The United States declared war on Germany in April 1917, joining the Allies in opposing the Central Powers—a “War to End All Wars.” American leaders called on citizens to make sacrifices in support of the war effort. The people of North Carolina and Franklin County contributed in many ways.

Governor Thomas Walter Bickett, who was living in Louisburg in 1916, when he won the governorship, issued two proclamations in November 1917 that called for sacrifice. The first one appeared in The Franklin Times on November 16. Bickett explained that the people of North Carolina had been asked to contribute $300,000 of the national fund of $35,000,000 in support of the work being done by the Young Men’s Christian Association for American soldiers at home and in Europe. He proclaimed November 11-19, 1917, as Army Y.M.C.A. War Work Campaign Week and called upon religious leaders and citizens to contribute liberally to the effort. Franklin County was asked to raise $2,000 of the state’s total.

The Franklin Times promoted the cause, quoting the words of support offered by such public figures as Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels and Major-General John J. Pershing. Citizens quickly formed a committee composed of representatives from each township in the county. The leaders were E. H. Malone, chairman; the Rev. W. M. Gilmore, secretary; and F. J. Beasley, treasurer. Residents of Bunn were among the first to respond. After hearing a talk about the Y.M.C.A. work by Dr. Hubert McNeill Poteat, professor of Latin at Wake Forest College, the audience contributed more than $200 in less than fifteen minutes. The principal, teachers, and students of Bunn High School made additional contributions. On November 30, the local paper reported that the amount raised nationally had reached $49 million.

Governor Bickett issued a Thanksgiving proclamation that appeared in the November 23, 1917, issue of The Franklin Times. The document reflected Bickett’s strong religious views. “Salvation comes through sacrifice,” he began. “He who would truly save his life must be ever ready to lose it.” The governor declared that the world was engaged in a “blood-red debate” to decide whether governments would be guided by “the love of justice or by lust for … power.” Bickett was grateful that the United States had offered support for the Allies: “It is a cause for universal Thanksgiving that in the most awful and most august hour of human history the conscience of our people triumphed over the counsel of selfishness and fear.”

The chief executive declared Thursday, November 29, a day for “universal Thanksgiving.” He urged citizens to assemble in their houses of worship to give thanks to the “Lord of Hosts and the Harvest for His omniscient care.” He called on people to pray that “He Who ‘rides the whirlwind and directs the storm’ may crown our forces on sea and land with everlasting victory, and that war may come no more on earth.”

Although Governor Bickett carried out many responsibilities that pertained directly to the fight in Europe, his proclamations reflect his recognition of the importance of inspiring all citizens of North Carolina to contribute to the effort through prayer and sacrifice.

Published in The Franklin Times on November 23, 2017.

Maury York is director of the Tar River Center for History and Culture at Louisburg College.