The Leave Area
IT was a master mind that first conceived the idea of sending tired soldiers away from the shattered havoc of war and the incessant routine of camp life, to find rest and recreation. The most beautiful and historic places in France, left untouched by battle’s fire, were selected and opened as Leave Areas. Had the Young Men’s Christian Association done no other bit for the American Expeditionary Forces except equip and maintain these Leave Areas in France, it still would have done a colossal piece of work, fully justifying its operations in France. It was a work for which thousands and thousands of soldiers are deeply grateful. Whatever criticism or prejudice relative to the Young Men’s Christian Association was in the minds of the soldiers as they entered the Leave Area, they went away its most enthusiastic supporters. There, more than anywhere else in France, perhaps, they had opportunity to see below the sordid and selfish spirits of individuals who might unfortunately represent it, to the heart of the Association itself. They could realize there that the fundamental principles of the organization were right, no matter how poorly interpreted through its workers.
The first of these Leave Areas to be opened was at Aix-les-Bains in the region of the Savoie. Savoie itself is one of the most pleasantly pastoral spots in Europe. The country with its rugged mountains often snow-clad; its quiet little river-villages everywhere; its Old World customs, original and unique, suggested peace and rest. It was so near many of the interesting things that men had read about in history and geography, but never, for the most part, expected to see—so full of historic associations and traditions that one could forget for the time the dead cities, villages, and men strewn over other parts of France. Savoie is wonderfully exhilarating with its mountain air, beautiful lakes and medicinal waters of world-wide fame. Everywhere the eyes roamed, they rested upon mountains. There were the Swiss Alps just forty miles to the East, the Italian Alps the same distance toward the South, and the French Alps close at hand in every direction. Even before men left the trains or “side-door Pullmans,” as they nicknamed the freight cars in which they so often rode, they were filled with the wonder and charm of the country into which they had come. For the first time they were finding the real France, and it was life-giving after dwelling for so many months in those parts that were filled with evidences of the enemy’s unspeakable crimes.
It was in this region that the first Leave Area was opened for American soldiers in February of 1918. From that time until June, 1919, from five to six thousand soldiers came each week for an ideal vacation. So successful was this Leave Area region that others were opened at Nice, and many other beautiful places of Southern France.
It was at Christmas time of 1918 that the Paris Headquarters of the Y telegraphed Mr. Wallace, the Regional Secretary of the St. Nazaire Area, asking for the loan of Mrs. Curtis and Mrs. Hunton for six weeks. They were needed to open two Leave Areas for colored soldiers. One of the demands of war on welfare workers as well as soldiers, was that they be ready to “pack up roll” and move on short notice. So that after seven months of service at the port, they were to be moved. Mrs. Hunton desired to go, because for many weeks she had been serving white soldiers almost exclusively. They treated her with great respect and helped her to prepare and serve as colored boys had done. As they marched away from camp, they sang for her, cheered for her chocolate and crullers and left little tokens of affection, and while she had served them with a warm and willing heart, always she would be thinking, there are only three colored women in France for all the colored soldiers, and one of them serving white soldiers. She communicated her feelings to the understanding spirit who at that time headed the Women’s Department of the Y work in France, and was told to stick to her post and a change would be made as soon as possible. But when the time really came, it was not so easy to go. It meant leaving the thousands of men whom she had served for those months, and with whom she had kept in constant touch although they were in the other camps of the area. There was the lovely French family—Monsieur et madame, les deux tantes, la chat blanc et le bon jardin—with whom she had lived for seven months. She had been worshipped into feeling a part of all their charming life. But both Y women reported to Paris and were ordered to Aix-les-Bains for assignment. There Mrs. Curtis was sent to Chambery and Mrs. Hunton to Challes-les-Eaux. These places had been in operation since the preceding summer. Colored troops had already visited there, but now they were to be sent in larger numbers and those two resorts were to be used exclusively for them. In the meantime, Messrs. Stevenson and Sadler were also asked to report. Mr. Stevenson was assigned to the Challes-les-Eaux Casino, but Mr. Sadler was unable to get release from the Chaumont region where he had so long directed a large and important work. When we first reached the Leave Area, and for several weeks thereafter, it was still occupied by white troops. In January of 1918, with Mr. William Stevenson as Director and Mrs. Hunton, Directress, at Challes-les-Eaux, and Mrs. Curtis, Directress at Chambery, a new epoch for the colored soldiers on leave began. There, as in other places, the colored women served alone, endeavoring to do the work that had occupied a large staff of white women secretaries. From time to time men arrived to help with the work until there was a staff of five men at each place. But in the Leave Area, more than any other place, much of the work was that for which women are peculiarly fitted. The Chateau or Casino must be kept clean and sweet, with cheerful decorations; appetizing menus arranged; American dishes made familiar to French help and prompt service given; teas, parties and hikes planned and still they must have lots of time left in which the men could talk to them. But for nearly four months these two women worked alone, each in her building, until finally other women arrived and shared the service. Each week from January until late May, a thousand to twelve hundred colored troops reached the Savoie Leave Area, and were divided between Chambery and Challes-les-Eaux. The men lived in the many surrounding hotels, but found the largest part of their life and entertainment with the Young Men’s Christian Association.
1. The Village of Myans with Mt. Granier. 2. Dinner on the Grounds at Challes-les-Eaux. 3. Mr. Stevenson and Mrs. Hunton with Staff, at Challes-les-Eaux. 4. The Chateau of the Dukes of Savoie at Chambery.
A brief description of Savoie, with its leave centers, will no doubt be interesting, because in most instances, it was the one bright spot in the soldier’s whole “overseas” life, and because so much of his pleasure there was derived from the natural beauty of the country.
Savoie, like Alsace-Lorraine, has been a pawn in the hands of contending peoples many times in its history. From French to Italian and from Italian to French again—back and forth—it has passed as the fortunes of war have dictated. With the division of the great empire of Charlemagne, Savoie fell into Italian hands. It went to General Berold of Saxe in 1008 and at that time was laid the foundation for the royalty that has come down through the centuries as the House of Savoie, and of which the present King of Italy is a member. Since the Treaty of Turin in 1860, Savoie has been a part of France. This frequent change of government has produced a peculiar blending of French and Italian in architecture and life, and adds greatly to the charm of the region.
Aix-les-Bains, not only the most important town of the area, but one of the most famous health resorts of the world, is a striking example of this blending. French chateaux on the mountain sides and Italian villas by the lake, give it a charming setting. In the city itself one is carried back many centuries by its Arch of Campanus, old Roman Baths, Temple of Diana, Museum and the Grottoes.
This Arch of Campanus is believed to date to the third century A. D. Older still are the Roman Baths that are supposed to have been built one hundred and twenty-four years before Christ. This was always one of the most interesting places to the soldiers on leave. There one sees remains of the not very ancient methods of these ancient Romans for bathing, and even the remains of a large swimming pool. Nothing is more interesting in Aix-les-Bains than its Temple of Diana, built probably about the same time as the Roman Baths and in which is housed the museum. The foundation walls of this temple are more than twelve feet thick, and the stones are of enormous size. In one corner of this old Greek temple is inserted a Gothic window of interest because of its delicate beauty and purity of style, but not a part of the original architecture. The Grottoes, with the three springs that have defied union, are always a source of wonder. There are to be found hot alum, hot sulphur and cold water springs turning out over two million gallons of water each day. With lighted candles one follows the many windings and descents of the flowing waters. It is very hot but very interesting. One sees the place where some engineers, two of whom were killed, made an ineffectual effort to unite the waters of these springs.
From things ancient, we come to look at those more modern. There are the thermal establishments that have made Aix-les-Bains world famous as a health resort. We are told that this city, with a native population of less than ten thousand, always had within its boundary prior to the war, about thirty thousand visitors. The sedan chairs in which the visitors rode about the city are as numerous as those that are moved up and down the board-walk at Atlantic City. Many Americans frequent Aix-les-Bains, and the soldiers were always shown the chair and bathing apartments reserved for Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan.
At Aix-les-Bains the Young Men’s Christian Association had its activities in the Casino—one of the most luxurious and spacious places of amusement on the Continent. With a beautiful garden on one side and an imposing entrance on the other, this Grand Cercle, as it is called, was the Monte Carlo of France until the war came. It has a fine theatre, seating a thousand people; a sumptuous ball-room, grand salon and many other rooms, beautiful with their mosaics, rich carvings and stained glass windows. All of these were put to use for the entertainment of the soldiers.
1. Secretarial Group at Challes-les-Eaux. 2. The Lady of Myans—“Black Madonna.” 3. The Elephants at Chambery. 4. The Cross on Mt. Nivolet. 5. Statue Jean Jacques Rousseau at Chambery.
Chambery is hardly less interesting than Aix-les-Bains. Surrounded by mountains, with the cross on Nivolet dominating all the rest, with its quaint stores, streets and houses, it is indeed picturesque. One follows the rue de Boigne with its old arcades and beautiful stores from the Fontaine des Elephants up to the Chateau des Ducs de Savoie. It is an imposing structure with its monument to Joseph and Xavier de Maistre on the stairway. The finest part of this chateau is its chapel with its remarkable Gothic architecture, ancient windows and fine paintings. Just across from this chateau was the Y, a charming building, beautifully furnished and always lively with music and good cheer. One delighted in looking on the soldiers sitting by the open fire in its large, but home-like salon. Chambery has interesting churches and parks. Perhaps the most interesting thing connected with this town is the fact that for so long it was the home of Jean Jacques Rousseau. In what Americans would call the suburbs of Chambery, we find the home of this much persecuted poet-philosopher. It is called “The Charmettes” and is carefully preserved with its original furnishings. At the entrance is a French inscription which may be translated as follows:
“Hovel by Jean-Jacques inhabited.
You remind me of his genius.
His solitude, his proudness
And his misfortunes and his folly.
To Glory and Truth
He dared to consecrate his life,
And was always persecuted
Either by himself or by envy.”
A word about the Fountain of Elephants because for the Americans it was the center of the town. This large white monument with four life-size bronze elephants surrounding it, is most imposing, the more so because there is continually pouring from the mouths of these elephants, streams of water. This unique monument is in honor of a noted benefactor of the town—Count de Boigne—who spent many years in the Far East. There by the fountain the little steam tram usually put off or took on its largest number of passengers. There the American bands played and the French folk gathered about them. One would usually say, “Meet me at the Elephants.”
It was at the Elephants that we took the tiny tram for Challes-les-Eaux, about three miles away. The Thermal Establishment was inaugurated at Challes-les-Eaux in 1876, and from that time it was a popular resort for not only were the waters wonderful for baths, but were valuable for drink, pulverization, inhalation and gargling. One who ever became brave enough to taste them could verily believe in all their virtues. In addition to its many beautiful hotels, generally clinging to hillsides, it had its Casino, too, with restaurant, ball-room, billiard tables, reading and gaming rooms. It was here that General Joffre rested after the Marne. It was this Casino and the five Thermal Establishments in the midst of spacious grounds, that were taken over for the Y and to which now so many happy memories cling. Here as at Aix-les-Bains, the Thermal Establishments were used by the soldiers through the morning till noon, free of all charge to them. What a luxury they were to the tired soldier who for a long time had known only the bathing facilities of a camp. Challes-les-Eaux was admirably located for excursions of historical and scenic interest, affording real wholesome rest and recreation.
As has been already emphasized elsewhere, the work of the Y folk in the Leave Area was to see that the eight days afforded the soldiers there, should be days full of beautiful recreation with as little of the atmosphere of camp-life as possible. There was no “reveille” and no “taps.” No one blew whistles to attract attention. Men ate out of porcelain dishes and slept on real beds with soft pillows. Often men declared that they had become so accustomed to the army bunks that they were forced at first, each night, to rest a little while on the floor.
In the Leave Area
1. By an old Chapel. 2. En route to Hautecombe Abbey. 3. Playing Billiards. 4. On the train for Hannibal’s Pass. 5. On the Grounds at Challes-les-Eaux.
An extract from a report of Mr. William Stevenson to the Commanding Colonel of the Area will give some idea as to the nature and scope of the Y activities in the Leave Area:
“On the 17th of January, 1919, Mrs. W. A. Hunton and myself took charge of the Casino here and began the work which, formerly for white soldiers, had been carried on by four women and two men secretaries. When we started, we were given the assistance of one white (man) secretary. With his help, we carried on the work until the 30th of February when we received another colored secretary—at that time the white secretary who had been assisting us, was relieved. We then had three secretaries, including myself. March 5th we received another man and March 25th two more came. April 6th another women came and April 26th, two more women. However, Mrs. Hunton who had started the work with me left the first of May for Verdun and Mr. Bullock who had arrived February 30th, left April 16th to go to America. At the close of our work, May 24th, we had seven secretaries—four men and three women.”
“Our building was opened each morning at 8:45. A twenty-minute religious service began at 9 A.M. and this was known as ‘Start the Day Right Service.’ Breakfast then began and was served till about noon. This meal consisted of one of the following meats: sausage, ham, or chops, eggs, pancakes with molasses and butter, hot biscuits, crullers and chocolate or coffee. All of this was sold at cost. Refreshments—ice cream, pies, pudding, cakes and crullers with chocolate or lemonade were on sale afternoons from four until about 5:30. Free refreshments were served three times a week at night and always to entertainers and educators, whether from the army or the Young Men’s Christian Association. A reception with free refreshments was always tendered out-going troops. At many of these we served more than a hundred men. During each of these receptions a strong moral or patriotic talk was made by some of the secretaries, and I have seen men go away with tears in their eyes. A special lunch, at the cost of one franc was put up for out-going men, but men without money were often furnished a lunch just the same as others. Every Sunday afternoon at four o’clock we served free tea and cake assisted by the French ladies of the village, who kindly volunteered their services. This afternoon tea, during which there was violin and piano music, was always crowded by the men.”
Athletics. Every morning from ten until twelve, athletic exercises, indoors or outdoors (according to the weather) were conducted and very liberally patronized. Baseball, Y ball, volley ball and tennis were very popular; the three billiard tables were always kept busy. Saturday was given to athletics; that is, the full day. However, men desiring to go to the Black Madonna, Mt. St. Michael or the Cascades were always accommodated.
Excursions, Hikes, etc. The following trips were taken: Sunday, hike to the Black Madonna; about an hour and forty minutes round trip. Monday, trip to Cat Mountain and Hannibal’s Pass, by tram and on foot; about three hours’ hike. All day trip. Tuesday, trip to Aix-les-Bains and Mt. Revard; all-day trip, tram and railroad. Wednesday, Black Madonna. Thursday, hike to the Cascades of Doria, about same distance as Black Madonna. Friday, trip to Lake Bourget and Hautecombe Abbey; all day trip by tram and boat. These excursions, hikes, etc., proved to be of great value in an educational way. The men were not only anxious to get the Aix-les-Bains Souvenir, which explained the various places and things but a great many took notes.
Amusements, etc. A band concert was given two to three times each week in the afternoon in the garden, and on the nights of the same days a band concert and vaudeville. Entertainments—vaudeville, etc., sent by the Y, at the beginning twice a week; later, during May, by the Army and the Y, two to five times each week. Movies, four to six times each week.
Religious, etc. Service every Sunday morning at eleven o’clock which a secretary, sent from Aix-les-Bains, conducted. Also a service every Sunday evening at eight o’clock, which was conducted by the Chaplain.
Educational, etc. A speaker was sent from Aix-les-Bains once a week, who delivered a talk, illustrated or otherwise on something of educational value. Also talks on patriotism, thrift, clean-living, etc., were given by one of our secretaries to all out-going troops, and each night notice of the activities of the week were given, during which hints on clean living, conduct, etc., were given.
Reception to Civilians. On March 12th a reception was given the civilians of Challes-les-Eaux. This was held in the open and the Mayor, by pre-arrangement, made an address to the soldiers and civilians, responses to which were made by Mrs. Hunton and your humble servant, all of which were interpreted. On this day a band concert was rendered by the 803rd Pioneer Infantry Band, and the school children, who were brought in a body by their teachers, were served refreshments.
Photographs. Probably five thousand francs’ worth of photographs of the soldiers in various places and poses, were taken by special arrangement with as many as three photographers. All photographs were sold at cost and the demand always exceeded the supply.
Transportation. In order to prevent the men from arising at an unnecessarily early hour and for the purpose of always getting them back in time for the evening meal we chartered special trams, the cost of which amounted to between three and four thousand francs. This arrangement, which was put into effect in March, enabled us to move when we desired.
Food, etc. Besides the secretaries, we had about thirteen French people, in the kitchen, etc., among them being a chef, whose special duty was to prepare pastries, ice cream, etc.
Literature. We had two racks made in which literature—pamphlets, etc., were daily displayed. These were of a religious, moral, patriotic nature and were very popular. Outgoing men were furnished with free reading matter—magazines, etc.
Information, etc. We had a lady at the information desk, and a lady in the coat room sewed on buttons and made minor repairs for the men.
All trams bearing new men were met by one of the secretaries, who sought out the non-commissioned officers or men in charge, introduced them to all the secretaries, and extended, through them, a hearty welcome to all their men.
Every day when new men came in the hotels were visited at supper time and announcements of the week’s program made while the men were eating.
Conduct, etc. It was an exceedingly rare thing to hear any of the men use immoral or profane language in the building. We co-operated with the military police in every way possible, even requesting the Mayor to rid the village of some immoral women. The military police reported that they had very little trouble with our men, and the Mayor’s letter, together with others from the various hotel-keepers, etc., is strong evidence of the truth of their statement.
Conferences. Our ability to do the work we did was due largely to the fact that every day at noon we held a conference with all the secretaries, each of which began with scripture reading and prayer.
In the Leave Area
1. Serving Literature. 2. On the Veranda. 3. At Play. 4. In the Library. 5. At the Cascades after a Hike.
Just here it might be interesting to read a translation of one of the letters written by the Mayor of Challes-les-Eaux, with reference to colored soldiers on leave there. After four wonderful months in the Leave Area, where we came to know every variety of colored soldier in France, we were sent to the devastated area that had been the front. Just as we were leaving, a messenger met us at the tram and handed us a letter that was so unexpected as to surprise us, but of which we were tremendously proud. It is impossible to reveal the real spirit of this letter in a translation, but this letter, similar to one given to Mr. Stevenson, expresses the feeling of the French people for our men as they lived in their hotels and moved in their midst. The following is the letter translated into English:
The Mayor of Challes-les-Eaux, Savoie, to
the Lady Directress of the Y. M. C. A.
Madame: In the name of the population of Challes-les-Eaux I thank you very much for the pleasure at your many entertainments. Give thanks to your very good amateur artists.
You have won the admiration of the population for the care that you have not ceased to give these black soldiers, who are wonderful children, with generous hearts, a spirit of good comradeship, possessing also a French trait—that of loving and making themselves beloved.
Touched by the welcome which is given them, their hearts are wounded because they cannot fraternize with their white comrades as they do with us, and they regret not to be able to express to us more than a promise to return to France, the country of fraternity.
We retain the best memories of their sojourn with us, where no incident has occurred to mar our relations. We are pleased with their good record.
We ask you to convey the greetings of the people of Challes-les-Eaux to their dear families and beg that they will accept our fondest regard and our sympathetic felicitations.
I wish to render to Madame Directress my perfect appreciation.
Perrolife, Mayor.
April 27, 1919.
Always the French were kind, courteous and understanding and expressed again and again their admiration and sympathy for our soldiers.
Two or three of the hikes taken by our men were so full of historic interest as to be worthy of a brief description. None afforded quite so much fun as that to Mt. Revard. Breakfast at seven and an eight o’clock start on the little steam tram to Chambery was the order. At Chambery the train was taken for Aix-les-Bains. There a half day was given to seeing the places of interest already described, and for lunch. At 12.30 all assembled at the Mt. Revard station to ascend on the cog railway. Any description of the ever-changing and widening view of the ascent fails in its attempt to give a real idea of the beauty, splendor or majesty of the scenery as they in turn reveal themselves. More than five thousand feet the train climbs, stopping for a moment at two stations where the natives sell apples and give away smiles and good cheer.
On the top the whole snow-clad Alpine system is in view. One sees the whole Bernese Oberland system and Mt. Blanc, almost fifty miles away, seems but a good hike distant on a clear day. But the real fun comes with the coasting, skiing and other snow sports—for Mt. Revard is snow clad most of the year. The train descends steeply at many places, but it has been a rare day that men will recount to their children and grand-children, so no one seems afraid. “Overseas” songs in joyful strain fill the echoing caves and crevices and float out on the lake as the day closes and the train returns them to Aix-les-Bains.
Lake Bourget, the largest and most beautiful of French lakes, offered another happy day. First, by train to Bordeau or to Aix-les-Bains, thence by boat out on Lake Bourget. We ride across its shimmering surface and fathomless depth; mountains surround it on all sides and are reflected in all their glory on the lovely water of this lake. We are told that although it is in the region of snow and ice it never freezes, because of an undercurrent or springs of hot water. On the mountain sides, no matter how steep, one sees vineyards—vineyards almost everywhere. Chateaux or villas lend added charm to the scene. Among these one sees one called the Maison du Diable—house of the devil—with a strange tradition attached to it. One sees also the Hotel du Bois di Lamartine—so named because it is located in a grove named for the poet Lamartine. It was there he found inspiration for many of his poems, including “Le Lac.” The Chateau St. Gilles and the Chateau Chatillon, in which one of the popes of Rome was born are also to be seen. But the dominating architecture of Lake Bourget is Hautecombe Abbey, with its octagonal towers and many windows toward which our steamer makes its way.
Hautecombe Abbey was founded in 1125 by some Benedictine monks who, inspired by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, decided to change to the Cistercian Order. The Abbey has, with the rest of Savoie, seen many vicissitudes as a result of wars, but for nearly seven hundred years it remained in the hands of the Cistercians. When the French Revolution came, the monks fled and the Abbey passed into the hands of the nation for a time. Through all the preceding centuries it had been the burial place for the House of Savoie. Finally, in 1824, it was bought at private expense by Charles Felix, Duke of Savoie, who was also King of Sardinia. He at once proceeded to have restored this burial place of his ancestors and to put in charge again some monks of the Cistercian Order. Again, in 1860, the Abbey went into the hands of France, but by special treaty in 1862, it was made the private property of Victor Emmanuel II and is now the property of the present King of Italy.
The most historic part of the Abbey is the beautiful Gothic church. Many chapels with massive tombs of Italian royalty are to be found. Some of them are of the finest Carrara marble as is also the beautiful Pieta, by Cacciatori. The dome is decorated with paintings of great interest and value. There is a wonderful hand carved organ and paintings by famous artists over the chancel. In every little niche may be seen little statues of weeping women, some five hundred of them and all different. Much history, tradition and mystery link themselves to all that one sees in the church.
Next is shown a Royal Suite that was fitted up in 1825 for Charles Felix and Marie Christine. Everything is well preserved. Visitors, and especially women, are not admitted to the part of the Monastery occupied by the monks. Each time we made this trip, we were somehow moved by the sight of hundreds of khaki-clad soldiers making their way quietly through this old Abbey.
Every schoolboy has heard how Hannibal crossed the Alps, so that a day’s outing to Hannibal’s Pass, although in involved much hiking, was always a popular one. The men would go by tram again to the little fishing village of Bordeau on Lake Bourget, then ascend the Cat Mountain to a pass that opens into the valley of the Rhone. Standing among these wonderful Alps a Y man would repeat the story of the hero of Carthage who, more than two centuries before the birth of Christ, had climbed with his army to this Pass and then descended into Italy. He would tell how he suffered great loss of men and much hardship but how he was a determined foe of the Romans and so fought them unto death.
Our own favorite hike was that which took us southward from Challes-les-Eaux, along the main road with the mountains on either side and in front of us—past the ruins of a picturesque chapel, destroyed by Napoleon Bonaparte when he, too, crossed the Alps; up the hill to the little village of Myans resting at the foot of Mount Granier. For all of the four miles from Challes-les-Eaux to Myans, the life one looks upon seems to have moved not one pace forward for many centuries. Ancient customs in life and houses make up the picture and yet withal one finds a charming hospitality native to these people so far removed from the hurry and fret of life. But we hiked those four miles to visit the Church of Myans with its Black Madonna that has reposed there for so many centuries, and has become a famous place of pilgrimage for many French people. Much of tradition and history wraps itself around the Black Madonna. Many years ago a landslide came to this section. One looks up and sees how absolutely bare it has left one side of Mt. Granier. We are told that the landslide destroyed everything except the church—even a part of it was destroyed, but the Black Madonna and the praying monks at its altar were not hurt. This Madonna that in all probability came from Spain, is one of the few of its kind saved in the general destruction of the Black Madonnas as ordered by Napoleon. The Virgin and child are life size and wrought out of black ebony. Her robe is of gold and on her head is a crown in which are embedded priceless jewels. She is very sacred to the villagers and to all of Catholic faith. One finds there many photographs and relics left by pilgrims who have come for healing. But the chief interest to us lay in the finely chiseled black faces of mother and child to whom so many devoutly kneel.
Eight days filled with hikes, such as we have described, games, entertainments of various kinds and music always at hand, were usually sufficient to re-invigorate the soldier and send him away glad and grateful for abundant life, lovely nature and warm-hearted friends. The Y folk worked hard to strike a high note for the future of these soldiers by teaching them how to rightly interpret and use their wonderful “overseas” experience.
Just here may we say that with both Mrs. Curtis and Mrs. Hunton were associated the finest types of Y men to be found in France. Mr. William Stevenson, who had done such valuable work at Montoir, brought to the Leave Area, all his fine ideals, which, with his hard work and pleasant manners, gave him great success. Mr. Matthew Bullock, who had gone over the top with the 15th New York, because of his football fame at Dartmouth, was well known to the soldiers. His strong helpful personality also counted for much in the lives of the men who visited the Leave Area. There was Mr. Henry Dunn who had come over from the army and who conducted the hikes. We have never since met a man who was at Challes-les-Eaux that he has not asked for Mr. Dunn. Messrs. Watkins and Shockley, just as fine and energetic and beloved by the men, formed the group working at Challes-les-Eaux. At Chambery Mr. William Anderson was not only business manager, but the sympathetic, understanding friend of all. There were also Mr. Scroggins, who hiked with the men and who will ever live in their memory; Lieut. Garrie Moore, who having done successful boy’s work for the International Committee of the Young Men’s Christian Association in the United States, came over from the army to give the benefit of his knowledge to the Y in France, and Messrs. Kindal and Parks, who did such successful athletic work. All these men gave the very best in them to the soldiers who came under their care in the Leave Area.
It was a kind providence that sent Captain Arthur Spingarn to the Leave Area. The true friend of the colored people in the United States, he was no less so as a soldier in France. Thoroughly fine in spirit and personality, he was at all times an inspiration and help to the colored secretaries working under his guidance.
The Leave Area is but a memory, but it is a beautiful one, linking thousands of soldiers and welfare workers in a chain of comradeship that cannot be broken. It was the mountain of vision and hope in France for those who reached it. It was the balm in Gilead.
VIVE LA FRANCE