What was Veterans Day like in 1922?
The United States officially entered World War I when Congress declared war against Germany on April 6, 1917. According to local historian Norris Schneider in his book, "Y Bridge City," approximately 2,000 men from Muskingum County fought in World War I. Among these men, the City Draft Board sent 959, while the County Board contributed another 696. The others were volunteers.
Seventy Muskingum County men gave the ultimate sacrifice while in the service of their nation. Ray D. Kreager of Hopewell was the first local casualty. According to Schneider, 19 local men were killed in action, seven died of wounds and the others succumbed to accidents and diseases.
In 1922, as Armistice Day (Veterans Day) approached, city and county officials, businessmen and military leaders planned special events. Various advertisements appeared in the Times Recorder recognizing the military service rendered by our patriotic citizens. The Shannon Motor Car Company at 731 Main Street, stated, “(On) Saturday, November Eleventh, Armistice Day, all minds will dwell upon an immeasurably great SERVICE rendered by the Military and Naval Forces of the United States and Allied Nations in terminating the World War. This SERVICE, recorded in history, will be handed down to succeeding generations as a laudable example of devotion and loyalty.”
“In Commemoration of our victorious soldiers, who are now with us and to those who paid the supreme sacrifice, may they receive the blessings of Him who doeth all things well. May the flag of liberty wave over them all. We Extend Greetings: The Vodrey Sport and Toy Shop, 512 Main Street.”
A local auto dealership offered discounts to veterans, “We have not forgotten the gallant deeds you performed on the battlefields of France-so we are not going to forget you on this Armistice Day. Any ex-serviceman who buys an automobile from us today we will give a $25 reduction. With Henry Ford's $50 reduction and our $25 reduction you can get one of White's quality reconditioned cars at a very low price and 20 months to pay.”
“Armistice Day Greetings to all ex-servicemen in appreciation of your unselfish sacrifices and valiant deeds this space is dedicated. THE NEW YORK STORE.”
At 9 a.m. on Nov. 11, Battery C of the 134th artillery fired a 21-gun salute in remembrance to those who had died while in the service of their country. This was followed by a “monster” downtown parade that formed on Third Street. On Nov. 10, the Times Recorder reported these details: “The parade will form with the Mark American Band leading, followed by the American Legion, the Legion Auxiliary, and the Gold Star Mothers; then the G. A. R. and U. V. L. in automobiles with the Armco Band and National Guards following in order.
“At 11 o'clock the parade will halt for two minutes to pay tribute to deceased comrades who paid the supreme sacrifice. The American Legion requests that all places of business suspend work for two minutes to honor those who died on the field of battle.”
The Times Recorder told of the field maneuvers held at the fairgrounds beginning at 1:30 p.m., “All manner of military tactics will be displayed and it is expected that a very large crowd will attend these exercises. The maneuvers will be staged by the Ohio National Guard and will include an infantry attack supported by machine gun fire and artillery. (I hope they were using blanks!) The medical detachment will function as if under fire in battle. There will also be smoke bombs, hand grenades, and rockets.”
In the evening, dancing was planned on a section of North Fifth Street, “The thoroughfare will be cleared from Main Street to Fountain Alley and fine sand will be spread over the bricks. Music will be furnished by the Trades and Labor Council Band. Dancing will start at 7:30 o'clock and will continue through the evening.”
One of the last events of the day was a drawing in which a new Star automobile was given away by the American Legion. The lucky winner was Arthur Vandegriff of South Fourth Street. In addition, folks were entertained by trapeze acts on the courthouse esplanade.
In a moving tribute, the TR said, “Today this city, as well as all the country and the world, will pay tribute to those brave boys who made the supreme sacrifice and to those who offered to make this sacrifice. It is especially fitting for this city and county to pay tribute to these boys, for it is a matter of proud record that not a man was taken from Muskingum County by draft until all enlistments were closed. Few communities in the country have such a record.
“Some of the boys who went away did not come back. They rest in graves across the seas. But even though they are with us in the flesh no more, they are with us in the spirit and it is with pleasure and reverence that we lay aside the cares and problems of everyday life to observe this one day in the year in memory of those by whose efforts this country is yet guarded by the flag of the free and continues to be the home of the brave.”
In this reporter's rather humble opinion, the sentiments contained in the last paragraph are certainly still relevant. Thanks to all the men and women of Muskingum County, both living and dead, who have served our nation.
Lewis LeMaster is a retired teacher of the Zanesville area.
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: What was Veterans Day like in 1922?
