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Celebrating History: Havre shows its patriotism

By Emily Mayer

With our entry into World War I 100 years ago, I think it is important to remind readers about activities and local news happening in our part of the world regarding The War to End All Wars during this important time in our history. For the duration, if I find anything of specific local interest, it will be featured in this column, followed by other news of local interest.

Havre’s patriotism was on full display, as reported in the April 14, 1917 issue:

HAVRE DEMOSTRATES THAT IT’S PATRIOTIC

Any doubt as to the thorough patriotism of Havre was dispelled on Wednesday evening, when the citizens assembled en masse at the court house and adopted resolutions supporting the president and the country in the present crisis. Preceding speeches by Gael Wilson, Judge Rhoades, Rev. L. J. Christler and others, a parade several blocks in length was formed and marched through the principal streets of the city. In the parade, which was led by Major Samuel Walker, a veteran of the civil war, were trades unions, lodges, school children, and hundreds of citizens in business and private life. Resolutions offering the moral, physical and financial support of Havre to the government were adopted by a rousing vote.

Just because World War I was on didn’t mean Havre quit progressing. This article was found on the Plaindealer’s front page:

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS TO ORGANIZE LODGE

Enthusiastic Meeting Is Held Tuesday Evening

On Tuesday evening a very enthusiastic meeting was held at the office of J. M. May by the old members of the Havre lodge Knights of Pythias and many new ones who will join the newly organized lodge by transfer from other lodges from all parts of the country, also several who expressed their desire and intention of becoming members of the organization.

C. B. Koepke was elected temporary chairman of the meeting and Harry Short as secretary. Funds were raised for the securing of a charter and committees appointed to secure hall accommodation for the society and to otherwise perfect the organization.

The grand lodge officers will be in Havre in the near future when the organization will be officially instituted. The new lodge starts with a charter membership of about thirty members and they have the promise of as many more applicants as soon as they are in working order, which it is hoped will be the latter part of the present month.

The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization whose philanthropic works include helping victims of disaster, camps for underprivileged youth, blood drives, scholarship funds, highway safety programs and work with the Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation.

There were several entries in the Society column in this week’s paper 100 years ago. Here are three of those entries, and entry in World War I was obvious at two of these occasions:

Childhood Days Recalled.

Entering thoroughly into the spirit of the invitations, which cited the familiar lines wherein it is asked that the clock of Time turn backward e’en for a night, Havre society was out in numbers Thursday evening to attend a dancing party at Lyceum hall given by Mesdames C. C. Brundage, Robert Lucke, and E. M. Jenney. All too soon the hour of midnight arrived and the strains of “Home, Sweet Home” recalled to those present that the make believe must be abandoned for the sterner realizations. The affair left with each guest the most pleasant recollections, however and it will long be recalled as one of the most enjoyable parties ever given in Havre.

Staid business and professional men in the garb of children, and matrons and misses attired in the short skirts and pig tails of childhood days, leaves an impression that Time itself cannot eradicate.

Throughout the evening the guests enjoyed punch and wafers, and it was with regret that they bade the charming hostesses good night.

Dancing Party.

Masonic hall was the scene of a very pretty dancing party on Monday evening when Miss Anna Skylstead, Miss Lola Scwartz and Miss Anna Wilson entertained about eighty of their friends among the young people of Havre.

The national colors were used in decorating, every available space being occupied by the red, white and blue.

Punch and wafers were served throughout the evening, and dancing was enjoyed for several hours.

Woman’s Club Ball.

The first post-Lenten affair on the social calendar took place Tuesday evening at the Lyceum hall when the Woman’s club gave its annual ball.

This event is always looked forward to as one of the most brilliant and successful of the season and this year was no exception to that rule.

Particular mention was paid to the decoration of the hall and the result was most pleasing.

The national colors were used as a background, intermingled with Easter lilies and greenery.

At one side an immense fire place was built, draped with flags and banked with foliage, which gave a home-like aspect to the affair.

Rugs, easy chairs, and potted plants converted one end of the hall into a room for guests who did not care to dance and the opposite end was used as the punch booth.

This was a veritable bower of greenery and lilies and was presided over by Mesdames Ward, Berthelote and Case.

Thayer’s orchestra furnished music for the occasion, and about two hundred guests present.

 

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