The United States’ entry in the First World War brought about a backlash against the German population. In Covington, the west end had traditionally been associated with German culture and business. The war, however, made anything German suspicious. The Covington Public Schools eliminated all German language classes, the Covington Public Library removed all German language books, and the German newspapers ceased publication.

In the west end, the German churches eliminated the use of the German language in their services and Sunday school classrooms. Many of the churches also changed their names to eliminate any German connotations. For instance the German Reformed Church at Willard and Lockwood Streets officially voted to change their name to Grace Reformed Church. In addition, the Western German Savings changed its name to Security Savings Bank.

Minutes of the German Pioneer Society (On File at the Kenton County Public Library).