ARMISTICE DAY 1918

     It was November 1918. The flu epidemic was on a rampage. My father, Frank Chandler, was working long hours so that telephone service could be maintained. The switchboard was short of help because one day operator, the relief operator and my mother were all ill with the flu so my dad was taking the evening shift and answering the many doctor calls throughout the night.

     The evening of Nov. 10th our minister, Rev. McKee, offered to answer the doctor calls from 10 P.M. until 7 A. M. when the day operator would return. Dad was very grateful for the help but warned him the Red Oak operator had called and said there were rumors of an armistice to end the great World War. If the call came, no one should be called, or he would never be able to manage the board. Rev. McKee vowed he would hold the word.

     Some time after midnight, on Nov. 11th the word came. The armistice had been signed! World War I was ended! By four o'clock in the morning Rev. McKee could no longer keep the thrilling news. He called Ralph (Tate) Collins. Within thirty minutes all bedlam broke loose and calls were coming in so fast that the switchboard was a tangled mess of lines. The would-be operator became so bewildered that he called my father to take over until the regular operator came at seven.

    By seven o'clock Main Street was filled with merrymakers. Guns were being fired into the air, fireworks came out of hiding and fire crackers and sky-rockets were going off. Housewives dishpans, kettles, lids and washboards were used as noise makers and were beaten almost past recognition Joy and utter confusion reigned. Rural people were pouring into town to join in the celebration.

    School was called as usual but we only stayed long enough to take roll and then were dismissed to join in the fun and excitement.

    Charlie Hipwell, the town band director had gotten his band together and in spite of all the confusion, a parade was formed. With singing, shouting and flags waving, everyone marched to the city park where the merriment continued. A big bon-fire was built for a barbecue and the Kaiser was hung in effigy.

    Elliott has probably never experienced a more exciting and joyful day than the one celebrated Nov. 11, 1918. Even those who were saddened because a son or husband would never return, rejoiced that the war was over and were happy for those families who would see their loved ones again. 

Photo at left -      Large crowd gathered at Elliott Depot to welcome a returning Hero of World War I                            Tom Gray

Jan. 30, 1919 - Deep mud on the main street of Elliott has started  businessmen and property owners to talk of paving, with sentiment in favor of the project.

June 19, 1919 - Beginning July 1, postal rates will return to 2 cents on letters and 1 cent on postcards. (previously 3 cents and 2 cents).

Aug. 1919 - The businessmen have made arrangements for the installation of electroliers (lamp posts) to add to the beauty of Main Street.

The watermelon patch of Dee Stone was raided Sunday night

May 27, 1920 - The telephone company tore down the balance of their poles on Main Street today.

June 10, 1920 - The street paving is going slowly, due to labor troubles. The paving gang struck for more pay. The curb and gutter work is nearly complete.