A Look Back in History: New London rallies for The Great War

On Dover Sunday, July 16, 2023 at 1:30, Sharon Drick and Darlene Lutes will share their research and knowledge about the Great War (World War I) and its effect upon the lives of New London citizens. The United States entered the war on April 6, 1917. Iowa has always stepped forward when her country has called for support. Thousands stepped forward. When the war ended Nov. 11, 1918 over 4,000 Iowans had perished in the war. In fact, the first U.S. woman to die of injuries in a combat zone was from Iowa. Marion Crandell, a French teacher from Davenport died while serving in a canteen when it was hit by an artillery shell. Merle Hay was one of the first U.S. soldiers killed in combat. He is remembered with the name of a major street in Iowa’s capital city.

Sharon and Darlene will focus their presentation on New London men and women who served at home and abroad at that critical time. As the title of this article indicates, the use of “The Great War” is in fact the proper designation. The conflict did not become known as WWI until WWII materialized. Using letters from local soldiers printed in the New London Journal, news from the Red Cross and the activities of the Home Defense League; our presenters bring home the personal aspect of war and its effect on an entire community. Efforts were very individual and meaningful during this war. Red Cross members actually knitted socks and wristlets and sewed pajamas for the men from New London and Lowell serving abroad. These tasks were a far cry from Red Cross efforts of today which are impersonal to most of us. New London’s Home Defense League and the Alamo Theatre were also heavily involved in the efforts of local citizens.

Among the area soldiers highlighted during the presentation will be Adolph Horn and Herbert Ruch. Herbert was the first soldier volunteer to leave New London. He left from the New London Depot. Others highlighted will be Rex Orndorff and Howard Smith, members of the Iowa Ammunition Train. Dover Museum artifacts from this war will be displayed and their stories told.

There were many people in the community who did not support the war or demonstrate sufficient patriotism. This is eye-opening information and these objections were tightly suppressed. Many of Iowa’s original settlers were of German descent. Many of these people were persecuted although they had no remaining allegiance to Germany.

Sunday afternoon, July 16, promises to be an interesting and worthwhile afternoon. Learning about a war through the eyes of those who were actually living each moment will provide new insight for all. Plan to spend a bit of time visiting with Sharon and Darlene over a cookie and lemonade after the program.