The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1919-11-12
FLASH OF ENTHUSIASM
OYER ARMISTICE DAY
Without Warning Bells, Whistles,
Bands and Other Noises Broke on
the Evening Air and Big Bon
fire Burst Forth in Lur- !,
i'd Aspect. ytStateA'.' :

Armistice day could not pass un-
recognized in Barre even though no Of
fetal observance had been planned.
Late yesterday afternoon, shortly be-
fore the commercial whistles stopped
the work for the day, the mystery
eight committee met and secretly
planned short observance program
Consequently at 7 o'clock an explosion
of whistles, bells and other noisy con-
trivances broke out into the silent
evening air TO the great amazement Of
nearly every Barre citizen. Arrange
ments had been made with granite
manufacturers to have the stoneshed
whistles blown, with sections for the
ringing of church bells, with the kiltie
band for a bagpipe concert, with a few
of the musicians of the Barre City
band for short concert and just about
two hours before the affair was to be
gin, one of the mystery eight asked
Attorney William Wishart to make a
speech for the occasion.
As before stated, all the whistles and
bells Joined in one continuous uproar.
Meanwhile A. +. and IL L. Campbell
were touching matches to large pile
of boxes near the bandstand and the
Congregational church. In short time
the reflection of the large fire could be
seen from all parts of the city. In less
than half hour hundreds of people
had gathered about the bonfire and
park. The band struck up several ma
tional anthems after the noise Of the
armistice alarms had subsidized sufii-
GENTLY.
During the affair several victory pa
per balloons were sent sailing ont
across the hills Of Vermont and for a
long time could be discerned by the
small light travelling at fast rate.
Before the dispersal of the gathering,
Attorney Wishart made a short speech,
well in accord with the occasion. His
words fitted harmoniously in the affair,
every one being full OF meaning and
Importance. He spoke of the accom-
plishments of the American lads and
soldiers, so many of whom were Barre
boys, and also the tasks the American
government is confronted with to-day.
The eloquence of his speech was highly
commendable.
But this short patriotic display in
the park was only the introduction to a
good time for many. At Howland hall
ball given under the auspices of the
Barre post of the American Legion was
called the most successful ball given in
years. No less than 1856 couples were
Hgayly swaying over the large floor as
Gilbertson's eight-piece novelty orches-
ira filled the hall with music. Every
body was happy and highly elated with
the tunes and popular dance airs, for
they were excellently played. During
the dance, punch and waters were
served and at intermission ice cream
and cake. Max Fisher of the Legion
ball committee announced a message
received from Minneapolis and the ma.
tional Legion convention, stating that
Vermont leads all states in the unior
for percentage membership in the Le
gion and has record of l65 per cent
over the set quota. This brought sew
eral cheers from the audience. The
dance continued until / o'clock this
morning.
The mystery eight committee wa:
composed of f. M. Tobin, Sam" Glad
ding, Earl Cutler, A. L. Campbell, Fl. L
Campbell, Jim Gall, Athol Bell and
Robert Mackie.