In 1919, throughout the valley, nearly every small town held a celebration to welcome home their soldiers. Here's a look at the celebrations in each town:
(Note - I have folders full of photos and newspaper articles that I am working through in order by date of the celebration. As with so many things on this blog, this is a work in progress)
Berwick
July 3
Berwick's Welcome Home Arch at the corner of Front and Market Street collapsed on Friday afternoon, around 2pm, breaking away the supporting pillars and carrying with it to the ground trolley and electric wires.
Fortunately, at that time of day the were few people in the square, "attractions having drawn them elsewhere" and no one was injured.
Danville
Four Day Celebration Beginning August 31
Church services were to be held as normal, followed by special memorial services in "each house of worship" at 3pm.
On Monday, Labor Day, there was an Industrial Parade at 2pm, and the river carnival was to open at 8pm.
From 9-12 there was to be dancing at the Armory "for the entertainment of the soldier boys."
There were were to be band concerts at different points in town.
The District Convention of the Knights Of the Golden Eagle was to be held that day as well, and they would hold their parade in conjunction with the Industrial parade.
On Tuesday there was to be another parade, consisting of fraternal orders, firemen, and civic bodies, at 2pm
On Wednesday there was to be a military parade, at the end of which, the Memorial Tablet was to be unveiled.
Afterwards a dinner was served to the soldiers, and in the evening a mardi gras, or carnival, was held on Mill street.
Lewisburg
June 18 1919
Lock Haven
Welcome Home the Clinton County Boys serving in the 28th Division and 305th Ambulance Company
"the occasion of the greatest celebration in the history of the city, and a welcome that the boys will never forget."
A memorial arch was erected on Main street, and "in the great parade, no autos were allowed."
A reviewing stand was to be erected, and wives and mothers of soldiers were given seats of honor.
July 23
Every wheel of industry was to stop for the day, and every business house to close.
The boys were to be given service medals, and a big parade.
Approximately 300 boys "rallied to the colors from this district"
Northumberland
Selinsgrove
Wednesday June 11.
"The streets are ablaze with color and natives of the town are pouring in to be on hand for the big time."
The demonstration was to be the main feature of Susquehanna University's commencement week.
The program for the welcome home parade included a big banquet for the men in uniform from 11 to 1, followed by the parade, which was to line up at 2pm.
The parade ended at public square with speeches and medals.
The were to be at least 2,500 persons in line. The ammunition train company, Students Army Training Corps members, two ambulance units and individual soldiers who went out from Selinsgrove were to participate in the demonstration.
Snyder County
September 27, Bean Soup Day
The Red Cross arranged a special program to honor the veterans, and a special address was to be given.
Two band were engaged for the day, and special trains ran from Sunbury for the event.
Sunbury
May 24 1919
See Photos from the Sunbury Parade Here:
"to show the appreciation of the community for every man who donned the khaki whether he wears the coveted croix de Guerre os if listed as a member of the student Army Training Corps.
Chief Burgess Clement declared a half holiday, and industries and businesses closed early. The butcher shops, ice cream parlors, and grocery stores however, were to remain open until 6pm.
The firemen were asked not to parade, as "they would detract from the showing off of various industries" The firemen would only use drawn apparatus for the parade.
The Salvation Army held a street carnival, where tickets were sold and drawn for one person to win a ford touring car.
There were talent shows at the court house, and a "big show" on the lawn adjoining the Elks home, with "a production that would not have been misplaced in the New York Hippodrome"
See Photos here:
The Daily Item Ran an 8 page supplement, featuring those who served in the war. See it here:
Watsontown
July 4 -5
West Milton
September 12
Williamsport
June 18 1919
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