15 Aug 1945
Page 1
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 16 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Monroe Evening Times
Location
Monroe, Wisconsin, United States of America
Date
Aug 15, 1945
Page
1
Washington AP reports a world entering a new era of peace after Japan's capitulation. President Truman calls for a difficult yet hopeful transition, with Allied control and disarmament for Japan. Pacific front actions continued briefly as Tokyo notified troops of surrender, sources say.
Simple centennial rites mark the 100th anniversary of Swiss settlement in New Glarus with a 1 30 p m service at the Pioneer Monument. The program includes the Giarne high edeal band Maennerchor and church choirs with Rev Walter J Stuckey delivering the invocation and Chief Justice Marvin B Rosenberry giving the day’s address. A luncheon at Williams Tell hall honors guests as local businesses close per committee request.
AP reports Presidential Secretary Ross announces a news conference at 9 a m tomorrow. Britain’s labor government seeks state ownership of the Bank of England and nationalizes coal. King George VI opens parliament outlining peacetime controls. Burma sees fighting in Sittang bend as patrol clashes occur. US Army says five divisions, about 75 000 men, will ship to the US in 30 days. Antonov tells Red Army troops Tokyo capitulation was reported by Moscow radio.
Washington OPA today announced immediate termination of the rationing of gasoline canned fruits and vegetables and fuel oil and gas stores. Price Administrator Chester noted remaining limits on meat oils shoes tires sugar and butter as others are lifted.
AP reports that motorists can discard gas line coupons as the OPA confirms no need to retain them for tire purchases. Bowles said meats fats oils butter sugar shoes and tires will stay rationed until civilian supplies balance with demand. Removal of other items from rationing hinges on supply levels and official announcements. End of gasoline and fuel oil rationing began with a news release at 10 am and stations will not be individually notified.
Monroe faced a two day shutdown as restaurants banks post office and city offices closed to conserve scarce food stocks. Stores planned to reopen Friday with perishables at risk while Burgess Battery plants halted operations and expected to resume normal shifts on Friday.
Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s surrender to the Allies and accepted the cabinet’s resignation, blaming the atomic bomb for the crisis. Domei reported Suzuki’s exit and the emperor’s pledge to appoint a new premier while insisting Japan fought in self defense.
Washington reports that at least 7 million servicemen will be discharged to civilian life in the coming 12 months. Demobilization could rise to 500,000 monthly from a current 170,000, with both army and navy affected. Truman suggests 5 to 5.5 million may be released in 12 to 18 months as draft calls shrink to 50,000 monthly.
Thousands celebrate in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin and Michigan as news of Japan's surrender ends 3 years 8 months of war. Sirens and whistles mark the moment, with minimal damage reported. Factories pause, churches plan thanksgiving services, and veterans express quiet relief amid the jubilant crowds.
The cruiser Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine 450 miles off Leyte on July 30. It sank within 15 minutes, leaving 883 dead or missing after a record San Francisco to Guam run. Only 315 survived five days later, with 10 officers and 305 enlisted men among the living.
Bright cool weather greeted holiday crowds for last night's celebration and today’s carnival. Forecast calls for fair skies tomorrow with a slight temperature rise. Monroe residents reported temperatures around 73 to 76 degrees, with 4 to 6 am activity and a peak near 76 by early afternoon.
Federal workers were told by Press Secretary Charles Ross that the prior note creating two legal holidays for overtime pay was in error. He said Aug 15 and 16 are not holidays and the President only excused government employees from work those days. The order will apply on V J Day when proclaimed, with a clarifying Labor Department statement to follow.
Monroe and nearby residents filled the courthouse square in a jubilant postwar celebration with bells horns and a four page extra from The Times. The crowd grew to hundreds from the region by 7 30 pm as people cheered and many returned to meals and festivities after the peace announcement by President Truman.
Merrymakers in Monroe celebrated V E Day by tossing large cannonballs from a north square cannon toward the south on 16th avenue. Minor damage occurred. the Kundert Elmer grocery storefront showed Roosevelt and MacArthur tributes while a Truman and V E Day display appeared elsewhere. Many unfamiliar faces filled the streets, neighbors from nearby towns joined in the revelry, and flags adorned The Times office windows. The mood remained buoyant as the city awaited a return to normal.
Monroe pastors organize brief services in several churches as many are away. Union Presbyterian hosts a 7:30 p m Thanksgiving service with Rev Leroy Leats in charge. Grace Lutheran and United Brethren join at 7:30 p m with Rev Newell Mendenhall assisting. St Victor’s holds a Holy Hour at 7:30 p m led by Rev E C McCollow.
Guam AP report describes General MacArthur preparing to accept Japan's capitulation while Admiral Halsey warns of watchful waiting. Nimitz and Truman echo caution as Third Fleet hovers near Japan, with limited air operations continuing and anti aircraft vigilance declared. A Japanese bomber is shot down near Halsey’s fleet. no U.S. ship damage reported. Two military police were killed when their jeep hit a tree in Door County while guarding German POWs.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.