100 YEARS AGO IN THE SARATOGIAN
Monday, Nov. 11, 1918. Do the people of Saratoga Springs have it in them to celebrate the end of the world war for the second time in a week? The answer is a loud and raucous yes.
The Saratogian and papers across the country reported that the war had ended back on November 7. That United Press report proved premature, but the U.S. State Department announces this morning that representatives of the German government signed an armistice agreement this morning that took effect at 11 a.m., Paris time – 6 a.m., Eastern time.
“While an armistice merely halts war and does not end it, the terms laid down by [French commander Ferdinand] Foch are such as to prevent Germany from renewing hostilities,” the UP reports.
In Saratoga Springs, people are heading to work when the news hits. “Many of the men were still carrying dinner pails which they did not hesitate to batter as they converted them into improvised drums,” a reporter writes.
By 9 a.m. more than 1,000 people are parading through the streets, accompanied by impromptu floats created by local businesses. During the early celebrations, Skidmore student Ruth Tripp is hit by an E. D. Star buck& Co. delivery car, but suffers only cuts and bruises.
“The little rehearsal which the city had had on last Thursday … had no effect on the celebration,” another reporter notes, “except better to prepare the people to observe the epoch-making event.”
Celebrations continue throughout the day, climaxing in an official victory parade at 7:30 p.m. “Make a NOISE,” organizers announce, “Keep it up as long as you want to.” The county fuel administration’s “lightless night” policy is waived for the occasion.
“Were it possible to bring together the best of all Floral Fetes and parades of the past, planned and organized by citizens as attractive feature parades, they could not surpass the beauty and the splendor of the Victory Demonstration,” the paper reports.
“The feeling of joy that all possessed because the Kaiser had been defeated for all time was expressed in many uniquely amusing ways, in large signs posted in all conceivable places. The kaiser was carried along in effigy and finally burned at the stake.”
Kaiser Wilhelm II has abdicated his throne and gone into exile. An effigy sports the sign, “The Kaiser has gone to H—,” leaving it up to spectators to decide whether he’s in Holland, as reported, or … someplace else.
During the evening celebration, William M. Hunt of 59 High Rock Avenue suffers a fractured skull when he jumps from the running board of William Tolmie’s car on North Broadway.