camp Cody, and having been a witness to their praise worthy efforts.
Lieutenant J. J. Holloran. Chaplain attached to the base hospital, dwelt on the spiritual duties of a chaplain and of the many responsibilities resting upon the shoulders of those going “over there.” He asked that the prayers of all go with father Devine and that all would aid the chaplain by prayers.
The medical profession was represented by Lieutenant W. P. Sherlock, of the base hospital, who in a witty speech cause roars of laughter by his sallies. He suddenly swung to the opposite mood and referred tot he fatherly manner of the departing priest; of those who loved him for his innate kindliness and tact. He said when we go over there father Devine will be at the post of entry to welcome us.
Father Devine was the last to speak and arose amid continued applause. He was deeply moved and spoke of the many kindly words which he did not deserve and of his regard for those of the 34th division. He would have preferred to remain with this division, if possible, he said. He mentioned responsibilities devolving upon him in his new field and said that he would do his best, adding that we were fighting for the right and he whose caused is just is to be commended.
He closed by giving his blessing to all and asked their prayers for him that he might be strong and able to do his work.
At the conclusion the audience surrounded him and each had a few words of farewell and Godspeed.
Leaves on Friday
Father Devine was unable to leave on Thursday as planned, but departed Friday afternoon for the east. His successor has not as yet been named. But will be announced in a short time. The staff are very lonely without him and feel that they have lost from their circle a friend indeed. Many who were unable to be at the reception called later and expressed their profound regret at his departure. One soldier remarked that he never felt so stirred as upon hearing father Devine’s closing words. – Camp Cody, Trench and Camp Newspaper – May 30, 1918
Morning Roll Call At Camp Cody, Deming, New Mexico 1917-1918
Q) What is a Smileage Book? A) A Smileage Book is a book containing coupons entitling the holder to admission and seat tickets, at Liberty Theaters, Liberty Tents, and auditoriums under management of the Commission of Training Camp Activities in National Army Cantonments and national guard camps.
Q) By whom are they used? A) By the Military Entertainment Council of the Commission on Training Camp Activities, Washington, D. C.
Q) What kind of Smileage Books are there? A) Smileage books are of two kinds, the first cost $1 with 20 coupons, the second $5 with 100 coupons.
Q) Where are they good? A) In all Liberty Entertainment in all National Guard camps under the management of the Commission of Training Camp Activities.
The Deming Graphic Newspaper – January 25, 1918
Smileage Books – World War One – Camp Cody, Deming, New Mexico
That the quarantine measures adopted at Camp Cody have proved effective is evident from the fact that the measles prevalent never developed beyond the mild or German type. “The number of new cases being received is rapidly diminishing.” said Lieutenant Colonel J. M. Coffin, division surgeon. “We are gradually lifting the quarantine, and releasing on an average now of approximately 100 men a day.” – The Deming Graphic – December 14, 1917
Captain Edward M. Shehan Dies at Camp Cody
Captain Edward M. Shehan of Independence, Iowa, died at the army base hospital of Camp Cody here last might of pneumonia. He was a member of the former national guard of Iowa, and was commissioned a captain last July. – Camp Cody, Trench and Camp Newspaper – January 13, 1918
1918 Medical Officers And Nurses Camp Cody, Deming, New Mexico, 1917-1918
The handsome new “Cody Theatre”, the finest playhouse in New Mexico, will be formally opened Saturday evening. Manager Sol Carragion presenting a double bill of moving pictures and high class vaudeville. The great feature film, Camille, will commence at 6:30 pm and run to 6:40 pm and at 6:45 pm the celebrated Audra Alden Players, who have before charmed Deming audiences, and who for 20 weeks have been playing in one of the leading theatres in San Diego, will appear in “17 Past,” under the personal management of Mr. J. D. Glass, the noted theatrical man, who knows how to please the people.
It is interesting to note that Audra Alden is a descendant of John Alden, one of the Pilgrim fathers.
The management has placed the price of admission at 35 cents for the two entertainments. These famous players will be the chief attraction until the public is further advised. – The Deming Graphic – December 14, 1917
Yesterday afternoon Governor Peter Norbeck, of South Dakota, one of the real empire builders. Who cares nothing for fuss and feathers, but who does real good in his time and generation, accompanied by Colonel C. H. Ingleshy, another red-blooded American, drove to the Graphic Newspaper office for the purpose of being shown what Deming is doing for the officers and enlisted men of Camp Cody. He was “shown” and was very much pleased with conditions.
“It dose not seem possible for a town the size of Deming to do as much as you are doing for the soldiers,” said the governor, “and I am favorably impressed with the character of your stores and the moderate prices for merchandise.”
Governor Norbeck and Mr. Mather expected to remain over night and could not break away for several days. – The Deming Graphic – December 14, 1917
Meningitis and diphtheria are examples of diseases which are spread by carriers; that is by persons who are harboring the bacteria which causes these infections without being sick themselves. Such persons are said to be immune. These germs are carried in the nose and throat and are thrown out in the act of coughing, sneezing, spitting ad loud speaking, along with fine droplets of moisture, so small in fact that they are not noticed by the average individual. The spread of disease by this means has given rise to the term “droplet infection.”
It becomes a matter of extreme importance to eliminate meningitis carriers in a military camp. The close personal associations unavoidable in camp life render the carrier a distinct menace to his associates. The “carrier” surveys made by the laboratory department at Camp Cody last winter were for this purpose, and undoubtedly were of great help in keeping down the incidence of diphtheria and meningitis.
The water, milk and ice cream supplies had to be examined regularly in order to insure their purity. Occasionally certain articles of food have to be examined for disease producing germs.
The other class of work, that coming from the Camp Cody hospital, has to do with the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Blood counts, stomach examinations, Wassermann test, sputum examinations, etc., are all made for the help which they may give to the ward surgeon in the diagnosis of a given case. Some time laboratory findings are of very little importance or help; sometimes they are of very great help.
Last winter the personnel of the Camp Cody laboratory consisted of seven medical officers and fourteen enlisted men. At the time the enlisted men, being untrained in the branch of work, much of the routine had to be done by medical officers. Slowly but surely the enlisted men became able to take over more and more of the skilled technical work, and the need for officers decreased. The experience which sergeants Robinson and Weinstein have gained in the past year has fitted them to do nearly all the technical work in the Camp Cody hospital laboratory. In fact they have had a larger experience in this particular kind of work than many physicians have had. The other enlisted men Corporal Hafer, Private Heine, Groat and Black have had an especially good but rather brief training course in laboratory work at the Yale Army Medical school, and with this foundation are able to grasp the practical work very quickly. – The Deming Headlight – February 1919
Wide View Of Camp Cody, Deming, New Mexico, 1917-1918
Memories of Camp Cody Weblog 