When news that the hostilities of World War I were coming to an end reached Forbes, the community took to the streets to celebrate.
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Young people ran through the streets banging tin cans, kerosene tins, watering cans – anything that made a noise.
On the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, the Forbes and District Museum is calling on children to do the same, as they seek to communicate what that moment meant for Forbes and so many other communities like it.
The Forbes Advocate, and Forbes Times, reported that when the news of the Armistice arrived at 9.30pm on November 11, 1918, the fire-bell was rung, closely followed by the ringing of the church bell.
The people of Forbes began ‘to pour out of their houses,’ resulting in the streets ‘filling with people and bands playing.’
The crowds continued to build up until about midnight when cars, with kerosene tins dragging behind, raced through town waking everyone.
So great was the joy that the celebrations continued on Tuesday and Wednesday and all businesses were closed.
The tin can band ‘musicians’ were only few in number that first night but by Wednesday afternoon an article in the Forbes Advocate states, ‘There must have been close to 150 ‘musicians’ in the tin can band and the din they made as they marched through the town was something terrific.’
READ MORE: An opportunity to tell your family’s story
For the past three-and-a-half years, the Forbes and District Historical Society has had a special exhibition showing the battles and events of this tumultuous time in our history.
There are numerous artefacts and stories of our local brave men and women still on display telling the stories of their war experiences.
Next Sunday will be an opportunity to browse the exhibition in its entirety, before it condensed to allow the display of other articles.
The museum is hosting afternoon tea between 2.30pm and 4pm. All welcome for a cuppa and an Anzac biscuit. Gold coin donation appreciated.
Children are invited to come along to the museum in Cross Street at 2.30pm.
Bring cans, or something to make a noise, to recreate just for five minutes the joy of November 11, 1918.
The traditional Remembrance Day service will be at the Cenotaph at 11am. It will be followed by lunch at the Forbes Services Memorial Club for returned service men and women, and Legacy widows.
