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.