Jim Davis

7/18/2017: With the First World War raging in Europe, much of the land had been devastated, and food was scarce. Herbert Hoover, as national food administrator, submitted guidelines for housewives to follow to ensure an adequate supply of food at home and abroad. Those who signed a pledge to cooperate received a “home card,” the first of many small publications concerning food supplies and rationing. They were instructed to buy less, serve smaller portions, and preach the Gospel of the clean plate. Full garbage pails in America meant empty dinner pails in Europe and America. They were also instructed to watch for the food wasters in the community.

7/10/2017: “N.D. Regiments Called to the Colors” screamed the headlines of the Bismarck Tribune on this date in 1917. The War Department had called the North Dakota troops into active federal service effective on July 15th. The Federal Militia Board was preparing for the transportation of the North Dakota National Guard, which was mobilizing on August 5th. Fort Lincoln in Bismarck was officially designated as the assembly point for all North Dakota troops. The various units of the guard were to be separated into sixteen practical divisions and assigned to camps for final training before being sent to France. When founded, the National Guard was designed to be a militia for the protection of the homeland. However, the proclamation activating the Guard contained a clause specifically discharging the force from militia status.

7/4/2017: With many of North Dakota’s young men and women already serving on the battlefields in Europe, the 4th of July in 1917 promised to be a day of commemoration and consecration. For some, it was difficult to call it a day of celebration, but unlike Memorial Day, with the somber reflection that death may await loved ones serving overseas, the 4th of July remained a celebration of patriotism, commemorating the battle for independence and democracy.

6/28/2017: When America entered World War I, it was not prepared.

6/21/2017: On this date in 1917, the final total for selective service registration was announced. There were 64,124 North Dakota citizens registered. They also registered eighty-eight friendly aliens and six hundred and five enemy aliens, basically German nationals. Although it was twelve thousand short of projected, this did not include the four thousand men who had already enlisted or were serving in the North Dakota National Guard. Warrants were issued for five hundred identified slackers who had failed to register.

6/12/2017: On this date in 1917, draft registration was over and North Dakota fell slightly short of its goal; but with many already enlisted, Registration Day was deemed a success.

6/5/2017: It was a critical day for many young men on this date in 1917. America had entered the War, but it was lacking the manpower to sustain the type of warfare that had evolved in the trenches of Europe. While many believed America’s entrance into the conflict would bring a quick end to the war, the current military strength was not enough. With the enlistment rate inadequate, a draft was initiated.

5/29/2017: Today is Memorial Day, a time to honor the heroes who gave their lives to ensure our freedom. It was originally known as Decoration Day, honoring those who fought in the Civil War, but as the ranks of surviving veterans slowly dwindled, the name was changed in 1899 to Memorial Day, honoring the many who had passed on since the end of the war, and also those who died in the Spanish American War.

5/23/2017: By this date in 1917, America had declared war on Germany, and the registration for the draft was only weeks away. For a number of years, North Dakota families had been anxiously following the war news from Europe, and now many loved ones could soon be in harm’s way.

5/19/2017: In the modern era, we are all aware of the value of exercise in promoting health, and that a sedentary lifestyle is not good for the body. Over ninety years ago, J. H. Shepard of the Agricultural College in Fargo believed that exercise was the best medicine in dealing with youth.