Visit the National Genealogy Trails Site

McLean County Home

Visit the Illinois Genealogy Trails Site

WWI
Bloomington War Council
McLean County, Illinois
(Transcribed by: Teri Moncelle Colglazier)

Of the many civic bodies in Bloomington that played a highly important part in the war, none is deserving of a fuller measure of credit than the Board of City Commissioners composed of Mayor E. E. Jones, and Commissioners E. R. Morgan, John F. Anderson, A. G. Erickson, and R. L. Carlock. At nearly every session of the council during the period of the war, there was some action of importance calculated to help win the great struggle. The council set the pace in patriotism by utilizing surplus funds for buying Liberty Bonds and War Savings Stamps to the extent of $24,832. The inauguration of the War Gardens, which vastly increased the output of vegetable foodstuffs, was a notable movement fostered by the City Council. This was in charge of Commissioner John Anderson. Hundreds of vacant lots were cleared of weeds and the public encouraged and assisted in growing vegetables. The total acreage thus utilized, was very large and the food produced reached a very considerable tonnage. This was one of the most successful side movements growing out of the war and many of these vacant lots have been cultivated following the signing of the armistice. In supporting the Council of Defense, and all other patriotic movements, the council was at all times quick to respond and 100 percent in achievement, and, in loyalty and activity, was second to none. The war council will always be held in grateful remembrance by the citizens of Bloomington and all McLean County as well. [McLean County, Illinois, in the World War, 1917-1918; by Edward E. Pierson & Jacob Louis Hasbrouck c 1921]

HOME