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WWI
French-Belgian Relief Association
McLean County, Illinois
(Transcribed by: Teri Moncelle Colglazier)

The French, Belgian-Allied Relief Association finished its work, and on Friday, March 28th, 1919, made the last shipment to the devastated countries. This statement did not mean a great deal to the people at large, but for those faithful women who have given unsparingly of their time and strength, the closing of the shop had a deep significance. To Mrs. G. B. Read was due the credit for the beginning of this work. Early in the fall of 1917 she became interested in war relief work thru her visits to the different headquarters in Chicago, and eager to do something of which Bloomington might be proud, she gathered about her a small group of women, who immediately caught her enthusiasm for the splendid work. She turned over several rooms in her home to their use and in October, 1917, forty-five children's complete outfits were made. In all, 1213 garments were sent across to relieve the suffering in France in the first shipment. The call for relief became louder, interest increased and the work grew to such proportions that it became necessary to seek rooms more centrally located and better adapted to the work. On November 1st, Mrs. Ralph D. Fox kindly donated the vacant building at 426 North Main Street. It was here that the organization was perfected and the first regular meeting held. The following officers and directors were elected at this time: President, Mrs. G. B. Read; 1st Vice-President, Mrs. H. S. Eckhart; 2nd Vice-President, Mrs. A. W. Anderson; Secretary, Mrs. F. C. Cole; Treasurer, Mrs. W. L. Moore; Directors, Mrs. Kate Brown, Mrs. R. C. Baldwin, Mrs. Charles Brokaw, Mrs. David Davis, Mrs. Alonzo Dolan, Mrs. C. B. Detrick, Mrs. Ralph D. Fox, Mrs. J. T. Johnson, Mrs. Anna B. Wade, Mrs. K. D. Welch, Mrs. Louise Robinson. In March, 1918, it again became necessary to move, and through the kindness of Frank Oberkoetter, the rooms at 115 South Main Street were secured and were used for the work until its close. The Board was very grateful to C. B. Hamilton, who did all the hauling free and which meant from two to nine boxes a week for eighteen months; also to T. P. Murray and E. H. Henniger who faithfully donated their services as packers. As an association they always went "Over the Top" in every undertaking, whether it was Christmas Packets, French Orphans, an appeal for helpers, or what not, their dreams were more than realized and the quotas more than filled. The French and Belgium Relief Shop meant much to the community. It was open every day, except Sunday, from 9 A. M. to 5 P. M., since its organization, with some members of the Board always in attendance. Church Aid Societies, Clubs, Lodges, Leagues, Thimble Societies, etc., worked there in a body, each having a special day of the week for its meeting. There were all sorts of entertainments given for the purpose of raising money, notable among them being "The Story Hour" given by Miss Raycraft, "The Birds' Christmas Carol" produced by Mrs. Rodenhauser and her assistants, "Our Children" put on by Miss Winifred Kates; "The Ladies Minstrels" elaborately staged by the Daughters of Isabella; "The Garden Party" at the Country Club, the "Pavement Dance" on East Jefferson Street, "The French Market and Melting Pot," managed by the Sigma Kappas, the "Three Day Fete" at "The Oaks," the "White Elephant Sale," managed by the Kappa Kappa Gammas, and a number of social functions, all donating their proceeds to the work. Through the French and Belgian Association, the first French Orphans were adopted. Mrs. Read and Mrs. David Davis had charge of that part of the work and it was due to their untiring efforts that McLean County could boast of having adopted 500 orphans. Mrs. David Davis also had charge of the Christmas Packets, of which 1095 were sent to the wounded in hospitals of France and Italy. In October, 1918, a little Gift Shop was opened in the west room of the Irvin Theatre building, the use of which was generously donated by Clarence Irvin. Here were to be found all sorts of dainty handmade gifts, and every afternoon tea was served in a charmingly appointed little tea room by young women who were glad to be of service. Mrs. Edith Fielding was chairman of this department of the work, until called out of the city. Miss Harriet Hallam was her able successor, who with her corps of helpers turned over $1000 to the Relief Association. Mrs. H. M. Rollins was chairman of the Committee on Refugee Bags, and with her helpers packed 199. Mrs. Rollins alone filled 1500 housewives, these little cases containing sewing materials. Mrs. Mark Drum has been a faithful chairman of the Layette Committee, 505 complete layettes having been made and packed, to date. In January the Board expended the sum of $1500 in blankets, which were sent across. 1324 comforts and quilts have also been packed and sent. The total in garments packed and shipped was 60,019. It is quite impossible to tell of all the good works of the association. Local charities have been helped from the overflow. To all those who have given of their time, money, and strength the directors were deeply grateful and felt confident that they have been doubly blessed in the giving. The following summary of shipments to the different countries made by this organization showed: Women's garments to France, Belgium and Italy 1,513 coats, 275 suits, 856 dresses, 708 skirts, 944 waists, 277 petticoats, 138 drawers, 43 chemise, 796 underwear, 292 pairs stockings, 112 aprons, 50 shawls, 35 sweaters, 237 scarfs. Total of 6,276. Refugee bags, each containing 28 articles 71 bags to France, 24 to Belgium, 21 to Italy; total of 3,248 articles. Also 93 bags to Italy each containing 27 articles. Total of 2,511 articles. Miscellaneous garments shipped to France, Belgium and Italy 1,324 comforts, 437 blankets, 219 pillows, 466 pillow cases, 305 towels, 1,119 handkerchiefs, 43 sheets, 15 wristlets, 153 pairs mittens, 707 pairs shoes, 14 aviator vests. Total 4,802. For Babies 1,502 rompers, 12 baby gowns, 12 kimonas, 1,156 dresses, 37 jackets, 316 bootees, 25 bibs, 7 skirts, 61 diapers. Total, 2,128. Soap and other articles 1,537. Christmas packets to French and Italian hospitals and to French orphans, 1,175. Hospital garments to France 486 bandages, 106 bands, 60 bed socks, 12 bath mitts, 46 operating masks, 16 leggins, 195 con caps, 36 ice bag covers, 9 hot water bottle covers, 636 cup covers, 80 lunch cloths, 5 table cloths, 22 spreads, 229 napkins, 18 hospital shirts, 38 bath robes. Total, 1,994. Layettes Total of 505 to France, Belgium and Italy, containing 13,635 articles. Men's garments to France, Italy and Belgium 67 overcoats, 221 coats, 129 suits, 175 pants, 329 vests, 456 shirts, 594 underwear, 184 pajamas, 211 sweaters, 1,554 socks, 45 caps. Total of 3,965. Boys' garments 42 overcoats, 97 coats, 376 suits, 615 pants, 1,001 waists, 442 underwear, 84 sweaters, 353 caps. Total of 3,010. Also 37 refugee bags for boys, containing 481 articles. Girls' garments 553 coats, 16 suits, 4,588 dresses, 87 middies, 69 skirts, 2,306 petticoats, 947 drawers, 8^4 waists, 489 gowns, 53 chemise, 478 aprons, 975 underwear, 1,180 stockings, 69 sweaters, 1,387 caps. Total 14,011. Refugee bags for girls Total of 57 shipped, containing 741 articles. The reports on Belgian orphan funds was as follows: Christmas fund, $100; assigned Belgian orphans adopted 14, $616; fund to Belgian orphans, $1,580.50. Mrs. Mabel W. Moore, treasurer, made the following report covering finances from November, 1917, until March 27, 1919: Receipts Donations $2,198.35, monthly donations $842; garden party $164, street dance $1,070.52; French market $582, lawn fete $5,663.71; white elephant sale $1,670.12, melting pot $122.80; gift shop $1,000; other entertainments and miscellaneous, $1,875.86. Total of $15,189.36. Paid out For materials, heat, light, janitor, freight and incidentals, $11,346.28; association adopted 15 French orphans, and to provide for them next year loaned $2,000; total paid out $13,346.28. This left a balance in treasury on March 27, 1919, of $1,843.08, which the board voted executive committee should use as they saw best. Mrs. David Davis, as County Chairman of The Fatherless Children of France Committee made the following report: February first for McLean County, 375; Bloomington, 196; County outside of Bloomington, 179; No. previous to October 1st, 78; total 453. No. still to be returned, 15. Grand total, 468. [McLean County, Illinois, in the World War, 1917-1918; by Edward E. Pierson & Jacob Louis Hasbrouck c 1921]

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