Evidence is Lacking. Yet I Still Hope.: A Primary Source Glimpse into a World War I Soldier's Life...Home to Camp Lewis to France

    Joshua Henry Bates, a young teacher at a country school, wondered what he shall do with his life. He enjoyed summers away from the farm attending the University of Utah, dancing at Saltair, watching pictures shows, and enjoying ice cream on bone dry summer days. 

     But in his journal he questioned his future. He found a young woman to love, an ever-mutating mystery. His job seemed dead-end.  His parents would not let go. He tried to change his life: cooling the relationship with his girlfriend, teaching in a new school, and registering for service in the American Expeditionary Forces.  Still, Joshua was filled with self-doubt. 

     Readers will evaluate primary sources about Joshua, an everyman doughboy of World War I: documents and photography from his youth, his journal and Camp Lewis diary, letters and news. You will know him well after reading and interacting with the materials.

Will Josh marry the girl?  Will he find a dazzling life mission?  Will he be victorious in war?