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closevintage vignettes: Independence Day World War I style
Ruth Anderson / guest columnist
“Let No Boy in Uniform Go Unfed” reads a prominent line in a colorful handbill (flyer), inviting everyone in Puyallup to attend a Patriotic Picnic on July 4, 1918. At the time, the bloody war’s end was in sight, and patriotic fervor ran high. Indeed, the war effort involved everyone in town.
To abide by U.S. government rationing requirements, merchants reduced their deliveries and restricted operating hours. A National Loyal League strove to prevent food hoarding, most families purchased Liberty Bonds to help finance the war and women periodically gathered to knit hats and scarves for troops facing the cold European winter.
When the valley’s lush berries were ready to be picked that summer, women, girls and boys too young for military service answered the call to hasten to the fields. Students from Seattle found themselves camping at the fairgrounds to help with the abundant harvest. Local Puyallup canneries made fine jams from the fruits of the labor and sold the product to the U.S. Army, which sent the spreads to the front lines.
With so many people involved in supporting the war, it is commendable that folks took the time to plan and execute an Independence Day Celebration that would offer something for everyone. The Patriotic Picnic handbill divided the events of the day into three parts: literary, sports and Twilight Thrillers.
For the literary or civic minded, the festivities began at 11 a.m. at Pioneer Park. A message was read from President Wilson, the mayors of both Puyallup and Tacoma spoke and several music groups performed. The Big Basket Picnic followed, providing lunch for everyone before the sports commenced. Folks of all ages found something to keep them moving, with a variety of races including sack, three-legged, bicycle and relay. The handbill even advertised races for “Fat Men and Fatter Women running at the same time in different directions.” Winners of these contests were offered prizes ranging from $1.50 to $3.50, sums that came from citizen contributions.
Competitive sports included a baseball game and a serious tug of war featuring folks from McMillan and Orting on one end of the rope, and Puyallup and Sumner residents on the other. The prize? A box of cigars.
In the evening, the Twilight Thrillers commenced with a “Run Against Time” by the Fire Departments of Sumner and Puyallup. Following this excitement, couples danced on roped-off streets to music supplied by a 20-piece orchestra from Camp Lewis.
When World War I ended in November 1918, nine Puyallup doughboys did not return home. Let us, on July 4, 2008, pause to remember soldiers from the Revolution to the current wars who have given their lives that we might continue to celebrate our nation’s birthday.
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What’s Happening at the Meeker Mansion
The Ezra Meeker Historical Society will host an ice cream social and Puyallup Community Band concert from 4 to 6 p.m. July 4 at Meeker Mansion. Bring your lawn chair to ensure you get a seat. The historical society will treat active duty military members to a strawberry shortcake.