Self-congratulatory account of the events of December 10-20, 1917, when over 4,000 Army volunteers unexpectedly descended upon New Rochelle in an attempt to enlist at Fort Slocum ahead of the start of the First World War draft.  The sheer number of arrivals plus a bitter weather prevented their immediate transport to the post, leaving thousands of cold, hungry, and tired young men to swamp the city’s train station, streets, and other public places.  In a show of civic responsibility and pride, city leaders quickly organized means to feed and house the men until they could be processed and shipped out by the Army.  Written by Walter G.C. Otto for Conde B. Pallen’s “New Rochelle: Her Part in the Great War,” 1920.