No, it’s not a typo. On November 7, 1918, the country celebrated the end of the World War.
The Evening World, November 07, 1918, Final Edition. Library of Congress, Chronicling America
My father had a great memory. One story he told was about being a very young child and watching, in amazement, as his parents went crazy. His mother ran out of the house, leaving the door open, and his father kissed his mother on the stoop. In later years he realized it had to be the day the war ended.
Larry and Joe Colbert. Taken around Spring 1918.
I figured it would be easy enough to find out how the people of New York City reacted to the end of the war. After all, I knew the date – November 11, 1918 was Armistice Day.
But I was wrong. The celebrations took place on November 7th – all because the United Press Association reported the armistice had been signed, when it hadn’t.
The Evening World, November 07, 1918, Final Edition. Library of Congress, Chronicling America
The papers knew pretty quickly that the story was false. New York Tribune, November 8, 1918 Library of Congress, Chronicling America
Everyone knew the armistice would be signed soon. On November 11th, the country celebrated again and this time it really was over. No wonder my father remembered the day so well.
The Colbert Whelan Family 