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City Went Wild, for a Great War
Ended
Armistice Day, 1918
Watertown Daily Times, 11
11 1952
Watertown
went wild. And so did the rest of the nation and practically the whole
world. It was on Nov. 11, 1918, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, that
hostilities ceased in World War I, bringing to an end the first great global
conflict in history.
On
that day Watertown witnessed what has been without question the wildest
celebration in its history. An impromptu parade, band music, jammed
sidewalks and streets, flags, bunting, firecrackers and free drinks all
combined to make it such a hilarious occasion that those who lived through it
have never forgotten it. Nor are they likely to do so.
The
end of the war sent men's hopes for world peace soaring everywhere. But
subsequent events in history dashed that hope and again in 1939 a war broke out
in Europe which blasted into World War II. Even today world statesmen and
diplomats talk ominously of another war--World War III.
Period
of Confusion
Thirty-four
years ago this month, November began in a mire of confusion, contradiction and
expectancy and tension. The war which began in 1914 was closing and
everyone who followed the march of events knew it, but no one knew just how or
where the end would come.
The
period is best told in the headlines that greeted readers those confusing days.
For
example:
Thursday,
Nov.7:
"Unofficial
Report of Armistice Signing."
Friday,
Nov. 8:
"Armistice
Not Signed but Envoys Receive the Terms This Afternoon."
Saturday,
Nov. 9:
"German
Emperor Abdicates Throne."
Monday,
Nov. 11:
"President
Wilson Announces That Armistice Has Been Signed; Reads Terms at Special Session
of Congress."
Days
of false hopes, confusion, doubt, rumors, joy and sorrow. They were
exactly 34 years ago.
Something
was going to happen, but no one knew what. It was almost certain that the
war was nearing the end, but just when, no one knew.
Then
things began to move swiftly. Those in high command of the German army,
faltering in their loyalty to the emperor, sent out feelers for peace.
The
news of those attempts leaked out and immediately spread the false notion that
a truce had been signed. News agencies flashed the word that aroused the
world to fever heat. "Armistice Signed," screamed the headlines
in the papers subscribing to leading wire services. That was on Nov. 7.
Premature
Celebration
The
city started celebrating, only to awaken the next morning to learn that the war
had not ended, that it was still on but that it could, from all accounts, not
last much longer. Watertown waited. The nation waited. The
world waited. Each day the news appeared a little more confusing, but
down in their hearts men knew that something big was about to happen. And
it did. On Nov. 11, 1918.
The day before on Nov. 10, the German Kaiser abdicated and fled to
Holland where he lived and was to die in exile.
On Nov. 11 word came that firing would cease at 11 a.m. and Watertown
was ready. It began a celebration that lasted far into the night and
never before or since has this city seen such wild revelry and so much noise and
celebrating. The end of World War II was mild by comparison as far as
celebrations went. The end of World War I really set a pattern that may
never again be equaled locally.
_____________________________________________________________
City Pays Respects to Fallen Heroes of
the World War
Thousands of People Take Part in
Armistice Celebration
Parade One of the Biggest in City’s
History
1921
Watertown Daily
Times, 11 11 1921
Watertown
came out in full force to celebrate Armistice day yesterday, if one is to judge
by the splendid showing which the citizens made in the mammoth parade which
filed through Main street in honor of the fallen heroes who died in the World
war. The turnout was much larger than
most people expected. It was one of the
finest demonstrations in the history of Watertown and was witnessed by hundreds
of people who lined the down town streets long before the time set for the parade. All organizations in the city were
represented in the parade.
The
Watertown police department led the parade giving a very impressive bearing to
the line of march.
Next
came the Watertown city band and an auto with Mayor Wertheimer. Members of the city council, city officials
and the fire and police department followed in cars.
Junior
citizens as Red Cross nurses occupied several automobiles in the procession.
Next
came the American Legion and ex-service men, escorted by troop “D” 105th
Cavalry, Wisconsin National Guard. They
were followed by the G. A. R. in autos, the Watertown chapter of Red Cross, the
Woman’s Relief Corps and the ladies’ Auxiliary of the American Legion.
Among
the Women’s clubs which followed were the Catholic Woman’s club, the Euterpe
club, Saturday club, the Delphian club, the Clover club, the Woman’s
Progressive society and the Royal Neighbors.
Next came the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, and the Knights of
Columbus.
The
third division of the parade was headed by the Northwestern college band and
cadets, followed by the Northwestern students. These were followed by Watertown
labor unions, the W. C. T. U., United Commercial Travelers, and the city’s
fraternal organizations. The High school
students were well represented and hundreds of school children took part in the
parade. They were from every school in
the city and their line in the parade was over a mile long. It was a remarkable showing and could not
fail to thrill the hearts of the hundreds of people who watched the parade as
it filed through Main Street in solemn procession.
The
Boy Scouts brought up the rear in a very dignified way.
Many Beautiful Floats
The
parade yesterday contained many beautiful floats which represented the true
spirit of the day. The floats were
carefully planned and represented a great deal of work for those in
charge. Woman’s part in the war depicted
in one float a nurse and two wounded soldiers being the principals. The float showing Flanders field with its
poppies among innumerable white crosses, attracted favorable comment all along
the line of march. Besides being typical
of the spirit of the day it brought a silent message to all who saw it. The float prepared by the Knights of Columbus
and the Catholic Knights was very pretty.
It represented Liberty enthroned upon the world surrounded by Soldiers
and Sailors of America.
The
Delphian Club brought out clearly the advancement of woman in the educational
and political life, and the many other beautiful floats made the parade one of
the finest and best which Watertown has seen.
The
people of the city showed their respect for the heroes who have died, by the
many flags which were hung about the city.
Flanders
poppies were seen upon the coats of hundreds of men and women who paid their
respect to the world’s greatest war.
Those in charge of the arrangements for the day’s celebration are to be
congratulated for the success of their efforts.
With the cooperation of the citizens they have made it a day which is a
credit not only to the city but to the nation as well.
History of Watertown,
Wisconsin