Make Plans for Old
Hickory Reunion
Arrangements for the first reunion of the veterans of the
“Old Hickory” (30th) division, famous as the breakers of the once
invincible Hindenburg line, at Greenville, S.C., where the division trained for
that wonderful feat, are taking definite shape under the efficient direction of
Frank P. Bowan of Knoxville, secretary and treasurer of the Old Hickory
division association, with headquarters at Georgetown, S.C. The date of this
reunion is set for September 29-30. These two days fall on Monday and Tuesday,
which will give the members all day Sunday in which to congregate at
Greenville, and will prevent their losing an extra day from business.
An invitation has been extended to President Wilson to
attend the reunion and address the veterans of the 30th. While it is
not definitely arranged, convention officials feel certain that he will accept
the invitation. General L.D. Tyson, who commanded the 59th brigade,
and who is one of the members of the executive committee of the association,
will e present and will be one of the principal speakers.
The “Hickory-Nuts,” the official fun-makers of the division,
will be present and will give several performances. Sergt. B. Wesley Wayland,
who is manager of this company of actors, has announced definitely that they
will be there.
Greenville, as most of the members of the 30th
division already know, is a beautiful city of about 30,000 population located
on the Southern Railroad system and is noted for its climate and water.
Mr. Bowen states that hotel facilities in Greenville are as
good as can be found in the state and that the association has received
authoritive assurance from the citizens of the city that private homes will be
thrown open to all men attending the convention. “The citizens of Greenville
have very kindly offered to entertain the men in their homes free of charge,”
said Mr. Bowen.
To Extend Hospitality
The Southern Textile hall, the largest hall south of the
city of Philadelphia, has been promised to the association for its meetings
free of charge. Mr. Bowen states that the citizens show by every act and work
that they want the men to come and partake of their hospitality. Committees of
men and women have been organized to arrange entertainment and every thing
possible for the pleasure and comfort of the men is promised. A number of base
ball games, dances, etc., have already been planned.
Reduced Railroad
Rates
Mr. Bowen has taken up with the Southwestern passenger
committee of Atlanta the question of reduced passenger rates for those men
attending the reunion. Rates of 1 cent per mile have already been procured form
all points within the States of Tennessee, North and South Carolina. Efforts
are being made to get these rates made applicable from all points within the
United States.
Telegraphic authority has been received from Secretary of
War Baker authorizing all members of the association to wear the uniform at the
convention and Mr. Bowen predicts that Greenville will look something like it
did two years ago when all the men arrive for the big two-day celebration.
Discharge chevrons must be worn on all uniforms. Badges will be furnished to
all men who intend to go upon registration and the official insignia buttons
will be distributed at the convention.
Urges Veterans to
Register
Secretary Bowen wishes to impress every veteran of the Old
Hickory division with the necessity of registering his name and the unit with
which he served with the association headquarters and of paying the initiation
fee, which is very small. This fee he says entitles the men to all the many
privileges and benefits of the association and as the fees amount to a great
deal when all are paid, it makes the reunion possible. He also requests every
man to notify headquarters at Georgetown if his name, address or organization
has been incorrectly filled in on the membership card or if his street or city
address has been changed in any way.
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