The Sylvester Family of Plainview, Minnesota*

Opera House filled to see Byrl Sylvester at Civic League Benefit

November 23, 1917

PAGE 110

was described. And he told of witnessing a thrilling battle between a French aviator and the enemy in which the Frenchman brought down the Boche. He told of the splendid treatment accorded him in the hospital and the interest manifest by many Americans who called on him during his period in the hospital, of meeting Frank Rafferty, a Wabasha boy, and the splendid visit he had with him. He was greeted with a round of applause that showed appreciation…
Byrl Sylvester gave a talk on his experiences in France at St. Charles Monday evening and again at Lewiston on Tuesday evening. Between his work in the bank and the demands on him to assist at Loyalty Meetings his time has been pretty well taken up.
While at Lewiston, Tuesday evening, Byrl Sylvester accepted an invitation to give a talk at Winona. He gave an informal talk to the young men at 6 o’clock and the same evening spoke at the armory under the auspices of the Home Guard Association. Byrl is without doubt, the most sought after man in this part of the state, and he has a long chain of speaking engagements.
Byrl Sylvester and mother, Mrs. E. L. Sylvester, were entertained at a seven o’clock dinner at the home of Dr. H. H. Witherstine, in Rochester, Wednesday evening. The occasion being in honor of Mr. Sylvester and covers were laid for twenty-eight. After dinner Mr. Sylvester related some of his experiences in France while at the front and on the firing line.
November 23, 1917- (Picture of Byrl)
The above likeness of Byrl E. Sylvester, is the first picture showing him in full uniform, since his return from France. It is a splendid likeness and will be of interest to all who have read his experiences while in the service with the Norton-Harjes Ambulance Corps.
While the experiences Byrl has seen and gone through would satisfy the ardor of most anyone, he is still willing and anxious to serve his country in the present great strife and now the aviation field appeals greatest to him. While in Minneapolis last week he made application, took the severe examination and has been accepted in the Naval Aviation Corps.
He will enter the Naval Aviation Corps, learning to pilot hydroplanes on land and sea, and will enter the Dunnwoody Institute at Minneapolis on December 1st, where he will take a three month course. He was one of two out of a squad of forty, who passed the examination. There will be a class of but 25 in the school during this next period.

Packed House Greets Civic League Benefit
Fine Entertainment Wednesday Night sets Pact for Attendance
The excellent program given at the Opera House Wednesday evening, under the auspices of the Civic League, pleased and delighted the largest audience that was ever packed into the local Opera house.
Every available corner and place that a chair could be placed or a person could stand was occupied. Children filled the piano corner, the dressing rooms, the side wings, in the entry and even out into the street the throng stood waiting to hear Byrl Sylvester relate his experiences and even get a glimpse of him.
C. D. Burchard acting as chairman first called on Rev. J. L. Jones, who gave the invocation. The Plainview Band then rendered the National anthem, while the audience stood with bowed heads.
Senator James A. Carley was then called upon and tho he has spoken before local audiences many times recently, he was ready with a message new and full of life, of patriotism pertaining to the present war and the various movements that are now being pushed to aid the work. He was heartily cheered throughout his remarks and especially when he paid a fitting tribute to our hero did the audience burst forth in one hearty cheer. His censor of those of good circumstanced, who have failed or refused to do their bit, was indeed most fitting and expressed a sentiment shared in by all.

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* SOURCE: Manzow, Ron (compiler), "The Sylvester Family of Plainview, Minnesota - a collection of information taken from the Plainview News, other newspapers, letters, and diaries beginning in 1884": Plainview Area History Center, 40 4th St. S.W., Plainview, MN 55964. Compiled in 2001.

NOTE: from Ron Manzow, December 2001: "Feel free to reproduce the pages for anyone who wants a copy. It was compiled to be shared... All I ask is that they consider sending a check to the [Plainview Area] History Center to help us out. That should be enough."