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In April a committee was established to organise the Peace celebrations. It recommended holding a Children's Day, with a procession through the village, with the provision of food bags for the youngsters and a sports programme to keep them occupied, followed by a firework display.
Door to door collections took place for the event.
In June 'the welcome news that Germany had decided to sign the Peace Treaty was received on Monday evening about 9.30 am and gave rise to a feeling of lively satisfaction. The ringing of the church bells announced the good news to the villagers and cheers were heartily given. The children improvised bands, and paraded the streets. In the northern districts bonfires could be seen on several points of vantage. On Tuesday business proceeded as usual and the celebrations of the event were delayed until the Treaty was signed.'
In July 'the long delayed signing of the Peace Treaty by the German delegates took place on Saturday afternoon at Versailles. When the news reached Edinburgh the castle guns boomed forth and announced the welcome news that peace had come at last. The sound of the guns was heard at West Calder, and was the first indication that the Treaty had been signed.'
'Flags were run up at a number of dwelling-houses, and the church bells were rung. In the evening a large bonfire was lighted on the shale refuse bing in front of Mossend. An effigy of the Kaiser was placed at the top of the bonfire, and the children were beside themselves with joy when they saw the flame reach and rapidly demolish the figure."
The planned Peace celebrations went ahead, with over 2000 children parading down Main Street.
In September many of those same children no doubt visited the library to view one of the 'spoils of war'.
'The German field gun, which was promised to the parish as a war trophy, arrived on Monday, and was placed in front of the public library. The gun and carriage were closely inspected by a number of people this week, and gave rise to considerable interest.'
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