The Prattsville Scoop: Interesting phone call and newspaper clipping

PRATTSVILLE — Sympathy to the family of Carol Jaeger Sutton. Our prayers and thoughts are with her family.

Got a most interesting phone call from Dan Peckham, followed by a copy of a newspaper clipping he had found in his late mother’s (Hazel Peckham) belongings, dated October 27, 1918.

“Private Albert N. O’Hara, a member of Battery F. 16th Battery, F.A., A.E.F., is in a Red Cross Hospital in France, as will be shown by the following letter recently received by his father, Thomas J. O’Hara, of this village.” “My dear Father:” He tells of his treatment and conditions in …”An American hospital — a good and clean building… a good, clean bed, with “honest to God” sheets and pillows…” He goes on to compliment the food and “best of all gifts from home.”

He also bemoans the fact that he has not received any mail lately.

“The Front — Dead horses, dead men, everywhere — some with legs off, others with arms, many ‘gassed’ which is as bad as any wound…. He describes the character and fighting habits of the ‘Yank’ and ‘Hun.’” He will be behind the lines for three months and “in one way that is OK...but also makes one lonesome for the boys at the front with whom you have suffered so long….With love to all, AL.”

Albert returned home safely to marry Clara Kipp of Lexington and they are the great grandparents of Kipp and Kory O’Hara. Albert’s brother Thomas J. was killed in action during WWI, and is interred in France. Both of their names are on the veterans’ monument in Prattsville. We are thankful for their service. Thanks for sharing, Dan, and will be glad to share all news items you find.

Kip Rikard’s dad Clarence, and Ginny Gurley’s dad, Lee Delmar, also served in France during WWI and suffered through the gas attacks, leaving them with health issues the rest of their lives.

Benny Benjamin, who grew up in Prattsville, paid a surprise visit to Aunt Ginny and Uncle Bob Gurley on Wednesday. It took three hours to catch up on family activities and, yes, some gossip.

Happy birthday to Brianna Grant (granddaughter of Sandi Rion) on March 2. On March 3 we wish Patricia Chatfield and Madeleine Taylor Goldman happy birthday. Happy birthday to Nichoals Dibble, grandson of Karen and Ken Aurigema, on March 4.

Please send birthdays and anniversaries and news to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219.