the Community Club, the Fire Department, the Cornet Band and led by private Henry Larson bearing a large flag—welcomed a train carrying the Camp Dodge Military Band. Mr. Moss, of Des Moines, gave an impassioned address at the town square. Mayor Allen, Representative Nicholson, and bond chairman Figge, responded with appropriate replies. The Military Band concluded the rally with a spirited rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Memorial Day services were observed on May 30. The program included: decoration of graves at Hillside, and St. Francis, cemeteries by the children of both schools in the morning; readings, speeches and a band concert in the afternoon; and a school class play presented in the evening.

A spontaneous celebration took place when news of the German surrender reached Ossian: bells were rung, guns discharged, fireworks exploded, horns blown, and those without conventional noisemakers beat on pots and pans. Throughout the day, more and more people assembled till the crowd reached an estimated two thousand.

Impromptu parades were formed with an effigy of the Kaiser, enclosed in a cage, and guarded by aimed Boy Scouts, exhibited throughout the town. The Kaiser's cell carried the inscription, "Me und Gott".

The evening procession included the Red Gross Ladies, the Cornet Band, and many jubilant citizens. It was led by Uncle Sam and the Goddess of Liberty. The climax of the festivities was the burning of the effigy in a huge bonfire. After this spectacular, the celebrants retired to the opera house where stirring extemporaneous speeches were delivered by Rev. Thiltgen, Rev. Kvamme, Rev. Meyerhoffer and attorney Garter. Editor Schmitz comments: "None of us, who were present, will ever forget this day."