Orange City Council’s World War I Centenary Committee is hoping to recreate an iconic moment in the city’s history … and they want your help.
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In November 1918, a crowd numbering in the thousands gathered outside Orange’s town hall – then located in Anson Street – to celebrate the end of hostilities on Europe’s battlefields.
The moment was captured for posterity in a photograph which was included in an album presented to Presbyterian minister Reverend J C McDonald when he left Orange for Blackheath in February, 1919.
A reproduction of that photo is on display at Orange City Library, but the committee’s chair, mayor Reg Kidd, was hoping to go one better by requesting residents throw on their best (or closest) period costume to recreate the moment next month.
As you can see in the original photograph, hundreds of people spilled into the street to celebrate the end of the war, so we need to encourage as many people as we can to join in.
- Orange City Council’s World War I Centenary Committee chair Reg Kidd
Cr Reg Kidd said the re-enactment would be an opportunity for the community to mark a key time in the city’s history.
“We would be thrilled to see the community get behind this event to mark such an important occasion,” Cr Kidd said.
“As you can see in the original photograph, hundreds of people spilled into the street to celebrate the end of the war, so we need to encourage as many people as we can to join in.”
The original image was captured at about 2pm on November 13 – two days after the armistice was announced – because there were delays in notifying the population of the good news which had broken on the other side of the world.
But the re-enactment is slated for Sunday, November 11 – Remembrance Day – and Cr Kidd encouraged residents to attend both the photo opportunity and the traditional ceremony at Robertson Park which would follow.
The photo re-enactment is the final event for council’s World War I Centenary Committee Commemoration Program.
It will take place between 9.30am and 10.30am outside the building now occupied by now OCTEC Limited in Anson Street, near the intersection with Byng Street.
Anyone who would like to participate is encouraged to wear a long skirt, blouse and a hat for women, or a shirt and trousers, hats or suits for men.
Anson Street will be closed between Summer and Byng streets from 9am-12pm for the event.
People can register their interest at www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/orange-armistice-day-photo-re-enactment-tickets-50935555618.
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