The following two articles describe logging camp of Carlisle (now Onalaska) during World War I, when it also served as a camp for the Forty-fifth squadron from Camp Lewis (now Fort Lewis).
SQUADRON HOLDS FIELD DAY
Carlisle, Wash. - The Forty-fifth Spruce Squadron of which Captain Wallis Huidekoper is Commanding Officer, consists of four detachments - the Headquarters detachment at Carlisle, Wash., the Aloha Mill and Aloha Woods detachments at Aloha, Wash., and the Bale detachment, near Copalis Crossing, Wash. These detachments are at some distance from each other and some of the men did not realize the size of their squadron or the strength of the enlisted personnel on duty in this part of the woods. To give the men of the squadron an opportunity to become acquainted with eacho ther and to develop espirit de corps, Captain Huidekoper proposed that a picnic or field day be held at Pacific Beach, at which the whole squadron should be assembled. His lieutenants enthusiastically acclaimed the idea. The affair was held recently. There was everything on hand to contribute to the enjoyment of the soldiers. First, the eats; chicken and ham sandwiches, potato salad, sliced tomatoes, corn on the cob, cake contributed by the good women of Carlisle, fresh peaches given by Captain Huidekoper. And oh, that watermelon! How good that coffee and ice tea tasted! And prime Havana cigars, the gift of Joe Koch, proprietor of the pool hall at Carlisle. Lieutenant Frans and Lieutenant Colthart were in charge of the commissary and they had things figured out on a generous scale. There was an unlimited quantity of everything for the soldiers and for the soldiers' friends of the Loyal Legion. Thanks are due to the women who assisted in serving. All the pretty girls in this part of Washington - and that means all the girls - were there. And there was the beach to stroll on, and a dance at the hall. At low tide, when the sand was hard and firm and level, with room enough for a regiment, the squadron had some close older infantry drill, with platoon movements and other commands difficult of execution in the limited drill space available in the woods. Captain Huidekoper expressed himself as veiy well pleased with the manner in which the men drilled. The squadron was photographed in various positions, and the men were then given liberty to amuse themselves as they saw fit. Two meals were served and the men were taken back to their camps in automobiles. The only thing which marred the day was an accident to some of the men of the Aloha Woods detachment. A push car on which they were coming from their camp to Aloha left the track and resulted in some of them being painfully though not seriously bruised.
CARLISLE A REAL TOWN
Carlisle, Wash. - This is a town of about 600 population and is situated on the N. P. Ry., about 18 miles west of Hoquiam. It is a place where "things are done" as this is a large spruce production district. About 450 men are employed, all of whom are 100 per cent American. You can just bet that any sign of disloyalty in any way is not tolerated by the people here, and all are doing their utmost to help the great caus along. Meetings are held here every week and are always well attended. Four-minute speeches are given during the show three times a week and are much enjoyed by every one. We have about 80 soldiers of the Forty-fifth Squadron here and they are an enterprising bunch. The proceeds of their entertainments go to the Red Cross. They gave a big smoker and boxing match recently, netting about $1200, which goes to the L. L. L. L. for the erection of a Liberty Hall, where meetings and entertainments will be held. We have everything modern and fixed up in the fine shape for the soldiers. This place is considered one of the best and cleanest camps in this district. Reveille and retreat are attended by all the working men. - W. L. Hall, 48th Co., 166th D. B., Camp Lewis, Wash.
Source: Monthly Bulletin: Spruce Production Division and Loyal Legion of Loggers and Lumbermen. Portland, OR. Vol. 2, No. 3. November, 1918. p. 23.
Transcribed by Jenny Tenlen.