No
branch of the World's War could take the place of the
American Red Cross, and in that organization the Merrick
County Red Cross have just reasons for being proud of the
work done.
The
organization of the Red Cross Chapter in Merrick County
was first put in motion by Miss Nettie Jewell, Chairman
of a committee appointed by the Woman's Relief Corps of
Central City, Nebraska.
On
May. 4, 1917, representatives from the various women's
organizations in Central City assembled in Cuddington
Hall for the purpose of taking steps toward organizing a
Red Cross Chapter in Central City and vicinity. The
meeting opened with the singing of "America" by those
present. At this meeting a temporary committee on
organization was appointed as follows: Mrs. G. L.
Freebern, Mrs. G. P. Bissell and Mrs. R. E. Barge. The
first officers of Merrick County Chapter of the Red Cross
were, Chairman, G. H. Gray; Vice Chairmen, Miss Nettie
Jewell, Mrs. T. B. Hord; Treasurer. J. W. Vieregg;
Secretary, Mrs. R. E. Barge.
Clarks
made application for a branch on June 13, 1917; Silver
Creek, July 9, 1917; Palmer, July 9, 1917; Midland, July
9, 1917; Archer, July 9, 1917; Chapman, August 24, 1917.
The largest membership on record was April 1, 1918, with
a total membership in the county of 4,107, which does not
include the hundreds that joined through the Junior
Societies.
The
total amount raised for united war work purposes in the
County amounted to $21,883.60.
American
Relief, $306.50; Salvation Drive, $2,458.88.
There were also First Aid classes with Dr. H. E.
Glatfelter and Dr. Fred Fouts as instructors.
In
the report of Mrs. Heber Hord to Mrs. Chas. C. McEndree,
Chairman of the Surgical Dressing Committee, the
following was disclosed: 46,610 surgical dressings made
in the County; Palmer, Clarks and Central City, having
classes in the surgical dressing.
Miss
Nettie Jewel!, in her report of the garments sent out
from Merrick County disclosed that there were 145 yards
of goods made into sheets; 543 yards into pillow cases;
175 yards into operating gowns; 6,671 yards into pajamas;
3,882 yards into bed shirts, making a total of garments
made for soldiers 4,017, using 13,078 yards of material.
426 pounds of yarn were used for knitted garments for the
soldiers, making a total of knitted garments shipped
2,069. 875 pounds of yarn were used for refugee knitted
garments. The refugee sewing including garments and
infants layettes 3,099 yards of material were
used.
Nineteen
ladies received certificates of service for 400 hours
work; eleven for 800 hours service; two for 1600 hours
service and three for 24,00 hours service. These ladies
were presented with badges by the Chapter in appreciation
for their faithfulness, Mrs. Mattie Walker devoted a
great deal of her time to the work in the Red Cross and
has 2,836 buttonholes which she made to add to her
credit.
In
bringing the work of the Red Cross up to date, Merrick
County Red Cross Chapter contributed $800 for the relief
of the Pueblo suffers and $1800 for European
relief.
The
department of Civilian Relief or Home Section of the
American Red Cross is the department now devoted to
services to the ex-service men and their families. It is
the policy of this department to supply free service to
all ex-service men in presenting claims for compensation,
vocational training and similiar claims that the many may
have to present to the War Department. Through this
department, financial assistance, in the way of loans or
otherwise is rendered the men or their families when
circumstances justify such assistance.
The
calls for assistance in Merrick County has not been
great. The loans and donations made, will not exceed
$300. The department has assisted a number of the men in
presenting claims and securing compensation and other
assistance. At least two hundred cases have been handled
by the Home Service Section of the Merrick County
Chapter.
Mrs.
W. M. Welsh, Walter R. Raecke and P. S. Heaton have been
in charge of the work in this department since the
organization.
