Private John J. Macho is Member of Coast Artillery Corps, Fort Kamehameha, Honolulu.

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Interesting Letter Describing Trip Written to Member of Brown County Journal Staff.

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John J. Macho of this city, who was employed in the New Ulm Bottling Works for a long time and is now a private in Battery B, 15th Coast Artillery Corps, U. S. A., stationed at Fort Kamehameha, Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, writes very interestingly of his trip to that place and the ideal climate and picturesque country, in a letter written to a member of the Journal staff.

Wonderful Trip.

“I left Fort Snelling, Minn., May 28, and went on my long, long trip,”writes Private Macho. “The -trip through the different states was wonderful, for I had not seen much of the world before leaving home. I had a good home, but, realizing that I could not stay there all my life, decided to go out and see the world. I love my home town and will come back to it some day and settle down, but all the same, I am well pleased here.

Interesting Ocean Voyage.

“My first stop being Angel Island, Fort McDowell, Calif., just off the shore from San Francisco, I visited the latter city several times and liked it very much, although the climate was very chilly and damp at that time of year, which was June. On July 2, I left Fort McDowell, sailing for the Hawaiian Islands on the good ship, Cambrai. I sure did enjoy the Fourth of July, leaning over the rails and feeding the fish (seasickness). On the-trip over, I saw several kinds of fish, such as flying fish, sharks, whales and swordfish.

Encountered Bad Storm.

“About three days out from San Francisco, we came upon a very bad storm, which lasted about 24 hours. After that the sea was calm for the rest of the trip. As we pulled into Honolulu harbor, there were some 20 native boys swimming around the ship. I soon found out that these boys meet every ship that comes in and dive for small change. Many a dollar is thrown into the water for the boys, who dive down and catch the coins with their hands and mouths.

Climate is Idea

“The Hawaiian Islands consist of eight large islands and several smaller ones. They are named in order of size, Hawaii being the largest, Kauai, Maui, Oahu, Molokai (Leprosy Island), Lanai, Niihau and Khoolawe. Honolulu, the capital, is on the island of Oahu. As yet, I have not visited the other islands, but will give you a brief sketch of this island (Oahu), on which I am stationed. The climate is the same all year ’round, remaining around 85 degrees Fahrenheit; except during the rainy season, when it is a little cooler.”

“There are several interesting places here, such as the famous Waikiki Beach, Waikiki Park, Kapalonia Park and others. There are also many picturesque views, for instance, Diamond Head, an old extinct volcano, which stands out boldly and can be seen from almost any point on this island. There is also a highpoint in the mountains overlooking a valley and the sea, known as the Pali, which is the prettiest sight to be seen on the island.

Prettiest Post on Island.

“I could write a large book telling of this island alone, so will not go into lengthy details or descriptions, but will end up by saying a little about Fort Kamehameha, which, by the way, is my “home” for the next few years. This is known as the prettiest post on the island. We have several large guns, anti-air-craft guns and disappearing or carriage guns, besides the small arms. I would like to write more about this post, but would be telling a military secret. Advertisements Too Modest. “I have read many an advertisement and description of these islands, but none of them has come up to a perfect description, and never will. My advice is, if you ever get a chance, visit the Hawaiian Islands. In the near future, I expect to visit the active volcano Kilauea, which is on the island of Hawaii, so will try and write you a short story of my trip later on.”

Brown County Journal,

October 17, 1924

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