The war had been over for almost a year by the fall of 1919. Durango had returned to peacetime pursuits, and many Durangoans, like Americans everywhere, just wanted to be left alone and not be involved in world affairs anymore. That was not what President Woodrow Wilson wanted; he wanted us to join the League of Nations. The “tide” ran against him, however, and he took a cross-country speaking tour, trying to convince the American people of his view. The tension and stress proved too much and he suffered a stroke.
The United States never joined the League, and the seeds were planted for another world war. Neither did Americans understand what was happening in Russia nor did they have much of an idea what a Bolshevist might be. The president did not regain his health and some people thought his wife was acting for him.
Durango Evening Herald Oct. 17, 1919
Headline caps BOLSHEVIST MENACE IN RUSSIA NEARER TO COLLAPSE THAN AT ANY TIME SINCE ITS ASCENDANCY – PETROGRAD HAS FALLEN
Census enumerators wanted in the county
During the coming month of January there is a well paying job in store for 12 sturdy young men or women to take the 1920 government census for La Plata County.
EGG THROWERS FOLLOW WILSON
The democratic audience in Oklahoma which threw rotten eggs at Sen. Reed was simply following the lead of the captain of the democrat team. President Wilson hurled such nauseous epithets as ‘towards, hyphenated Americans pro-German’ stand and senators who stand for undivided Americanism. The eggs and epithets were as strong an argument as could be made in support of the scuttle policy of the League of Nations.
Stunning fur wraps in style for winter.
A little work now will improve next year’s garden.
Theo Case departed on the morning’s Eastern for Long Beach, California, where he will spend the winter. He recently disposed of his ranch interests on the upper Florida.
Oct. 18, 1919 Wilson Continues to Gain Strength
Ad: If you have the CHOCOLATE SHOP habit – if you are daily enjoying our excellent pastries and lunches, then you really and truly have ‘The Right to Happiness.’
The members of the Senior Class are selling season tickets for the excellent course of entertainment to be given in the high school auditorium this fall and winter. The season tickets are $2.
The Florida Grange is planning a banquet for the soldiers and sailors of our community to be held Oct. 20. The grangers are working hard for this, and we feel that everybody on our honor roll will make an effort to be present in their uniforms.
Gardens new soft cashmere sweaters $7.50-$5
The Latter Day Saints will hold district conference Oct. 18 and 19 in the Circle Hall Main Ave.
Duane Smith is a Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.
