Putnam patriot. [volume] (Putnam, Conn.) 1872-1962, 1921-12-16
HISTORY STORIES
OF CONNECTICUT


Connecticut citizens and residents
loaned money 70 the government By
subscribing more than three hundred
seventy million dollars FOR liberty
bonds not including large subserip-
tions in Fairfield County which were
reported to New York. In 1918 the
government placed thrift stamps and
"bahy bonds" on sale in the banks and
postoiiices. Schools, stores and indivi-
duals assisted in the sale and cistri-
button of the stamps. Before the ar
mistiee that stopped the fighting was
signed in November the amount of
stamps sold in Connecticut exceeded
twelve million dollars Large sums
were added TO this amount in the clos
ING weeks Of the year and in 1919 the
government continued the sale both as
means of borrowing money and to
encourage the thrift habit among the
people. especially among the children
in the schools.
To add enthusiasm 20 the work of
collecting money for the war and to
stimulate war activities of every kind
liberty choruses were organized thru
out the state to sing the most stirring
patriotic songs both old and new and
public speakers known as -four min
ute men" volunteered their services to
give publicity to the needs and desires
Of the government and to help keep
people informed about what the gov
eminent was doing The four-minute
men spoke in theatres. shops, halls.
churches. in the open All, everywhere
that people were found to listen.
In addition to the money loaned to
the government millions upon millions
Of dollars we're given outright to the
work Of the Red Cross, the Young
Mems Christian Association, the
Young Women's Christian Associa-
ton. the Knights OF Columbus, the
Salvation Army. the Jewish Welfare
Board. and the American Library
to be used for the needs and comfort
of the soldiers and sailors on land and
sea. in camp and hospital, on the bat
tlefcld. and wherever aid could be
given. Physicians and nurses gave
their services and some their lives to
relieve the suffering Of the sick and
wounded.
Connecticut sent to the great war
more than S. 600 men. On sea. on
land. and in the AR they reflected
honor on their state and took their
place among the bravest az the brave.
In the state library at Hartford one
may read many thrilling stories Of the
deeds Of these who were cited, honor
ed. and decorated with medals for dis
tifguished bravery and heroic conduct
on the bloo6iest battleheids Of France
and elsewhere At home united and
loyal people supported and encourag
ed those who risked their lives IN de
tense Of home and all the blessings
Of liberty and civilization.
But though Connecticut has always
borne her full share and more than
her share Of the burdens of every war
that has called upon her to fight for
right and justice, yet her people are
foremost among the lovers Of peace.
In 1874 there was born in East
Windsor boy whe was 70 become
famous throughout the land because
Of his labors "a put an end to war. HIS
name was William Watson.
In 1881 the Connecticut Peace So
ciaty was formed and Mr. Watson be
came is agent. Three years later be
began publishing AZ Hartford news
paper called the American Advocate
Of Peace" which became 50 Influential
that I was adopted a. the official
organ Of the National Peace Society
and has exerted great influence IN
favor Of settling disputes between ma
tons By arbitration instead Of fight'
f ing
In New Britain iniaI0 another boy
was born who vas 70 become famous
throughout the world. His name was
Elihu Barritt Tie is often called the
alearned blacksmith" because while
working at his blacksmith's forge he
studied Latin, Greek. and French and
+ by the time he was thirty pears Of age
could read fifty languages. He travel
ed IN many countries. learned the
horrors Of war, and became a lectnrei
on Universal Brotherhood.
On Peace Day May is) the boyi
and girls in the Connecticut schools
learn the story Of the lives Of these