USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > South Hadley > South Hadley, Massachusetts, in the world war, 1932 > Part 3
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The loyal interest and spirit of co-operation shown by everyone in the com- munity, as long as work was needed, was a source of great satisfaction to those in charge.
The officers of the society during the war were:
Miss Alice C. Brockway Chairman
Mrs. Annie W. Smith. Vice-Chairman
Mrs. Frank Anson .
. Secretary
Miss Daisy Hemmings. Treasurer
THE WAR ACTIVITIES OF MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE
The work done by the students of Mount Holyoke College during the war was varied in character. Incidentally every student and member of the faculty shared or contributed toward the work which included War Emergency Courses. These consisted of Commercial Sources, Red Cross courses given by the Department of Economics and Sociology, Zoology, and Physiology; Dietetics, a course given by a member of the Domestic Science Department of Massachusetts Agricultural College; Gardening; Mechanical Drawing and Descriptive Geometry, a course given by the instructor from Springfield Technical High School. A study of condi- tions relating to women in industry was given under the supervision of a member of the Department of Economics and Sociology; a course directed by Charles Towne of the Massachusetts State Board of Education was given on the teaching of English to foreigners; a summer school as a training course for health officers among women workers in industrial plants was given at the college under the direction of Dr. Kristine Mann. This included also an intensive course in Physiology under Miss Abby Turner; a course in factory management under Miss Amy Hewes and one on labor problems under Miss Alzada Comstock. Lectures were given by Dr. Lillian Welch and Dr. Mary Sherwood on general and sex hygiene, first aid, contagious diseases and immunity. As a result of this school many of the students were placed in munition plants as supervisors of women or as health officers; in the Ordnance Department as inspectors. Some assisted in the development of the plans of the Public Health Service Department of the Army in its investigation and inspection sides. Some helped to solve the health problems among the women war workers in Washington.
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SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
Mount Holyoke was the pioneer among women colleges to start a college farm. The students began to farm in the spring of 1917. The work of raising crops was done entirely by girls supervised by Mr. Kinney and Mr. Folsom. One feature of the farm work was the operation of a canning plant, under the direction of Miss Stokey, Mrs. Fairbanks and Mr. Kinney. The output during 1918 of about 17,500 cans of corn, beans and tomatoes was used by the college during the fall.
The college felt keenly the need of conserving food and fuel and at the request of the government held its supply of white flour in readiness to be turned over for patriotic purposes. The college used 20% of wheat flour in the baking and none in the kitchens of the dormitories. As little coal as possible was used and during cold weather some of the buildings were closed, necessitating a sacrifice on the part of both students and faculty difficult to measure.
War Relief, at first chiefly relief for the Belgians, was begun early in the autumn of 1914 and continued. The Mount Holyoke College Red Cross was organ- ized as a branch of the Holyoke Chapter in the spring of 1917. 85,000 surgical dress- ings were made by students and faculty during 1917-1918. Funds for raising money came from many unique performances and various ways. In 1918 sewing machines and tables were placed in Skinner Hall and sewing done every day. 1,924 hospital supplies, 670 hospital garments and 2,539 muslin bandages were made. Wool was distributed to be made into knitted articles. As a result, 3,120 articles were com- pleted.
Gifts of money have been made to the Armenian Relief, French Widows and Orphans Fund, Clearing House for France and Allies, Belgian Relief, Belgian Childrens Fund, Polish Relief, besides gifts of half-worn clothing, bandages, soldier kits, stockings, woolen scarfs, etc. Aside from the prison camps, the Armenian Relief has been the organization which has benefited most from the aid of college girls, $232 having gone in this direction. Ten orphans received $36.50 each and 41 godsons in the trenches were adopted by the girls.
The college contributed toward the Student Friendship Fund in 1917, $13,000. Books, magazines and money were sent to the camp libraries in the United States. War Saving and Thrift Stamps, Liberty Loans, War Service Funds, United War Work, were contributed to by faculty, students, employees and college organiza- tions and funds of the college corporation, amounting to nearly $170,000. In every case of appeal the amounts were over subscribed.
The interest of the college in Red Cross work may be better appreciated when it is known that its customary May-day performance was given up and the time devoted to making hospital bandages. At the close of the day 312 bandages were basted, 195 finished and 30 partly finished.
After the signing of the Armistice, the college made garments for the refugees, especially the children of Belgium.
Mount Holyoke contributed to the army of war workers 150, 87 of whom served within this country. Alumnae did work in France, England and the Near
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East in canteen work, Y. M. C. A., Y. W. C. A., Red Cross Service, Reconstruction Work, Nursing, and Salvation Army.
Of those serving in this country, they have done everything from clerical to scientific and professional work. Some served in food conservation organizations, camp libraries, hostess houses, schools for nurses, in industrial chemistry labora- tories, in government offices as interpreters.
The college was closely affiliated through President Woolley, Dean Purington, alumnae association presidents and other representatives with agencies doing war work throughout the country.
Miss Grace M. Bacon of South Hadley, an associate Professor of German in Mount Holyoke College, and one of six official representatives of the college in service overseas, sailed in September, 1918, to do reconstruction work. Up to the time that the French took over relief work of the Red Cross, Miss Bacon was en- gaged at St. Nazaire in salvaging shipments of Red Cross garments. Later she was stationed at Angers to help close up affairs; for a time she was with the Y. M. C. A., engaged in canteen work. She remained with the Y. M. C. A. in its educational work, especially as a supervisor in connection with the study of German in the Post Schools with the Army of Occupation at Coblenz.
LIBERTY LOANS
The First and Second Liberty Loans calling for $2,000,000,000 and $3,000,- 000,000 respectively, represented free investment capital. South Hadley's allot- ment was raised through the local banks in Holyoke, and the town received credit. These loans were called in October, 1917 and November, 1917.
The Third Liberty Loan, $3,000,000,000, was managed by each town in- dividually and the following executive committee was appointed to conduct the campaign; Frank A. Brainerd, chairman; Maurice J. Moriarty, clerk; Walter B. Adams, Fred M. Smith, Clark F. Wilkinson; Mrs. William O'Brien, chairman of the Women's Committee. A systematic division of the town into districts was made and a house to house canvas was conducted. At the conclusion it was found that the total amount of bonds sold was $146,050 as against an allotment of $80,500. South Hadley oversubscribed $65,550 in this loan.
In October, 1918, during the midst of the influenza epidemic, the Fourth Liberty Loan was launched. This loan for $6,000,000,000 was the largest financial transaction which had ever taken place in the world. It was known as the "Fighting Fourth" and the campaign was in charge of Martin J. Judge, chairman, and Mrs. William O'Brien, chairman of the Women's Committee. The quota was $175,000 and again South Hadley went "over the top" with $225,000. Of the total amount solicited, the Carew and Hampshire Paper Company subscribed $50,000 and the Mount Holyoke College $44,600.
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SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
The Fifth Liberty Loan in April, 1919, with its slogan "Finish the Job," was the Victory Loan, the second largest of the five, calling for $4,500,000,000. The campaign was carried on under the leadership of those who did such splendid work on the "Fighting Fourth." The drive closed May 10, 1919, with the result of $162,300 solicited against the allotment of $127,500. Oversubscribed by $34,800.
Through the Treasury Department, the government had arranged to award every Liberty Loan worker a medal for patriotic service in behalf of the Liberty Loans. They were made from captured German cannon, and were distributed at the close of the Liberty Loan campaigns as a distinctive recognition of the service of the Liberty Loan workers.
Two helmets were awarded to each town. One helmet was given to the person who solicited the largest amount of subscriptions during the various loans. This helmet was presented to Mrs. William O'Brien and the second helmet went to Mount Holyoke College.
The Red Anchor Drive was conducted by the members of the South Hadley Council, Knights of Columbus. The quota was $2,000 and $2,500 was solicited. $500 oversubscribed. This fund was devoted to welfare work.
The campaign for the United War Work Fund was launched in October, 1918, under the direction of Martin J. Judge and Mrs. F. M. Smith.
This fund was oversubscribed 140% not including what was raised by Mount Holyoke College and the public schools. The South Hadley High School was en- rolled 100%. The amount solicited for this fund was $25,000.
The Red Triangle Drive for funds in November, 1917, for the benefit of the Y. M. C. A., also exceeded the amount assigned to it, which was most gratifying to those in charge.
THRIFT AND THE WAR SAVINGS STAMP FUND
The drive for the sale of War Savings Stamps was in charge of August W. Hoffman who was ably assisted by Mrs. H. G. Smith at the Falls and Mrs. A. S. Kinney at the Center. 1400 pledges were required and these were quickly pro- cured. In connection with the drive a mass meeting was held in Town Hall with Mrs. W. G. Dwight of Holyoke, speaker.
Liberty Loan rallies were held at the Falls and the Center, October 22, 1917, at which addresses were given by Senator Frederick W. Gillett, Miss Mary E. Woolley, President of Mount Holyoke College and Mayor John J. White of Holyoke.
A rally combined with Service Flag exercises took place in Town Hall, Pat- riots Day, April 19, 1918. The speakers were Congressman Allen T. Treadway and Ex-Governor Grafton D. Cushing.
A most beautiful and impressive Thanksgiving Service was held in Town Hall, Thanksgiving Day, 1918. The principal speaker was Senator George B. Churchill.
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SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
The auditorium was filled to its capacity and a program of high order was rend- ered, making this Thanksgiving Day one long to be remembered.
Memorial Day in 1917 was made a day of special significance. Combined with the usual Memorial Day observance, almost every organization in town partici- pated in the parade to show special honor to the patriotism and heroism of the sons and brothers who had answered their country's call.
A Fourth of July Parade in 1918 at the Center was another demonstration of patriotism on the part of the townspeople.
At the mammoth Peace Celebration, which was the most stupendous of its kind, everybody in South Hadley who engaged in war activities during the months of conflict, participated. The celebration took place in Holyoke, November 12, 1918, beginning at 10 A. M., with a parade (11,000 people in line) and ending with fireworks in the late evening.
DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND CONSERVATION
When Mr. Herbert Hoover, the Federal Director of Food Administration, undertook to enroll all the women of the United States, who controlled or handled the food in their several households in a volunteer organization, Mrs. William O'Brien was appointed by the Massachusetts Division Committee of the Council of National Defense, as chairman of the committee on Domestic Economy and Conservation. The committee included the presidents of all local organizations. The town was districted, each member of the committee having charge of a district. The campaign of enrolling was completed in 15 days and every housewife responded, agreeing to act under Mr. Hoover's directions during the continuance of the war in conserving food so far as their means would allow. Under the auspices of the com- mittee, demonstrations in War Time cookery were given, also in canning and pre- serving foods.
The committee distributed food cards andliterature, and acquainted the housewives with the message of the Food Administration to give them every assistance to live up to their pledge. In domestic economy and food conservation, the women of South Hadley cheerfully did their part.
THE CATHOLIC WOMEN'S COUNCIL
The Catholic Women's Council of St. Patrick's Church was organized in the early days of the conflict with Miss Ellen A. Kirkpatick, President; Miss Mary Kennedy, Treasurer; Miss Elizabeth O'Connor, Secretary.
There was a membership of over one hundred and meetings were held twice a week in the Knights of Columbus Home on Main Street. Entertainments were provided at each meeting to keep up the morale of those women whose sons and
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SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
brothers were at the front, while sewing and knitting were done by the members. Hundreds of well made garments were fashioned and turned over to the South Hadley Falls Branch of the Red Cross.
The Council "carried on" long after the Armistice was signed.
THE SOUTH HADLEY COUNCIL, KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
The South Hadley Council, Knights of Columbus answered the call to arms during the World War in a way that would have gladdened the heart of its patron, Christopher Columbus, that intrepid adventurer and explorer.
Before the entrance of this country one of the South Hadley members, Cyril Wallace, a native of England, sailed to join the British forces. He was the first to respond and the first and only local Knight to make the supreme sacrifice, while leading his men in the early days of the war.
The spirit of their dead brother was imbued into the hearts of the other mem- bers and, when President Wilson issued the clarion call for men, the Knights of Columbus responded readily and willingly.
The honor roll that hangs in the Council Chamber is a vivid reminder of the boys who joined the Army, Navy and Marine Corps to do their bit for world lib- erty and world democracy.
The Council was only in its infancy at the outbreak of the war but from its membership of seventy-five members, it sent out forty-three men to follow the colors, including its spiritual leader, Rev. Charles L. Foley.
The other members who were unable to enlist because of home ties did not falter but carried on for their absent brothers, lending their time and money to drives, liberty loans, and other activities in order that the life of the servicemen might be made easier.
Many of the members saw active service overseas and their advancement in the ranks bears testimony of the fine spirit that inspired them to leadership in the cause of this great United States.
DOLLY WOODBRIDGE CHAPTER, D. A. R.
In 1916, Dolly Woodbridge Chapter, D. A. R., made contributions to the Belgian Relief Fund and to the French Red Cross Association, In 1917, after the United States had entered the World War, the Chapter became a very efficient part of the South Hadley Center Branch of the American Red Cross, sewing, knitting and contributing funds.
Christmas packages were sent by the Chapter to all South Hadley boys there in service, and to Miss Grace Bacon, a Chapter Member, who was working in France.
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SOUTH HADLEY IN THE WORLD WAR
Individual members were generous in the purchase of Liberty bonds and money was taken from the Chapter treasury for the same purpose.
A little French boy was adopted and his needs provided for by the Dolly Woodbridge Chapter until his mother was able to care for him.
MEMORIAL TABLETS
One of the outstanding events in the history of the town the dedication of the Memorial Tablets, erected by the Town of South Hadley, was a tribute to those who served in the World War. The exercises were held in Town Hall, April 8, 1920. We were honored on this great occasion by the presence of General Clarence R. Edwards, who was the speaker of the day.
William E. Corriden was the presiding officer; Miss Blanche S. Samuels, Song Leader; Soloists, Miss Helen Ford and John B. Gorman; Miss Rose M. Lavelle, accompanist; and the 104th Infantry Band.
The following program was given:
1. America. Band and Audience
2. Presentation of Tablets. .. Fred M. Smith, Chairman of Committee
3. Dedicatory Address
Miss Mary E. Woolley, President, Mount Holyoke College
4. Tribute to the Dead Rev. Arthur W. Bailey
5. The Vacant Chair. .John B. Gorman
6. There's a Long, Long Trail Miss Helen G. Ford
7. Address. Gen. Clarence R. Edwards
8. The Star Spangled Banner. Band and Audience
The Memorial Tablet Committee included Fred M. Smith, Clark F. Wilkinson, William E. Corriden, Asa S. Kinney, and Maurice E. Fitzgerald.
ALVAH E. AVERY
The Glorious Dead
Aluah E. Anery
We shall not grieve if we must give Our loves that other loves may live, If, from the shadows of our day A dawn shall rise to shine alway.
Arthur Q. Peach.
Corporal Alvah E. Avery was born in Holyoke, Mass., October 23, 1888, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerrit S. Avery. His early education was obtained at the Grammar School. On March 16, 1918, he was married to Miss Caroline L. Caro, of Holyoke, Mass. He was employed as a cylinder pressman for several years and until called to the colors. His wife proudly refused to stand in the way of her husband becoming a soldier for his country, and both refused to claim ex- emption. He entered the service October 7, 1917, going to Camp Devens, Mass., was transferred to Camp Gordon, Ga., and sailed for overseas with the 328th Infantry, April 30, 1918. He participated in the St. Mihiel Offensive and the Meuse- Argonne Sector.
Corporal Avery died of sickness caused by constant exposure on October 17, 1918, and was buried in the American Cemetery at Rimancourt (Haute-Marne), France.
Headquarters, 328th Infantry. American Exp. Forces, France. April 8, 1919.
General Orders
No. 11.
1. The following named officers and men of the 328th Infantry are Honorably mentioned in Regimental Orders. They fully and properly performed their duties as soldiers in the hard fighting of St. Mihiel and Meuse Argonne Offensives. They are a credit to their organizations and Country.
Corporal Albert (Should be Alvah) Avery, 1908551. Company "Heq" 328th Infantry.
While in charge of a squad of Pioneers engaged in the carrying of supplies and ammun- ition and recovering of dead and wounded, rendered very conspicuous and invaluable aid, until finally, from sickness and exhaustion, caused by constant exposure, was forced to be evacuated to the hospital at which place he died shortly after.
By Order of Colonel Wetherell W. K. Merritt Captain 328th Infantry Adjutant.
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Francis William Dampier
So fine a spirit, daring, yet serene,- He may not, surely, lapse from what has been: Greater, not less, his wondering mind must be. Ampler the splendid vision he must see.
'Tis unbelievable he fades away,-
An exhalation at the dawn of day!
John Hogben-The Spectator.
Francis William Dompier, son of William F. and Anna L. (Davis) Dompier, was born at Saxton's River, Vt., September 6, 1898. His father was born in Montreal Canada, but came to the States at an early age. His mother was a native of Jamaica, Vt. At the age of one and a half years his parents moved to Grafton, Vt. Here Francis spent his boyhood, attending the Pettingil School in that town for several years.
He enlisted April 25, 1917, in Springfield in the Coast Artillery for the dura- tion of the war. He was sent first to Fort Ethan Allen, Vt., then to Fort Williams, Casco Bay, Maine, May 6, 1917. He was transferred to Fort Meyer, Va., where he was assigned to Battery F, 12th Artillery. The battery was encamped at St. Asaph, near Alexandria, July-December, 1917. Benny White and Eugene Guiel, who enlisted with Francis were in Battery F during their period of service. It was the writer's privilege to visit them at St. Asaph. The Battery was at Camp Merritt, N. J., December, 1917-January, 1918. The three boys visited South Hadley before sailing.
They sailed overseas January 11, 1918 on H. M. S. Olympic fron New York, arriving January 19, 1918 at Liverpool. With his Battery, Francis Dompier landed at Le Havre, France, January 26, 1918. From January-March, 1918, he was sta- stioned at Camp Des Valdahorn, France. He was in the battles and campaigns of the Verdun Sector, April-May, 1918; Battle of Chateau-Thierry, June, 1918; Soisson, the Aisne-Marne Offensive, July 18-25, 1918; Pont-a-Mousson, Marbeche Sector, August 9-22, 1918; St. Mihiel Salient Offensive, September 12-16, 1918; Blanc Mont (Champagne) October 1-28, 1918. The South Hadley boys were in seven major battles. Battery F losing two-thirds of its men. Francis was transferred from the Battery to the Headquarters Company. In the face of heavy machine gun fire and of almost certain death, he offered himself, when volunteers were called for, to act as a messenger, was wounded by a high explosive shell and died October 8, 1918.
FRANCIS WILLIAM DOMPIER
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The following memorial was received:
"U. S. Army:
In memory of Private Francis W. Dompier, Battery F, 12th Field Artillery, who was killed in battle, October 8, 1918. He bravely laid down his life for the cause of his country. His name will ever remain fresh in the hearts of his friends and comrades. The record of his honorable service will be preserved in the archives of the American Expeditionary Forces.
John J. Pershing, Commander-in-Chief."
He was buried in the American Military Cemetery, Miomandre Central Hospital 101, (Suippe) Marne, France, grave 107.
The boyhood friends in Vermont, speak of Francis as much beloved by all who knew him. In South Hadley he had earned the confidence and respect of his em- ployers, and the sincere affection of a large circle of friends to whom he was devoted. South Hadley is proud to share with his native state, Vermont, in paying this tribute.
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Franris Mogen Gaylord
So nigh is grandeur to our dust, So near is God to man, When Duty whispers low, Thou must,
The youth replies, I can! R. W. Emerson - " Voluntaries"
Francis Moses Gaylord was born in South Hadley, Mass., July 29, 1900, the son of Lewis M. Gaylord, a native of South Hadley and Elizabeth Forward Gaylord, a native of Granby. His boyhood was spent in South Hadley, where he passed through the eight grades of the South Hadley Center School. He attended the Appleton Street School, now the Lawrence School, Holyoke, graduating in 1911. He was graduated from Holyoke High School in the class of 1915. In September, 1915, he entered the University of Illinois, where he made good progress in his studies and a place of leadership in college activities. For two months in the summer of 1918 he served in the Student Army Training Corps at Fort Sheridan, Ohio, and registered for military service, September 12, 1918, with the Local Board, Division No. 7, State of Massachusetts. Returning to the University of Illinois for his senior year, he enlisted October 5, 1918 in the Student Army Training Corps of the University, serving in Co. I. He was recommended for appointment as Lieutenant, but never received his commission. After a brief illness in the college hospital, he died of influenza and pneumonia, October 22, 1918. The funeral service, which was private, was held in his home, College Street, South Hadley, October 25, 1918. A detachment from Co. D, 120th Reg., Mass. State Guards, South Hadley, escorted the body to Evergreen Cemetery, where he was buried with full military honors.
Francis was a youth of unusual promise and fine spirit, greatly beloved by the friends of childhood. He was a natural leader, who was preparing himself, with the enthusiasm and idealism of youth to give "full measure of devotion" to his genera- tion. His splendid training in School and college was enlarging his vision, arousing his interest in important issues, and awakening his sympathy as an unspoiled child of privilege.
The following appeared in the Urbana, Ill., press:
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