Montezuma Township

Montezuma Township

The Montezuma Branch of Pike Chapter of the American 'Red Cross was organized July 17, 1917, with the following officers: Dr. J. I. Doss, chairman; Mrs. Margaret French, secretary; Dr. Frank Johnston, treasurer. The above named officers are still serving the Branch, having been re-elected.

Immediately after organization a drive was started for membership and resulted in quite an increase. But in the Christmas Drive of 1917 we had the honor of making the ereatest per cent of gain of any Branch in the county, winning the Red Cross Service Flag offered by the Pike County Chapter.

The Montezuma Branch had at the close of the war 401 members. The Branch had received from donations and free will offerings the sum of $1,069.20, and from membership fees $401, making a total of $1,470.28; and had paid out $727.42. Nearly all of the expenditures were for material for the work room.

Too much praise cannot be given Mrs. Boren for the manner in which she conducted her department. She gave her time without stint and with the aid of a great number of faithful women accomplished all that was asked of her by the County Chapter.

About July 1, 1917, C. R. Barnes, editor of the Nebo Banner, and Dr. J. R. Pollock took up with Geo. C. Weaver, chairman of the Pike County Chapter, the question of the organization of a local Branch of the Red Cross for Nebo. The result was a mass meeting called, and twelve members were secured as a temporary committee, and were granted authority to form a Branch of the Pike County Chapter of the American Red Cross. A meeting was held July 20, 1917, and the following permanent officers were elected: Chairman, Mrs. Chas. H. Bush; vice-chairman, Mrs. J. D. Harpole; secretary, Mrs. C. R. Barnes; treasurer, Mrs. C. E. Swayne. C. E. Swayne was elected as director to go to the County Chapter. Mrs. L. A. Roberts was elected to serve on the Executive Committee w ith the other officers. Mrs. Bush was also superintendent of the work room, and Mrs. C. R. Barnes was appointed chairman of the knitting department. All the officers served during the period of the war and still have charge of the local Branch.

The women were very faithful and worked hard sewing, knitting, holding suppers, bazars, luncheons, sales and picture shows to raise money. The membership grew to 782 the first year, and at the end of the first year, July 20, 1918, we had on hand a balance of $1,052.57; in addition had forwarded to Pittsfield 986 articles of wearing apparel and hospital supplies, including 302 knitted pieces.

At the end of the second year, July 20, 1919, we had on hand a balance of $1,140.12, and had sent to the County Chapter 3,334 garments, 165 of which were knitted articles, besides 600 pounds of clothing sent to the Belgian Relief. The attendance at the work room the first year averaged 18. The attendance the second year averaged 15.

We had several clubs in the country which met each week and worked faithfully in making hospital supplies, refugee work, and knitting. Our township was very patriotic and liberal. We never failed to raise our quotas, and went "over the top" in every drive.