The declaration of war by the United States upon Germany,
April 6, 1917, found the citizens of Brodhead ready to
"stand-by," and they immediately set about the
business of preparing for the coming struggle.
To publicly demonstrate their loyalty, a call was issued
for a Patriotic Mass Meeting to be held in Broughton's Opera
House, April 26, when resolutions of loyalty could be formulated
and telegraphed to the president.
The meeting was held as scheduled and the capacity of the
hall was taxed to its utmost; seats were reserved for the
G.A.R., the Women's Relief Corps and the Sons of Veterans,
and every available space was utilized. The following program
was given, much effort to make it a success, having been expended
by the school children and the teachers.
Program
Selection - K. P. Orchestra.
Song - On Wisconsin, Audience.
Invocation - Father Krause.
Playlette - "Dame Creel of Portland Town," High
School Pupils.
Song - Avon, North Side Primary Pupils.
Boys Flag Drill - Grade Boys.
Ballad of Betsy Ross - Two Fourth Grade Girls.
Tableau and Patriotic Medley - Eighth Grade Pupils.
Columbia - Sixth Grade Pupils.
Selection - K. P. Orchestra.
Camping - Boy Scouts.
May-Pole Dance - South Side Pupils.
Ceremonies and Songs - Campfire Girls.
Selection - K. P. Orchestra.
Songs of the Allies - Male Chorus.
Star Spangled Banner - Audience.
History of the Flag - Fifth Grade Pupils.
Flag Salute - School Pupils.
Talk and Presentation of Resolutions - Rev. W. T. SCOTT.
At the close of the program, which was received with every
demonstration of enthusiasm, the Resolutions supporting the
Government were presented by Rev. W. T. SCOTT of the M. E.
Church, adopted and immediately telegraphed to the President.
It was at this meeting that the song which was afterward to become
so popular during the war, was first sung to a Brodhead audience,
"Keep the Home Fires Burning."
On August 10, 1917, a Patriotic Community Social was held
at the City Park, in honor of "Our Boys" who had been
and would be called to the defense of the Colors, and as
a farewell to three of Brodhead's physicians who had received
their commissions and been ordered to report for duty the coming
week, Dr. G. S. DARBY, Dr. E. J. MITCHELL and Dr. L. B. ROWE.
About 2,000 people attended this meeting. The park was attractively
lighted, a stand for speakers and seats placed in the center
and on the west side tables and seats for the serving of ice-cream
and cake, the cake being furnished by the women of the city under
the direction of the Women's Federated Clubs, who also served
the refreshments.
Mr. F. R. DERRICK, president of the Commercial Club, presided,
Rev. L. J. WRIGHT of the Presbyterian Church
gave the invocation, and Atty. W. H. McGRATH of Monroe made
the address of the evening. Short talks were also given by several
of the physicians. Music was furnished by the Community Chorus,
under the direction of Rev. E. E. HALE of the Congregational
church, the Juvenile Band and the Monroe Hussar Band. The net
proceeds amounting to $120.00 were given to the Red Cross.
At a Union Patriotic service held in the Congregational Church,
March 3, 1918, Prof. George WAGNER of the
University of Wisconsin, addressed a large audience, being
one of many speakers sent out by the Council of Defense.
March 7th, a meeting was held at the Knights of Pythias Hall
and addresses were made by Mr. P. F. NEVERMAN,
chairman of the County Council of Defense, Mr. F. B. LUCHSINGER,
head of the Council's Labor Bureau, Mr. P. J. WEIRICH, County
Fuel Commissioner, and Mr. James LACEY, County Agricultural Agent.