OUR TRIP TO PARIS IN 1927
John H. Pazour and V. H. Balster.
On September 5, 1927, we left Marion at 7:50 A.M. and arrived at Chicago at 2: P.M. After arranging for sleeper tickets, we walked up Michigan Blvd and then took in a show where Balster saw an old friend, Ray Burns, who was playing in the orchestra. After dinner, we walked around the loop and stopped in at the Morrison Hotel where we ran across Senator Steck and wife from Iowa. After a short visit with them, we returned to our sleeper bound for Niagara Falls.
On September 6, 1927, we left Chicago at 12:05 A.M. and awoke at Detroit. We then went through the tunnel underneath the Detroit River. We were then in our first foreign country, we arrived at Niagara Falls, N.Y., at 2:00 p.m. and then took an auto bus around the Falls on the American Side and then across the international bridge to see the falls from the Canadian side, which is truly a magnificent spectacle. We then went back to Niagara Falls, and took a train for New York City, leaving Niagara Falls at 8:25 P.M.
On September 7, we arrived in New York City at 8:00 A.M. and after making hotel reservations at the Belmont, we took the elevated to #5 Broadway, to get our tickets O.K’d for the trip, at the American Legion Headquarters. After that, we strolled up lower Broadway, visiting the old cemeteries and churches. We stopped at Woolworth Building, and made the elevator trip to the top, from where we had a bird’s eye view of the city. After leaving the Woolworth Building, we took an open air street car up Broadway to 42nd street on Riverside Drive, and then we hailed a bus, which passed Grant’s Tomb, and then went on up Broadway to 181st street.
After looking over upper Broadway, we went back to #900 Riverside, where we ate dinner with the Gilmores, former residents of Marion. Leaving there, we came down to 42nd Street again, and took a ride to Chinatown, arriving back at our Hotel at midnight, feeling very tired.
On September 8th, we arose at 11:30 A.M., after a much needed rest, and a lunch, and we went out to Yankee Stadium, where we saw the Yanks and St. Louis play a two to one game, favoring the Yanks. We talked with Sisler, and Bing Miller, of St. Louis team just before the game. In the evening, we took in the Roxy theatre, the world’s most beautiful and largest theatre. Then, we walked down the great white way, and back to the Hotel about midnight, expecting to get a real night’s sleep.
On September 9th, we got up at 10:00 A.M., packed our grips, and had lunch, and then taxied to Pier 60, where S.S. Celtic was docked, which was our home for the next eight days. The Celtic is an English boat built in 1900, and weighing 22000 tons, and has a length of 6225 feet. After locating our stateroom, we strolled around the deck, wondering if we would find anyone we knew. Immediately, we ran across Dan Steck, and wife, Jack McNider, Frank Miles, Editor of the Iowa Legionnaire, and Judge Robbins of Cedar Rapids. And other friends from Iowa, making us feel at home at once. At 4:00 P.M., the whistle blew, and we were off for Europe.
The trip out of the harbor was very beautiful, with a police boat, accompanying and wishing us bon voyage. It was after 10:00 P.M. when the lights of Long Island faded away.
Our first sight at sea was a very beautiful moonlight night, and we stayed on the upper deck until the wee hours of the morning.
On September 10th, we missed the first breakfast on board ship, as we needed sleep. Saw the championship girls drill team of Davenport go through their drills. In the afternoon, we started to learn a few of the deck games. In the evening, we went to a dance.
September 11. Played deck games most of the day. Gee, this is a tough life, breakfast at 8:30, bouillion at 11:00, lunch at 1:00, tea at 4:00, dinner at 7:00, and evening lunch at 10:30. Three ships passed us today, first the Homeric, then the Leviathian, the flagship of the second A.E.F., and the I’le de France, the fastest steamship on the Atlantic.
September 12. Played a few deck games in the morning, and loafed in the afternoon, on account of a very heavy fog. Went to a program in the evening in honor of Davenport Drill Team.
September 13. The sea is a little rough, and a very strong wind is blowing. Visited most of the day with the Fort Dodge bunch, and danced in the evening.
September 14. Took a little exercise in the morning, by playing a few deck games. Went to an Iowa Meeting in the afternoon and the following committee was appointed to arrange a Hawkeye program for the evening.
W. Earl Hall, Mason City, Chairman, Zella Cox, Davenport, to represent the Davenport drill team, Ewald Trost, Fort Dodge to represent the Fort Dodge Drum Corps, Ralph Henderson, Sioux City to represent the Sioux City Band, and John Pazour, Marion to represent the rest of Iowa.
The program lasted three hours, and was a big success, and was witnessed by over one thousand people. Earl Hall, editorial writer for the Mason City Bloge Gazette, was largely responsible for the success of the Hawkeye Show.
September 15. Had our usual deck games and watched the band and drum corps practices. Went to the dance again in the evening.
September 16. Deck games again and in evening, we attended the big mask ball. Balster was in his pajamas, and Pazour in his sailor uniform, which was given him by Bob Toms of Cedar Rapids, and Ed Sigfred of Marion.
September 17. Weather a little cold. Spent most of the day packing our grips. Pazour was notified by Iowa Commander, Decker Trench, that he was appointed on the permanent organization committee. In the evening, we spent most of the time calling on our many friends, as we surely hated to see the bunch breakup on account of the wonderful people and good times we had on the ship.
September 18. P at 3:00 A.M. and had breakfast at 4:00 A.M., and went ashore on a lighter at Cherbourg, France, where we were met by the Mayor, a French band, and French drum corps. The French band was playing the Star Spangled Banner, which made us feel good. We left Cherbourg at 8:00 A.M., going through Flanders Field on our way to Paris, arriving there at 2:30 P.M. and immediately went to our hotel located three blocks from the Eiffel Tower. After changing clothes, we went over to the tower, and Trocadero. Pazour had a committee meeting, at 5:00 P.M., while Balster went up the tower. We failed to meet that evening, due to the fact that Pazour was detailed by the national adjutant to find the Iowa adjutant Laid, and report to case of an Iowa man being found unconscious on board a train coming into Paris.
September 19. Pazour attended the opening of the convention at the Trocadero. After that we lined up with the Iowa bunch for the big parade at President Wilson Avenue. At 3:30 P.M. the Iowa bunch, got under way, and marched through the Arcade Triumph down the Champs Elysee to Place DeLaConcorde, where the reviewing stand was. In this stand were the president of France, Gen. Pershing, Marshall Foch, commander Savage, and other notables. The parade ended at the cathedral of Notre Dame. It was six miles long, and was witnessed by an estimated crowd of two million people from all over Europe. Along the line of march were fifteen thousand French soldiers with fixed bayonets to take care of any disturbances that might have been caused by the SaccoVanzetti followers. Pazour has the record of carrying Marion Post flag in seven national conventions. He wore the sailor uniform which was given to him. In the evening, we went out to the Montmarte district.
September 20. Took an auto tour of the city, visiting the Invalides, saw Napoleon’s tomb, and went with the Iowa bunch to the President’s home where he was presented with a flag from the Governor of Iowa. Harold Brainerd, due to his long military service, from the city of Fort Dodge, was selected to present the flag. In the evening, we went to a French Musical comedy, where most of the music was American.
September 21. Left Paris at 7:50 arriving at Chateau Thierry at
9:10 A.M., where we took an auto bus. Our first stop was at Vaux District, which is still in ruins. This is where the Americans won their first victory in the world war. From there we went to Belleau Woods, and there we spent two hours, viewing the trench’s with entanglements of wire, old guns still in position and on top of the hill a large cement foundation, which was to serve as a position for a Big Bertha to shell Paris. Coming off the hill, at Belleau Wood, we saw the most impressive sight on our trip. The beautiful morning sun was shining on 2268 white crosses of American soldiers lost in the battle at Belleau Wood. On a number of the crosses was marked “unknown U.S. Soldier” and on each grave was an American and French flag.
On our way back to Chateau Thierry, for lunch, we passed “Hill 204”, where some of the hardest battles were fought, after lunch we went up the beautiful Marne valley to Aise Aisne Cemetery where 6000 Americans are buried. The cemeteries are beautifully kept and in charge of Americans. We arrived back in Paris at 7:30 P.M.
September 22. Thursday was the last day of the convention, and Spafford of New York was elected Commander. Took a trip around city with J.A. Pearce, an Englishman from London, who was a guide interpreter and chauffeur from Mrs. Libby. He was a wonderful fellow. We spent the evening at Moulin Rouge, a popular cabaret of Paris.
September 23. Spent the morning shopping, and in afternoon, went to Versailles, which we think is the most beautiful place that we saw on our entire trip. Went to the Bohey Hotel, where a banquet was being served in honor of Davenport Drill Team, and Fort Dodge drum corp. From there we went to the Redmill, to get our last glimpse of Paris nightlife.
September 24. Left Paris at 8:20 A.M. for Cologne, Germany, arriving at the Belgian border at 11:45 and German Border at 4:30 P.M. We had no custom inspection at either place and arrived at Cologne at 6:10 P.M. Spent the evening walking around the Business District of Cologne.
September 25. We were awakened by the Sunday morning chimes from that ancient cathedral of Cologne and as we looked out of our windows, we saw the Rhine River. Left Cologne at 2:10 P.M. for Brussels, arriving there at 7:20 P.M. Saw a little of Brussels nightlife which is quite gay.
September 26. Took an auto trip around Brussels and then out to Waterloo, where Napoleon met his defeat. On our way back we passed King Albert’s palace, the Unknown Soldier’s tomb of Belgium, statue of Edith Cavell, the martyr English nurse who was shot as a spy. Left Brussels at 5:15 P.M. for Antwerp, arriving there at 6:00 P.M. Strolled about Antwerp and took in a one franc dance.
September 27. Left Antwerp at 8:15 A.M. for Amsterdam, going through Rotterdam, and The Hague, arriving there at 12:30. Took a motor trip about the city, which is very interesting with its numerous canals. Left Amsterdam at 9:05 for Hook of Holland, Where we embarked for London.
September 28. Arrived at London at 9:00 A.M. Took autobus around city, passed Buckingham Palace, King’s Garden, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, House of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. Here is the tomb of the British unknown soldiers among the many kings and notables of Great Britain. Spent the evening going about the city with our English friend, Pearce, who we met in Paris.
September 29. Took a ride over Thames river, saw London and the Tower bridge, and then went out to the British museum, the greatest in the world. In the evening went to show called “The Seventh Heaven” which was the best show that we saw on our trip.
September 30. Our last day in Europe. Went out to Buckingham Palace and saw change of guard, which is an impressive ceremony.
Made arrangements for our departure by having our tickets validated and then went to a show in the evening.
October 1. Got up at 6:30 A.M. and had breakfast served in our room. And then left London for Southhampton, where we boarded the S.S. Lapland, 580 feet long, and 18,00 tons. Left Southhampton at 1:00 P.M. After lunch, we went to our stateroom for a little rest and on crossing the English Channel, which was very rough; we came very close to getting seasick. Arrived in Cherbourg, France at 7:00 P.M. to pick up more passengers. Left Cherbourg at 8:00 P.M. homeward bound. The first night out was terribly rough.
October 2. Sea continues to be very rough and many people are seasick. Not much going on account of rough weather.
October 3. Sea is still very rough, and in the evening we ran into very heavy gale.
October 4. Sea is beginning to quiet down a little but about ninety percent of the people aboard are seasick. Went to a dance in the evening.
October 5. Weather is fine today and people are beginning to revive a little. Went to an Iowa meeting in the afternoon and Pazour was again put on a committee to help arrange an Iowa night. Another dance in the evening.
October 6. Played a few deck games and received news of the World’s Baseball series between Pittsburg and New York.
October 7. Played a few more deck games and in the evening we had the big Iowa program. Earl Hall of Mason City was again the promoter of the program, which was very good and lasted over three hours.
October 8. Visited and played more deck games and weather fine. Danced in the evening and everybody is peppy again.
October 9. Up at 8:30 and weather fine. We had the usual deck games, and in the evening attended a dance and 11:00 P.M. we could see the shores of the old U.S.A. and at 11:30 we anchored at Hampton Roads.
October 10. Up at 8:10 and then went through quarantine and went up the bay to Newport News. On our way in we were met by squadron of army and navy planes, passed part of the Atlantic fleet and among the ships was the cruiser Memphis, the boat that brought Col. Chas. Lindberg back from Europe.
At Newport News, about 250 passengers got off for parts south, and then we left Newport at 1:00 P.M. for New York City. Passed Fortress Monroe out of Newport News. Spent the afternoon on upper deck and in the evening packed our grips for the last time on our trip. Visited with our many friends and it seemed tough to part.
October 11. Up at 5:45 steaming into New York, which looked good to us and docked at 8:00 A.M. Went through the customs and got through at 10:30 A.M. and then taxied to the Belmont Hotel. We went to Roxy Theatre in the afternoon and the new Ziegfield theathre in the evening. Walked down the great White Way for the last time on our trip.
October 12. Left New York at 1:00 P.M. and had a beautiful daylight ride along the Hudson River.
October 13. Arrived at Chicago at 12:15 and left at 2:00 P.M. for home and got home at 9:00 P.M. We were very glad to be back home, and know we are better Americans than when we left.
