Beauford Township

Beauford Red Cross Branch

Overseers for the different lines of work were selected as follows - Sewing. Mrs. D. L. Getty, Mrs. Robert Warnke. Miss Lillian Prange; Knitting. Mrs. O. Mullin. Mrs. Henry Prange; Cutting, Mrs. J. E. Waddell; Comfort Kits. Miss Ethel Myers, Miss Lillian Prange.

When spring work started on the farms the ladies found it more difficult to attend meetings as there were not always a way provided unless they walked, and to partially solve this problem - those on the east side met in I he school house in District No. 94 in charge of lie following overseers - Sewing - Miss Margie My ers; Knitting - Mrs. D. C. Getty; Cutting - Mrs. Edith McMahan.

The Finance Committee raised the first funds by personal solicitors. Other patriotic workers added much to the treasury, the proceeds from socials, dances, etc. A permanent plan was eventually adopted, that of assessing each property owner a certain per cent of the amount of tried out May 1. I HIS, ai the time of the second Red Cross war fund drive, the regular Libertj Loan team soliciting also for the local branch. The result was satisfactory and proved the feasability of the plan as a permanent method of meeting all future financial records. The finances were liberally aided and at the same time a general spirit of enthusiasm for the cause ( reated by a number of dances, program" and socials given by Red Cross boosters.

The annua] report of the branch for the period extending from January 2, 1918, to October 2, 1918. shows the total reports to be $1,095.05. The total expenditures for the same period were $7X11.1111. leaving a cash balance on hand of $31 4.15. The branch at this time had a total of 193 members, 128 of which being subscribing members. Two hundred and seventeen pounds of clothing were collected and shipped during the year to the commission for relief in Belgium. Resides the sewing and knitting the ladies of the branch also made comfort kits and filled them for the enlisted boys.

On Dec. 13th. a canvass was made of the township for new members by a team of twelve members. Every home was visited except where influenza existed and the result was a total membership of 284. Those who carried out the drive were - Miss Bernice Hislop, Mrs. Wm. Laffey, Miss Ida Mullin, Mrs. Wm. Kratiss, Miss Ethel Myers, Mis. E. C. McMahan. Ko> Cromer. Henry Fitterer, Alfred Maurer, Sr., Archie Morrow. David Morrow. J. \V. Waddell.

i 130.70. The disbursements during this period were $1,223.84, leaving a cash balance of $206.86 on hand. During the organization, 27S knitted gat mills and :;ini 'sewed garments were made bj I he branch. Forty seven pieces were con tributed to the linen shower for the hospitals in Prance.

con; Vice President, Miss Ella Noyes; Secr'e tary, Mrs. John Harrison; Treasurer. Mr. Mai lis Wilder. Sewing committee - Mrs. Ed. Keller, captain; assistant captains, Mrs. Emil Tillman and Mrs. George Schumacher. The branch grew to a membership of over L'.">.

At ihe organization of the branch the ladies decided that every member give ten cents towards the working fund if present or absent. At our meetings held every three weeks we] large gatherings. Mrs. Mutch took the lead in the knitting and Mrs. Fred Hunter second. The sewing was well accomplished as everyone done their best. Mrs. Ed Keller was the overseer of this work.

The officers. Chairman. Miss Lizzie Piltz; Vice-Chairman. Mrs. Michael Md'ardle; Treasurer, Mrs. Wm. Schmidt; Secretary, Mrs. Ed. Ogle. Mrs. George Bently was later elected member of the executive committee.

Owing to the fact that rumors were out that Danville had been placed on the blacklist in Washington, it was decided that something must be done, and done quickly to put Danville on the map. It was suggested by M. J. Ryan that Danville have an auction sale in the near future. It was brought before the people at the annual town election and it was decided to have the sale at once. M. J. Ryan solicited donations from the men present at the town meeting, and it was decided to make a house to house can vass to solicit donations from women and children.

Ed Ogle. Will Minks, H. O. Grimes, and John Albright were appointed on the soliciting committee. Mud and rain held no terrors for them. The drive was made the day after township election. The sale was held March 20, 1918, at the home of Wm. Schmidt, who gladly gave the use of his place for the sale. The day was one never to be forgotten b\ the people of Danville. It was a gala day for all, and people came from far and near. All business places at Minnesota Lake, the nearest town, were closed

DUt to play a lew selections. Mr. George M. Calmer, chairman of the Mankato Chapter was present and gave a short talk before the sale. M. J. Ryan auctioneer, also made a tew remarks and the sale was on. Much credit is due Mr.

Not having a town hall in Danville, the meet ings of the branch were held at the home', of the members it being impossible for all to meet at one place, two auxiliaries were organized lati r on in the northwestern part and the othet in the southwestern pan of Danville township. Under the supervision of Miss Lizzie Piltz and Mrs. George Kaus, sewing director, the work progn ssed nicely.

to boys overseas at Christmas time. During the drive lor the Belgian clothing relief, two boxes were collected and shipped by the commiltee. Owing to the death of her brother, Miss Lizzie Piltz resigned and Mrs. Mike McCadle was appointed to succeed her as chairman. Mrs. Ed Ogle also resigned and Mrs. John Albiight was appointed to take her place.

Officers - President, W. W. Hulee; Vice- President, Mrs. George Macbeth; Secretary, Mrs. Kate Cook; Treasurer. I. B. Reynolds. Committee on finances, August Swenson, and G. A. Harrin; on work, Mrs. J. L. Cummins, Mrs. E. D. Pickle, Mrs. August Swenson, Mrs. G. A. Harien and Mrs. John Jackson. I. O. O. F. lodge No. 86, donated the use of a room to the branch for work for the duration of the war.

There was always plenty of funds to draw from. An auction sale, dances, a play by the Sugar Grove school and a street carnival where a lunch, ice cream, soft drinks, flowers, etc., were sold, were all means toward raising funds for the common cause. A red and white quilt pieced in the design of the Red Cross netted the branch $113.00. Just before Blue Earth county received the allotment for socks a purchase of $300 worth of grey yarn made it possible for Eagle Lake to "go over the top" with their share of the allotment. The branch never was short on any allotment but made their full quota for the linen shower and comfort kits on time. Every boy who entered the service and received his mail at the Eagle Lake postoffice or whose parents resided in the village was provided through the local Red Cross with a comfort kit. Large collections of clothing for reiiel in Belgium were sent through the chapter and one large box of clothing was sent direct to Newark, N. J., for the same relief. Contributions of clothing and bedding and $25 cash were sent to the people of the fire swept district of the north. The sum of $25, was also sent to Tyler for those suffering from the effects of cyclone. Connected with the branch is the Junior Red Cross including the following schools: Eagle Lake, Hill, Mock, Buskey and Wood.

Since organization the branch has collected through all sources including memberships, $1,- 682.29, and paid out $1,334.76, leaving a balance of $347.53. This balance has been forwarded to the chapter with the exception of $100 which we were allowed for local Red Cross work.

'Twas a great relief unto my mind, When I heard the armistice was signed; And I tho't to myself, now the war is done. We R. C. ladies' can have some fun. No more will we have to sit and knit. And worry and fret for fear it won't fit; But we'll go out calling most every day, And chat with our neighbors while we tat or crochet.

Indian Lake Red Cross Branch

The officers - Chairman, Mrs. A. H. McGrew; Vice- Chairman, Mrs. F. H. Griffin; Treasurer, Miss Katherine McCarthy; Secretary, Miss Bertha M. Graham.

Solicitors sent out by the chairman obtained 195 members and an additional donation of $109. The membership increased to 247 and the donations to $266.35 before the Christmas drive of 1917. Wondering how so much money could ever be worked into supplies, the Good Thunder bianch was launched on its mission. At this time, Mrs. Louisa Saunty offered the use of two rooms in her home to the workers. This offer was accepted and the rooms used until work was stopped.

The State Bank which had responded generously to all calls for help gave a special offering of one hundred silver dollars in commemoration of its twenty-fifth anniversary, in addition to taking out a iit'e membership. Nimble fingers soon used the money. It was decided to hold an auction March 15, 1918. The donations were so numerous that the sale was continued until late in the evening, although planned Cor the afternoon only. Much of the successful raising of $2,830 was due to the enthusiasm ol G. L. Pitch, who donated his services as aucin June, 1918, the ladies of St. John's Lutheran church opened their sewing rooms for Red Cross wnk. From then until the close of the work they continued turning out large numbers Di finely finished garments. The Ladies' Aid of Emanuel Lutheran church helped with donations of money. The sum of $4,790 was collect - I i all sunn es.

It is difficult to choose any deserving special mention among a number of faithful workers, but a few may be named who gave very generously of title and energy. Mrs. A. 11. McGrew as president; Miss Anna Weir, Mis. Fred .Mmlock; Miss Blanche Hayes on the hospital supply committee; Mrs. Mary Duff as captain of the sewing; and Mrs. W. H. McGrew. Much o£ the success of the Good Thunder branch was due to their willing sacrifice.

So eager were the Juniors for work that an application was made to Mr. Palmer for forming an auxiliary before he had received instructions. Taey were referred to the Northern Division which gave such instructions that work was started and the Junior Auxiliary completed as soon as Mankato had completed her organization. (It is believed that Good Thunder had the first Junior Auxiliary in the county i Mrs. John McCarty, Mrs. Ed. O'Neill and Miss Maty Duff later assisted by Mrs. Ralph Schneiderhan, and Mrs. Robert Pautsch took charge of the Juniors. The work was carried on one day of each week through the summer vacation as well as during school sessions. The work done by the Junior Red Cross formed no mean part of the town's outfit.

A drive for membership was held and so gen era! was the interest and response that in 1918, 291 members were reported. $303 In membership dues being sent in. Of these 281 were annual and twelve subscribing. For raising funds. one Red Cross auction, Ice cream and strawberry socials, public dinners, home talent play, school lunches, etc.. were held and people were most generous in their gifts to the work. Two boxes of garments were packed and shipped for Belgian Relief Work Christmas, 1918, sixteen Christmas boxes were sent to our American soldier boys. In the call for hospital linen, our allotment was met by providing 14 sheets, 64 hand towels; 30 bath towels; 40 handkerchiefs; and 6 napkins.

Up to January 1st, 1919, over $2,000 was taken in by the organization in cash. Of this amount, $1,258.90 was taken in at the auction held on the school grounds, March 2nd, 1918. Its largest membership reached nearly two hundred, which included Junior memberships from two or three of the neighboring schools. To the Grapeland ladies is due almost the entire credit for Ihe good work accomplished during the activities of the Red Cross organization here. Many names are worthy of mention, but probably none more than that of Mrs. lone Wallace, who, though a partial invalid, alone knitted about fifty pairs of socks.

Organized November 15th, 1917, with 17 members. Since this time the membership has reached 81, which for this territory is a record of one hundred per cent enlistment. The funds for the maintenance of this division were obiained through membership fees, sales, collections at meetings, and donations. The total amount secured in these various ways was $743. The expenditures for supplies and incidental approximated $543. A balance of $200 still remains undisposed of in the treasury.

In many cases the quota of work allotted to this branch was greatly exceeded. On one occasion sixty-six pairs of stockings, above the amount required, were completed. Eight women won the certificates which were distributed for exceptional application.

Associated with the Senior Red Cross was a junior division. The children through their own labors earned $40 for the support of their society. They furthermore, made 500 sun wipes; 200 mouth swabs; 3 afghans; 4 squares and 2ii handkerchiefs. During all this time, they were gaining lessons in Americanism, which because concrete will be the most enduring.

The Officers - Chairman, L. P. Jones; Vice- Chairman, Mrs. C. P. Christensen; treasurer, Dr. Wm. James; Secretary, Miss Effie Norman. New members were added to the branch and by September, 1918 there were 619 paid members.

The branch organized to work on July 16, 1917, with $300 in the treasury. The Treasury Club gave $125 from, a Red Cross benefit social and at an auction sale all things being donated, $2,- 200 was turned into the treasury at this sale. A musk-rat hide, donated by a small boy brought $300, it being sold and resold. It was afterward sent to different sales for the benefit of the Red Cross and became quite a famous hide much to the delight of the small giver, who gave the best he had of his small store to raise money for the relief and comfort of suffering humanity. The rest of the money was raised by monthly payments, starting September 16, 1918 and continu- ing until Novercbei 11, when the Armistice was signed. "I'hi.s amounted to $4,s:; monthly. At this time, November 11, there was $2,293.41 in the 1 1 i.i Miry.

In January, 1918, the cutting committee was appointed. Mrs. May F. Friend, Miss Maud H. Barney and Mrs. Adolph Bahma, who continued their work until August, when the work was purchased, all cut, from the nortnern division of the Red Cross. This committee saved the branch quite a sum of money to purchase material with.

tee, Mrs Maggie .\uit. was elected. Shortly alter this, both the Chairman and the Secretary resigned, and (!. L. Fitch was elected chaiiniai , and Mrs. Vlfred Olson, secretary, to till the unexpired term.

The village council gave the branch the use of the council room and the first six months they met there twice a week. The first of .November the village was divided into five neighborhoods and a captain appointed for each, and it was found that during the winter months they accomplished much more in this way. In December was held an indoor carnival and $212 was cleared; again in March an auction sale was held which cleared the branch $1,400. The branch purchased their own material and cut most of the garments made. During the time from the organization until the present time 2689 sewed and knitted garments were sent to the headquarters.

Each of the forty-seven boys leaving as enlisted or drafted men were given a comfort kit Hilly equipped. Thirty-one have been overseas, eight of whom have returned to their homes. Our Service Hag has forty-Six blue stars and one gold star, Leonard Danberry, having died of intlueii/.a al Camp Cody ahoul lour weeks alter leaving in the October, 1918 draft.

The Surgical dressing classes did splendid work under instructors trained by Mrs. G. M. Palmer of .Maiik.no. Our home service had very little to do except in the case of one family. They helped to get and approved of the allotment for the the meeting being held in the Pastime Theatre The Officers: Chairman, Mrs. Jennie B. John sinti; Vice -Chairman, Luella Ackerman; Treasurer, Mrs, Minnie lladlcy. Miss llonora Norton captain; Mrs. Magdalena Waddell. assistant captain for sewing on Tuesdays; Mrs. IV 11. O'Connor was captain; and Mrs. Emily EndiCOtt, assistant captain for sewing on Thursdays. Mrs with increasing membership and consequent workers a larger place lor meeting would need lo be provided. A committee consisting of Mrs. Louis Borchert and Mrs. B. F. McGregor were appointed by the chairman to interview the public library board relative to using the library two afternoons per week. The request being granted the move was made. Sewing machines were loaned by the Catholic Ladies' Aid Society, Mis. T. Howiescn, Borchert Bros.. Mrs. C. Young, Miss Mary Burns and Mrs. T, Hamp. The first woik meeting was held in the Libiary August 30th, 1917. The first shipment of work was taken to Mankato by Mrs. T. Howieson and Mrs. Jennie B. Johnston. August 28th.

About the 1st of November, 1917, Mr. 11. E. Hance, residing north of town on his farm which was also the Experiment Station, donated a registered pig to the cause and V. J. Greiner, John B. Carey, O. V. Karlberg were named a committee to sell the pig with the result that $432.94 was added to the Red Cross fund.

Sometime before this the Secretary, Mrs. Luella Ackerman, resigned and Mrs. Jennie Cooper was chosen, but she resigned in October on account of changing her residence to Minneapolis. Miss Cecelia Pettit was elected to fill the vacancy which she did very efficiently and is still at it. The by-laws of the branch were adopted and B. F. McGregor of the State Bank was chosen to le the fifth member of the executive committee and the regular monthly business meeting was to be held thereafter at the State bank the first. Thursday ot each month.

The next important event vras the Christmas membership drive and the providing for Xmas boxes for our boys at home and abroad, thirty - two of each. A twenty-five cent assessment was made which paid for the thirty -two loxes sent by the Chapter. Also took care of the postage and of the boxes donated by the public school pupils for the boys in cantonments. The membership drive v/as made by a number of workers, Edwina More, Mrs. B. Lob'y, Mrs. Goodrich, Margaret Emeison, Cecelia Pagel, Mrs. I. A. Lownes, with the result that $(185.75 was received before the close of the fiscal year. Through the efforts o£ Mrs. G. M. Palmer and Mrs. Paul Barney of Mankato, the local chairman was able to interest a number in Surgical Dressing department in April. In November, 191S a class in Elementary Hygiene and Home Care of the Sick was organized with Mrs. Lottie Wolff as instructor, and Miss Ursula Troendle as class secretary. Eight of the el ass were eligible for examination, all of whom received certificates from the Northern Division of the Red Cross, namely. Misses Ursula Troendle, Margaret Not ton, Honora Norton, Estella McCarthy, Edith Ackerman, Sophia Borchert, Ruth Healy and Mis. Mary Hund.

The Mapleton Junior Red Cioss was organized February 29th, litis. Mr. M'elvin, Mrs. Charles Schweitzer and Mrs. J. S. Emeison were appointed as a school committee. The proceeds of a "circus" entertainment given for the benefit of the Junior Red Cross, together with the membership fees, amounted to $280.20; and there still remains $152.59 in the treasury after paying for materials for knitting and sewing. The Mapleton school is planning to suppoit a French Orphan. There are eight county schools affiliated as auxiliaries. The country schools and Lutheran Parochial school turned over to the Junior Red Cross $44.25 and after paying for materials used si ill have in the treasury $36.38 with which they plan to support a war orphan for a year.

The financial report for the first year, from Julie 2nd, 1917 to July 1st, 1918, showed the total receipts to be $4,074.69, and the disbursements $3,795.37, leaving a balance of $279.32 in the treasury.

On Jan. 2, 1918, the chairman had the pleasure, with the consent of the chapter committee, of organizing a live Branch at Beauford. And again on May 24th, 191S, it was her privilege, with the consent of Mankato Chapter, to organize at West Medo.

A Home Service Committee was appointed consisting of Mrs. Helen Lelerman. Mrs. Thomas Howieson and Mrs. Dennis McCarthy. Upon only one occasion were they called upon to give aid and comfort to one of our boys, the last to go in

Cambria Red Cross Branch Surgical Dressing Class, Mapleton

I he final draft, was brought home a victim of the dreaded epidemic, the influenza. A military funeral was held and burial took place in the cemetery, the Home Guard taking charge and the Red Cross members attended in a body. Rev. Paul Edsel, who officiated, preached his first English sermon.

Mapleton branch went over the top on every occasion, sending large shipments to the Belgians in 1918, also to the first sufferers at Moose Lake. Two new quilts were sent to Mrs. A. B. Freidman and Mrs. Ed Benton at Moose Lake, Minn. In the two national war fund drives Mapleton donated $650 and $1,050 for the National woi k.

The financial statement of the Branch from July 1st, 1918 to January 1st, 1919, showed the total receipts to be $2,590.22, and the disbursements, $8S0.49, leaving a balance of $1,709.73 in the treasury. The total membership for the year 1918, was 400.

Among those who were appointed on standing committees other than those already mentioned were: Captain, Mrs. Hattie Wilde; assistant Captains, Mrs. John Schweitzer and Mrs. W. Strobel; Belgian Relief, G. N. Ackerman and J. W. Ateherson; Garment Cutting, Mrs. Thos. Howieson and Mrs. [tennis McCarthy; Knitting, Mrs. F'rank Goodrich. Mrs. Gertrude Chandler was our oldest knitter. Mrs. McQueen knitted the greatest number of articles.

During the month ol April, 1918, a Surgical Dressing class was organized in Mapleton by Mrs. Paul W. Barney of M'ankato. with a mem tership of seven. The Congregational Church kindh gave the use of the basement of the church tor the class work, and two (lasses wenheld each week. In all there veer? fifty worker.; in these (lasses.

The class of instructors consisted of Mis. .1. F. Bomburger, captain; Mrs. t. it. Taylor, vice captain; Mrs. G. (1. Fetterman, Mrs. J. F. Aibrecht. Mrs. II. M. Berry, Mrs. K. Hadley and Mrs. T. c. Busse.

Tin- Officers Chairman, Airs. Martin Sturm; vice-chairman, Miss Ella Brooks; Secretary, Miss Dorothy Roberts who was succeeded by Mi s Alma Anderson; treasurer, Mis. c. E, Saj

The meetings were held at the homes of the members once a wreek until the late summer. Twenty-four meetings were held with an average attendance of fifteen active members; dur-

The income was derived from different sources such as. branch portion of membership dues, donations, socials, war refund, etc.. to the amount of $287.83. The expenses amounted to $209.59 leaving a total of $7.s.24 in the treasury. On December 20th, 1918 a Red Cross drive was held in which In members were secured.

During the great World War. five of our boys entered the service, but only one of them, namely. Oscar 10. Anderson arrived overseas, from where he will never return as his star has turn ed to gold, but our remaining lour boys are still safe in the good old U. S. A

The officeis: Chairman. Mrs. George Haitlett: Vice -Chairman, Mrs. O. C. Kunkel: Secretary, Mrs. Silas .luliar; Treasurer, Mrs. \V. A. Just; of her house to the Branch which was its home until April 1st, 191S when Mr. Paul Kunkel tendered the branch the tree use of a home which it occupied.

Besides the sewing hours a special staff met on some other afternoon in the week for cutting, pressing and packing. At first this staff consisted of Mrs. Jess Skow, Mrs. W. A. Just, Mrs Carl Flo and Mrs. F. W. Bosin. Later M'rs. O. C. Kunkel, Miss Helen Just, Mrs. G. H. Schendel and Mrs. D. E. Bosin were added to this organization.

The Rapidan Branch was especially proud of their knitting record. Knitting was started about the last of September. 1917. and when the year's work was finished the report showed that It! pair of mittens, 96 pair of wristlets, 1058 pairs of