V. E. Day in Defiance - May 8, 1945

VICTORY IN EUROPE

Defiance Crescent-News

May 8, 1945

"SUSPEND TRADE AS CITY GREETS DAY OF VICTORY

Whistles and Bells Sound Peal of Joy;

Churches Join in Prayer 

 Defiance welcomed V-E Day today with whistles blowing, horns tooting, and bells ringing, touched off by the 9 o'clock broadcast by President Harry S. Truman declaring an official end to the war in Europe.

The schools closed, most of the factories were shut down, and all business houses in downtown Defiance with exception of eating places closed in order that employees might mark the surrender of Germany.

Scores of cars poured through the streets and workers started for home with the automobile horns adding to the general din touched off by the factory whistles.  Several trucks carrying bells wound through the downtown streets. The bell on the courthouse clock was hammered and fire sirens screamed in recognition of the end of the first half of the world struggle.

Most Factories Idle

The Defiance Screw Machine Products Co., the Defiance Automatic Screw Co., and the Defiance Alloyed Products Co. closed immediately after the president's proclamation until the regular morning shifts report Wednesday.

At the American Steel Package Co., where workers celebrated Monday and the Defiance Machine Works, a voluntary plan was in effect.  Within a half hour after the proclamation, the Machine Works was empty and the American Steel Package Co had about 30 per cent of its force left.  The latter plant was closed at noon.

Defiance Metal Products Co. also closed at noon.  So did the Lynch Manufacturng Corp. The Lectrolite Corp. was open today on instructions from the Navy department, Harold Schlosser, president of the company said. Most of the force at the Lectrolite plant was off the job Monday afternoon in a premature celebration, he said.

Services of Thanksgiving

Although President Truman has officially proclaimed next Sunday as a day of prayer in thanksgiving for the victory in Europe, many Defiance churches have planned special services for tonight.