"A GAME OF MAH JONG WAS PRESENTED"

BELLEAU WOOD MEMORIAL BENEFIT HELD AT NEW WASHINGTON AUDITORIUM

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 7, 1925, The Evening Star reports Mrs. Calvin Coolidge "was patroness for the Belleau Wood* Memorial benefit" held at the New Washington Auditorium here in the Nation's Capital last evening.

While the First Lady was unable to personally attend, the Presidential box was occupied by White House guests including Secretary of the Navy Curtis D. Wilbur** and his wife.

A game of Mah Jong*** was presented at the benefit. 

JFK+50 NOTE

Curtis D. Wilbur was the first appointee by President Calvin Coolidge.

*Belleau Wood was a major battle fought during the German spring offensive, June 1918, near the Marne River of France in WWI

**Curtis Dwight Wilbur (1867-1954) was born in Boonesboro, Iowa & graduated USNA 1888.  CDW became a California lawyer & judge before serving as Secretary of the Navy 1924-1929.

***Mah Jong is a tile-based game developed in the 19th century in China played by 3 or 4 players & similar to rummy.  

 

 

Secretary of the Navy Curtis D. Wilbur

1927

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress 

RETREAT HELL, WE JUST GOT HERE!

ALLIES FORCE GERMAN TROOPS BACK ACROSS THE MARNE

Paris (JFK+50) On June 3, 1918, American and French forces met at the Marne River and forced the Germans back across the river.  It was the first time American troops made a significant contribution in the First World War.

The action at Chateau-Thierry was brief and the French commander, according to legend, urged the American commander to retreat.  He is said to have responded...

"Retreat hell, we just got here!"

 The Battle of Belleau Wood, however,  continued for three weeks.  Ultimately, the Germans were forced to retreat.

SOURCE

"Chateau-Thierry, Belleau Wood in World War I", www.shmoop.com/

Pvt. Harry Shelley

Received Good Conduct Medal

from King George V

July 4, 1918

US Army Signal Corps Photo