USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Newton war memorial > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20
The Recruiting Committee co-operated with authori- ties in Brookline in recruiting Battery F, of which Cap- tain Sinclair Weeks, a Newton man, was first lieuten- ant. These men were provided with sweaters, socks and other articles by the Committee on Public Safety.
State Guard
Immediately after Company C entered the United States service and left for France, attention was given to the recruiting and organizing of a Company of the State Guard to replace it. The Newton State Guard Company was the first to be organized in the state under the State Guard Bill. This Company was known as Company A, 11th Regiment, Infantry, and was made up of 78 men.
Nine men compose the Machine Gun Unit of this Company, and a Colt machine gun with an automobile truck for its transportation was procured for their use.
Newton Constabulary
There were many men who wished for some military training and exercise, but who could not for physical or other reasons become members of the State Guard. They were, therefore, organized into a body known as the Newton Constabulary, which consisted of about 1.000 men : 8 companies, 2 battalions; officered by a Chief of Constabulary. Deputy Chief and Staff, 2 In- spectors, 8 Captains and 16 Lieutenants, with the neces- sary non-commissioned officers.
During the summer of 1918, members of the Con- stabulary served as special police officers and thereby enabled the regular force to have their usual vacations.
The influenza epidemic in the fall of 1918 also proved an opportunity for the Constabulary to perform worthwhile service in preparing the old Woodland park hotel for use as a hospital and 44 assisting in its work.
The Newton Constabulary aided in procuring several thousand dollars for special Red Cross work, and has co-operated in Food Conservation and other work of the Committee on Public Safety.
16
Work of Newton Women and Churches
17
PREFACE
"Women cannot fight, therefore, they should not vote." This slogan was used with the utmost serious- ness for many years by men and women of the highest intelligence in their attempt to stay the progress of time, and combat the efforts of those who were working to extend the suffrage to the women of the nation. These people entirely overlooked the fact that there is a second line of defence just as necessary as the first line, without which no war can be waged.
To this "second line" belongs the things in which women are preeminently fitted to take part : the nursing of the wounded, cheering of the sick and the homesick, the making of surgical dressings, the entertaining of the soldiers, thus keeping up their morale, and count- less other offices which any thoughtful person will recall as having been performed during the World War by the women of the different countries, irrespective of race, color, or religion.
When the war was over, men and women alike were ready to recognize the part played by women in the Great War, and their political emancipation followed as a matter of course.
The part which the women of Newton played in the Great War was of no mean rank, and the story of it, is a record of devoted, self-sacrificing service not to be out-done by any other community in the country.
It is a pity that the gathering of the records could not have been done immediately after the armistice, while events were still fresh in mind, but, since this was not done, the information which has been gathered
together in this record of achievement will, necessarily. be meagre, many records having been lost or mislaid, and some of those who were most active having passed where none can recall."
The above paragraphs were written by Miss Grace M. Burt, by whom the questionnaire used in the prep- aration of these reports was also prepared. Since then, Miss Burt has herself passed "where none can recall."
The present editor wishes to express her deep appre- ciation of the work done by Miss Burt, without whose aid it would have been impossible for her to "carry on."
What Miss Burt herself did in connection with the War, and in and for the City of Newton, will never be fully known until
"Earth's last picture is painted"-and
"The Master of All Good Workmen shall set us to work anew."
The present writer would express, also, her gratitude to those who have searched their minds, their attics, and their garages for such information as could be obtained, and given her the benefit of what yet remained.
Of necessity, there will be omissions and errors, but, every effort has been made to secure as complete a record as possible, and it is hoped that the accompany- ing story will prove to be, in some measure, an adequate account of the many and varied activities of the women of Newton as their share in the "second line of de- fence" during the World War.
18
WOMEN'S CLUBS
Many of the Women's Clubs which form at the present time so important and influential a part in the life of the City, were not organized at the time of the war. Conspicuous among these, are the Newton Community Club, and the West Newton Community Service Club.
In the southern part of the City, two organizations played a very vital part in the activities of the war, namely the Women Associates of Newton Highlands, and the Newton South Allies.
In Newton (Corner) and Newtonville the Special Aid Societies were very active, and the various branches of the American Fund for French Wounded included members from all of the Newtons.
Individual members from all of the clubs of the city cooperated with these organizations, and with the Red Cross, which eventually took over the war work of the citv.
Catholics as well as Protestants worked in and through all of the organizations of the war period, individual differences being merged in the good of the whole.
A striking example of this occurred during the influenza epidemic of 1918, when, in twenty-four hours, a hotel became a hospital.
Auburndale Woman's Club
This club was organized on May 5, 1917. Among the various activities which the club carried on during the period of the war, was the making of a card catalogue of its members for war preparedness. Com- mittees were also formed for conservation and for surgical dressingş.
The services of the club were offered to the Red Cross and generous contributions given to the Navy League, Public Safety Committee, War Food Fund, Red Cross, French Relief, etc. Liberty Bonds were also bought.
The club adopted a French orphan, and entertained both sailors and soldiers in the homes of members.
A bridge was given for the benefit of the surgical dressings committee, and a melting pot for gold and silver was carried on, the proceeds of which went for yarn for knitting for the sailors.
A unit of 55 club members went overseas under Dr. Balch, the money for the unit being raised largely through the Garden City Fair, of which Mrs. Henry A. Wentworth was in charge.
After the war, the club contributed to the Hospital at Rheims, the Kindergarten Unit in France, and con- tinued to support a French orphan, and to help disabled soldiers.
A radio costing about $200 was installed in the Essex Sanitarium, and various articles sent to the boys at Rutland.
The Christian Era Club
The Christian Era Club showed its patriotism by the work of its members through other organizations during the war.
Auburndale Review Club
The Auburndale Review Club did no work during the war as an organization, but individual members gave two and sometimes three days a week to the Red Cross.
Contributions were given also to the Red Cross, Navy League Furlough House, Near East Relief, etc.
Daughters of members who served overseas were Miss Caroline Herron and Miss Lillian Draper.
Mrs. A. C. Farley and Mrs. F. F. Davidson were officers in the local Red Cross. Mrs. R. O. Walter was one of the speakers for the War Camp Community Fund.
W'est Newton Women's Educational Club
This organization did not engage in war activities as an organization, but individual members worked in the Red Cross. Liberty Bonds to the amount of $200 were also contributed.
This club draws from many villages in Newton, as well as upon Wellesley, Brookline, etc. Its members were nearly all active in their own communities.
Newton Mothers' Club
There was no special war work done by the Newton Mothers' Club, as all of the members were members of the Soldiers' Aid, now the Community Service Club, and all work was carried on in connection with that organization.
Newton Social Science Club
Members of the Social Science Club of Newton worked individually through the Newton Special Aid Society and others in the community. In the spring of 1918, the club voted to give up two of their meetings each month to enable members to give more time to war work.
During the period of the United States' participation in the war, the club contributed generously to the Children of France, Armenian and Syrian Relief, War Camp Community Fund, and invested in Liberty Bonds.
After the Armistice, contributions continued to be given to the Near East Relief and other organizations which had for their object the amelioration of the suffering consequent upon the war.
Newtonville Woman's Club
The Newtonville Woman's Club, one of the most active of the women's organizations of the city of Newton during the war period, contributed generous- ly to the French Relief for Wounded Soldiers, and the Belgian Relief, even before the entrance of the United States into the war.
After the entrance of the United States into the war, the club continued to give, including the War Children's Relief Fund, the Y. M. C. A. War Fund, the Salvation Army, the Smileage Books, contributions to the Furlough House, and to the United War Work,
19
Sailors' Haven, Ex-Soldiers' Relief Fund, etc., con- tinuing these contributions after the Armistice.
The Y. M. C. A. hut in Newtonville, and the Hostess House, held by courtesy of the Newton Club in the Newton Club House, were both generously supported by the club. Nor did the club forget its own members who were doing such good work overseas; contribu- tions were sent to Miss Margaret McGill who was sent overseas by Mt. Holyoke College, as a leader of the International Unit of Ten (College) women, and had charge of the Hostess House at Luxemburg, at- tached to the 33d Division, and to Miss Louise Sherman who went overseas under the auspices of the Near East Relief to Syria, where she had charge of an orphanage.
In addition, many of the club members did good service, through the Newton Motor Corps, in trans- porting soldiers and sailors, and many entertained sailors and soldiers in their homes.
Members of the club cooperated with the Red Cross -both local and Metropolitan-and with the Special Aid Societies of both Boston and Newtonville.
The total amount of money spent by the club for war work was $1,633.75, besides the three Liberty Bonds, of $100 each, -purchased by the club.
Among the later activities of the club was the giving of a play, "The 13th Star," which was at- tended by fifty boys from Commonwealth Pier. The club made $300 by this play which money was given to the Y. M. C. A. Refreshments at the play were furnished by the Newton Constabulary.
The club also was instrumental in obtaining Rev. Abraham Rihbany as a lecturer, and by this means contributed a substantial amount to the European Children's Relief Fund.
Pierian Club
In Newton Upper Falls, the Pierian Club, pre- decessor of the Newton Upper Falls Woman's Club, did splendid work during the period of the war. Members of the club voted to deny themselves re- freshments at the club and to give the money to the Red Cross.
Later the club suspended its meetings, and took up Red Cross work, knitting, surgical dressings, etc. Soldiers and sailors were also entertained at the homes of members.
The president of the club, Mrs. Charles Mills, gave up three rooms in her home to the Red Cross work for a period of three years.
After the Red Cross work was given up, Mrs. Henry H. Fanning still continued to give out ma- terial for knitting.
When the Upper Falls Athletic Association gave a dance for the tobacco fund for the Newton boys, the Pierian Club assisted; $50 was raised in this way.
Shakespeare Club of Newton Highlands
Members of this club, as well as members of the Newton Centre Woman's Club, worked during the war period through the Woman Associates of New- ton Highlands, as individuals, not, however, as an organization.
Miss Dorothy Turnbull and Miss E. G. Melick, both members of the Shakespeare Club, served as nurses overseas during the war.
Monday Club of Newton Highlands
The Monday Club of Newton Highlands, like the Shakespeare Club and the Newton Highlands Woman's Club, worked as individuals, rather than as an organization, through the local Red Cross and the Newton Highlands Woman's Associates.
Wl'aban Woman's Club
During the period of the war, the Waban Woman's Club cooperated with the War Relief Committee in working for the Belgian Relief. Materials were sent to Parker Memorial.
Approximately $600 was contributed previous to the entrance of the United States into the war. These contributions were distributed among the War Camp Community Fund, the Y. W. C. A., French Relief, War Victory Fund, Waban War Relief Committee, and the Red Cross. The activities of the club included knitting, surgical dressings, etc.
Thanksgiving Day (1918) many sailors were enter- tained in Waban homes. In December of the same year, warm dresses were made for the children of France, and a play was given the proceeds of which went towards the Society for the Fatherless Children of France.
Among the organizations through which the mem- bers of the club worked were the Waban War Relief Committee, the Newton South Allies, and the Ameri- can Fund for French Wounded.
Between April 7, 1917, and November II, 1918, between $3,000 and $4,000 was contributed to war work.
In 1918, the work of the club was absorbed by the Red Cross.
NEWTON RED CROSS
It would be much easier to list the names of the women of Newton who rendered no service through the American Red Cross during the War than it would be to list the names of those who did render service. It can be safely said that practically every woman in Newton rendered service of some kind to the Red Cross either through personal work or contributions of money or materials.
Thousands of surgical dressings, hospital garments, articles of clothing, comfort kits, and other articles necessary for War Relief were prepared and supplied by the women of Newton through the Newton Chapter of the American Red Cross and the local branches. There were many other organizations in Newton that acted as auxiliary units for Red Cross work.
Many women of Newton served overseas as nurses, canteen workers, and performed clerical and other duties. Many of the women of Newton not only worked with the local chapter but were also active in the work of the New England Division. The women of Newton were of great help during campaigns for the raising of funds for the Red Cross and during Liberty Loan drives.
It would require a volume in itself to list the names and activities and services performed by Newton Women, not only during the War but in carrying on the Peace Time program of the American Red Cross.
20
THE SOLDIERS' AID, WEST NEWTON
During the summer of 1916, the women of West Newton organized themselves with the "Soldiers' Aid" to help in the war relief work. Meetings were held at the Unitarian Church, West Newton, every Wednesday morning being devoted to this work. Sur- gical dressings and hospital garments were made and sent to the Metropolitan Chapter of the Red Cross in Boston, and an appeal from Capt. Cormerais for knitted articles, books, magazines, etc., for the men of Company C was generously responded to by the members.
In March 1917, came the call for supplies for the Base Hospitals. The working time was changed to one day a week and large numbers responded to the call for help. The West Newton Knitting Committee was formed, and working in connection with the Soldiers' Aid, sent supplies to the Red Cross Relief for French Wounded, Charlestown Navy Yard, Italian Relief, etc. besides complying with the home demands of the Newton Committee of Safety.
The Junior members of these organizations also did helpful work in making baby clothing, preparing picture puzzles, etc.
In the Fall of 1917, the organization grew rapidly, and two whole days and one evening weekly were given over to the work. The attendance averaged about two hundred a day. During the winter of 1917-1918, there would often be as many as two hundred workers in the Surgical Dressings Room alone, while from seventy to eighty sewed on hospital garments etc. When the call for the Pershing packet came, the attendance was very large, and to West Newton was given the privilege of assembling these dressings, sent from all parts of Newton, and of forwarding the finished packet to the New England Division. At one time over four hundred assembled to finish some im- portant dressings which were urgently needed. The beautiful spirit in which the work was accomplished was an inspiration to all who attended. The use of the Parish Houses of the Unitarian and Congregational Churches was given free of expense. Class rooms were turned into Supply Rooms, and the Ladies' Parlors were fitted up with many machines where the sewing was done, while the large auditoriums furnished plenty of space for the surgical dressings workers.
Everything was done to equip the rooms for efficient work. Electric motors were attached to the sewing machines, and electric cutting machines did effective work in the surgical dressing rooms. Large electric fans did much to reduce the heat of summer days, while large electric lights were installed to furnish ex- tra light for dark days and evenings.
All of the packing cases used for the supplies were contributed by a West Newton manufacturer, and many smaller gifts were received and much appreciated.
At noon, a light luncheon was served in order to make it possible for people to work all day. Many of the women expressed the feeling of help and comfort the church buildings themselves gave to them. Thurs- clay evening workers were much appreciated, many of these coming after a long day in school or office. In- deed, the mingling of people from all walks of life with one great common interest, was one of the best things which was accomplished, and had a splendid effect upon the community.
Some idea of the scope of the work of the organiza-
tion may be gained by the following statements : To the American Red Cross; 392,107 surgical dressings, 10,654 garments and handkerchiefs; Fund for French Wounded, 138,668 surgical dressings, 3,642 garments etc .; Italian War Relief, 41,000 surgical dressings, 3,300 garments; Base Hospital at Camp Devens, 12 boxes old linen, 5 boxes Christmas goods, 90 comfort pillows, 720 handkerchiefs; Hospital at Grenoble, France, 8,649 dressings, 225 handkerchiefs; Company C, sweaters, socks, abdominal bands, rifle cases, army kits, and comfort bags; Emergency Hospital, 30 pil- lows, 264 handkerchiefs, 16,000 dressings.
Much valuable service was given by the members during the Influenza Epidemic, many acting as nurses, taking charge of linen etc.
The following members served Overseas: Miss Adele Fairbrother, Miss Alice Wing, and Miss Irene Norman.
The financial needs of the West Newton War Work, were, at first supplied by contributions from the women, but, as the work grew heavier, they had little time for the raising of money, so the men of West Newton relieved them of this burden, and furnished money for every need. West Newton people paid for all materials used by the organization during the War, and generous sums of money were contributed by individuals for the various needs of the War.
During the War the officers of the Soldiers' Aid were: Honorary President, Mrs. John W. Weeks; President, Mrs. Arthur G. Hosmer; Vice-President, Mrs. Ellery Peabody and Mrs. Joseph Lovell; Treas- urur, Mrs. Sidney B. Thomas; Secretary, Miss Edith B. Wadsworth; Director of Sewing, Mrs. Alvah J. Steadman, Director of Surgical Dressings, Mrs. Irving J. Fisher ; Director of Cutting, Mrs. Fred S. Sawyer ; Director of Packing, Miss Edith B. Wadsworth.
Too much credit cannot be given these women for the noble part they played during this critical period.
On August . 1st, 1918, the Soldiers' Aid became an auxiliary of the Newton Branch of the Red Cross, and on November 22, 1919 it became a branch of the Newton Chapter of the American Red Cross.
In all "drives" connected with the War, West Newton always stood among the first in generous giving and in faithful workers. Much inspiration for the work was gained from the monthly meetings of the Newton Chapter of the Red Cross which was held in the Talbot House, and in which the many problems of the day were discussed.
The War brought many a heartache to Newton citizens, but it also brought to them a warm comrade- ship, and revealed a beautiful spirit of helpfulness which has left its impress upon the city.
In March, 1918, the Officers of the Soldiers' Aid Red Cross, and Knitting Committee who had served up to that time, resigned, and new officers were appointed, and the work was carried on until May 28, when the work rooms were closed for the summer.
WEST NEWTON KNITTING COMMITTEE
On March 31, 1917, Mrs. John W. Weeks of West Newton, invited friends and neighbors to her home to hear Mrs. Gardner Hall tell of the work of the Navy League of the United States and the need for knitted articles. The gathering was so impressed and enthused by what Mrs. Hall said that yarn was at once given out and the knitting commenced.
21
Later, in response to many requests, it was decided to knit for soldiers as well as sailors and the committee was organized under the name of "The West Newton Knitting Committee." Its members were Mrs. John WV. Weeks, chairman, Mrs. Thomas A. Crimmins, Mrs. Lewis A. Kimberly, Mrs. Henry Whitmore, and Mrs. William A. Young, the latter Secretary and Treasurer.
The greater part of the work was sent through the Navy Yard at Charlestown, Mass. Besides the Navy work, sweaters were sent to Major General George Barnet at Washington, for the first detachment of Marines to go Overseas. Three destroyers were fitted out, "The Kimberly," the "Jarvis" and the "Evans," and the "Little" partly fitted out. Also articles were sent to the repair ship, "Meville."
These outfits consisted of a sweater, scarf, helmet, one pair of mittens, and two pairs of socks. Articles were also forwarded to the following : Newton Chapter of the Red Cross; Newton boys through the Committee of Safety, aviator outfits, Special Aid Society, Seamen's Friend Society, and the Committee for French Wounded. Devastated France, and to the Belgian and Serbian Reliefs.
The total number of articles distributed by the committee, beginning in April, 1917. was 19,179. These articles included sweaters, helmets, scarfs, wristers, mittens, socks, caps, aviator caps, bands, nurses' sweaters, and Christmas cheer bags, also hoods, jackets, Woman's sweaters, socks, and shawls for the refugee women and children. The money was raised wholly by voluntary subscriptions.
NEWTON SOUTH ALLIES RELIEF ASSOCIATION
Previous to the entrance of the United States into the world war, and throughout the war, there were many organizations in Newton which did splendid work for the cause of the allies.
Among these was the Newton South Allies Relief Association which was organized on Nov. 5, 1915, at the home of Mrs. Henry E. Williams, 7 Norman Road, Newton Highlands.
Interest grew so rapidly that the Parish House of Trinity Church, Newton Centre, was made the head- quarters for the next three and one half years.
The society was considered one of the activities of Trinity Church which cooperated most generously in the use of gas. electricity, etc. The organization was an independent one sending goods wherever the need was greatest.
In January, 1918, the organization became an official branch of the American Fund for French Wounded, but still retained the privilege of sending goods-with the exception of surgical dressings-wherever it pleased.
Mrs. George M. Stuart of Newton Highlands served as President until her death in 1922. Mrs. A. Perley Underhill of Newton Centre was then elected President. The vice President is Mrs. Seward W. Jones of Newton Highlands, the secretary, Mrs. Henry E. Williams of Newton Highlands, and the treasurer, Nirs. Henry J. Ide of Newton Centre. The last three have served since Nov. 1, 1915.
During the war, the secretary, in addition to her regular duties, had charge of the listing, packing, and transportation of goods, and in her own home, looked after the refugee clothing. Mrs. George H. Mellen
did exceptionally good work as purchasing agent for two and one half years, during which time the work was under the direction of Mrs. George A. Pierce of Newton Centre.
Goods were sent to the following places: American Fund for French Wounded, Derbyshire Yeomanry in the Dardanelles, Lancashire Territorials in Serbia, Miss Julia Colby's Hospital in Paris, Mr. Leonard Hawkes- ley's Hospital in Rome, Rev. Gabriel Evans in Ver- sailles, Mlle. Gullier's Hospital in Paris, Haviland Hos- pital in Limoges, Miss Thompson's Hospital in Paris, Salonica, Dr. Blake's Hospital in Neuilly, the French Y. M. C. A., the Twenty-Sixth Division in France, American, British, and French Red Cross, Italy, Belgium, Serbia, Halifax, Navy League, Camp Devens, Base Hospital No 10, Commonwealth Pier, Dr. James Barton (Armenia ), Woman's Seaman's Friend Society.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.