A century ago, cities and towns across America got swept up in patriotic fervor as the United States entered World War I.
And our area did its part and more, according to Called to Serve, an exhibition at the Morristown & Morris Township Library.
“Morristownians were helpful and patriotic people” said James Lewis, head of the North Jersey History & Genealogy Center at the library. “They went over and above on funding.”
The exhibit explains local efforts to sell Liberty Bonds, 30-year fixed rate, tax-exempt loans used to fund the costly war.
Contributions of African-Americans and women also are highlighted. “They are slowly gaining more recognition for their work,” Lewis said.
Two Morristown men served in the famed Harlem Hellfighters, a black regiment that fought in France.
On the home front, women had to be resourceful during voluntary food rationing.
“Food is ammunition, don’t waste it,” proclaimed a poster by the US Food Administration.
Maps, letters to and from soldiers, and newspaper articles occupy the Kirby Gallery on the second floor.
Several stories relate the horrors of an influenza epidemic that killed millions worldwide. Public activities ground to a halt in Morristown — schools closed and performances were canceled as people tried to avoid the deadly virus.
The library–also celebrating its centennial this year–will present Joseph Bilby, a Vietnam War veteran and author A Hidden History of New Jersey at War and A History of Submarine Warfare Along the Jersey Shore, at 2 pm on Sunday, May 21, 2017.
Bilby will discuss the state’s role in World War I, including theelection of former New Jersey Gov. Woodrow Wilson as president and the explosions of Black Tom Island and Kingsland.
“It is important to learn from our mistakes and prevent them from repeating,” Lewis said of the World War I remembrances.
–Kevin Coughlin contributed to this report.
