100 years ago: ‘Grandpa’ on his way to aid the war effort

James A. House, a Montana grandpa, was at Fort George Wright, joining his son in Uncle Sam’s Army.

However, the word “grandpa” might give the wrong impression.

“It sounds old to say one is a grandfather, but Mr. House is only 39, a perfect specimen physically,” the Spokane Daily Chronicle said.

When physical measurements were taken, the “old man snapped the tape line when his chest expansion was taken.”

House said he found life lonesome after his son was drafted and left home, and his daughters were out of the house, too. “So I made up my mind I wouldn’t keep house alone, but would go with my son in the Army. We hope to be transferred to the same company later.”

He said the Army recruiters were taken aback when he said he had children and grandchildren and they considered him an unusual case. However, he was fit from his work at his ranch near Clinton, Montana, and his work as a teamster, building the Yellowstone Trail highway.

He was going to be placed in a company for Army engineers.