USA > Indiana > Decatur County > History of Decatur County's part in the World War, 1914-1918 > Part 13
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The schools did their part in helping to arouse the spirit of patriotism within themselves and in the community. Many meetings were held in which the causes of the war, the ideals of the nation, the demands for preparation, and the dangers of vicious propaganda were fully discussed. The pupils carried the messages of the hour into every home and played no small part in stimulating a local service that challenged the admiration of the entire state. During the year 1917-1918 the pupils of the high school put on eight patriotic programs.
Before the actual declaration of war, it was apparent that the maximum pro- duction and conservation of food would become one of the most important factors in determining the contest. Governor Goodrich issued a call urging that every able bodied person interest himself in the growing of crops. This message was presented to the pupils of the high school by W. W. Bonner on March 30. Im- mediately following Mr. Bonner's talk, the State Superintendent of Public In- struction was informed by telephone that the pupils of the Greensburg schools had previously organized for the purpose and that, at that time, 103 boys and 92 girls had signed for gardening, poultry raising and the like. In all, forty- three city lots were taken over by school pupils. Practically every foot of avail- able ground within the city limits was put under cultivation. Pupils of the schools cared for 39 acres during the summer, and the girls joined enthusiastically in con- serving the food supply. Girls clubs in canning, and developing the use of sub- stitutes for flour, sugar and lard conducted an active campaign under the direction of the supervisor of home economics. During the summer of 1918, the super- visor of vocational agriculture served as city gardener and the pupil's activities continued with increasing zeal. Several teachers assisted in supervising all the activities. A complete plot of the city was made. This plot displayed every city lot and every foot of available ground. During this summer all available ground was under cultivation.
When on April the sixth war was declared, two or three graduates of the Greensburg High School hold the honor of being among the first to enter the service from Decatur county. On the day of his enlistment one of the boys stated in substance, that he had decided that the world was in distress, that it was his duty to enter the service, and that he intended joining the Marines because he
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thought they would be the first ones sent across. This boy did credit to himself and county and won a medal for bravery and distinguished service.
By resolution, the board of school trustees offered the use of the buildings and equipment, and assistance of teachers and pupils in any activities that might further the interests of the country. The local Red Cross organization used the sewing rooms during the summer of 1917, and accepted two rooms in the high school building which were used as permanent work rooms and headquarters for one of their departments.
The superintendent of the city schools and many teachers participated in con- ferences, financial drives and in efforts at community organizations. Every teacher and school official accepted each call for service.
The class of 1916 donated the proceeds of their class play to the erection of a flag pole in the yard of the high school building, and the girls of the high school purchased the flag which is displayed on all special occasions or days.
The first call for relief funds was issued by the Young Mens' Christian Asso- ciation in May, 1917. The graduating class of 1917 donated the proceeds of the annual class play to this fund and hold receipt No. 1 in acknowledgement of the first contribution in the county to funds for the comfort of the soldier boys. A bronze tablet in recognition of this service occupies a prominent place in the corri- dors of the high school building.
One member of the class of 1917 enlisted in the navy five weeks before the close of school. The board of school trustees by resolution, May 1,.1917, author- ized the issuance of his diploma in recognition of his school record and of his patriotism. On the night of commencement, his diploma was deposited in a vacant chair decorated with the American Flag.
During the summer the teachers and pupils devoted their time to organized and supervised efforts at the production and conservation of food.
In the fall of 1917, under the supervision of the high school Principal, every eligible boy in the city schools joined the United States Boys' Working Reserve and fulfilled his obligation. Twenty-two boys, by extra work at the holiday season, on Saturdays and after school hours during the year, completed the year's work six weeks before the close of schools in May, 1918, and returned to work on the farms. Forty high school boys subscribed ten dollars each to the second Y. M. C. A. drive in November, 1917, and worked to earn the money. Every sub- scription was paid in full.
A permanent committee of forty-five girls was organized for the purpose of assisting in community work. The city was so divided that each girl had charge of a certain street or section. When any call for service came, the city was easily covered in less than a half day. In the campaign for the conservation of food supplies these girls made a final canvass of the city, after all others were through, and succeeded in placing food cards in the windows of 120 additional homes.
During the year 1917-1918, the schools did their part in financing the war through the sale of thrift stamps, war stamps and bonds. The girls committee solicited the city and on special days worked in the banks and stores in selling stamps. Not only did they help in the selling of these securities, but they were
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liberal purchasers. Every pupil and school official purchased stamps and the school registered one hundred per cent. perfect. On May 24, 1918, the total value of bonds and stamps purchased directly by the membership of the Greensburg city schools was $20,686.00.
The schools also registered one hundred per cent. perfect in Red Cross mem- bership, in that every one connected with the schools was a member of that organization.
During summer vacations, practically all the women teachers devoted one or two days a week to Red Cross work, in knitting, sewing and making surgical dressings. One of the teachers had charge of the comfort bag department of the Red Cross work. One hundred-fifty bags. worth from three to ten dollars each. were donated.
The pupils also contributed sewing to the Belgian Relief work and for the comfort of the soldiers. Most of the teachers spent their evenings and Satur- days assisting the County Board of Registration in filling out questionnaires in the registration of men for the service. After this work was done, they assisted in making card catalogues of the registered men.
During the evenings of the school year 1917-1918, and during the summers of 1917 and 1918 the supervisor of manual training conducted shop classes for all persons interested in preparing themselves to meet the calls for special service. This work, for the most part, was approved by the State Board for Vocational Education, and received state financial aid. Several of the younger men of the city took advantage of the opportunities thus offered.
On January 28, 1918, the State Council of Defense ordered all libraries searched for books and pamphlets containing propaganda inimical to the inter- ests of America and the Allies. The extensive library of the city schools contained no material of the kind and no reading matter had to be removed.
On Thursday, February 7, 1918, a County War Conference was held for the purpose of developing a greater spirit of service. The superintendent of the city schools, the county superintendent of schools, and the vocational director had charge of the educational section of this meeting. The following were presented as the "Aims of the Educational Section of the Decatur County War Conference" :
A. To stimulate patriotism and patriotic service on the part of the schools and school population of Decatur county.
B. To suggest plans whereby the educational forces may do their best in concerted action towards the successful issue of the war.
C. In co-operation with all agencies, to center educational activities upon doing the things demanded by our country of all patriotic citizens.
The schools of the county possess the best opportunities for propagating National Ideals, and stimulating a deep sense of patriotism. The legal basis, as well as the traditional ideals, upon which the school is founded, is the necessity for trained citizenship.
The school organizations come in daily contact with a larger number of homes in the country than does any other organization.
We, as teachers, recognizing these facts, and in harmony with the purpose of the institution, beg leave to offer to all the national and local organizations these
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institutions and our services, in advancing the supreme interests of our country during the present emergency.
To the Teachers :
We, the committee, believing that the best service to our country originates in high ideals and definite plans, offer the following suggestions as a basis for work in the various school rooms :
The support of our country and its officials is a matter of first importance. All gov- ernmental plans for adding to our strength and increasing our resources must have our fullest support. Some part of the daily program can be given over to the service of the Nation in any of the following endeavors :
I. Teaching national aims and ideals. 2. Teaching the progress of the war and other matters of current interest. 3. Stimulating patriotism. 4. Serving any recognized organiza- tion, as a voice in advertising and encouraging its enterprises. 5. Urging the purchase of thrift stamps. 6. Enlisting the service of all youthful labor. 7. Encouraging all boys to grow food. 8. Instructing girls in the importance of growing gardens and poultry, and of conserving food. 9. Protecting our institutions against the dangers of hostile propaganda.
These aims represent the present calls to civilian service, and, while the co- operation of the individual is purely voluntary, we believe that the inspiration of the hour and impulse of patriotism will lead us to increased activity. In full recognition of services heretofore rendered, and. with conviction that no more loyal organization than the schools of Decatur county exists, we, the committee, believe that with definiteness of purpose and concentrated effort our institutions shall meet the call of the hour with unselfish devotion.
The following resolutions then were presented and unanimously adopted :
Be it Resolved that we, the school officials and teachers of Decatur County, in War Conference assembled, do here pledge anew our loyalty to the ideals of our Nation and to the leaders who direct us, and that we welcome all opportunities to co-operate with all authorities toward the successful prosecution of the war.
We recognize the urgent demands of our country to be:
An awakening of our entire people to the significance of the war. The stimulation of a deeper sense of patriotism. Financial support of the government on the part of every citizen. For the boy at the front, a further encouragement of the Red Cross and Y. M. C. A. The increased production and conservation of food. A complete marshalling of all the forces of labor.
We further recognize the primary purpose of the school organization to be the sup- port of our Nation and its ideals.
Therefore, be it further resolved that in every way. by daily effort, and with persever- ing zeal, we shall, as an organization and as individuals, render the full measure of service demanded of every patriotic citizen; and that the service, loyalty and patriotism of the present organization shall become an inspiration to future generations.
During the school year 1917-1918 three high school boys enlisted in the navy. The class of 1918 donated the proceeds of the annual class play to the Red Cross war fund in May. A bronze tablet in the high school building also commemorates their spirit of loyalty and patriotism. The United War Work campaign was con- ducted in November, 1918. The boys and girls of the Greensburg schools re- sponded enthusiastically to the call. Each boy or girl subscribing five dollars was known as a Victory Boy or Victory Girl. Most of the pupils subscribed to the fund and approximately one thousand dollars was raised by their personal sub- scriptions. They earned the money in various ways, among the more common of which were mowing lawns, washing windows, clerking, selling mincemeat, cakes, etc., and running errands. All subscriptions were paid in full.
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Under the direction of the vocational supervisors, an exhibit of garden pro- ducts and canned goods was offered on September 11-14, 1918. This exhibit demonstrated the efficiency of the pupils and the extent of their work in food production and conservation. There was no one place down town large enough to hold the exhibit, so available vacant business rooms around the public square were used. The pupils of the high school adopted three French war orphans in September, 1918. Two of these cost thirty-six dollars each, and one, seventy-five dollars. Liberal contributions were offered by the pupils on March 26, 1920. for the French Statue fund.
Many of the enlisted men from Decatur County had been pupils in the Greensburg schools. Probably eighty-eight graduates of the Greensburg High School were in the service, and from the best information available about twenty- five of these were commissioned officers. The names of persons have been pur- posely omitted in this brief sketch. All the teachers and the entire roll of pupils would need be listed, for all engaged actively in every form of service. Most names, however, and details of record, are not lost, for they are kept in the archives of the school. What is true of the spirit of the Greensburg schools is likewise true of the schools of Decatur county. If the younger people of the entire nation are as loyal and patriotic no one can doubt the future of our country. The memory of their loyalty and patriotism will prove a valuable heritage to succeeding generations.
THE GREENSBURG DEPARTMENT CLUB
The Greensburg Department Club was organized in March, 1913. The club has been active in all lines of work pertaining to civic improvement and public welfare. A war circle was organized that more efficient service might be given in work for the Red Cross and other war activities. Thirty-nine comfort kits were made, filled and presented to the Decatur county boys. Contributions were made to the National Red Cross, to the local Red Cross, the Y. M. C. A., the Y. W. C. A., the Armenian Relief, United War Work, American Relief Fund, Library War Council, First and Third Liberty Loan Bonds and many hours of personal service rendered the Red Cross and in knitting for the soldiers. A French orphan was supported by the Art Department of the club.
WAR VICTORY COMMISSION
The War Department through the Commission of Training Camp Activities, designated a special work for the General Federation of Women's Clubs, namely the maintenance of one or more of the furlough areas in France, which would require $2,000,000. Indiana's share of this fund was $27,000. Each club member was asked to contribute $1.00. Many women of Decatur county, not members of any club, gladly contributed to this fund. Six hundred dollars was raised in De- catur county for the War Victory Commission through the Greensburg Depart- ment Club. Mrs. (J. F.) Anna C. Goddard, chairman ; Miss Anna Link, treasurer.
PHILO REBEKAH LODGE
Philo Rebekah Lodge, No. 75, I. O. O. F., was instituted January 26, 1872,
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with twenty-eight charter members. She has always done her share in helping the distressed, caring for the sick, and has never "passed by on the other side" when relief of any kind was needed. She now has a membership of over 300 and each and every member did all they could to help win the great World war. Five of her members enlisted: Henry Brown, Clarence Riley, Harry Anderson, Clar- ence Ferris and Harry Robbins. Brother Henry Brown was the only one who was sent over seas. Brother Clarence Riley made the one sacrifice. He was called to the Great Beyond from Camp Shelby. Philo Lodge also bought a $100.00 Liberty Bond, donated $20.00 to the Red Cross, $10.00 to the Y. W. C. A. and made sixty-seven hospital shirts.
Submitted under the seal of the lodge by Mrs. Ed Gaunt, secretary.
WAR WORK OF EAST MAIN STREET RED CROSS UNIT
This unit was organized February 1, 1918, with Miss Cora Donnell and Mrs. H. E. Bonner leaders. Their first work was cutting bed socks, cutting 271 pairs. They made several pairs. They also made: Eighty-six suits of pajamas, forty hospital shirts, thirty refugee gowns, twenty-two refugee drawers, seventy- four pillow cases, five pajamas, twenty-five comfort kits, forty-eight baby shirts, twenty-nine operating gowns. Closed February 1, 1919. The following ladies were members :
Mrs. Hamlin Anderson. Mrs. Orlando Burns, Mrs. Henry Bonner, Mrs. John W. Craig, Mrs. Cornelia Donnell, Miss Cora Donnell, Mrs. T. E. Davidson, Mrs. George Erd- mann, Mrs. Elizabeth Edkins, Mrs. Oscar Elder, Mrs. A. D. Galbraith, Mrs. Jeanette Howard, Mrs. John Hornung, Mrs. Oliver Hunter, Mrs. Joe Hatfield, Miss Alice Hatfield, Mrs. Pearl Jackson, Mrs. Rose Kercheval, Mrs. C. J. Loyd, Miss Anna Mowrer, Miss Gussie McCoy, Mrs. Mary McCune, Mrs. I. Carl Mitchell, Miss Edith Patton, Miss Myrta Patton, Mrs. Robert Shoffner, Mrs. Adam Sample, Miss Addie Snivley, Mrs. Harriet Thornburg.
Respectfully submitted, MRS. HENRY E. BONNER,
PEQUANNOCK TRIBE, No. 185, IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN
The Improved Order of Red Men is the oldest, purely American origin, of fraternal orders of the United States. Its fundamental teaching is true American- ism, therefore, when our beloved country called for men to serve in the great World war, our young men were among the first to respond. Out of a member- ship of two hundred and nineteen, Pequannock Tribe contributed sixteen of its members to the service and seven of these saw active service at the front and were in many battles, only one was wounded and that slightly. All returned home, proud of their record as Red Men and above all a true citizen of their country.
Pequannock Tribe contributed of its wampum (money) to the Red Cross and Y. M. C. A., and urged its members as individuals to contribute to these worthy causes and to aid in every way possible in our country's cause. (Signed) WILLIAM M. SNELL, Chief of Records.
THE PEQUANNOCK COUNCIL, NO. 111, D. OF P., I. O. R. M. On the sleep of the 12th Sun, Corn Moon, G. S. D. 407
Pequannock Council No. 111 was instituted in the hunting grounds of Greens- burg with fifty charter members, by Great Pocahontas, Mrs. Hicks, assisted by Hattie M. Hopkins, the great keeper of records. The degree staff of Mahoning Council No. 36, of Rushville, conferred the degree.
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The service flag was raised with an appropriate program, in honor of the following members who were in the service: James Towler, Frank Murdock, Charley Seward, Clarence Wright, Arthur Murdock, Elmer Seward, James Rigby, Harry Barnes, Alpha Barnes.
Red Cross work of different kinds was done by the ladies. Thirty-five dollars was donated for war work from the treasury.
Respectfully,
MRS. HENRIETTA LACY, Pocahontas
K. OF P. NO. 148, GREENSBURG, INDIANA
The fundamental principles of the Knights of Pythias order are truly American and consequently intensely patriotic.
During the great World war, Greensburg Lodge No. 148, K. of P., adhered to these patriotic principles and practiced them in an admirable manner. Out of the 600 members of this lodge, more than ten per cent. of the membership joined the colors for the purpose of fighting for human liberty.
At numbers of times large amounts were given out of the treasury of this lodge for the Red Cross, Y. M. C. A. and other kindred organizations doing benevolent and relief work in France.
The lodge also bought $6,000.00 in Liberty bonds, and was ready to go to the limit if more was needed.
A large contingent of the membership also organized a company of Home Guards.
While the membership is truly patriotic, still be it remembered they love peace and do not forget the cardinal principles of the order, Friendship, Charity and Benevolence toward all people.
CHARLES HOWE, Secretary.
LODGE NO. 475-BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS
The members of the Elks' lodge of Greensburg were 100 per cent Americans. The lodge contributed to every call made for assistance to carry on the great World war.
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Many of the members entered the service early in the conflict, and a fare- well dinner-dance was given by the lodge in honor of these, at which time patriotism ran high.
Those in the service were: Jo C. Johnston, Locke Bracken, D. A. Batterton, Oliver O. Kessing, Arthur E., Lemmon, Raymond J. Magee, Wm. S. Robbins. Norman Schlemmer, Dr. P. R. Tindall, Dr. Curtis Bland, Harry H. Fenley, Kenneth L. Jewett, James H. Lanham, Charles Ira Miller, Roy H. Miers, Philip Stapp, Frank Shaw. Robert C. Wright, Karl H. Zoller.
When the epidemic of influenza was at its height the Elks moved into the Lathrop Block on the east side of the square and turned their entire building over to the Red Cross for an emergency hospital, thus rendering to Greensburg and Decatur county invaluable service.
The great need of a county hospital was at this time impressed on the citizens of the county, causing them to hold an election for a memorial hospital which was found to have been successful when the votes were counted.
The Elks' Lodges of American institution furnished the Salvation Army with the money for their famous doughnuts which they served in the trenches, and to our boys over seas.
Furnished by the secretary,
HAL T. KITCHIN
LODGE NO. 36, F. & A. M., GREENSBURG, INDIANA
This lodge is the oldest secret order in the community and during the World war stood as it always has for the highest and best things for its citizens.
The honor roll in the lodge hall was one of which any order might well be proud.
Ira G. Rigby placed a flag rack on the wall and the ladies of the Eastern Star placed a beautiful silk flag in the rack for each man in the service who was a Mason.
Liberal contributions were made to all the war drives and Liberty and Victory Bonds were bought to the limit of its resources.
The Royal Arch Masons No. 8, and Greensburg Council No. 74, Royal and Select Masons, also performed their full duty to the Government as true Ameri- cans should always do in time of trouble.
Furnished by IRA G. RIGBY, THOMAS B. HAVENS, Secretary Royal Arch Masons.
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LADIES OF THE EASTERN STAR PEELING FIFTEEN BUSHEL OF POTATOES FOR THE BERGU (Upper) EASTERN STAR SEWING CLUB (Lower)
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WORK OF LOIS CHAPTER ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
Lois Chapter Order of the Eastern Star was organized in February, 1894, and has always stood for loyalty and patriotism. During the World war no more faithful set of ladies sewed for the Red Cross than those of the Eastern Star. They made many sample garments and if any garment was not made according to directions and measurements, they very graciously ripped out and corrected mistakes.
They began sewing for the Red Cross in May, 1917, after war was declared in April, and continued until the middle of March, 1919, sewing one whole day of each week for about two years, helping to finish the last of the quota for Decatur county.
The ladies made many sacrifices in home duties, preparing meals for those of family left at home on sewing days. They also were most regular on these days no matter how hot, or how cold, or how rainy.
But one week of the year was skipped and that was Chautauqua week.
While the ladies put in a hard and long day's work-eight hours-yet they enjoyed the social time as well.
They made pajamas, hospital shirts, refugee garments, underwear, children's dresses, and other children's garments, operating gowns, and also rubber cases. They also did quite a little knitting of socks and sweaters, etc.
When the Emergency Hospital, in winter of 1918-1919, was to be supplied with furnishings, the ladies willingly gave a second whole day of that week- (and on Saturday, too)-for making hospital shirts, making about thirteen that day. Two ladies outside of the O. E. S. helped all that day.
Many members of the O. E. S. who could not sew, donated thread or money for thread, then later the Masons furnished thread for the rest of the time. Pa- jamas, 613 ; other garments, 378 ; sweaters, ten ; socks, thirty-one pairs.
Cash donations were made to the different war drives. Several Liberty Loan Bonds were purchased.
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