How was Veterans Day celebrated 100 years ago in Zanesville?
On Nov. 10, 1923, the Times Recorder remarked: “The fifth anniversary of the signing of the armistice (ending World War I), which to the world was the most momentous event in history, will be fittingly observed in Zanesville on Sunday, November 11 (and) also on Monday, November 12, under the auspices of the American Legion and the various churches of the city, beginning in the morning and continuing till midnight.”
A “mammoth” parade was held downtown during the morning hours of Nov. 12. The first division consisted of the Zanesville police, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. This group was headed by the 7th Regiment Band.
The second group included African American veterans, Spanish War veterans, Daughters of Veterans, Red Cross, Knights of Columbus, Jewish Welfare Organization, Y. M. C. A. and Salvation Army. They were headed by an African-American band.
The third and final group included Gold Star mothers, Grand Army of the Republic, Union Veteran Legion, Ladies Auxiliary and Women's Relief Corps. A detachment of the 7th Regiment Band led this group.
Special services were held at local churches. On Nov. 10 the Times Recorder stated: “Armistice Day will be observed in all the Episcopal churches in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, with appropriate, patriotic services. Bishop Reese has issued special prayers for the occasion and has suggested that the two minutes of silence which has become a part of the observance of Armistice Day be included in the service. Church services at the Central Presbyterian Church, North Sixth Street, Sunday morning, will be attended by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and friends.”
The Armistice Day speaker was Colonel T. O. Crossan. The Zanesville Signal reported the following on Nov. 12: “Condemning the Kaiser for the part he played in bringing on the World War, eulogizing local soldiers who took part in the conflict, and urging all to support the government and Constitution of the United States, Colonel Tom O. Crossan, former colonel of the Seventh Ohio Infantry, who reorganized that regiment before the war and took it to training camp, gave a stirring address at 11 o'clock Monday morning on the court house esplanade.”
On the same date, the Signal listed entertainment for the afternoon and evening: “An elaborate program of entertainment has been prepared...which will consist of band concerts on the courthouse esplanade throughout the afternoon and evening and a big spectacular wire walking act from the Weber Home Store to the First National Bank building both afternoon and evening. This act is to be given at 3 o'clock this afternoon and at 9 o'clock tonight.
“In the evening a big Mardi Gras will be staged on North Fifth Street and this thoroughfare has been roped off from Fountain Alley to Market Street. The street at this place has been cleaned and will be sprinkled with sand for the dancers. A big bandstand has been erected in front of the Kelly Undertaking Parlors and a band will furnish music for the dancers until a late hour this evening. Prizes will be awarded (to) the best costumed and best dancers.”
On the national level, the Times Recorder reported the following on Nov. 12: “President Coolidge laid a wreath today on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington as the Armistice Day tribute of the American people to the memory of 'those who did not see the end, but died that the end might come.' The act of tribute to the dead of the World War was performed by the chief executive with little ceremony and in strict accord with the custom established a year ago by President Harding.”
Several local businesses placed ads in the Times Recorder. For example, the following appeared on Nov. 10: “The Armistice Day of this year is an occasion for rejoicing-one of thanksgiving-that America has rapidly recovered from the World War wounds and regained its strength and stamina. In this spirit, we ask the entire community to commemorate this occasion fittingly.
“Five years of peace-five years of blessing- five years of reconstruction- have passed since that eventful Armistice Day of 1918. America, particularly, is thankful that it can celebrate this November day, firm in the belief that it will never raise an arm except in defense. ECKERD'S Dependable Drugs, 227 Main Street, Zanesville, Ohio."
Without the benefit of a crystal ball, on Nov. 10, the Signal painted an overly optimistic picture of the situation in Europe: “It is true that while five years have elapsed since the roar of the guns was silenced, we have not enjoyed full peace. In Europe...the day is not far distant when peace in name and in fact will be realized. Not all of the clouds have disappeared beyond the horizon but the sky is clearing.” (World War II in Europe was only 16 years away.)
On Nov. 10, in a somber editorial, the Signal reminded its readers that although war is sometimes unavoidable, it is a nasty exercise that should only be utilized as a last resort: “Humanity likes to forget the unpleasant side of life. That is why catastrophes like wars are repeated....Celebrate Armistice Day by teaching your children to hate war and all that goes with it. Forget the 'glory' which is the camouflage of the militarists.”
Lewis LeMaster is a retired school teacher of the Zanesville area.
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: How Zanesville celebrated Veterans Day in 100 years ago
