Copyright © 2019 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
In 1914, Thomas G. Moses wrote, “August found Germany starting a new war with the Huns who helped them. France and England are both in the game.”
At the time, United Stated newspapers reported, “The War in Europe. Following the declaration of war by Austria-Hungary against Serbia, Russia took up the gauntlet for Serbia whereupon Germany declared war against Russia. In the mobilization of troops Germany invaded a French territory, a practical declaration of war against France, and also Belgium, which is under the protection of England. England asked the withdrawal of the German army from Belgium, and not receiving a satisfactory reply, Wednesday declared war against Germany. Italy proclaimed neutrality, but it is feared she will not be able to maintain it. Hostilities have begun, both on land and seas, and the world fears the most destructive war in history. President Wilson has proclaimed neutrality of the United States, and Congress is busy with plans for bringing Americans home from Europe and for protecting all interests of this country” (“Middletown Transcript,” 8 Aug. 1914, page 1).
Although the United States did not officially enter the war until 1917, the conflict overseas affected many American individuals and industries, including the world of theatre. As with many political events and military conflicts, we look back now with unknown “what ifs” and “we should haves.” It often takes a century to pass for the lens of history to provide snapshots of behind-the-scenes motives, mistakes, and missed opportunities of our leaders.
Here is a little background about the draft registration pertaining to WWI in the United States. Three registrations occurred between 1917 and 1918. The 1st was held June 5, 1917 for men ages 21-31. The 2nd was held June 5, 1918, for men who turned 21 since the 1st registration. The 3rd started Sept. 12, 1918 for men ages 18-45. My maternal grandfather was not drafted, but enlisted at the age of twenty-eight years old for WWI. Born and raised in Maple Plain Minnesota, he grew up on a farm but went to work for the Great Northern Railroad, where he became a bridge and building foreman. When he enlisted, my grandfather was still single, only dating my grandmother, Elvina Dressel. Both were German-American. My great grandfather arrived in the US during 1861 and immediately fought in the Civil War (Union Army). Then as now, there was an unjustified lash back against immigrants; during WWI it was the German-Americans and their families, even when they had resided in the country for decades. American intolerance, a shameful legacy continues today.
WWI draft registration cards provide an amazing wealth of information about the theatre professionals; a snapshot of men, their families, and work. Due to the wide range of ages, 18-45, information for many long-forgotten scenic artists is available in the draft registration database. Instead of looking at a black and white photo or reading a newspaper obituary, the height, physical frame, hair color and eye color of these individuals in their prime is recorded. We know if they were gainfully employed, or just starting at a new scenic studio. We known if they were married, single, and where they were living.
Moses did not mention the war again until its conclusion in 1918. During the Fall of 1918, Moses wrote, “The Big World War ended November 11th, and the biggest kind of rally was pulled off. I never saw such a crowd. It was not safe to be on the street with a hat on or a good suit of clothes.”
Keep in mind that his 1931 typed memoirs were a compilation of annual diaries, of which only the last five years of his life remain. I have scans of the five, each in a private collection. Of those five years, I have transcribed two and am working on the remaining three. Moses’ daily records provide a wealth of information not included in his final 1931 manuscript titled “My Diary.” His thoughts on the WWI or friends that were lost in the fight may have been mentioned, but are now lost.
To be continued…
