100 years ago in The Record
Monday, Sept. 10, 1917
As preparations continue for the transport of more local draftees to a Massachusetts training facility, Troy’s National Guard troops remain “Somewhere in Vicinity” of New York City waiting for orders to head south for their own training.
The Troy- based Second New York Infantry regiment is now the 111th United States Infantry. After doing guard duty in northeastern New York since the U. S. declaration of war against Germany last April, the regiment was shipped downstate last month. Their next destination is supposed to be an army training camp in Spartansburg SC.
“Practically little that is new has developed in regard to the entraining of the Second Regiment for Spartansburg, as train orders are still lacking, and these are what move trains,” a Record reporter writes from the regiment’s undisclosed location.
Speculation in camp anticipates movement by the end of this week. “Many of the men say Sunday [ September 16] is the logical day, as most of the important moving done by the Second has been on that day.”
If the regiment doesn’t leave the state this week, it may not leave until next month. “One thing is being given consideration by all in the know, such as it is at present, and that is, that in all probability if the regiment does not get away before the 17th of this month it may not move until around October 1, as from the 17th to the 25th is the active zone of moving for the new national army, when thousands of cars will be needed for the transportation of the new men for the cantonments.”
The troops would rather leave sooner than later. “Everybody in the Second is hoping that this week will see them rolling out of New York city for the south,” our writer reports.
On the week of September 17, up to 40% of Troy men cleared for service after the July 20 draft lottery will begin training at Camp Devers in Ayer MA. A contingent of eight soldiers, representing 5% of the local quota, went to Ayer last week.
While the big move is expected next week, “It was said to- day no date for the next entraining had been received from the adjutant general’s office, and in fact no specific orders as to the number of men to go have been issued.”
YWCAWARWORK
“The activities of the Young Women’s Christian Association of Troy will this season all be devoted to war relief and Red Cross work,” our paper reports today.
Additionally, Miss Jamison of Corona CA has been hired to take charge of the Troy association’s physical development courses.