In September 1918, my father, Arleigh Kerr, enlisted in the Army and, after basic training at Camp Lewis near Tacoma Washington was sent to Fort Stevens, Oregon. There, near the mouth of Columbia River, he was in the 1st Company, Columbia Coast Artillery Corps. He rose to rank of Corporal. Because he could type, he became Company Clerk. And because he'd had Drafting in high school, he designed a new fire house after a fire destroyed the original.
Below are excerpts from a journal he kept from December 22, 1918 through June 2, 1919. I've not included all the entries as many are repetitious: almost every Sunday he went to Church, generally in nearby Astoria and spent a great deal of time washing clothes. All these photographs, I believe, are his.
Jan. 8, Wed - Chg of qtrs. Battalion Parade, Duty Corp ½ day. Fired Salute 21 rounds at 3 P.M. on 10 second intervals Revielle gun in honor Roosevelt. Died 1-6-18.
A 6 inch Disappearing Gun at Battery Lewis
