As the one hundred and thirty-nine men and officers of Company B of Ida Grove went through the drill of the war manual on the streets of this city yesterday afternoon the hearts of thousands of persons--men, women and children--went out in sympathy to the boys in khaki who may sixty days hence be in the battle zone of France.
     Co. B made a fine and imposing spectacle of strength and “pep” as the boys stepped from the train and lined up for the march to Second Street--the parade ground. They were “our “ boys, and the boys of our neighbors up and down the line and across country.
     A band stand had been erected in front of the New Bell Hotel for the use of the Lake View band, which had greeted the boys at the railway station in the presence of a very large crowd of people from Odebolt and the surrounding country.
     After marching up town the boys went through all the maneuvers in the presence of a steadily increasing audience which cheered as often as opportunity permitted.
     Corporal Ben Einspahr was given the honor of drilling a squad of men in the rifle movements. 
     As one veteran of the Civil War was heard to remark:  “They didn’t do it that way when I was in the army.”
     No, they didn’t--there have been changes in things other than the uniforms.
     Corporal Einspahr put his squad through in ship-shape to the plaudits of the spectators.
     During the afternoon the boys listened to a splendid address by Judge Ben Lindsay of Denver--the judge who has made it fashionable to reason with boys and girls and trust them in court matters instead of always and forever punishing them--often unjustly.  He punished too, but not in the old way which sends hopeful cases to associate with the hardened criminals.
     The judge gave intimate illustrations which gave a clear insight into his methods.  Digressing he told of the conditions he learned of in Germany and other war fronts while he was there with the Ford peace party.  Himself and wife had been commissioned by Henry Ford to endeavor to arrange for the sending of milk and other foods to save the children of Poland and other countries ravaged by the war, but this was not successful because of the fear that the enemy might confiscate these supplies. The judge believes violence begets violence, hate its like, etc., and that the big war can only be settled by counter violence.
     At 5:30 the members of Co. B were banquetted [sic] at the Park, where the ladies of Odebolt had prepared a sumptuous repast for them.  It is needless to add that the boys fully enjoyed this “feed” and did full justice to it.
     Automobiles were provided to carry the boys back to Ida Grove, forty having been offered for this service.  All were invited to stay for the evening program at the Chatauqua [sic] tent.  Admission both afternoon and evening was free, Supt. Carson giving the boys this courtesy on behalf of the Redpath-Vawter System.
     The city was well decorated in patriotic colors for the occasion and all the bunting in town was used. The decorations were quite general over the city but one of those which attracted especial attention was that on the M. D. Fox home.  M. D. is a veteran of the Civil War and his patriotism is as strong today as in those dark days of the great struggle over slavery.  Over the front entrance of his home was a beautiful piece of statuary representing the American eagle perched on crossed cannon and ammunition, the ensign of the G. A. R., while on each side of the door flags almost covered the whole front of  the house.  M. D. said this was his contribution to the cause of Peace--meaning a vigorous prosecution of the big war.
     The committee in charge of the demonstration was composed of J. L. Bruce, O. E. Huglin and M. H. Paul.
     The committee of ladies in charge of the banquet was as follows:  Mesdames F. J. Gilbert, Jos. Mattes, C. C. Coy, L. P. Beck, O. E. Huglin, J. S. Fisher, M. H. Paul, Theresa Reynolds,  F. F. Travis, and C. A. Burnquist.
     A bevy of handsome girls--the very prettiest in Odebolt, served.

The Odebolt boys in Co. B are as follows: 
Carl Stueckrath
Fred Stueckrath
Henry Stueckrath
Ben Einspahr
Charles Worswick
Andy Reimer
Walter Libby
Verne Craig
Eugene Reynolds
Alfred Meyer
Herman Roose

     The boys have every reason for feeling proud of the tribute which Odebolt paid yesterday to them and to their comrades.
     Last evening a tremendous crowd turned out to hear Katherine Ridgeway entertain at the Chautauqua tent and to pay tribute to the soldier boys.  Miss Ridgeway proved a most excellent entertainer and the boys appreciated her program.
     The Junior Chautauqua pageant was also held before the view of the military guests last evening.  This work has been very successful this year under Miss Falke and a large class was organized.
     After the big show the boys were taken to the armory at Ida Grove by Odebolt volunteers with their cars.
     Co. B is filled at this time but may find room for one recruit as three of the boys are expected to go into the navy, which would leave room for one new man.
     Friday will be Patriotic Day in Ida Grove when Early, Schaller, Lake View, Schleswig and Denison are expected to participate.  The fun starts in the forenoon at 10:30.
     During the past few days the people generally have been doing more for the boys--since the real mobilization and the realization that they will soon leave the community.  It is not likely they will move before Aug. 5, but where they will go is an open question. But wherever they do go they will now carry away a finer appreciation of the good will of their homefolks--the entire section round about the homes of  “our boys.”
     May they all return safely.

     The accompanying picture shows Co. B marching on Second Street in Odebolt on Patriotic Day.  The eleven Odebolt recruits are in the line.  The photo was taken by V. R. Ballard of the News staff.  [Photo taken from north side of Second Street.]
     One of the pleasing features of the day was the fact that C.E. G. Hertz threw the Joyo [billiard parlor] wide open to the boys in khaki and would not take a penny of their money for either recreation games or smokes of all the popular brands, etc.

THE HOME BOYS

     The News heartily commends the spirit which manifested itself in Odebolt’s Patriotic Day observance.
     It was a great occasion and it warmed the hearts of our boys in khaki as but one other action may.
     The boys have now been dined and feasted and applauded with more or less enthusiasm--and they appreciate this manifestation of interest in their choice of conduct in having enlisted in Co. B.
     But now many realize that there are boys in Co. B--from Odebolt and elsewhere--who hadn’t a penny in their pockets as they stood forth on Wednesday of last week as the champions [of] our beloved community.  ‘Twas true, all the same.
     If they wanted anything they “ran their face” for it or went without unless ‘twere given them.
     Banquets are very satisfying to the stomach at such a time.
     But railroad fares, an occasional ice cream soda, some little item for more comfort in the camp--these and other things army boys need and ought to have--cost money.
     Wouldn’t it be nice for Odebolt to stop and consider for a moment its home boys--its neighbor’s boys?
     Odebolt has sent its tens of thousand to Washington.
     It is sending its thousands elsewhere.
     Why not put just a few dollars in the pockets of these boys?
     Why not place a few more dollars in the hands of their captain or their chaplain against the day when the pay check has dissappeared [sic] or they may want?
     Who will lead the movement?
     Let there be no delay.

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