05/19/2026
1918 Naval recruiting train reached Watertown
"SAILORS OF THE SEA" IN A BIG CAMPAIGN FOR NAVAL RECRUITS
06 19 The United States, men the and courtesy equipment of the are electric carried company.
Two one-pound rapid firing guns were carried on the "boats" and when discharged gave one a partial idea of what the big guns might do in the battle of the sea.
The rear car contained an exact model of the new sub chaser being made at the Ford plant. This boat 1s 200 feet long and carries two four-inch guns capable of sinking any sub above water or submerged less than two minutes.
The Jackies showed themselves at home on the speaking platform as well as with the guns and several fine appeals for enlistment were made during the evening, which were heartily applauded.
Edward Friedman was an official agent of the naval reserve office in Chicago. He explained the reason why 100,000 men must be enlisted in the navy immediately. There a are 855 ships ready to go across, laden with food and everything necessary to help the soldiers in France win the war, and these men are needed to man the ships.
"If you hesitate now," he declared, "you are only prolonging the war. The question now is not why we are in war but how soon are we going to end it?"
He said that after the war there was one paper that would help any boy get a good position, and that paper was just as sacred as the bible, and that is an honoroble discharge from the service.
He declared that it was wrong for any girl to go with a man of draft age, and physically fit for service, without urging him join the service.
He urged the men to give up their Kelly pool, saloons, dances and cabarets, and come and be men and prove that they were blessings to the country. "All men from the age of eighteen to thirty-five, who are physically fit should not hesitate but come forward as our country is preparing to carry the fight to the shores of Germany.
That splendid body of men looks upon the navy as an organization that has never been beaten and never will be beaten, as the first and last line of defense not only to take them across but to provide ways by which all guns, ammunition, clothing and food may be carried to them as quickly as possible.
The army and navy will not leave a stone unturned will not only win the war, but they will sink every damnable ship of the German autocratic government until the seas are freed from their menace.
It will be to you fellows who are not helping win the war by staying at home, while your country is bleeding responsibility will fall the war that goes on more than one year, you will be the ones who will be responsible.
If you boys want to know the opportunities of the navy, here are a few facts. First, you get three good meals a day on board ship and in training. The Jackies never lose a meal because their commissary department is carried aboard the ship.
You get a good place to sleep- once you sleep in a hammock, you will find it so pleasant that you will not want to sleep in a bed again.
Splendid opportunities are afforded to gain a education and to try for a commission- every third man in the navy gets a rating. Here is a chance to serve in the branch of service which needs you most." Men Enlist.
The News office in Second street was used as a recruiting office and seventeen applications were received, twelve of whom were accepted.
The men accepted were: Edward H. Kubow, 525 North Montgomery street.
A. C. Sanft, Jefferson. A. W.
Frank, 302 North Water street. A. J. Renz, 215 Rock street. H.
A. Winkel, Fond du Lac. H. J. Scanlon, North Fond du Lac.
P. H. Michele, route 3, Watertown. G. H.
Kailer, Oconomowoc. Louis Oestreicher, 208 Montgomery street. Elmer Beske, Burnett. L. R. Brusenbach; 500 Sixth street. A. W. Gest, 219 North Fourth street. The Watertown Home Guards marched through the streets headed by the Jackie band and drilled Main street.
C. W. Lamb and A. J. Killa, assistant superintendent of transportation, accompanied the naval train to Watertown.
