by Laurel | January 27th, 2012
26 January 1943
Changes Curfew from 9 to Midnight, Will Enforce It and Continue Guard — Everyone Jubilant
The military ban imposed on soldiers from Westover Field, which made Holyoke “off limits,” was practically lifted tonight with notices posted at the field that the curfew hour in Holyoke had been changed from 9 p.m. to midnight. Enforcement of the curfew will be carried on as at present, the notice stating that the special guard will be maintained in the city, probably indefinitely.
One of the local hotels and a large High Street lunchroom were declared “restricted,” meaning that soldiers may not be permitted on the premises. Asked if that regulation was still in effect, the public relations office at the field said it could not say, but suggested that such a fact could be determined by observation. However, at the hotel, there was a large number of officers gatekeeper tonight, and they remained until a late hour.
The citizenry in general was pleased with the ban lifting, for it had grown accustomed to the military character that marked the city. It was equally pleased, however, that the special guard who do the work ordinarily assigned to the MP’s will be maintained. Soldiers, too, were jubilant and gave evidence of this tonight when they gathered at their favorite spots to quaff beer and nibble at crackers and cheese.
From The Springfield Republican.
