PARTY: Me oh me oh my, wasn’t that a party?

Well, that song by the Irish Rovers came out about 60 years after this party, written about in the May 12, 1919, edition of The Era. It was a festive gala to celebrate the return of the troops from World War I.

“All Odd Fellows who saw service in the Great War are requested to wear their uniforms Monday evening, May 12, at the reception, entertainment and banquet to be given by Tuna lodge No. 411 IOOF.

“A special engagement extraordinary has been signed up by the committee to further entertainment that is out of the ordinary with plenty of ‘pep’ in cabaret style. New novelties that will put you in the mood for the great battle cry of ‘Attem Boy.’ Twelve entertainers with a line of ‘Vodeville’ that is pleasing and snappy from start to finish, even when the curtain is going up and down there will be something doing.”

Women were not invited, and neither were non-members.

“This is a stag affair and for Odd Fellows only.

“All candidates are welcome and the boys who saw service in the large class will please report same to James A. Lindsey, and also wear their uniform.

“The entertainment will start promptly at 8:05 p.m. and after the entertainment a banquet will be served by the old reliable ‘chef’ and his co-workers, that will more than meet with your approval.

“All in all the evening will be one evening in your life you will never forget, and the committee wants you to come with that big smile, and leave your grouch at home, but help to make this evening a ‘Victory’ night that will be in a class with the great war.”

The National World War I Museum says veterans returning home from war were welcomed with homecoming celebrations and parades, but there wasn’t much by way of easing the transition from the military to civilian life again. Much of the programs in place now were established in the aftermath of World War I.