As the war raged on in Europe, adjustments were being made here in the United States. A second quota list was released and The Havre Plaindealer printed the names of the enlistees in its September 15, 1917 issue who were due to report to American Lake, Washington on Saturday of the following week for training. Major General Henry A. Green, commanding officer at American Lake, stated 200 men would be sent to Jacksonville, Florida for the Quartermaster Corps, to be responsible for supplying the troops abroad. This was a highly desired post and all who served would be officers, starting off as Second Lieutenant.
It was also announced that both flour mills and grain elevators would be under government control in order to facilitate the flow of grains and the production of flour for both the war and home fronts. Grain elevators were not allowed to keep wheat and rye grains for longer than 30 days, and flour mills were not allowed to make more than 25 cents profit on flour during this time, thus preventing hoarding of needed grains and price gouging of flour necessary for bread. The price of a barrel of flour would drop $3, and saving the public more than $30,000,000 per month according to the article.
In a separate article, it was being encouraged that every farm should have a flock of sheep because they were making a lot of money off their wool. Sheep played an important part of the development of this area, as it was sheep and not cattle that was here first as livestock. Of course, over time they had the good sense to change to cattle.
With autumn on its way were a couple traditions precious and sacred here in the West-hunting and canning. Opening dates were given for each season, as were prices for licenses and restrictions on harvesting game and were one could hunt. Up first was duck, geese, grouse, prairie chicken and sage hen season. Recipes for canning Apple, Pear, Plum and Peach Butters were printed in the “Of Feminine Interest” section. Good eatin’!
Social activities were picking up, and the following were announced in the Plaindealer’s Society column:
“To Resume Club Work.
“The woman’s club of Havre will resume the year’s work next Tuesday afternoon with a meeting in the club rooms under the public library. Mrs. Berthelote, the president of the club, is anxious for every member of the organization to be present at the initial meeting, at which the general plan for an intensive year’s work will be outlined.
“Programs covering the year’s work are now in the process of printing and will be ready for distribution among the members at the first meeting. The study of Shakespeare will be continued.
“Gives Duck Dinner.
“On Saturday evening George White of White Bros. gave a delightful duck dinner in honor of C. W. Koerner, who is expecting to leave soon to join the army. The dinner was a very elaborate affair. Tame duck was the main course, but was accompanied by everything that goes to make up a first class feed.
“The occasion was very much enlivened by the natural Irish wit of the host and those present say it was the one event of the season.
“Club Dances Resumed.
“The first dance of the season to be given by the Havre Social Club occurred at the Lyceum on Thursday evening, and was largely attended and greatly enjoyed. The club expects to give two dances a month during the fall and winter season.”
