Looking Back – November 2018

November 1918, 100 years ago, was a significant time for our community, our country and the entire world. On Nov. 11 of that year at 11 a.m. local time, Germany’s ruler signed a truce with terms ending World War I. President Woodrow Wilson previously had announced the exact time the war would end.

In Stockbridge, as in many other parts of the world, residents celebrated. The Stockbridge Band led a spontaneous parade into town. On the south side of Town Square, a large bonfire was built to burn “Kaiser Bill” in effigy. Nationally, Wilson ordered the cancellation of the November draft of 300,000 young men. At least 50 Stockbridge-area men died while serving in the military during the war.

On Nov. 5 of that same year, voters throughout Michigan cast ballots and approved the 16th Amendment to give the state’s women the right to vote. The 16th Amendment was finally ratified by the entire U.S. in 1920. However, after 1918, Michigan women were allowed to vote under the same guidelines as men. The Brief Sun also reported election results for state offices. Reports said 257 ballots were cast in Stockbridge, but it did not report the totals for the amendment issue, nor did it report how other communities in the area had voted.

Also during that month, the death of Unadilla resident 20-year-old John Douglas Watson was announced. Watson succumbed to influenza only three weeks after his enlistment. The Home Guard escorted his body to the cemetery.

Although not mentioned as the same influenza that caused Watson’s death, Spanish flu had spread across the world that year. The disease was given that name after it was first observed in Spain in May 1918. Throughout November 1918, Brief Sun reports contained news from the front, servicemen’s letters home, and advice to prevent becoming ill from the spreading influenza.

Thirty years ago

By 1988, several more wars were behind us, and Stockbridge was once again moving forward. A community breakfast was planned early in the month for business and professional leaders. The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Lionesses were all seeking new members.

Announcements of December special events included a Dec. 3 festival of lights and the arrival of Santa on Dec. 10. Eleven Stockbridge High football players were selected for Ingham County League honors. Stan D. Fey was elected township supervisor, Joyce Dickinson ran unopposed for treasurer, as did Mary Curtis for clerk. Later in the month, William D. Caskey died at age 67.