New Britain herald., 1927-11-12
WILD EXCITEMENT
 ON NOV. II, 1918
City in Delirium of Joy on First
 Armistice Day

yesterday was Armistice Day. the anniversary of the end of the World War. But it was far different New Britain that greeted the dawn Of November II, 1918. Yesterday there was a great calm about the streets. True, the flags were flying and q band was playing. but otherwise it vas an ordinary day in the city's life. City hall observed the day, as did the banks, but other places of business operated as usual.
 A picture of the wild hilarity that greeted the news of the signing Of the Armistice is given In the col umns of the Herald of November II. 1918, when screaming headlines announced: Huns Agree to E.vacu- ate Occupied Lands and Make Res titution-Pres. Wilson" and, in the Victory Extra issued on that morn ing, "Germany Has Capitulated: Battle in Streets of Berlin: Reign of Anarchists Begins" New Britain went crazy with joy. The following description of the city's reception Of the news is taken from the issue Of that date:
 New Britain went wild today up- on the receipt of the official news that Germany had capitulated, sign od the armistice and that peace is about to be declared. All schools were closed. factories ceased opera tions and business in general was at 9 stand-still, while pandemonium 'sllcDS5 rTbOnSarIc of people throngsd the streets. push ing, jostling. cheering and exhibit Ing their happiness with an abandon that can be exhibited at only such d momentous occasion In the worlds History.
 The news of the signing of the armistiCe was received by the Her ald at 2:45 o'clock this morning and Was immediately flashed about the city by telephone, and by an extra paper that was immediately publish d. Al 3:3O o'clock the South church chimes began to ring and at 3:45 o'clock the factory whistles began to blow and continued to announce the glad tidings for several hours there after. At o'clock Main street looked like the Main street of old on a busy night. Church street was crowded and practically nowhere about the city was there any further sleep. Early this morning Chief of Police W. J. Rawlings ordered the saloons to close to prevent any un- due celebrating which might tend 10 rioting or rowdyism and through out the morning and early afternoon the crowds maintained excellent or der. Impromptu parades were or ganized. Factory workers marched. school children paradcd and joy was unconfined. In no place except the newspaper offices. where the toilers were busy preparing the latest bull letins for the public, was there much Wcrk done today and at 9:S0 o'clock this morning a meeting was held at the mayors office to arrange for a parade. Arrangements were made for q parade at o'clock this after noon In which thousands of people will march. There will be several bands, the State and City Guards will turn out and organized societies will also participate.
 Tt is planned to have the people 20 to Walnut Hill park after the general parade and listen to a few short addresses. Mayor Quigley will he one of the speakers and Rev. Henry Maier who leaves tomorrow for France 10 do Red Cross work, will probably be the other speaker. The line of march for the parade is as follows: Form and start from the Armory on Arch street. From Arch to Main to Franklin Square to Whit ing street to Maple to Park street and Elm to East Main and Hartford avenue, to North and Broad to Gold and Orange to Grove and Lafayette to Beaver to Main 10 Central park to West Main 10 Lexington and thence 10 Walnut Hill park where the parade will disband. Singers are asked 10 congregate at the bandstand to sing national airs.'
 And that was the first Armistice Day, a day of wild excitement and of great happiness.
 The year 1927 corresponds with inc wear 56S7-S of the Jewish era.