USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Litchfield > The history of the town of Litchfield, Connecticut, 1720-1920 > Part 29
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The Auxiliary was started for the purpose of helping the soldiers in the Spanish-American War, and produced 3,646 hospital garments, and raised $708.10 during the summer of 1898. These amounts are interesting, as later we shall see the enormous figures which were piled up in money and output, after we had been trained to think in millions.
The Auxiliary was re-organized in October, 1900, as Auxiliary No. 5, of the American National Red Cross, which had by this time secured the protection and recognition of the United States Govern- ment for its insignia. On July 11, 1905, it was again re-organized and the Auxiliary became Sub-Division No. 1, of the Connecticut Branch. In March 1910, the Sub-Division became a full fledged chapter with jurisdiction over the entire county, and it was as the Litchfield County Chapter that we began our war work in 1914.
The Red Cross work rooms have been housed in various places. Some of the earliest meetings were held in the Town Hall. For the succeeding summers, the Lawn Club was put at the disposal of the Chapter, by the owner, Mrs. John A. Vanderpoel. The Community Center room was used for the first winter, when cold weather made the Lawn Club uninhabitable; for the following winters the Sanctum Club gave up the second floor of its club house to the workers.
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In 1916 the war still raged on, and "preparedness" became the great issue. Hobart Guion, George Guion, Edward Pikosky, R. Dunscomb Sanford and Frank Barrett organized a military com- pany, which was called the "Litchfield Rifles", and which met once a week for business and drill. Edward Pikosky, who had been a drillmaster in the United States Army, and Lieut. Robert F. Jack- son, U. S. A. (retired), trained the company.
At the same time another company sprang into existence, the "Litchfield Light Horse", with thirty members, and the weekly drills under the supervision of George Guion and Edward Pikosky became quite a picturesque feature of our quiet streets. These com- panies were purely civic and had no connection in any way with the state or federal governments.
Litchfield's daughters believed in "preparedness" as well as her young men, and a number of them joined the Rifle Club, becoming so proficient that they were regarded as a real bulwark against the Huns, should Litchfield ever be invaded. It is perhaps well to add, that while the Rifle Club held many of its meetings for practice in the "lock-up" of the Court House, no damage was done to building or members.
Our town was well represented at both Plattsburg Officers' Reserve Camps, in 1916 and 1917, several of our young men receiv- ing commissions.
In February 1917 came the severing of diplomatic relations with Germany, and we knew it was only a question of time when the United States would take her place with the Allies. Acting upon instructions from National Headquarters, the Litchfield Chap- ter of the Red Cross called a public meeting and took the necessary steps to put the chapter on a war basis.
The period which followed was a time of painful anxiety while the whole country waited for war to be declared with Germany. The state of tension which we all felt is shown by the following telegram, signed by Mrs. John L. Buel, as State Regent of the D. A. R., and about thirty men, representing all the business and professional interests of the town: "The following citizens of Litch- field, Conn., ask for positive stand for war with Germany to pre- serve national safety and honor"; and sent to President Wilson, Senator Frank B. Brandegee and Congressman James P. Glynn.
A state of war with Germany was declared on April 6, 1917, and the machinery for putting the nation on a war footing was set in motion. With our boys enlisting for service overseas, the older men welcomed the opportunity for patriotic service in the home town, and the Governor's call for the formation of a Con- necticut State Guard (popularly known as the "Home Guard") was quickly answered. A company of 63 infantry and 18 calvary was mustered in by Captain Henry H. Saunders of Norfolk, on May 24. With the formation of the Home Guard the "Litchfield Riflles" and the "Light Horse" were disbanded.
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With our entry into the war, the conservation and distribution of food became a matter of first importance. We were told that "food will win the war, don't waste it", in every mail, by every newspaper, and from every space where it was possible to hang a poster, and accordingly conservation became the order of the day. Our town clerk, George H. Hunt, received instructions from the Governor to appoint local Food Supply Committees, and thus began an era of canning. The Committee on Canning appointed by Mr. Hunt was merged with the Home Economics Committee of the Farm Bureau, Mrs. Philip P. Hubbard, chairman. A sub- committee, on Canning and Labor (an excellent title) with Miss Harriet M. Richards as chairman, worked valiantly to conserve sur- plus fruit and vegetables. A volunteer force was organized and canning was done for individual customers, supplies were laid in for the school lunch room, and goods were prepared for sale. The work was partly done in the school kitchen and partly in the rooms of the Farm Bureau. Miss Amy Thurston, Mrs. William S. Plumb, and many others helped to make this work the great success it was.
All the organizations in town did their bit in one way and another to help "win the war". The Garden Club gave demonstra- tions in the preparation of food, did much publicity work in the interests of conservation, distributed war recipes, and held sales of fruits and vegetables which might otherwise have been wasted. These "French Markets" as they were called, were held on the Green and the booth was an attractive sight.
The Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter of the D. A. R., cooperated heartily in all the local war work, besides carrying on the special lines of work undertaken by their organization. In the making of surgical dressings, in knitting, in food conservation, in the salvage of materials needed by the Government (such as the fruit pits which were collected for use in the manufacture of gas masks), and in the support of all the Liberty Loan Campaigns and all the numer- ous drives for money, the members proved themselves true daugh- ters of those sturdy pioneers who laid the foundations of the democracy we were fighting to save.
Mrs. John L. Buel was appointed a member of the Women's Committee of the State Council of Defense, representing the Daugh- ters of the American Revolution, and was elected first vice-president of the Committee. The chairman of the Local Committee for Litch- field was Mrs. F. A. Stoddard.
Under this Local Committee of the State Council of Defense, a splendid food show was given on April 18, 1918, in the Town Hall, to demonstrate what could be done with the substitutes we were asked to use instead of our accustomed foodstuffs. The exhibits were not only attractive to the eye, but were absolutely convincing as to the possibilities of war cookery, as each visitor was given a paper plate and spoon and allowed to discover for himself how delicious food could be, and yet be within the bounds we were asked
MRS. JOHN LAIDLAW BUEL, STATE REGENT, D. A. R. (Elizabeth C. Barney Buel)
CHARLES H. COIT, CHAIRMAN, LIBERTY LOAN CAMPAIGNS
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to keep by Mr. Hoover, the Food Commissioner. Brilliant posters (without the posters these years of war would have been drab indeed) set forth much useful information. In the evening lec- tures were given by Miss Hays of Storrs Agricultural College and by Miss Bronson of the Farm Bureau.
An all-day Victory Conference was held in Litchfield on May 8, 1918, by the State Council of Defense, under the direction of Mrs. Stoddard and her Local Committee.
The "gasless Sundays" which we were asked to observe were well respected. "Wheatless days" and "meatless days" were scru- pulously kept, and most of the clubs in town gave up refreshments at their meetings, or if a cup of tea was served, all were asked to supply their own sugar. "War gardens" were the fashion, and with the great scarcity of labor a unit of the Women's Land Army, popularly known as "farmerettes", which was stationed in Litchfield, proved of real value.
The first Liberty Loan Campaign was inaugurated by a meet- ing of representatives of all the women's organizations in town, called by Mrs. John L. Buel, who had been appointed chairman of the Women's Committee for the Loan. Plans were made to canvass the town, and a mass meeting arranged for June 10, 1917. At this public meeting, which was held in the Congregational church, on Sunday afternoon, Charles H. Coit, chairman of the Liberty Loan Committee explained the business side of the Loan, and patriotic speeches were made by Rev. Frank J. Goodwin, D.D. and Mrs. Goodwin.
The district covered by the Committee for this Loan was Litch- field, Morris, Bethlehem, Washington, Warren, and Goshen; and the total subscriptions were $69,050.
The second Liberty Loan was tremendously helped by the rally held on October 25, 1917, which was planned and carried out by Edward H. Sothern. $155,000 had been subscribed before the Rally, and the amount subscribed at the meeting was $98,750. The pro- gram consisted of patriotic music, recitations by both Mr. and Mrs. Sothern, and the reading of the Honor Roll of those Litchfield boys who were in the service of the country.
The district covered by the second Loan was the same as the first, a quota was given of $146,000; and total amount subscribed was $305,450. ,
The special feature of the third Liberty Loan Campaign was a patriotic rally held at Colonial Hall, April 8, 1918, with Judge Robert W. Munger as the speaker of the occasion. The singing was led by Thomas F. Ryan.
Bantam held its own rally for this Loan, under the direction of Winfield Scott Rogers and Miss Nellie M. Scott; and the occa- sion was a great success.
For the third Loan the district was changed to the town of Litchfield, the quota was $150,500; and the amount subscribed, $217,-
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750, shows that our town had gone "over the top" again. It is a matter of pride, that as far as is known, Litchfield has never failed to fill, and more than fill, the quotas which have been set for her, in any of the many drives.
Litchfield was awarded an Honor flag for this Loan and an interesting celebration marked the raising of the flag. There were several four-minute speeches, Mr. Rogers being the first speaker in honor of Bantam's splendid record. The flag was raised by Miss Nellie M. Scott of Bantam, assisted by Mr. Coit. The assistance was so vigorous that the rope was pulled out, leaving Old Glory flying at the top of the pole with only one halyard. Louis J. Goodman Jr. came to the rescue, "shinnied" up the pole, and brought down the flag. The exercises then proceeded according to schedule.
A "community sing" was held on the Green on Saturday, Sep- tember 29, 1918, at noon, at the request of the New England Liberty Loan Committee, to mark the official opening of the fourth Loan. The singing was led by Judge Ryan, assisted by Albert J. Haus- mann, bugler.
The district for the fourth Loan was again the town of Litch- field, the quota was $315,000, and the amount subscribed $437,000.
The Victory Loan in May, 1919, was not marked by any special features. House to house canvassing by the women of the town was done for all five Loans, and the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts helped greatly in the campaigns.
For the fifth or Victory Loan the district remained the town of Litchfield, the quota was $237,000, and the amount raised $297,300.
The first Red Cross War Fund Drive for $100,000,000 followed immediately after the first Liberty Loan campaign, and was held the week of June 18-25, 1917. John H. Lancaster was appointed chairman of the drive. The territory covered by the Chapter was in a state of re-adjustment, and in April, 1917, the word "County" had been dropped from the name as it no longer applied, many sections of the jurisdiction formerly covered having left the Chap- ter. The quota for the Litchfield Chapter was $15,000, and the total amount collected was $26,076.53.
The second War Fund Drive held by the Red Cross for a second fund of $100,000,000 was held in May 1918. By this time the terri- troy covered by the Litchfield Chapter was thoroughly organized and was hard at work answering the ever increasing orders for more and more output. The quota was again $15,000 and the sum of $34,433.75 was raised. Twenty five per cent. of this amount was retained by the Chapter for the work in surgical dressings.
The work of the Red Cross increased enormously with our entrance into the war. To Mrs. Coit, as chairman of the Produc- tion Committee, to Mrs. Charles N. Warner, supervisor of knitting and refugee garments; to Mrs. John Dove, supervisor of hospital garments; and to their faithful workers is due the credit for the production of 242,578 surgical dressings, 5,953 knitted articles, 3,734
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hospital garments, 2,407 refugee garments from October 1916 to October 1919. The Junior Red Cross, under the leadership of Mrs. William J. Dykes, produced 3,447 refugee garments in addition to those mentioned above.
With the increasing war work the clerical work of the Chapter became so heavy that a central office was a necessity. While the Executive Committee was still looking in vain for office room, Judge Ryan generously offered the use of a room in his building, which was supplied with all the equipment needed, such as type- writer, telephone, etc. The offer was gratefully accepted, and the executive secretary held regular office hours from August 1918 till the following June. The room is still occupied by the Chapter.
These were days of much public speaking, there was so much that the people needed to know about, and so much that they were expected to do, when it had been told to them. The Litchfield War Bureau and the Litchfield Grange arranged a patriotic rally for February 28, 1918, and Prof. Charles M. Bakewell of Yale Univer- sity told us from his personal experiences something of the real nature of our enemy. This was one of the finest war talks heard in Litchfield, and the occasion was also memorable by the dedica- tion of the Grange Service flag with its seven stars.
With our joining the Allies, the display of Old Glory became almost universal, and nearly every house carried the colors. As our boys departed to help "make the world safe for democracy", another flag began to be seen. This, the "service flag", hung in the window and indicated by the blue star on the red-bordered white field that a member of the household had left it for the country's service. More than one house in our town bore a service flag with three stars on it. Each church had its flag showing the number of its young men who were in the army or navy.
On April 27, 1918, through the generosity of one of our residents, the people of Litchfield were given the privilege of hearing the soldier-poet, John Masefield, talk on "The War and the Future". No one who heard Mr. Masefield will ever forget the quiet way in which he gave picture after picture of the war in all its horror, and when the tension seemed more than one could bear, lightened it with a flash of the characteristic humor of the Tommies. After his lecture Mr. Masefield read some of his poems. No admission was charged, Mr. Masefield turning over his fee to the Red Cross.
A second lecture was given by Mr. Masefield on July 30, under the auspices of the Historical Society, for the benefit of the Red Cross.
A campaign for the sale of War Saving Stamps, beginning June 28, 1918, was conducted by Thomas F. Ryan, Chairman of Litchfield township. A thorough canvass was made and pledges were secured from 2,656 adults over 14 years of age, covering pur- chases of $8,330 par value of stamps, and minimum pledges of $21,395 more during the coming year. The quota of 88 per cent.
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reached in Litchfield was the highest recorded anywhere in the state, in respect to the total number of registrations, making Litch- field the banner town.
In order to finish the account of the drives held in Litchfield, we will jump to November 1918, and the campaign for funds held by the seven war relief agencies, and known as the United War Work Campaign. When the Red Cross first asked for $100,000,000 it seemed as if the high water mark in giving had been set, but the seven agencies, combining in one drive, asked for the sum of $250,- 000,000 to complete their war obligations. The seven agencies were the Y. M. C. A., the Y. W. C. A., the Knights of Columbus, the Jewish Welfare Association, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association and the Salvation Army. In spite of the fact that the Armistice had just been signed, with the inevitable let-down of enthusiasm for war work, the quota of $11,- 250 was exceeded; the sum raised amounting to $11,491.45.
During the preceding summer, Mrs. L. P. Bissell had collected by means of a "Crucible", articles and jewelry of gold and silver. The contents of the Crucible was sold for the sum of $200 and the money given to the War Camp Community Service fund.
Rev. William J. Brewster was the chairman of the Near-East Drive, 1919, the quota was $4,600 and $5,867.33 was subscribed.
Besides these drives which have been described in detail, num- erous lesser drives were held, such as the three membership drives of the Red Cross; the two clothing drives for the sufferers in Europe; a "Linen Shower" for the French hospitals; a drive for associate members for the Boy Scouts; the same for the Girl Scouts; for the Y. M. C. A. and the Y. W. C. A .; for books and magazines for the soldiers; so that scarcely a week passed without an oppor- tunity to show one's generosity and patriotism.
In all that was done to "keep the home fires burning" it must be understood that the school children did their full share. Through the Junior Red Cross and through the general war work of the town, they were brought into direct contact with the great needs of the time, and responded as our future citizens should.
The task of collecting and preserving the history of the Litch- field men who served in the great war, will be done by the two posts of the American Legion, which have been formed in Bantam and in Litchfield. There has not been time since the return of the men and the formation of the Posts to do more than make a beginning of this work. At the present writing, one of our men, Robert K. Munroe, is still with the engineers at Coblenz.
With the exception of one group of men who served together in the 102nd Infantry the Litchfield boys were scattered through the forces, and were in many different branches of the service. Lieut. T. A. Langford, in the Marines, was wounded twice and saw much heavy fighting. Among those in the aviation section, were Allan Trumbull, Alexis Doster, Henry L. Page, James Kirwin,
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Edward P. Heath. £ Those who served as medical officers were Dr. Charles H. Turkington, Dr. Charles I. Page, Jr., Dr. Nelson Lloyd Deming, and Dr. John E. Keller. Dr. William Champion Deming, a former Litchfield man, also served in the war.
During the summer of 1917 the Selective Draft had been put in operation, William T. Marsh serving on the Board. The first six men left for Camp Devens at Ayer, Massachusetts, on September 9. From time to time other groups left, and were wished God- speed by those who gathered to see them off, many of whom went with the boys to Torrington, where they entrained. The Red Cross saw that the men were supplied with knitted comforts and gave them a farewell supper before they left. A Smoke Club was organized by the business men of the town to supply the boys with tobacco.
With our men in the training camps, on the high seas, and in the trenches, the State Council of Defense made an appeal that our celebration of the Fourth in 1918, should be not only "safe and sane", but of such a character that all the elements of the com- munity would be drawn together in a common observance of the day. The committee in charge decided upon an old-fashioned picnic, and invited the people of Morris, Goshen and Bethlehem to join us. The day started with a fine parade in which many organi- zations of the town were represented and a special feature was made of the floats, prizes being given for the best.
After the parade all gathered on the Green, hunted up the lost members of their party and settled under the shade of the trees to enjoy a picnic lunch. As the people sat together in this "folksy" way, the thought of the boys with the colors made an under- current of sympathy and neighborliness.
After the lunch the exercises were held in the West Park, the Hon. Porter H. Dale of Vermont making the address. The usual Fourth-of-July thunder shower lent a touch of excitement to the day.
Of those who went from Litchfield, some had already at this time made the supreme sacrifice for their country. There were in all ten service flags in our town, which were entitled to change the blue star for the gold star of honor.
The first man to give his life was Howard C. Sherry, who died of pneumonia at Camp Johnston, Florida, on January 16, 1918. Robert P. Jeffries died of the same disease on January 20, at Camp Gordon, Georgia. A military funeral was held for Howard Sherry at the Methodist church, and on the following day, a similar ser- vice was held at St. Paul's church in Bantam, where Robert Jef- fries had lived. The Home Guard and a delegation from the Red Cross attended both services.
Corporal Frank A. Morgan, Co. M., 102 Reg., was the first man to enlist from Litchfield. Twice rejected because of underweight, he did not give up, and was able to enter the service when the weight limit was lowered. The first to volunteer, Morgan was the
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first man to lay down his life in battle. His mother, Mrs. G. Durand Merriman received the following letter, giving the circum- stances of his death: "Your son, Corporal Frank A. Morgan was killed June 20, 1918, near Mandres in the Toul sector. He was killed by the concussion of a shell; even though he died instantly, there was not a mark on him. ... When we first went into the line he acted as a runner between the platoon and company headquarters and did his work so well that I proposed his name to the company commander as one to be made corporal at the first opportunity, and I am sure that had he lived he would have continued to win promo- tions. He is buried in an American Military Cemetery and the flag he fought for floats over his grave, while by his side are com- rades who with him have paid the supreme price".
A letter which Corporal Morgan wrote to his mother expresses the splendid spirit with which our forces met their baptism of fire. "Somewhere in France.
My dearest beloved Mother:
Well I have not written to anyone now for a week but it seems like a month. We will be in our rest camp in a few days so I'll write a nice long letter. Just received three letters from you and you know I always love to hear from home and Mother. Also got a letter from Chas. I am sitting outside writing this letter and several of the fellows are doing the same. It has been a "perfect day". Saw some nice flower gardens here and pansy beds. Sum- mer comes early. We have also had some nice air raids today. One German plane was brought down burning. Air raids are as regular as the clocks in most parts of France. But they never do any harm. It is pastime for us to lay on the ground and watch them dip and duck around in the sky.
You have probably heard by this time that the 102nd made a good showing on the line. We will show the enemy what it is to provoke the "Stars and Stripes". Now I can tell you that I've been in the first line trenches, face to face with Fritz. The first time we were in for five days, then we came out for five and went in again. The first time we didn't lose a man. But the second time we had our first experience with gas. We went in with 230 men but returned with a few less. Of course we mourn the loss of our comrades. But you need not worry about me for I'm safe with the company. You know what Sherman said? Well you can promise the world I said he was right. You know it will mean business this summer. But we want summer to come any- way and have it over. I would like to be sitting under the old apple tree this summer, but I will next year believe me. You tell everybody I say this is Fritz's last try and it is bound to fail. ... Glad you are all well and happy and there's no reason why you shouldn't be for I am.
Well I can't write much more as it is getting late, lights out at nine o'clock. And whatever you do don't worry about me. May
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God protect me till we meet again for I'm sure we will. Write soon and often to your loving son,
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