New Brunswick, New Jersey, in the world war, 1917-1918, Part 13

Author: Wall, John P. (John Patrick), 1867-
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: New Brunswick, N.J. : S. M. Christie Press
Number of Pages: 246


USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > New Brunswick > New Brunswick, New Jersey, in the world war, 1917-1918 > Part 13


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Ninety-eight


IN THE WORLD WAR


History of the New Brunswick


Chapter American Red Cross


On July 20th, 1898, at the time of the Spanish- American War, a number of our patriotic women met in Christ Church Parish House and organized them- selves into a war relief society adopting the consti- tution of the National Red Cross Society, and were known as Auxiliary No. 80, A. R. C. There were about 170 members enrolled and the first three months we find that this Auxiliary furnished 1139 garments and linen articles for the army hospitals, 331 articles of food delicacies, $216.62 in money. The society continued its work for the duration of the war, and disbanded October 29th, 1900.


Fourteen years later many of the same mem- bers met to organize another war relief society. After one or two informal meetings the New Bruns- wick Chapter was regularly organized under the direction of Mr. Charles Jenkinson, at that time Director of the Atlantic Division, A. R. C., on Octo- ber 14th, 1914, with a chairman, vice-chairman, secretary and treasurer, said officers to hold office for one year.


The Day Nursery on French Street was the first official headquarters and continued as such until Mrs. Charles Hart offered the room in her home, which had been her husband's library. With the beginning of the war in April, 1917, the society found its work and its membership growing rapidly. In addition to hospital garments and supplies, the making of surgical dressings was begun, and the need for additional room became apparent. The Home Defense having secured the Leupp Building on Albany Street for their use, generously gave two rooms on the second floor to the Red Cross; part of the work was done there and part at Mrs. Hart's. In November the third floor of the new Reed Build- ing on George Street was secured. The new quar- ters gave three large work rooms and an office suf- ficient for all purposes. Through the courtesy of Mrs. Hart, the Chapter still had the use of the room in her home.


From the date of organization in 1914 to July 1st, 1919, the following supplies were made:


Hospital Garments and Supplies. 14,082


Knitted Articles 6,104


Refugee Garments 4,085


Surgical Dressings-


Gauze


128,724


Muslin 45,211


- -173,935


Christmas Packets 494


Most of these articles were shipped to the Atlantic Division in New York, but a small propor-


tion was distributed for special purposes according to orders from Headquarters.


The important branch of the Chapter activities, the Home Service Section, was organized early in 1917. This aim of the Home Service was the relief of the families of the soldiers, sailors and marines, the adjustment of the hundred and one problems in connection with delayed allotments, missing relations, war risk insurance, financial help when necessary, and always the spirit of helpful service. Over 600 persons were helped in various ways.


The Chapter had two Branches, at Milltown and East Millstone, Auxiliaries in the churches of St. Peter's and Sacred Heart, besides eight out of town Auxiliaries, namely Highland Park, Franklin Park, Spotswood, Helmetta, Dayton, Jamesburg, Piscat- away and Old Bridge.


There was a membership drive in May, 1917, a second one Christmas, 1917, and the third one Christ- mas, 1918. The total membership of the Chapter January 1st, 1919 was 15,229.


In April, 1918, the Motor Corps was organized with thirty-fice members, who cheerfully gave their time and the use of their cars for the work of the Red Cross. They did particularly good work at the Morgan disaster in October, 1918.


The Junior Red Cross work was well organized throughout the city and auxiliaries, about twenty schools reporting 100% membership. For the first year each school handled its own funds, and out- lined its work in accordance with the plans of the Junior Red Cross Bureau, Atlantic Division. Later the Junior Red Cross placed all its funds under one treasurer, and up to July 1st, 1919, sent in to the Atlantic Division $600.00. In addition to this money, the Juniors helped in the work of the Chapter by giving their time to sewing and knitting for the men in service as well as for the refugees, and also sent many comforts and gifts to the Govern- ment hospitals.


The Chapter also held two War Fund Drives and they raised $89,342.71.


August, 1918, the Chapter held a very pleasant Conference for all its workers in the Ballantine Gymnasium with several speakers from the Atlantic Division, and an excellent luncheon served in the Zeta Psi Fraternity House.


On May 28th, 1919, acting upon instructions from Headquarters, the Chapter awarded Certificates and Service Badges to 207 members, who had given from 400 to 3200 hours of service to Red Cross, from April, 1917, to April, 1919, and to those who had done special work in the various campaigns.


Ninety-nine


NEW BRUNSWICK


The Chapter purchased a well equipped ambul- ance, at a cost of $4,200.00, for the use of the city hospitals; the City Commissioners provided garage free of charge, and the City Firemen offered to run it and care for it without charge. The Chap- ter deeply appreciated this spirit of service on the part of the city officials as well as the firemen.


The Chapter felt that much of its efficiency was due to the generous support of the public outside of its regular body of workers, to the business organizations, the churches, the public press, the many persons, whose donations of time, money and service helped the Red Cross to do its share in win- ning the war.


In one respect the Chapter's history was rather remarkable, for, until a stenographer was placed in the Home Service office April 1st, 1919, no adminis- trative expenses were incured, everything, even rent, was donated, and everybody worked without pay. It was a strong volunteer organization, something that cannot be said of all the chapters in the Ameri- can Red Cross, and the members should be proud of the record.


THE WORK OF THE RED CROSS FIRST DRIVE


In order to secure the funds required for relief work, two drives were developed. Because of the im- portance of the work and its distinctive character, the committee in charge of this campaign was known as a War Finance Committee, appointed by the President, and under it were local committees covering the entire United States. The members of the local Red Cross Finance Committee were: Mayor Edward F. Farrington, James W. Johnson, James K. Rice, Jr., Henry G. Parker, Edward W. Hicks, J. Hauvette Michelin and Dr. Frank M. Donahue.


The first war drive was conducted in this city between June 18 and 27, 1917 and was directed by the following committee: Chairman, Edward W. Hicks; Secretary, John P. Wall; Treasurer, F. M. Yorston.


Executive Committee: Sydney B. Carpender, Henry G. Parker, Freeman Woodbridge, William G. Bearman, Dr. F. M. Donahue, John P. Wall, Edward W. Hicks, F. M. Yorston.


Highland Park, Mrs. Edward W. Hicks and Mrs. A. L. Smith; Milltown, Hauvette Michelin and Mrs. Conrad W. Kulthau; Millstone, Mrs. J. H. Cooper.


As this was the first time that the public were requested to give liberally for war work it was necessary to educate them up to give substantial donations. This was no easy task, and as funds did not come in as fast as was necessary many appeals had to be made. Mayor Farrington in one of his appeals to the citizens said:


patriotism, is at stake. There is only one question for each one of us to answer today. Our own sons and brothers are going to the front, to sacrifice their lives, if need be. That man or woman who does not give every last cent that can be spared to see to it that those who are fighting for our safety are given every care ought to carry the brand of shame in his or her heart forever. Men and women of New Brunswick, answer this question today: "Have I given all that I can to protect those that are pro- tecting me ?"


John P. Wall, secretary of the local campaign committee in a statement said:


"New Brunswick is short on its allotment. This must be raised. Our citizens must not think that this war is a picnic, it is nothing of the sort. Our town boys are to suffer, just the same as any other soldier in the trenches and it is up to us to see that our share in this great work of the Red Cross is done.


"No one knows whose father, son or brother will need the tender care of the nurse on the battle field.


"Now is the time to give, we may just as well give now and prepare for the comfort of our wound- ed, for just as sure as the sun shines our town boys will bear their share in this great war. It seems to me that it will take a great disaster to make us realize that we are at war.


"The fact that one has subscribed to the Liberty Loan is no excuse for not giving to the Red Cross. When one took a liberty bond they put money away at good interest just the same as if they had put it in a bank or a building loan. Come across with your donations, it may be to help your own son and it will surely be for one of your relatives. Dig down, old and young, you can all give something.


"It will be one of the regrets of your life if you don't support the organization that is to take the place of father and mother to our boys when they are away from home. If a collector does not call on you, send your contribution to the Home Defense League Headquarters.


"The big necessity of the present is to finance the Red Cross so liberally as to give it the chance to step into the gap and do a grand work of upbuild- ing and inspiring our allies while our soldiers are being mobilized and trained.


"And doing this we are not merely rendering moral encouragement, but actual physical help to the fighting armies in France. We are taking from the shoulders of an overburdened nation the task of help- ing these unfortunates. Thus we are increasing the man power of France at the very time when this counts most. We plan to take these helpless thous- ands back from the fringes of the armies and set them up in life so they can help themselves.


"This is not charity. Don't let anybody get that idea for a moment. It is debt paying. We owe all


"This is the hour when our honor, as residents of the city which has never failed to stand first in . that and vastly more to France that has poured out


One hundred


IN THE WORLD WAR


her blood for us. It is the least we can do while our armies of fighting men are getting ready to serve in the trenches."


These appeals had the desired effect and the open heart of New Brunswick contributed $27,071.13, and set the pace that was kept up until the end of the war.


SECOND DRIVE


The second drive was conducted between May 20 and 27, 1918. The quota for New Brunswick was placed at $35,000 and the amount subscribed was $62,271.58. Robert W. Johnson was chairman of this drive and it was through his efforts that it was such a success. All sorts of performances were used to secure funds and an account of "Tag Day" and the Italian celebration is given as well as the an account of the big meeting at the Opera House conducted by Miss Bingham.


BINGHAM MEETING


The Red Cross rally held at the Opera House on Sunday afternoon, May 19, 1918, was without doubt, the greatest held in New Brunswick during the war. The speaker was Miss Amelia Bingham, and $6,473 was raised for the Red Cross Fund.


"I think New Brunswick people are just splendid," declared Miss Bingham at the Opera House after she had started New Brunswick well on its way of rais- ing its $35,000 quota for the Red Cross War Fund. "During the Liberty Loan campaigns I sold over $4,300,000 worth of bonds, but I never had an audi- ence which joined more heartily into the spirit of giving for war relief than this audience this after- noon."


The raising of this money came as a sort of an after thought with Miss Bingham. She had con- cluded a remarkable address and the audience was thundering in its applause. She whispered a few words to Chairman George H. Payson, and then stilled the audience and said that she had thought that she was through, but that she didn't feel alto- gether comfortable without giving the people an op- portunity to show their real interest in the Red Cross work. She said that she had become so accus- tomed to asking audiences for subscriptions that she couldn't go back to New York without an appeal to this audience.


She said that she had come here at a personal sacrifice and she wanted to go back to New York with the knowledge that her visit had been of benefit to the Red Cross.


"Is there anybody in the house who will give me $500?" she asked.


"$500!" shouted Robert C. Nicholas from one of the boxes.


"Make it a thousand," quickly added R. W. John- son.


"$500 more," announced J. K. Rice, Jr., from a rear seat.


"Isn't that splendid, $1,500 already, and we have


scarcely begun," exclaimed Miss Bingham.


In quick succession came $100 each from Mrs. M. F. Ross and Judge Peter F. Daly, and $250 from Mrs. Nicholas Rutgers, Jr.


James W. Johnson whispered something to Miss Bingham and disappeared into the wings of the stage.


Miss Bingham gave a merry shout of joy, ran after Mr. Johnson, grabbed him by the arm, pulled him out onto the stage and shouted:


"He has just given me $1,000."


The applause was deafening. Chairman George H. Payson gave $50 and a moment later when Dr. Elliot R. Payson's -name was announced for $100, Chairman Payson yelled: "Make my subscription $100. I'll not be outdone by my brother."


As fast as Red Cross workers could get around the audience to take the subscriptions came the announcements-$200 here, $100 there, $50 over there. As soon as there was a lull, Miss Bingham announced that she was going to show how easy it is to raise $100.


"You know $100 is only four $25's so all we need is four subscriptions of $25 each and we will have $100."


In a twinkling she had the four $25 subscriptions. "See how easy it is," she added.


She raised several more hundred in that way. When there was a lull she reminded the audience that she had to catch a train, and the subscriptions immediately picked up again.


The fund reached the $4,000 mark so quickly that Miss Bingham said that she thought she would have time to stay to see it $5,000, if the audience was agreeable. And the audience was. Mrs. Robert C. Nicholas started the race toward the $5,000 mark with a $500 subscription and in a very short time the fund had reached $5,400.


"I can't go now till we get $6,000," said Miss Bingham, even if I have to stay for supper.


"Fifty cents from a little girl," announced one of the Red Cross workers. That started things all over again. Amid applause there was a quick suc- cession of subscriptions.


One of Camp Dix singers stepped out on the stage. "Miss Bingham, $100 from the Camp Dix Colored Glee Club," he announced.


That got the crowd and it affected Miss Bing- ham as nothing else had.


"You know what those boys are doing. They have offered themselves for your protection. They are getting $30 a month. Now they are giving from their meagre wage to help the Red Cross. You know what you are earning a month. Is your sacrifice as great as theirs ?" she appealed.


When $152 was needed to reach the $6,000 mark, Abraham Marcus, who had previously given a $100 subscription, announced another $100 on behalf of the Young Men's Hebrew Association.


One hundred one


NEW


BRUNSWICK


Even after the $6,000 mark had been reached and the solicitation ceased and the audience was being dismissed, the subscriptions continued to pour in and when a final count was made it was found that $6,473 had been pledged. The meeting was a triumph for Miss Bingham.


The stage was attractively decorated with large American and Allied flags with a Red Cross banner in the center and palms were arranged at the back of the seats, which were occupied by members of the Red Cross Campaign Committee on the platform.


Dr. G. H. Payson was master of ceremonies and after opening the meeting gave a short and interest- ing address. Rev. Herbert Parrish offered a prayer and the Camp Dix double quartette rendered several pleasing numbers, after which Dr. Payson introduced Miss Bingham, the speaker of the day.


From the moment she said the first word she held the interest of her audience until the close of her remarks. She did not try to demand things from her audience, but appealed to them through the mediums of the best and truest human sentiments.


Thoroughly in sympathy with her subject, pre- senting it with the ease of a person long accustom- ed to large audiences, Miss Bingham brought home to many some truths about the war that perhaps had been overlooked before.


Robert W. Johnson, chairman of the Second Red Cross War Fund, who was the prime mover in getting Miss Bingham to come to New Brunswick, refused to accept any congratulations for the success of the meeting. "Miss Bingham deserves all the credit," he said.


A number of local Red Cross women, attired in Red Cross costume, acted as ushers and distributed cards to those who made donations or gave subscrip- tions, also took up the collection which amounted to over $150 in cash. The benediction was pronounced by Rev. Dr. W. W .Knox.


CITY RED CROSS TAG DAY ONE OF LIVELIEST


EVER WITNESSED IN NEW BRUNSWICK


New Brunswick went Red Cross mad on May 25, 1918. Everywhere the Red Cross was to be seen. Red Cross women, untiring in their efforts, trod the streets all day and with the assistance of the fire- men and police, they tagged thousands of men, women and children with either a three-inch card- board Red Cross, a celluloid Red Cross tag, or a plain Red Cross button. Many persons appeared on the streets wearing all three insignias.


It was a great day for the Red Cross cause. It was a day that never will be forgotten. So com- plete were the arrangements made that there was some attraction going on every minute of the day that netted the Red Cross money.


The Red Cross campaign was carried into every nook and corner of the city. Every outlet of the city was well covered by women and men who stop- ped every autoist and pedestrian coming in and go-


ing out. Hundreds of dollars were drained from the pockets of the autoists on their way into this city. It mattered not to the workers whether these autoists were tagged in some other city, they had to shell out here before being permitted to trespass upon our boundary.


It is safe to say that so far as possible every individual in New Brunswick was approached in some way with an appeal to contribute to the Red Cross. The magic of the Red Cross touched many who heretofore were never known to give to a worthy cause like this one.


"THE BIG SHOW"


That is what the attraction at the corner of Albany and George streets was called by all. Here a varied program of events held a vast crowd throughout the day. So large was the crowd at times that it extended beyond the hearing of the speakers who enthused all with their speeches on the great work of the Red Cross.


"Jack" Watson, City Recorder; George Cathers, civilian Army Recruiting Major of New Jersey; Samuel Schleimer, chairman of the "Four Minute" men and R. W. Johnson, general chairman of the Red Cross were in personal charge of this show which netted over $1,000. The attractions were many and held the attention of the big crowd at all times.


Speeches were made by each of these gentlemen, Dr. George H. Payson, pastor of the Suydam street Reformed Church; Rev. Dr. Kulp, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church; Rev. Father Holloran, of Sacred Heart Church; "Jack" Dempsey, Samuel Hoffman, Judge Freeman Woodbridge, Mayor Ed- ward F. Farrington, Rev. John A. Ingham of the Second Reformed Church, Sergeant Rushton, and Private Metcalf, members of the famous Black Watch Regiment, of Canada.


AUCTION EXCITING


When it came to playing the role of an auctioneer "Jack" Watson was at his best. "Jack" auctioned most everything from a jar of cherries to a bull calf. A sword of the German-Franco war presented to the committee by Mrs. Charles Blundell brought the tidy sum of $28. The bull calf brought $36 and a palm presented to the committee by R. W. Johnson brought $10 on the first sale and $15 on the second sale. Samuel Schleimer bought the palm when it was first auctioned and then returned it to the com- mittee. When it came up for sale the second time, Henry Landsberg bid $15 for it and he also returned it to the committee.


The jars of cherries brought from $1.50 to $2.50. A picture of "Chickitha" who appeared in "Jackie" Clark's menagerie drawn by a soldier from Camp Raritan, was sold for $1.50. There were all sorts of articles sold from the platform which brought from two to five times their real value.


One hundred two


IN


THE WORLD WAR


"OVER THE TOP"


The fire "laddies" under the command of Com- missioner Edward J. Houghton were on the job throughout the day and one of the many new stunts which they sprung during the day was the raising of a ladder to the Tepper building. Mrs. Coats of River Road who gained some fame several years ago by climbing to the top of the largest pole at the wireless station added considerable money to the Red Cross fund by climbing this ladder.


Starting from the bottom rung she slowly climb- ed to the top, advancing a rung only when some one gave a dollar to the cause. On the first trip to the top over thirty-five dollars was contributed while on other trips from twenty to thirty dollars was secured.


Captain Thomas Murphy of Truck Company climbed the ladder on each occasion with Mrs. Coats. Shortly before 9 o'clock when she went to the top of the ladder for the last time, Captain Murphy was attired in the uniform of Uncle Sam while Mrs. Coats carried an American flag. Upon reaching the top with the spotlight playing on Captain Murphy and Mrs. Coats, the Home Guard Drum corps played the Star Spangled Banner.


Another feature at this show was the singing of Policeman Samuel Boice and Fireman Andrew Rhine. Each selection sung by these two city employees brought the fund a five dollar bill. Alan Richardson accompanied the singers on the piano.


CLARK'S MENAGERIE


"Jackie" Clark with all the freaks that Barnum wished he had, held forth in the Viehmann build- ing and to say that "Jackie" didn't attract a crowd would be doing him an injustice. Among the ex- hibits in the show was a box of coal which was labeled "Penna. Diamonds." There were also sev- eral exhibits of pigs, a calf, chickens, kittens, cats, bricks, etc., which caused more than one laugh. One of the main features was the appearance of "Chick- itha," a young woman of 23 years, who was scarcely two feet in height. Over $200 was derived from this show.


NAILING THE KAISER


One of the other stunts from the committee's bagful of tricks was sprung in the afternoon on George street. A box was stretched across the side- walk and the general public was invited to hammer a nail in the "kaiser's coffin." Needless to say hun- dreds of nails were hammered into the coffin, many wishing that they really were nailing the "Kaiser's coffin." To drive a nail cost one a nickel.


ITALIAN DAY


Sunday, May 26, 1918, was truly Italian Day in New Brunswick. From early morning till late at night the Italians were active, canvassing for the Red Cross and in all a total of $860 was added to the already large fund.


During the morning the collectors were busy


going from house to house and at 2 o'clock in the afternoon the forces assembled at the St. Mary of Mount Virgin Church where the Italian service flag of New Brunswick was blessed by Father Christiana. Ninety-one stars were on the flag, each one repre- senting an Italian young man who has gone forth from the city of New Brunswick, placing his life at the disposal of Uncle Sam.


Immediately after the services at the church a parade formed and proceeded down Remsen avenue to George, to Somerset, to Easton, to Albany, to Peace, to Church, and finally entered the Eagles' Hall on Church street.


It was a great, occasion. A thousand men were in line, forming a great patriotic parade a mile and a half long.


MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN


The greatest membership campaign in the his- tory of the American Red Cross began on December 17, 1917, and continued until Christmas day. Plans were launched for the big drive for members at a conference of the respective chairmen of the various Red Cross auxiliaries of the New Brunswick chapter which embraced East Millstone, Middlebush, Mill- town, Jamesburg, Helmetta, Old Bridge, Spotswood and Piscataway, held at the home of Mrs. Frank M. Donohue.


Campaign Director Robert W. Johnson presided and in detail discussed just what was before each auxiliary of the county in this campaign.


Almost every language was used to spread the appeal and every church in the city was a propa- ganda station with pastors urging their congrega- tions to carry the Red Cross membership work into their homes. The work of the Red Cross in healing the wounded was vividly presented in numerous sermons throughout the city, and in some churches the congregations were urged to join as a unit.


The predominating feature of the whole campaign was the reproduction of a French-made trench at the corner of Livingston avenue and George street. In this trench was everything imaginable used by the French in their trench fighting. The barbed wire entanglement could be seen from outside the trench, which was several feet under the ground. On top of the trench were hundreds of bags of sand. In the dugout, a Red Cross woman was on hand each day to enlist Red Cross recruits. There were also guns in the trench and a gun mount. .




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