Each every now and then, there’s a bonus. The household that donated the 1917 and 1918 menus added a classic picture of Bernard Patten. His identify is on the rosters that accompany each menus. In 1917, the 21-year-old Patten was a personal within the Military Sign Corps’ 404th Aero Squadron (Development). In 1918, following a unit redesignation and a promotion, he was listed as a corporal within the 18th Spruce Squadron, among the many troopers who operated the world’s greatest spruce cut-up mill.
One easy menu has a canopy of crimson building paper, adorned with photographs in gold-colored and black ink. Nevertheless it comes with an important story, reflecting life in Washington simply 18 days after Pearl Harbor.
Hugh Thomas heard the story from his late spouse Janet, who grew up close to Ocosta, a small city close to Grays Harbor. As he sorted by means of her possessions, Thomas referred to as The Columbian, on the lookout for a brand new house for Firm E’s 75-year-old Christmas menu.
Vacation hospitality
About 50 troopers had dinner on the home the place his spouse — then Janet Foster — grew up. Proper after Pearl Harbor, Firm E was despatched to work on an outdated coastal artillery battery, simply in case Japanese forces have been to assault the Washington Coast. Firm E camped in an space subsequent to his in-laws’ home, Thomas mentioned.
