Fort Sheridan, Illinois; Various Projects, Remodeling and Additions - 1918 - 1919

          As the United States became involved in World War I, John Van Bergen decided to volunteer.  On March 16, 1918, a local paper reported: "John S. Van Bergen, the architect, will begin a long vacation on Tuesday.  He will leave for France on the 12:40 P.M. Lake Shore train, but does not know just when he will sail.  He will drive a truck for the Y.M.C.A. but does not know what he will haul.  As the Y.M.C.A. works right up to the firing line, Mr. Van Bergen has hopes of smelling some powder."

           A short time later on April 13, the same paper reported: "VAN BERGEN NOW IN UNIFORM - John S. Van Bergen reported to the constructing quartermaster at Washington, D.C., this week, in the uniform of a lieutenant, upon telegraphic orders."  Soon after he was at Fort Sheridan, Illinois.

          The influenza outbreak was claiming many soldiers in the army.  Hospital beds were needed and Van Bergen's job was to build and convert existing buildings into hospitals.  Ruth Bemis also volunteered for the war effort . Her first duty was to attend to the comfort of soldiers by reading to them and other miscellaneous jobs.  However, once they found out she was an able typist, she was reassigned to the quartermasters division.  This is where she and John met.  She began as his secretary and continued this duty throughout the rest of their lives together.