Mexborough and Swinton Times, July 26, 1919

In The Mexboro’ Side Streets.

Some of the liveliest and merriest celebrations at Mexboro’ were to be encountered in the side streets, where festivities had been organised on a lavish scale by large companies of neighbours, and everybody was welcome to join in. Tea-tables were brought out of the houses and arranged in the back-yards.

The yards were smothered with decorations. In one back-yard in Hirstgate the enthusiastic residents had gone so far as to drape the ash-middens with curtains! Pianos were brought out, for singing and dancing. There were gramophones in abundance. The air was thick with nuts and sweets by day, and fireworks and gunpowder by night. There were bonfires everywhere, and the Kaiser died many and various deaths.

At the afore-mentioned Hirstgate celebration, the Kaiser and Kaiserin, and “little Willie” portrayed as a baby, were hung together and burned together. In Hartley street and Dodsworth street about 150- children and their parents took tea in common, having raised a fund for the purpose. The tables were loaded with delicacies, and nuts and sweets were distributed to the children. Afterwards, sports were arranged by Messrs. G. Long, Robertshaw, Wilson, Stead, Smith and others. The starter was Mr. H. Nettleton, and the judges Messes Hobson and Addy. Some beautiful prizes were given.

In spite of the fact that no official celebrations had been arranged for Mexborough on Peace, Day, by such means as these the inhabitants in many parts of the town celebrated very thoroughly and very happily.