107 Years Ago
The May 2, 1918 Colorado Transcript shows Golden at the high tide of World War I-inspired patriotism. The front page featured a lengthy article describing the parade the community had given in honor of fourteen men who had been drafted, calling it "the largest and finest patriotic demonstration Golden has ever seen." Participants included Civil War veterans, the Industrial School band, the ladies of the Red Cross, the ladies of the relief corps, the "constabulary boys" (Golden police), and school children carrying American flags. As the future service men boarded the train, they were each given a package containing candy, gum, and cigarettes.
The paper also reminded people that they were expected to forego wheat products for the good of the war effort. "Retailers, consumers, boarding houses, hotels and others in possession of wheat flour" were required to report their stores of flour to federal authorities. Farmers were required to deliver their wheat to the nearest mill or elevator before May 10th. All wheat was intended for use by the army and navy.
Local hardware stores reminded people to plant a war garden to "Help Your Country." The grocery stores declared that "The Housewife is on the Firing Line." Her attention to conservation and thrift in the kitchen would ensure that soldiers had enough food to fight. Robinson's book and stationary store suggested that people buy cards to send to soldiers overseas. Reminders to buy War Bonds were everywhere.
Most striking was the announcement that Golden schools would no longer teach German (or "Hun Language," as they called it). They planned to teach some other language—possibly French, if they could find a qualified teacher.
