Much to be Thankful For

One hundred years ago, the people of Kingstree had much to be thankful for on Thanksgiving as just a few weeks earlier the Armistice had been signed, ending the great World War.

The Williamsburg County Courthouse

Here is a special news article sent to The State newspaper, detailing Kingstree's celebration at the signing of the Armistice:

News of the signing of the armistice by the German government was received here by the night operator at the Atlantic Coast Line depot about 4 o'clock Monday morning, and the news spread like wildfire over the town. A little later the entire populace was awakened by the firing of pistols and the ringing of fire bells. Fireworks, horns, and various other methods of making a noise were freely indulged in throughout the day, and all business houses were closed, making a holiday of the occasion. The old cannon in the courthouse yard was again pressed into service and boomed at intervals in celebration of the signing of the armistice.

The old cannon is still on the courthouse square, although no longer mobile.

A thousand people gathered around the Confederate monument at 1 o'clock and listened to the reading of President Wilson's "Flag Day" speech by the Rev. Mr. Harmon, at the conclusion of which a fusillade from guns, pistols, and the old cannon rent the air. Then Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow, led by a choir of ladies and children, was sung in a wholehearted spirit of thankfulness.

The monument around which 1,000 people gathered in November 1918.

To mar the celebration, a young girl, Dollie McFadden, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John F. McFadden, was accidentally shot in the mouth with an automatic revolver by "Boots" Nelson. The wound is not thought too serious.