This is what Chicago looked like when my grandfather William Preston Williams joined the Navy in 1917. He was just 18 years old with visions of being a War Hero. Like so many boy's from the Lost Generation he imagined the war would quickly end and he'd return unscathed by the ravages of battle - only to be greatly disillusioned with a broken spirit.
Scene from the Silent Film WINGS. This is what Preston was heading into. He was a rear gunner on one of those Flying Sticks in the sky
My grandfather, Preston Williams, with his parents Susan and TJ. His mother was grief stricken after already losing her first son, Pearl to TB and the thought of losing another son to War was too much for her. TJ on the other hand was proud his son was fighting for his Country like so many Patriots that went before him in the Williams Family. He also thought the Navy might straighten his wild card son up a bit.
Mabel Williams on the left with her brother Preston, Helen, one of the first Maybelline models, Frances Allen Williams, Bennie Gibbs and Tom Lyle Williams in front of his new "PAGE "Convertible in Chicago.
Tom Lyle enlisted as well but was denyed service because he was the sole supporter of his entire family according to his draft card in 1917. Noel was married to Frances and also supported the family managing the Maybelline Company. He might have been too old for service at the time.