Every individual in Columbia county can now perform a laudable service for his country. That service need not be rendered on the battlefield, nor upon the seas, either.
The functions connected with the Home Defense committee of the counties of New York State are numerous and varied, and of great importance; they require the co-operation of every man and woman.
There shouldn't be a person in Columbia county over the age of 15 years who has not enlisted in a service necessary for the Home Defense committee to carry out the Home Defense functions required.
Whether his daily occupation be on a farm, in a factory, behind a counter or in an office, every man can do something in a patriotic way at this time.
Automobilists can render a great service by donating their cars for the taking of the military census; chauffeurs, by volunteering to drive cars during the census-taking can also perform something for their country; farmers, children, farm hands and women can display a wonderful bit of patriotism by looking after the crops, and there are a thousand and one other important things to be attended to. Everybody is wanted!
The State Military Census and Inventory was ordered by the governor of New York, Charles S. Whitman, to determine the resources of the state, as part of "the military preparation of the State to assist the nation in the conduct of the war against Germany." Both men and women between the ages of 16 and 50 were required to complete the questionnaire. The questionnaire, which was different for each gender, was designed to identify skills and abilities that could be useful to the war effort, as well as "mules, horses, heavy wagons, automobiles, heavy trucks, motor launches, power boats, and wireless outfits." (Click on the questionnaires to enlarge.)
When someone completed the census questionnaire, he or she was issued a card certifying enrollment in the "Census and Inventory of Military Resources of the State."
To read more about the New State Military Census and Inventory, click here.
COPYRIGHT 2017 CAROLE OSTERINK
I have a copy of my grandfather draft registration in Sept 12, 1918. He was checked off under ALIEN- non-declarant, 32 year old Polish immigrant, noted as a citizen of Austria, living in Hudson at that time with his wife, and his first son born in America, my father.
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