"Of all the young men of Beacon who went out from their homes to join in the great world conflict, no one was more universally popular, had brighter prospects, or will be more sincerely mourned than Frank Van Houten.  Possessed of a winning personality, of ability which gave him promise of a brilliant career, he left his home and his friends to enter the service of his country in July 1918.

Immediately before his departure he was tendered a testimonial dinner on Mt. Beacon which was attended by scores of his friends who had gathered there to pay him their tributes of affection and good will.

He was for some time at a camp in New England and was at Newport News, Virginia, waiting to embark for France when he was stricken and died in the hospital there, on October 89th, 1918.

The memory of Fran Van Houten, of his generous, kindly, open ways, of his friendly loyalty, will be forever cherished by the people of this city, and to those who were nearest and dearest to him will ever go out the friendly thoughts and sympathies of their neighbors. "