Draft 258 was deemed "most appropriate" for Co. K's fundraiser because — as I gather from the only synopsis I've been able to find — it was pro-war propaganda. It starred Mabel Taliaferro, whom I never heard of before.
Anyway, it went over well with the patriotic locals, and the Gazette reported that the benefit show had brought in $157.60 for Co. K.
Meanwhile, Charles W. Reeves' new rank became official. As the company's first lieutenant, he had risen to the rank of captain by default when Charles Allen resigned. Now the commander of the Indiana State Militia sent orders commissioning Reeves as captain and Walter MacPherson as first lieutenant. Franklin T. Fetterer retained his position as second lieutenant.
Charles Reeves was just 25 years old — the youngest captain in the state, according to the News — but he had training and experience. He had earlier been a member of the Georgia National Guard, and within the last couple of years had served on the Mexican border as a sergeant with Co. F of the Indiana National Guard.
He now commanded the 88 men of Co. K. Their number had fallen somewhat since the company's mustering-in; the News explained that a dozen former members had either enlisted in the regular military or relocated. Still, Co. K was the largest in Indiana, and Hobart the smallest town to have its own company, if we are to believe the Gazette.
Sources:
♦ Advertisement. Hobart Gazette 19 Apr. 1918.
♦ "Charles W. Reeves Promoted to Captain of Co. K, I.S.M." Hobart News 2 May 1918.
♦ "Local Drifts." Hobart Gazette 3 May 1918.
♦ "New Company Commander." Hobart Gazette 3 May 1918.
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