100 years ago in The Record

Thursday, June 21, 1917

Mayor Cornelius F. Burns welcomes the New York State Association of Journeymen Plumbers, Gasfitters and Steamers to Troy for their annual convention today, The Record reports. Association president George T. McGuire is unable to attend this morning’s welcoming ceremony at the county court house. Michael B. Kelly, president of the Troy local, presides in McGuire’s place. “In this crucial time in the history of the country, it is to be hoped your deliberations and actions will have in view the benefit of all,” the mayor says in welcome, “We must all work together for the cause of our country and humanity.” Burns proceeds to urge the union to emulate the New York State Conference of Mayors, of which Burns is president, by making resolutions calling for congressional action to support the “conservation and distribution of the food and fuel supply of the country” during the war with Germany.

RED CROSS PARADE

Yesterday afternoon Rev. Joseph H. Odell of First Presbyterian Church got the idea that Troy should hold a parade as part of this week’s American Red Cross fund drive. He took the idea to Rotary Club president Joseph T. Foxell, who told Odell his organization would make all the arrangements.

In our reporter’s opinion, “For the time given to its preparation, there was undoubtedly never a greater public demonstration, never greater evidence of the closest and best co-operation on the part of the various organizations of the city, than the parade” that begins at 8 p.m. this evening.

“The streets were crowded with spectators,” but “It was a quiet affair, without frivolous outbursts. It was almost solemn, carrying the great message of the city’s preparation for war.”

Troy has a goal of $150,000 to meet by June 25 as part of a $100,000,000 nationwide Red Cross fundraising campaign. As of this afternoon Trojans had raised $68,157.25 toward that goal after spending more than $3,000,000 on Liberty Bonds last week.

If the parade seems quiet, that may be because only one marching band, the Troy Orphan Asylum drum corps, is reported in the line of march. The visual highlight of the parade is the spectacle of 200 young women dressed as Red Cross nurses.

“Red lights flared in the steamer houses and in front of the Elks’ club rooms,” our writer observes, “St. Mary’s church was brilliantly lighted and its bell pealed forth as the long line passed by. The flag of the country and the flags of the allies were in lavish display.”

After the parade, Foxell receives congratulatory phone calls from Mayor Burns and other civic leaders.