December 20, 2002

OROVILLE MERCURY REGISTER June, 29, 1937

GOLD STAR MOTHERS HONORED GUESTS AT AUXILIARY LUNCHEON COMPLIMENTS MRS. GRACE PRESTON
Three Butte County gold star mothers were guests of honor at a luncheon in Oroville Inn Monday noon in compliment to Mrs. Grace Preston of Fresno, department president of the ladies auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. They are Mrs. Lena Faul of Oroville and Mrs. Lillian Schraack and Mrs. Mary Hammond .of Gridley. Mrs. Laurie Schertle, national senior vice president, representing the national organization, was a distinguished guest at the auxiliary luncheon, attended by 110 women. Miss Mattie Lund, toastmistress, read Mothers of Men, by Joaquine Miller, in honor of the gold star mothers.

MOTHERS GIVEN CORSAGE
Mrs. Preston introduced the members of her staff and each department officer and gold star mother was presented with a corsage by the local auxiliary. The tables were decorated with red, white and blue flowers. Perry Smith of Oregon, national chaplain of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, spoke on the part played by the women in keeping up the organization. Benediction was offered by Ethel Dore, department chaplain of the auxiliary. Mrs. Carrie Strang was chairman in charge of musical entertainment. The American Legion Glee Club, under the direction of Mrs. Lula Hogan Wasley sang, and vocal solos were given by Mrs. Ellen Walker and Mrs. Florence Boyle. The cootie band also appearing during the meeting. The decorations committee consisted of Mattie Bullard, chairman; Mildred Hoke, Fay Rodenburg, Martha Wright, Lizzie Williams and Jennie Barrie.

Stu's notes: I just ran across the Gold Star Mothers story When a Mother lost her son in the war, she would place a gold star in the window of their home. The mothers would meet for comfort and support. It carried on through future wars. Although you don't hear much about this anymore, September 29th is Gold Star Mothers Day. You should fly your flag on this day. This story is about those that lost their lives in WWI. In 1937 it was just known as the WorldWar. Sad but soon so many more would join the honored club. Mrs Faul is the mother of Lt Charles Faul, killed in WWI. We know very little about the Lt., but hope to find more.

OROVILLE MERCURY FEBRUARY 7,1945

SID BROWN'S ARM SHATTERED
Mrs. Lola Brown, who makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Elliff on Chico Road, received word yesterday from the War Department that her husband, Pfc. Sid Brown, had been seriously wounded Jan. 19 near Colmar in France. She previously had received a V-mail letter from him telling that his left arm was shattered and he was in a field hospital in France. He expected to be moved later to a base hospital. This was his first experience in actual combat. His unit, 12th Armored Hell Cat Division of 119th Armored Engineers, had been fighting hard for five days and nights before he was hit. Brown was a catskinner for Feather River Pine Mills at Feather Falls before entering the army in September 1943.

FUNERAL OF LIEUT. ON WED.
The remains of Lieut. Charles Faul arrived from Camp Mills over the Western Pacific last night. They were accompanied by a brother lieutenant. In addition to members of the family of the Home Service Department of the Red Cross and by color bearers of the Relief Corps. The funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 3 o'clock from the Congregational Church.