Len's Summary: Largely forgotten today, Baker was a 1914 Princeton graduate and star collegiate football, baseball and hockey player. Employed by J. P. Morgan after graduation, he enlisted in 1917 and fought with the 103rd Aero Squadron which, among other squadrons, traced its ancestry to the Lafayette Esquadrille. Baker died in mysterious circumstances during a late 1918 test flight. The Hobey Baker award is given annually to the best American collegiate hockey player. And, Princeton's hockey rink is named after him. Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise character Allenby is thought to be based on Baker.
On Saturday March 12 the WW1HA hosted its first ever online quiz night. This was a fun way to get geographically distant members together virtually. We are considering doing this a few times a year.
The next issue of World War One Illustrated (WWOI) will be printed shortly. Members/subscribers should receive their printed issue in the next month or so.
Members are encouraged to participate in the monthly online seminars hosted by the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter; and we plan to announce a gathering of WW1HA members at the National World War I Museum’s Fall 2022 symposium. Stay tuned!
Do you have a special interest or knowledge regarding a WW1 topic? Consider sharing your knowledge by writing an article for WWOI or a shorter blog post (500 – 1,000 words) for the WW1HA Facebook page. Talk to Editor Ed Klekowski (edk1418@gmail.com) or Charles Van Way (cvanway@kc.rr.com) for more details.
Finally, you can always reach out to me with your thoughts or questions.