THE NEW ARMORY
In
1899 with the reorganized 13th on the three Battalion
basis, it was immediately evident that new and more
commodious quarters must be obtained for the
regiment. Col.Watres at once undertook that work.
The old armory was the property of the Scranton
City Guard association and was in the hands of a
board of trustees. It was sold to the Masonic
Fraternity. After paying off all debts of the
association, the sum of $30,000 was left which
was invested in interest bearing
securities.
The new armory was erected from
funds subscribed independently of the proceeds of
the old armory. The block of land extending from
Jefferson Ave to the Adams Ave, north of Myrtle
St. covering 160 feet on Adams and Jefferson
Aves, was purchased in 1899. By August of that
year sufficient funds had been subscribed to
insure the success of the project, and work was
promptly begun. The cornerstone was laid on the
3rd of November 1900. The following brief item is
front the files of the Scranton Times, November
3, 1900.
"The cornerstone of the new Armory was
laid by H. M. Boies at 11:30 this morning in the
presence of trustees. Mrs. Boies pronounced the
stone plumed and true. Dr. S. C. Logan offered
prayer. There was no military demonstration. A
red copper box containing the corner stone of the
old armory (laid in 1877), records of the 13th
Regiment and copies of the local daily papers was
placed in the corner- stone. The following were
present, Col.H.M.Boies, Col.P.L.Hitchcock, Col.
H.A.Coursen, Lt.Col.C.C.Mattes, Col. Herman
Osthauss, and Mayor W.S.Miller."
On June 1,
1901 the splendid structure was completed, and
opened. The architect of the armory was Mr.
Lansing C. Holden of New York City. The
contractor and builder was Mr Conrad Schrader of
Scranton.
March 4, 1901 the regiment attended
the inaugural parade in Washington,DC. The 13th
has again started in rifle shooting. All the good
shooters seem to have been eliminated by the
Spanish American War. And the Regiment again had
to start at the bottom. In 1902 The 13th wins the
Regimental match with a score of 339 using for
the first time the new magazine rifle.
In 1903
the Kraig 30 caliber magazine rifle was issued to
the 13th, replacing the 45 caliber. The 13th won
the practice or preliminary rifle match and also
the skirmish rifle match, but lost the Regimental
match to the 3rd Brigade.
In 1904 a new match
was established, called the Rapid Fire Match. The
distance was 200 yards and five shots. The
soldier with magazine gun, one cartridge in the
chamber and four in the magazine stands at the
firing point,,at ready. At a given signal a
target appears. (A silhouette of a man) and
remains visible for twenty seconds. During this
time the soldier must fire his five shots.
Unfired cartridges count as misses.
In 1906
the 13th had one success. It won the Rapid Fire
match with a score of 215 out of a possible 250.
Also in 1906 Company "G" of Montrose was
disbanded. In 1907 Typhoid fever became epidemic
in Scranton. Many of the 13th were affected
during the time of spring inspections. This
caused a very unfavorable inspection report.
Mayor Robling was a popular and efficient officer
and one of the best rifle shots in the Guards,
and a member of the 13th team. His death during
the epidemic was a severe loss to the
Regiment.
The new model N.S. magazine 30
caliber was issued to the regiment in place of
the Kraig.
The 13th has had the credit of
having been the leader in a number of important
features in the development of the National
Guard. Among these,is the rifle practice at
annual encampment. Now another feature to be
added to the list is the introduction of a most
practical element into the routine of annual
encatrpment instructions. The study under
conditions of actual warfare. Problems of attack
and defense. Problems of strategy in field
movement of troops.
Under Col.Stillwell the
13th had the credit of decisive victories over
opposing forces. Also this year the 13th won the
rapid fire match, with a score of 220 out of a
possible 250. Pvts.Charles W. Moore and J.W.
Burns of Company "A" each had scores of 49. One
point short of being perfect.
In 1910 the 13th
Regiment was detached from the Division and
assigned to a Camp of Instruction at Gettysburg.
It was evidently a camp of maneuvers. Col.
Stillwell commanding the 13th reports the camp
very instructive and proposes it as an
experiment. In 1908 the 13th won two Junior
Regimental matches. One on the 3rd of August at
Mt. Gretna and again on the 18th of August.
In
1909 the 13th won the Infantry Skirmish
match.
In 1910 the 13th won no matches, but the
scores were fairly good and above average.
In
1911 the War Department established a camp of
maneuvers at San Antonio Texas. The 13th's tour
lasted for 14 days. This tour was unquestionably
most valuable and instructive. The 13th made no
special showing in rifle competition this
year.
In 1912 a new rifle match called the
Surprise takes the place of the the 200 yd rapid
fire matches.
In 1915 on the 15th of June a
mine cave in opened the armory walls to such an
extent that its use for drills or any occupation
had to be discontinued. It was not until January
1, 1916 that the armory became safe for use for
the resumption of drills. This period of idleness
had a demoralizing effect on the companies.
Resumption of drills had hardly begun when the
winter inspection were ordered. The showing of
the 13th at these inspections was undoubtly bad.
The inspecting officer made no allowances for the
condition's and lack of a chance to recuperate.
The result was a very black eye for the 13th
whose inspection record always stood so high.
On September 26, 1910 the existence of the 13th
Regiment, National Guard of Pennsylvania ceased
toexist when they were mustered into the
regular service of the United States. It then
became the 13th Regiment N.G.P. United States
Service. But as long as its identity remains
intact we will follow it. Although in the service
of.the United States it is still the 13th in
which we are interested. This status continued
until October 4, 1917, when it merged with other
organizations,(The 1st NGP and what was then
designated as the 108th Machinegun
Battalion)
NOTABLE MIILITARY PAGENTS IN
WHICH THE 13th HAD THE HONOR TO PARTICIPATE
(1) City-Guard escort to President Hayes and
Cabinet at the Wyoming Monument July 3,1878.
(2) 13th Regiment, with the Division at the
inauguaration of Governor Hoyt at Harrisburg
January21,1879.
(3)With the Third Brigade at Philadelphia on the
occasion of a public reception to General Grant
September 16,1879.
(4) At the inauguaration of President Garfield in
Washington D.C.with the Division N.G.P. March
4,1881.
(5) At the inauguaration of President
Cleveland in Washington D.C., with the Division
N.G.P. March 4,1885.
(6) With the Division N.G.P. in Philadelphia at
the Centennial Celebration of the formation of
the Consititution of the United States, September
16,1887.
(7) With the Division N.G.P. at the inauguration
of Govenor James A. Bearr at Harrisburg,January
18,1887.
(8) At the inauguration of the President of the
U.S. at Washington D.C with the Division W.G.P.
on March 4,1889
(9) With the 3rd Brigade in New York at the
centennial celebration of the adoption of the
Constitution of the United States, April
30,1889.
(10) At the inauguration of President Cleveland
at Washington with the Division N.G.P.,March 4,
1893.
(11) With the Provisional Brigade N.G.P. on the
occasion of the dedication of the Grant Memorial
Monumsnt at Riverside Park New York City, April
27,1897.
(12) In Philadelphia on the unveiling of the
Statue of General Washington. Presented to the
City by the Society of Cincinnati,OH, May
15,1897.
(13) At the inauguration of President McKinley,
with the Division N.G.P., Washington D.C, March
4,1901.
REFORMS INSTITUTED BY OR
THROUGH THE INITIATIVE OF THE 13th REGIMENT,
NATIONAL GUARD PENNSYLVANIA
(1) The reorganization of the N.G.P. on a sound
Military Basis, following the reorganization of
the 13th.
(2) Military encampment of instruction annually,
following the first encampment of the 13th, held
in 1878.
(3) Military Rifle practice as a part of the
instructions of the soldier commenced by the 13th
in 1878.
(4) Marksman Badges, and rifle matches in
competition, begins by the 13th in 1878.
(5) Annual conferences, or conventions of
National Guard officers for the betterment of the
Guard.
(6) The introduction into the routine of annual
encampment, instructions in the science of
strategy and military maneuvers in actual
practice.
ACTIVE SERVICE
Several times the 13th Regiment was called into
State Service and into the service of the United
states. The latter including the Mexican Border
campaign and World War 1. It is to be mentioned
here that any further State Service it and active
services from World War I up to the present time
will be mentioned as they occur further on in
this article.
The first State call was in 1892.
The Regiment under the command of Colonel Ezka H.
Ripple was ordered to Homestead, near
Pittsburgh,PA. It's duties there were very
strenuous maintaining the peace, and protection
of property. It was held in service eighteen days
(18) and received the thanks of the Govenor and
Commander-in Chief for faithful,efficent
service.
It's second call to State Service was
in 1897 when Lt.Colonel Charles C. Mattes,
Commanding the 13th at that time was aroused from
his sleep by a vigorous ringing of the doorbell.
There stood a message boy with two telegrams. One
announcing that a serious riot had occured at
Hazelton, PA and the other was as follows. "Move
your Regiment to Hazleton, PA at the earlist
possilbe moment and reach there by daylight if
possible. Railroads have been notified to assist
you, answer quickly to Governor Daniel H.
Hastings". Colonel Mattes had six (6) companies
in Scranton, one in Honesdale, about 35 miles
east of Scranton, and one in Montrose, 47 miles
north. His orders was to concentrate his
companies in Scranton, then bi in place at
destination before day light, a short three (3)
hours away. To do this in daylight would have
been a miracle but much more difficult in the
middle of the night. Colonel Mattes work was
prompt and vigorous. At 7 o'clock am, he was able
to start for Hazelton with his field staff, drum
Corps, and all the companies except "G" Company
of Montrose. That five (5) hours of mobilizing is
a splendid tribute to the efficiency of both
officers and men of the 13th. The Regiment was
sent to Lattimer, near Hazleton, where they
remained for fifteen days.
The third call to
State Service was in 1902 when industrial
conditions had become so unsettled throughout the
State, that nearly all the infantry regiments and
a portion of the artillery and calvary were
called into service. The 13th was charged with
maintenance of law and order in Lackawanna and
upper Luzerne countiess. Colonel L.A. Watres was
in command of the regiment which encamped at
Olyphant,PA from September 23rd to November Ist,
a period of forty (40) days.The discipline of
the camp and the conduct of the men gave luster
to the National Guard.
Colonel L.A.Watres staff
included LT Colonel F.W. Stillwell,Major Frank
Robling, Major R. Bushfield of Easton and Major
Whitney of Honesdale. D.B.Atherton was adjutant
of the regiment. R.M.Vail was Sgt.Major, Frank
M.Vandling was quartermaster, William J.Torrey
was quartermaster sergeant and Rev.W.H.Swift of
Honesdale was the Reginment Chaplin.
The first
call by The United States was for service in the
Spainish American War. When the order came April
25, 1898 to mobilize the Division at Camp
Hasting's, Gretna, PA. The Regiment left the
armory about 9:00pm April 27, and marched to the
station through a dense crowd of cheering friends
and relatives. They arrived at Mt Gretna at dawn
the 28th of April, and erected its camp in a
severe snow storm.
On May 7th, the Reginient
was mustered for inspection by the Inspector
General and the officers and men were
individually asked if they would volunteer for
two (2) years or the duration of the war.
Practically every man and officer shouted "YES".
On May 13th, the field staff and men were
mustered into service and on the morning of the
19th the Regiment entrained for Camp Alger, near
Falls Church, VA. Here the Regiment was joined up
with the 8th and 12th Pennsylvania Regiment's to
comprise the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 2nd Army
Corp. Owing to the increasing and dangerous
sanitary conditions the Regiment was moved in
July to a new canmp site near Dunn Foring
Station. On August 31st the 2nd Corps was ordered
to Camp George G. Meade, Middletown, PA. In
September, the 12th Pennsylvania Infantry was
ordered detached from the 3rd Brigade and be
mustered out. The 15th Minnesota took its place.
The nights were growing too cold for comfort and
health, and on November 14th, the Regiment
traveled to Camp Mckenize near Augusta, Georgia.
The 2nd Corp had been held in service to be sent
to Cuba as an army of occupation. But the Cuban's
proved easily pacified and additional troops were
not needed there. And consequently the 2nd Army
Corp with the exception of a squadron of the 3rd
U.S. Cavalry was ordered to prepare for muster
out. On March Ilth, 1899, the paymaster paid each
officer and man. So ended the 13th Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry. They arrived home March
13,1899.
The vacancy in the National Guard
caused by the call into Federal Service of the
13th was temporarally filled by the organizing of
a Provisional Regiment under the command of
Colonel L.A. Watres, which was named the 11th
Provisional Regiment. The Regiment consisted of
three (3) Battalions of four companies each. One
Battalion having it's headquarters in Scranton in
the armory of the old 13th Regiment, on return of
the 13th in 1899. The Provisional Regiment was
disbanded and most of the men joined the
reorganized 13th Reginment, which was now formed
under the three (3) Battalion system of twelve
companies on August 25,1899. In June 1916, the
National Guard of various states were mobilized
and ordered to proceed to various points on the
Mexican Border. The 13th Reginent was an
exception, it was not mobilized at this time. The
Regiment prepared for its usual summer encampment
scheduled for July 1916. At Mt Gretna a
conference was held at 3rd Brigade Headquarters
conducted by Colonel Ezra H. Ripple Jr and
Colonel Asher Miner. It was determined that the
9th and 13th Regiments could be transferred into
artillery units and fill the encamped portions of
the Pennsylvania Division then camped at El Paso,
Texas. Soon the transferring of the 13th to the
artillery branch of service was changed. The 2nd
Pennsylvania Infantry in camp at El PASO was to
take its place. The 13th instead was to remain as
Infantry. On the August 14, the Regiment pulled
our of the Lackawanna Station for Mt.Gretna. The
13th stayed at Mt. Gretna for a little better
than seven weeks. The location of the Regiment
while on the Mexican border was a part of the 7th
(Pennsylvania) Division at Camp Stewart near El
Paso,Texas. On March 21,1917, the border duty for
the 13th terminated. On the arrival of the 13th
Regiment back in Scranton, an event never to be
forgotten. The tanned and travel tired soldiers
made a great impression on the large crowd that
were there to welcome them home. The Regiment
remained in Scranton. A few days later the
Regiment received orders from the Eastern
Department of the Army directing the Regimental
Commander to safeguard all the transportation
lines operating in northeastern Pennsylvania. The
area to be covered by the Regiment bounded the
state lines on the north and east. By the north
and south line running east of the town of Lock
Haven on the west, and by the east and west line
running south of the town of Liverpool on the
south. The assignment meant guard duty against
unknown foes, as the extent of the activities of
German sympathizers and agents were unknown. In
order to cover this assigned territory properly,
provisional battalions were organized.
Provisional Battalions, companies A,B,D and I
with headquarters in Sunbury, with Lt Colonel
E.H.F.Conrad, commanding. Other Provisional
battalions were established with companies E,L,M
and a machine gun company also Battery E, of the
3rd Pennsylvania Field Artillery with
headquarters in Scranton. Mayor Robert M.Vail,
commanded Provisional Battalion Companies F,G,H
and K, with headquarters in Allentown. Major
Ralph A. Gregory, commanded the Provisional
Battalion in reserve. Major C.J. Kelly, commanded
the headquarters and supply companies along with
company C. The Regimental Headquarters with their
headquarters in Scranton, commanded by Colonel
Ezra H. Ripple Jr was the inspecting officer of
the Eastern Department which highly commended the
Regiment for its accomplishments of their
designated duties.
The Regiment maintained its
Scranton headquarters first at the Regintental
Armory from April until June, and then at Laurel
Hill Park in Dunmore,PA. There they remained
until September 10th. They then traveled to
Augusta,Georgia for war training, which was a
place designated for the 28th Division training.
The streets were lined with thousands as the
Regiment marched in the rain from Dunmore,PA to
the station to board the train. The Scranton
cheering of the people helped soften the heavy
hearted feeling of leaving. The Regiment departed
for Camp Hancock,NY, were they found that they
were to camp within a half mile from the same
place where they camped in the days of the
Spainish American War. The future of the 13th
as an organization was very uncertain. And in a
very short time an order was issued for the
reorganization of the 28th Infantry Division. The
13th merged with the 1st Regiment from
Philadelphia. Together, the two famous
organizations became the 109th United States
Infantry. The men of the 13th were being
tranferred to many different units. But the large
majority of the men were placed in the 109th
Infantry and the 108th Machine Gun Battalion.
Both of these units were part of the 28th
Infantry Division. This was the begining of the
end for the 13th Regiment. The 13th Regiment may
have ceased being a active National Guard
organization but it's traditions continued on
through the newly formed 109th Infantry
Regiment.
