NEWS: Raymond MARKLEY Writes Home, 1918, Altoona, Blair County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja and Donna Thomas

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/
_______________________________________________

CHAPLAIN MARKLEY WRITES OF FRANCE

Well-Known Young Altoona Minister Tells of Fourth's Celebration in Paris

  Chaplain Raymond Markley writes to his mother Mrs. Sarah L. Markley of 820 
Fourth avenue, a very interesting letter from France.  He dwells particularly 
upon the Fourth of July celebration which was held in every city and village 
of France.  The streets were filled with enthusiastic crowds who showered the 
American soldiers with bouquets as they passed through the cities.
  The letter goes on to say that though the French must be imitated in many 
lines, as for instance in architecture and art, they are still a century 
behind America in development of efficient railways and systems for sewage 
disposal.  Their business methods, too, need revision along more modern 
lines, especially in the matter of efficient advertising.
  In a later letter, Raymond states that the study of the French language 
takes up considerable of his leisure moments, but that it is a genuine 
pleasure to learn it as the French Poilu is so courteous and even eager to 
help the American soldier to grasp his difficult tongue.  The French, on the 
other hand, seem to be just as willing and eager to get a knowledge of 
English language, as is evidenced by the steadily increasing number of French 
stores where signs read, 'English spoken here.'

Altoona Tribune, Monday morning, August 12, 1918, page 10