Caddo Parish Sheriff Tom Hughes and Deputy Lawrence Readheimer stated proportionately more flags were flying in Oil City versus Shreveport, based on the relative size of the communities, with at least 14 in the former as large as the largest in the latter. Kansas City Southern trainmen tell them no comparably-sized town on the rail line has more flags. One was reported to be 12 foot by 20 foot, flying from a 70 foot pole; and virtually every building has a flag flying from it.
Also, Oil City was the first town to defend the flag from insult, in this case by local businessman and apparent German sympathizer George Thomas. This will be discussed in Dissenters, Draft Dodgers, and Deserters. (NOTE: that is still in progress)
Shreveport Times 28-Apr-1917, Page 4
A Times reader responds and agrees with the observation, citing a lack of flags and bunting displayed in Shreveport.
Shreveport Times 29-Apr-1917, Page 6
Liberty Loan Bond Drive
Local residents are "awake" with regard to Liberty Loan Bond sales to support the war effort, and to date $8,000 have been subscribed.
Shreveport Times 14-Jun-1917, Page 5
An example of a plea to the public appearing in the newspapers encouraging support for the war effort financially.
Shreveport Times 02-Oct-1917, Page 1
Residents who have purchased Liberty Bonds were recognized on an "honor roll." Some of those listed include:
H. D. Ard - Businessman
Mary Cody - Ferry Lake postmaster
Sanders Fowler - Dentist and civic leader
Otto Gutting - Merchant
James K. Norman - Hotelier
Hyman Mosloff (Masloff) - Merchant, brother of Ike Muslow and similarly changed his name later
Ike Muslow - Merchant and oil man
Jacob Ober - Merchant and Caddo City postmaster
Mike Scarpino - Grocer
Thomas Ward - Prominent Oil man (son Silas was also listed as a contributor, while other sons Earl and William would serve in the military)
Tom Zagst - Vice President of Monarch Lumber Company (brother Edward served in the army)
Several persons listed would end up in the military including Bailey (actually Baylor) Culpepper, Masloff (ne Muslow), and Joseph L. "Joe" McHugh,
Shreveport Times 15-Jun-1917, Page 9
Included with the above names was that of Queenie Brooks, operator of a "resort" in the restricted ("red light") district known as Reno Hill. Unfortunately, at approximately the same time of her act of generosity, she and several other women conducting similar operations were busted for selling beer; illegal due to a local prohibition statute.
Shreveport Times 16-Oct-1917 Page x
Other reports of war bond subscriptions, with purchasers identified..
Shreveport Times 17-Oct-1917, Page 6
Shreveport Times 18-Oct-1917, Page 2
Yet more OC subscribers are mentioned in an article about the loan campaign in nearby Vivian.
Shreveport times 20-Oct-1917, Page 4
An example Liberty Bond advertisement from the Shreveport Times.
Shreveport Times 26-Sep-1918, Page 8
Sergeant John F, Moran, a Canadian soldier wounded in France, spoke in Oil City and surrounding communities to drum up support for the bond drive.
Shreveport Times 15-Apr-1918, Page 3
Shreveport Times 17-Apr-1918, Page 1
The local Woodmen of the World camp was noted buying bonds in the equivalent value of $2,600 today.
Thirteen year-old Scott Ossenbeck even sold his bicycle for $20 to buy war stamps (same as bonds, but smaller denominations).
Shreveport Times 28-Apr-1918, Page 2
A Liberty Loan rally was held at Oil City that included a patriotic reading by Mrs. J. E. Rooks. In addition to principal speaker, Judge O. Beard of Marshall, TX; another Canadian war veteran, Sergeant Major McCullough addressed the audience with tales of hardships in the trenches.
Shreveport Times 04-Oct-1918, Page 1
Red Cross Fundraising
In addition to bond subscriptions, the community was also aggressive in raising funds for the Red Cross.
Shreveport Times 27-Jun-1917, Page 4
The local Red Cross auxiliary held a dance in which $74.50 (~$1,313.00 today) was raised.
Shreveport Times 09-Jan-1918, Page 7
Benjamin N. Letts, owner of a smoke shop, donated a day's proceeds ($14.60, or $257 today).
Shreveport Times 09-Apr-1918, Page 6
The following article identifies members of the Red Cross fund-raising committee.
Shreveport Times 12-May-1918, Page 1 & 9
In May subscriptions were reported at $4,200 ($74,000 today). It does no stat if that is a recent or cumulative number. A dance at Ike Richardson's hall netted $200 ( $3,525), while the Bijou and Yale theaters each donated a night's proceeds totaling $131 ($2,310).
Shreveport Times 31-May-1918, Page 9
Salvation Army
Local support was also given toward raising funds for the Salvation Army, with businessman Isidore Holland coordinating efforts.
Shreveport Times 18-Sep-1918, Page 12
Other Ways To Support The Cause
To help ensure an ample food supply for the American troops and their allies, food conservation was encouraged; and applicable to to restaurant owners, hotel keepers, and private individuals.
Shreveport Times 24-Feb-1918, Page 3
Schools, including the one in Oil City, were used as community centers for coordinating war-related activities.
Shreveport Times 14-Feb-1918, Page 10
Shreveport Times 27-Apr-1918, Page 2
The Airdome theater donated one night's proceeds ($89.29) to the war drive.
Shreveport Times 28-May-1918, Page 12
A function at the school featured a speaker from the Parish Council of Defense.
Shreveport Times 16-Jun-1918, Page 31
A local counterpart "Council of Defense" was organized by Caddo Parish School Board Superintendent C. E. Byrd that included school faculty members, who helped organize and coordinate war-related community efforts.
Shreveport Times 25-Feb-1918, Page 9
In Shreveport, a special performance of the Chicago Grand Opera was held; with a special 10 percent war tax applied to ticket prices. To encourage attendance from the "oil centers" of Mooringsport, Oil City, and Vivian, it was noted interurban transportation would be available for those desiring to return home after the performance. The Hotel Youree set up a reservations bureau; and private citizens were even encouraged to help accommodate patrons staying in the city overnight.
Near the war's end (approximately six weeks hence), local support is reported well organized and still strong.
Shreveport Times September 26-1918, Page 1
In Other News Of The Day
- A strike by oil workers in the southwestern United States threatened the country's petroleum supply. See Area Oil Worker Union Locals Of The Early 20th Century
- While local men went to fight, federal troops from elsewhere were stationed to protect facilities and non-striking workers. Military Occupation Of The Caddo Oil Fields 1917-1918
- Oil City's notorious vice district, Reno Hill, was finally closed by Caddo Parish Sheriff Tom Highes. Read about this in Murder, Mayhem, and Vice, Part I.
Peace Celebration In Shreveport
"Please tell me is it true that the war is over." (confirmed affirmatively) "Oh, thank you. I am so happy. Now I know my boy will come home soon."
- Unidentified mother calling the Shreveport Times office.
- Unidentified mother calling the Shreveport Times office.
While there was no official event to mark the war's end, shortly after the fire bell rang to mark the occasion, citizens spontaneously came out in what was the middle of the night/early morning to begin a day-long celebration. Between a little after 2:00 AM (when the bell sounded) until dawn, all who could gathered in downtown to share in communal joy.
The El Karubah band played, boy scouts marched and a huge bonfire was lit. By 5:00 AM throngs reported in the thousands were in the streets and around the courthouse square. When morning came businesses unsuccessfully attempted to conduct normal operations. However store clerks were soon walking out to join the festivities and merchants were forced to close. Banks and the post office shut down at noon. Folks from the countryside poured into town to experience the event.
Black revelers formed a long parade, with the "Kaiser's scalp" held up out front. As night approached, the celebration continued with fireworks and continued celebration until midnight, when citizens finally began returning to their homes.
Those who imbibed too much, and charged with drunkenness were given a break by City Judge David B. Samuel. He excused those who admitted to having become intoxicated after the bell had wrung (of course the majority said they did). His admonition - "Go and don't let it happen again."
Oil City residents were noted to have trekked to the city to join in the festive atmosphere, including L. G. (Leon Gerstle) Woodruff (1898-1969). He was of draft age, but apparently was disqualified or not called.
Below other attendees are identified.
Continue to PART II: ANSWERING THEIR NATION'S CALL
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