Wrapping up Connecting Links
First peacetime issue of Connecting Links
In recent posts, I have been transcribing some World War I news from the American Chain Company’s newsletter/magazine Connecting Links. Here are a few more connections:
I was struck by the emphasis on patriotism in production–ACCO emphasized that military orders had high precedence over any others, and that they should be completed as quickly as possible, not waiting until the delivery date. In the very first issue of Connecting Links in June 1918, they printed the pledge that would be posted in each plant. Each employee was asked to sign the pledge poster and then he would be given a pocket-size pledge card to remind him that he had pledged:
“For myself, and for the American Chain Company, Inc., I pledge the prompt production and delivery of the largest possible quantity of material in our department, that is or shall be required by the United States Government for the interests of itself and its Allies, and agree that all other lines of our business shall be subordinated to this pledge, and all this in accordance with the request of the War Industries Board.”
See below for more on W.D. Patrick, whose letter I transcribed previously.
Joke-cracking soldier Walter Douglas Patrick returned to York County, but not before he served in four major engagements with the 109th Machine Gun Battalion, 28th Division. He was wounded in action and honorably discharged May 5, 1919. He married Corena F. Brockley of Hanover in 1924 and settled in that town. Patrick didn’t return to ACCO, but was employed by the Hanover Cabinet Company and then was caretaker at the Harold H. Bair post, No. 14, American Legion in Hanover.
Patrick was felled by a stroke in 1936 and shortly passed away at the age of 40. Extensive graveside services were held with the Hanover Bair Legion post participating, as well as a delegation from the Society of the 28th Division of the American Expeditionary Forces of York post No. 127, American Legion and La Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux, representing the Forty and Eight (Legion honor society), of which Patrick was a member.
ACCO evidently had found a good thing in Connecting Links. The war was over and most of the servicemen home, so the cover of the April 1919 issue (see above) reflects the return to civilian life and the desire to continue to keep ACCO employees connected.
A letter from wounded soldier Adam Arndt.
York County Heritage Trust’s From Front Porch to Front Lines exhibit is now open at 250 East Market St., York. Click here for more information.
