This Week in Odessa History

Ninety-three years ago this week they were dancing in the streets of Odessa, celebrating a false report that an armistice had been signed by Germany, with the Allied nations declaring victory in World War I.

Germany agreed to peace terms on November 11, 1918, a few days after this report of the “fake armistice” and how it was celebrated locally, appearing in the November 8 issue of The Odessa Record.

Perhaps it was just a trifle premature, but the celebration of the reported signing of a peace armistice yesterday brought forth by far the most enthusiastic demonstration ever seen in a celebration line in Odessa.

The unconfirmed rumor that Germany had signed the peace terms reached Odessa along with all the rest of the metropolises of the country, and the good news simply set the people wild with joy. The first report was received by O.F. Minch at the F & M Bank from H.L. Cole of Spokane by phone and it was scarcely received than apparent verification came to agent Stillwell at the Great Northern Railway's telegraph office in Odessa in a flash over the wires that peace had been signed just two hours after the Americans had taken Sedan.

It took but a few moments until the glorious news was being sounded to the community by the ringing of the fire bell and church bells, and in less time than it takes to tell it, a jazz band was organized of all ages and sizes, using everything from a musical instrument to a tin can. They marched up and down the whole length of First Avenue for more than an hour.

While this was going on, the business section of the town as well as private residences were being draped with patriotic colors. Flags were stretched across the main street.

With the lid of the Spanish flu lifted, this continued until noon. About 500 people participated in this.

After the parade, everyone gathered at the Union State Bank corner, where a short address was given by Attorney W.M. Nevins, who had been drafted into service for the talk with about two minutes notice, but the impromptu effort was a masterly one, abounding in patriotism which completely carried away the large audience.

100 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

November 3, 1911

Miss Clara Weisgerber is now in the lead in the Odessa Princess contest, according to the count made by the committee at noon today. The contest closes at noon next Friday, Nov. 10 and the fortunate young lady will be entertained free during the week of the Apple Show in Spokane, besides being bestowed with many honors as a member of King Apple’s court. Other candidates running the for position are Miss’s Pauline Guth, Olga Preusse, Anna Rhuby, Mabel Nurnberg, Goldie Terrill and Mabel Spry.

75 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

November 5, 1936

Interest centers this week on a contest among high school and grade students, with $25 in prizes for the best essay entitled, “Why I Should Buy a Chevrolet.” The contest is in connection with the showing of the 1937 Chevrolet cars at 1:00 o’clock on Saturday. Adult visitors at the presentation will be given a chance to compete in a series of prizes.

The contest and presentation is being sponsored by the Odessa Trading company, Chevrolet dealers in Odessa.

A fire that broke out on the roof of the Burris home at Marlin during the absence of the family, defied all efforts to fight it and destroyed the home on Saturday night, a heavy wind causing a fire scare that called residents to call Odessa for aid. The flames burned the power line, throwing the town into darkness, and the heavy wind scattered sparks through the lumber yard and about warehouses, keeping the fire fighters busy.

In response to the call here, Mayor Jantz drove to marlin, remaining there until late in the night, aiding in guarding company property there.

50 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

November 9, 1961

The first snow of the season fell during Thursday night to greet Odessa people with a white Friday. Daytime temperature soon removed all traces of snow.

Weather has continued at he freezing level, and accompanying winds drove the chill into protective clothing. There has been a trend toward warming weather, about normal for the season.

Five concrete fallout shelters are being built in a group project by the Kagele brothers at their separate ranches. Plans not only provide for the shelter, but make the structures usable as root cellars and similar farm needs.

The cemetery 14 miles southwest of Odessa in the Scheller and Kiehn neighborhood has been cleaned up, the sand piles removed, grounds leveled, sprinkled and grass seeded. The fence has been replaced with steel posts and new wire.

Time and equipment has been furnished by Jake Kiehn, Roland Schafer, Reuben and Walter Scheller.

25 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

November 6, 1986

A proposed retirement center in Odessa has caught the interest of a group here and research continues into the project.

Efforts are underway to determine the feasibility of developing such a center locally, where the primary objective would be to provide pleasant surroundings for local retirees.

Keeping costs under control is a primary concern to the group.

The spokesman pointed out the entire community of Odessa would benefit from the existence of a community center here. “Hopefully, it would draw retirees from other areas as well.”

10 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

November 15, 2001

Veteran’s Day was observed last Friday with spirit and enthusiasm at two assemblies attended by the entire student body of the Odessa schools.

This year, with the national emergency very much on the minds of everyone, the patriotic occasion had a special meaning for school children.

Governor Gary Locke will attend a celebration marking the opening of the Odessa Industrial park on Friday, December 7.

The celebration, in addition to a ribbon cutting and open house at the North Basin Seed plant, will welcome to Odessa Kevin Heinen, the operator of the seed cleaning and processing facility the first tenant in the industrial park.