Funding from the State Library of North Carolina
supported the electronic publication of this title.
Text transcribed by
Apex Data Services, Inc.
Text encoded by
Apex Data Services, Inc., Melissa Meeks, and Jill Kuhn Sexton
First edition, 2002
ca. 250K
Academic Affairs Library, UNC-CH
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
2002.
© This work is the property of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It may be used freely by individuals for research, teaching and personal use as long as this statement of availability is included in the text.
Source Description:
(title page) A Record of the War Activities in Orange County, North Carolina. 1917-1919:
(collection) Orange County (N.C.) World War I Activities Record
Annie Cameron
119 p.
Call Number 566 (Manuscripts Dept., Southern Historical Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill).
The electronic edition is a part of the UNC-CH
digitization project, Documenting the American South.
The text has been entered using double-keying and verified against the original.
The text has been encoded using the
recommendations for Level 4 of the TEI in Libraries Guidelines.
Transcript of manuscript on deposit at the Southern Historical Collection, UNC Chapel Hill.
Original grammar, punctuation, and spelling have been preserved. Encountered
typographical errors have been preserved, and appear in red type.
Any hyphens occurring in line breaks have been
removed, and the trailing part of a word has been joined to
the preceding line.
All quotation marks, em dashes and ampersand have been transcribed as
entity references.
All double right and left quotation marks are encoded as " and "
respectively.
All single right and left quotation marks are encoded as ' and ' respectively.
All em dashes are encoded as --
Indentation in lines has not been preserved.
Spell-check and verification made against printed text using Author/Editor (SoftQuad) and Microsoft Word spell check programs.
Languages Used:
LC Subject Headings:
Revision History:
A RECORD OF THE WAR ACTIVITIES IN
ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. 1917-1919.
[Document Image]
Miss Cameron, in compiling these records, assumed at my request a burden which was rightfully mine.
I have gone over them carefully, and my first opinion that I had neither the time, patience nor ability to do this work is fully confirmed. At my suggestion, she has made no attempt at narrative, but has faithfully recorded facts. In offering my grateful thanks, I know I voice the sentiment of all those interested in preserving for coming generations Orange County's activities in the World War.
J. S. WEBB,
Chairman Orange County
Council of Defense.
In accordance with the request of R. D. W. Connor, Secretary North Carolina Historical Commission for the records of the Orange County Council of Defense, and the Council having no valuable records, Mr. J. C. Webb, Chairman of the Orange County Council of Defense, appointed a Historian to keep a record of Orange County's war activities. The following pages are the result of this work. We have made no attempt to write a full narrative history of these two momentous years, but I have merely tried to compile as completely and accurately as possible a skeleton outline of facts and figures concerning Orange County's share in the various activities connected with the Great War from 1917 to 1919. We realize that much of this work is incomplete and inadequate and we ask forgiveness for all deficiencies. We also wish to take this opportunity to thank those who by their hearty co-operation and ready help have made this book possible. Among the names of those to whom our thanks and appreciation are due are the following:
We feel that it has been an honor and a privilege to be connected with this work, for Orange County has a record of which she may well be proud. She has not only worthily upheld her glorious traditions, but she has once again set high standards of loyalty and patriotism for future generations.
ANNIE SUTTON CAMERON.
(Historian for Orange County Council of Defense.)
Early in February, 1917, Mrs. K. J. Brown, a graduate nurse, at the request of the Chapel Hill Community Club, formed a class in First Aid and Surgical Dressings. This class met for two hour lectures and practical work bi-weekly all during the Spring. Mrs. Brown's excellent work was supplemented by a number of lectures by Chapel Hill and University physicians. Several practical lectures were held in the University Medical Building. As soon as our country declared war on Germany, the class took steps towards the formation of a Red Cross Chapter, and about the same time Dr. Louis H. Webb received instructions from the Director of the Southern District, Dr. Davidson in Atlanta, to organize chapters in the Sixth Medical District of North Carolina. Dr. Webb met with the class and it was unanimously decided to write for an authorization to form a chapter.
While waiting for this authorization a committee composed of Miss Alice Noble, Mrs. P. H. Winston, Mrs. K. J. Brown, Mrs. J. H. Pratt, Mrs. C. S. Mangum, Mrs. W. M. Dey and Mrs. Collier Cobb visited the Raleigh, N. C. Chapter for the purpose of receiving further instructions in Surgical Dressings and other suggestions for chapter success.
On Monday night, May 28, 1917, Dr. Webb called a meeting of the people of Chapel Hill and Carrboro in the Graded School Building to definitely organize the chapter. There was some discussion about the advisability of forming an auxiliary instead of a chapter, but when the vote was taken almost unanimously it was agreed that the action of the First Aid Class and Dr. Webb should stand. The following officers were elected: Chairman, Dr. George Howe; Vice-Chairman, Miss Alice Noble; Secretary, Miss Nellie Roberson; Treasurer, Mrs. J. H. Pratt (later Mrs. Pratt resigned and Dr. J.M. Bullitt was elected). It was agreed that these officers and three additional members should compose an Executive Committee. The additional members for the Executive Committee were then elected as follows: Mrs. K. J. Brown, Dr. J. M. Bullitt and Mayor W. S. Roberson. The Executive Committee met a few days later in the Mayor's office and elected the following heads for Committees: Woman's Work, Mrs. K. J. Brown; Supplies, Shipments and Headquarters, Miss Alice Noble; Membership, Mrs. C. S. Mangum; Civilian Relief, L. A. Williams; Junior Red Cross, Mrs. W. D. Toy; Finance, Dr. J. M. Bullitt; Medical Instruction, Dr. W. deB. MacNider.
By June 18, 1917, all papers for organization had been received, and the Chapter, known as the Chapel Hill, N. C. Chapter with jurisdiction "this side of the railroad", was busy making Surgical Dressings and doing other work necessary for the winning of the war. The Headquarters and Workrooms for six months were located in a large, well lighted and heated store on Main St. This building, owned by Mayor W. S. Roberson, was generously loaned to the Red Cross. When it was bought by the People's Bank, the members of the Upsilon Chapter of the Zeta Psi fraternity at the University offered the use of the entire lower floor of their fraternity hall, and on January 1, 1918, the Chapter moved to these quarters. These large rooms offer ample space for the Chapter's activites, and too much cannot be said of the generosity of these young men.
The membership of the Chapter has grown from the 71 who enrolled at the first meeting to 687 on October 1, 1918.
This Chapter, that is this workroom, assisted by the Junior Auxiliary under the direction of Mrs. W. D. Toy and the Country Auxiliary under the direction of Mrs. I. H. Manning, has shipped 44 cases of Red Cross supplies. These supplies include the following:
On all these supplies we have been given a most excellent rating by Headquarters and have been complimented most highly on the excellent character of the work done. This, of course, shows what a wonderful work the Chapter has done, but by no means indicates what it would like to have done, for the "Allotment and No More" order inaugurated by Headquarters several months ago has been strictly observed.
When the Chapter was first organized the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Dr. J. M. Bullitt, immediately began to formulate plans for securing a definite revenue each month for the Treasury. A subscription plan was adopted whereby members make a voluntary pledge for each month towards the maintenance of the workroom, no matter how small the pledge. $150 a month is secured from this source, the income being derived from the subscriptions of sixty-eight members. Others make donations from time to time, so that the full monthly income is considerably larger. Consequently the Chapter has never been compelled to give a benefit of any sort in order to maintain the workroom. When the War Fund drives have been made the Chapter has always responded promptly. In the drive for Red Cross funds in the spring of 1918, Chapel Hill was assessed $500. This assessment was raised in a very short time and before the end of the campaign the pledges totaled $1156.60. This most successful drive was made under the leadership of Dr. J. M. Bell, assisted by Mr. J. S. Holmes.
The Chapel Hill School Auxilliary to the Red Cross was organized January, 1918, with a membership of 132.
During the first months the girls met once a week to work on refugee garments and hospital supplies. Their work resulted in the following articles turned in at the Red Cross Head-quarters:
Later in the season home gardens were the order of the day. 130 boys and girls undertook to plant and work home gardens. We hope many families profited by the efforts of our boys and girls to increase the country's food supply.
During the summer, in response to an appeal for clothing for the destitute families of our Allies, we received generous gifts of clothing. A box containing 16 suits for men, practically new, cleaned and pressed, two men's overcoats, and many children's garments was shipped.
Our boys in the spring, under the direction of Mr. W. W. Rankin, supplied an important need to the Red Cross, viz., shipping boxes made by them in the basement of the school house and sold to the Red Cross at cost.
They have also been ready at all times to serve in war measures undertaken by the community; the W. S. S. and Food Administration campaigns, and Liberty Loan sales, by distributing circulars, posters, etc.
In May the School Auxilliary resolved to raise a vacation fund to be turned into the treasury upon the reopening of the school.
On September we went over the top with $103.35 raised by work during vacation. Mr. W. W. Rankin, Treasurer, reported on November 5th $133.10 in the treasury.
Owing to the closing of the school for five weeks this Fall, the Red Cross activities have ceased for a time, but with the Christmas roll call, when we expect to reach 100% membership, we begin a promising New Year.
We wish to thank the mothers of Chapel Hill for at all times encouraging our work, and those of our citizens who, by contributions of materials and garments, have given hearty and generous support to the Junior Auxiliary.
(Signed) Mrs. W. D. Toy,
Miss Josie Pritchard.
November 20, 1918.The Committee on Conservation was appointed on September 1, 1918, with Mrs. M. H. Stacy as Chairman. On November 20, 1918, this committee shipped four (4) barrels of nut shells to be used for gas masks and seventeen (17) pounds of tin foil.
In the fall of 1918 Miss Josie Pritchard was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Nurses Survey. This division was organized by the Red Cross in order to compile a list of every woman in the Southern Division who is able, either by experience or training, to nurse the sick. A thorough canvass of Chapel Hill has resulted in the enrolling of eighteen names at the present date.
The Country Auxilliaries, under the direction of Mrs. I. H.
Manning, have done a most excellent work. This work has consisted largely in the making of hospital shirts, comfort kits, refugee garments, knitted articles, abdominal and triangular bandages. The auxiliaries have furnished a large percentage of the funds for these supplies by the sale of eggs, jelly, apples, benefits and donations of various amounts. The Red Cross allotment system does not furnish sufficient work for the energies of the auxiliaries, so they have also been working for the Mayfair War Relief, an organization formed in Chapel Hill by Mrs. J. S. Holmes in the early days of the war, and other relief societies. It is very hard to separate the work done for the different relief agencies and for this reason the report submitted is a joint one.
In the early days of the war, Mrs. J. S. Holmes of Chapel Hill organized a French War Relief Circle for the alleviation of war sufferers. Meetings were held once a week and the work of the organization consisted in the making of hospital shirts, garments for refugees, bed pads, triangular bandages, blood wipes, knitted eye bandages, and knitted articles of various kinds. Since this work did not of necessity require the standardizing of the Red Cross, it appealed to the country women, who though in isolated places and places far from any Red Cross rooms, could still do their bit to aid in the great cause of humanity.
Bethel Chuch began the Orange County country work under the direction of Mrs. I. H. Manning, Chairman, Mrs. George Elliott, Jr., and Miss Annie Bell Durham. For greater ease in carrying on their work this circle divided, some working as the Calavander Circle
and the others with the Antioch Church Circle at White Cross.
The Calavander War Circle was organized by Mrs. Manning of Chapel Hill. A committee of three was appointed to look after the work of the Circle, viz: Mrs. W. N. Reeves, Chr., Mrs. J. F. McDuffie, and Mrs. H. A. Tilley. There were about fifteen members of the Circle, five of whom were members of the Red Cross. Within a year the Circle made 124 shirts, 16 pillows, 39 pads, 115 slings, 8 bandages, 6 folders, and knit one pair wristlets, 5 wash cloths, 3 mufflers, and 11 pairs of socks. Mrs. H. C. Hogan alone made 100 shirts in as many days. The donations were $5.75, 14 doz. eggs, 8 lbs. cotton, 2 yds. cloth, 3 glasses of jelly, and fruit for 25 lbs. of sugar which was made into preserves.
Antioch Circle working at White Cross under the direction of Miss Binnie Durham, Miss Nellie Durham, and Miss Ella Lloyd, sent in eggs, jelly and apples to be sold to raise funds for hospital supplies to be made up by the Circle. Also cotton was contributed for quilts and bed pads. $17.50 was raised by a Box Party, and $3.40 was donated.
Williams Chapel Circle was organized through Mrs. Marriott and Mrs. Gore, assisted by Mr. George Hearne. Nine members of the Circle are members of the Red Cross, and during the year the following work has been accomplished: 16 pads, 13 pillows, 20 pillow cases, 32 slings, 12 handkerchiefs, 100 sponges, 5 mits, and 19 shirts. In addition to this, $23.50 has been raised, besides the membership fees.
Smith Level Circle, under the direction of Mrs. J. H. Hackney, Miss Lottie and Miss Lula Crabtree, did very good work until broken up by the moving away of Mrs. Hackney and Miss Womble. The following is the record of the work done: by donation of eggs, apples, etc., funds were raised to purchase 12 hospital shirts, and cotton was donated for bed pads. Altogether 36 shirts, 20 bed pads, 48 slings or triangular bandages were sent in by the Circle.
Mt. Moriah sent in under Miss Pendergrass' leadership 24 triangular bandages, 6 hospital shirts, 6 handkerchiefs, safety pins and 12 abdominal bandages.
Mrs. J. M. Lloyd and Miss Mittie Blackwood and Miss Bishop made knitted garments, 20 hospital shirts, 3 pillows, 8 triangular bandages, 3 knitted wipes. To get the materials for these supplies they donated 12 jars of fruit, 12 glasses of jelly, and eggs.
Damascus Circle, organized by Miss Addie Long (Mrs. Charles Cates), Mrs. Jesse Neville, Miss Nellie McLenen, Mrs. Staley Long and Mrs. W. A. Long, raised $25.04, and made 12 hospital shirts and 66 abdominal bandages.
The Carrboro Circle is under the direction of Mrs. Blackwood, Miss Lettie Williams, and Miss McDonald. This circle has been one of the most active circles in the county. They have made numerous dressings and garments, as well as over 25 comfort bags for the
drafted men. In addition to this, they have given benefits to raise money and donated liberally to the Red Cross. In the influenza epidemic they rendered invaluable service.
The Orange Church Community Club was organized several years ago at the school-house for the purpose of improving the school building, but in the summer of 1917 it was decided to devote the energies of the organization and its funds to war work. The officers of the Club are: Miss Pearl Hogan, Pres., Miss Mary Johnston, 1st Vice-President, Mrs. J. H. Blackwood, 2nd Vice-President, and Miss Daisy Perkins, Sec. & Treas. Four members of the Circle are also members of the Red Cross. The following work has been done: 8 dresses made for Belgian Relief, 3 quilt tops, 5 quilts, 12 hospital shirts, and $7.15 contributed. A barrel of hickory nuts for gas masks was sent to the Conservation Committee. The work of Mrs. J. H. Blackwood and Miss Mary Burch deserves especial mention. The former made 130 articles and the latter 251 articles and also donated 8 glasses of jelly and 1 doz. cans of tomatoes.
The Chapel Hill Circle (That is, a circle outside of the regular Red Cross) under the direction of Miss Mary Manning, has shipped the following: 4 rolls of old linen, 141 pads, 141 knitted articles, 446 folded dressings, and 92 refugee garments. In addition, through the direction of Mrs. I. H. Manning, magazines and papers have been collected and sent in the country to those who cannot afford to get them.
The Graded School Thanksgiving offering (1917) of clothes
for refugees made up a splendid box of good clothes for children and grown-ups. These were sent to the Mayfair War Relief, New York City; also four other boxes of refugee garments, and bed quilts, sweaters, socks, hospital shirts, pillow cases, triangular bandages and blood wipes. One box consisted of 5 dresses and 2 quilts purchased with money contributed by the Junior Order through Mr. Lueco Lloyd.
THE METHODIST CHURCH OF CHAPEL HILL gave members to work in the Red Cross rooms and did mending and sewing on refugee garments at home.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHAPEL HILL gave members to work in the Red Cross rooms, also "comfort kits" to all colored soldiers of the town and adjoining country leaving from the Chapel Hill station.
SION CHURCH contributed $25 in memberships and gifts to the Red Cross and War Relief, one dozen eggs, and one package of refugee garments.
In addition to the actual war serving, many comdort kits were sent by our circles to boys who years ago had left the county for the Army and Navy, so that though far away, they might still know that Orange County stood at their side in these hard days.
Mrs. I. H. Manning, Chr.
As the Third Line of Defense the different country circles gave most liberally to such funds as the Y. M. C. A. funds campaign, the News and Observer Smoke Fund, the United War Workers Fund, etc.
The Mayfair War Relief work was organized by Mrs. J. S. Holmes during the early days (October 1915) of the war, and continued under her direction until September 1917. The following is the report of the work done during that time:
Amount contributed in money (approximate) $100.00. This was expended partly for material for hospital shirts and partly for anaesthetics, etc. A great deal of linen was contributed and made up into surgical dressings.
| No. of boxes sent | 13 |
| Rolled bandages | 300 |
| Hospital Shirts | 36 |
| Surgical Dressings | 1183 |
| Pads | 160 |
Second-hand clothing and miscellaneous supplies were also contributed. No. of contributors in money, clothing, or old linen, about thirty. No. of workers, about one dozen.
(Signed) Emilie R. Holmes, Chairman.
May 1917 to May 1918.
The Community Club early in the summer of 1917 offered its services as an organized body of women to the Government of the United States, through the County Council of Defense, asking that it be used in any way needed for the carrying out of the war. Since then all the activities of the club as a whole have been concerned with the war.
The Club has assisted the County Food Administrator in the distribution of Federal Food Membership and Kitchen Cards, and the signing of the Food Pledge Cards throughout Chapel Hill Township and village. It has placed hundred of Food Administration bulletins in the homes of town and township.
Special meetings have been given to discussions of the food situation, Food Adminstration orders, wheat, meat and sugar substitutes, with directions and recipes.
Last summer the club encouraged gardening and canning with the result that great quantities of food was raised and preserved for winter use. Glass jars and tin cans were bought at wholesale and sold at cost. The club has assisted in the following movements:
Organization of the Women's Division of the County Council of Defense. Several members including the President were on the Women's Committee.
The securing of a County Home Demonstrator for Orange County The request met with instant response from the County Commissioners and Board of Education.
Registration of women as ordered by the General Federation of Women's Clubs.
Committee from the Club canvassed for both the second and third Liberty Loans. The Club bought two $50 Bonds of the second issue. During the third campaign the committee, with Mrs. T. J. Wilson as chairman, sold $18,600 worth of bonds, of which about $11,000 were taken by Club members. The very efficient county chairman for this campaign was Miss H. M. Berry, first vice-president.
The Club is actively engaged in the coming campaign for the War Saving and Thrift Stamps.
Almost every member belongs to the local Red Cross chapter, some being subscribing members.
The Club assisted in the movement to obtain books for the camp libraries.
Miss Jaimeson of the State Normal College, was secured for a demonstration of Victory breads.
The Club as a whole has been engaged in every phase of war work. It considers that its duty lies in that direction and every effort will be made toward the fullest possible use of the organized woman power of Chapel Hill for that purpose.
The University raised $4,300 in United War Work Drive.
The students and faculty of the University of North Carolina subscribed a total of $4,300 in the war work drive, $700 being the faculty's share. The co-eds gave $154, averaging five dollars apiece. Every contribution to the fund represented real patriotic giving, and in many cases real sacrifice on the part of the students. Chapel Hill not including the students' part, oversubscribed its quota of $900 by 33 percent. Chapel Hill's contribution was $1400.
The Chapel Hill Red Cross was allotted $500 as its share of the Red Cross War Fund Drive in May, 1918. This amount was raised in a few days and at the close of the drive $1156.60 was turned in to the Treasurer.
The Christmas Roll Call resulted in 550 members being secured by the local chapter. Mr. J.S.Holmes was Chairman of the drive.
| Second Loan | Assessed | $39,060 | Subscribed | $44,050 |
| Third Loan | Assessed | 28,600 | Subscribed | 47,300 |
| Fourth Loan | Assessed | 60,800 | Subscribed | 105,350 |
| First Loan | No assessment | Subscribed | 21,350 |
| Assessment | $80,000 | Subscribed | $80,350 |
The members of the Woman's Association of the University became interested in war work at the very outbreak of the war, and situated as they were, they had no opportunity to do anything except through the Red Cross. They met once a week during the spring term of 1918 and made bandages, did shipping, and worked with oakum, materials for which were furnished by the local chapter of the Red Cross. This work was all done under the direction of the Red Cross. At the beginning of the college year 1918-19 it was the desire of the Association to do war work, and again its members worked under the direction of the Red Cross, and among other things 150 influenza masks were made. It was decided to make layettes for war relief, to be contributed through the Red Cross, the Association furnishing the materials and doing the work. To raise money for this and other war work a Thanksgiving Peace Celebration was planned, which was in the form of a Gypsy Festival and which was to be held on the campus, but due to rain was held in the Y. M. C. A. The entire building was given over to the Festival, which consisted of different features, such as fortune-telling booths and those selling cakes, candies, salad, sandwiches, oyster stew and other things. The climax of the celebration was a spectacle, "The Triumph of the 20th Century," held in Gerrard Hall. This depicted
the supremacy of internationalism. From the entire celebration there was realized $350.00, $150.00 of which was contributed to the United War Fund, the remaining $200 to be used for war relief work done by the Association.
E. Kennette, Chr. Co-ed War Com.
The work of compiling the war activities of the Chapel Hill Township or the Chapel Hill Red Cross was done by Miss Alice Noble at the request of the County Council of Defense.
(Signed) Alice Noble,
Jan. 13, 1919.
As soon as the Chapter was organized it was busy aiding all movements for the winning of the war. The following shows some of the activities of the Chapter.
For days before Registration Day a Committee from the Red Cross with Miss Alice Hoble as Chairman was busy getting Chapel Hill patriotically decorated for the day on which men all over the United States stood out and said they were ready to give their lives if need be for the cause of right and freedom. Through this committee flags had been purchased, so that from nearly every home in the town Old Glory floated and often with it the flags of our Allies. The Registration Headquarters were also decorated, and as the men registered a committee headed by Mrs. H. W. Chase pinned the khaki bands of honor on their arms. After registration had closed, a great parade was made through the principal streets of the town, headed by the band; next came the newly registered men, and then followed the different organizations of the town.
During a part of the summer of 1917, Dr. H. M. Wagstaff held the office of Director of Organization of Red Cross Chapters in North Carolina.
At the Summer School of 1917, Dr. C. S. Mangum conducted a class in First Aid, which was largely attended by the Chapel Hill people and the visitors to the village. The class met every day during the entire six weeks of the School, and at the close of the course practical and theoretical examinations were held, the examination questions having been sent from Washington. Dr. Mangum was assisted in the bandage work by two local Red Cross members who had received previous instruction in First Aid.
At a meeting held on October 17, 1917, Dr. Howe and Dr. Bullitt were appointed delegates to the State Red Cross Congress in Raleigh November 1 and 2. Mrs. K. J. Brown, Director of Woman's Work, also attended this meeting.
Rally Day 1917 stood out conspicuously as a "Win the War Day". Everywhere the booths in charge of members of the Red Cross emphasized conservation and service as our bit. The men were attracted particularly to the Farm Exhibit. Here garden and farm products of great variety were displayed, all of them raised in this county. The cooking and canning exhibits were perhaps the most practical and interesting displays. Samples of all the war breads,
cakes, preserves, pickles, canned goods, etc., were on exhibit and the ladies in charge showed the visitors to the booth how these delicious things were made. Prizes were awarded for the best exhibits in every department, the judges having been sent here by the State Department of Agriculture, and the money for the prizes being furnished by generous citizens as well as the Department of Agriculture. The Red Cross booth, in a most conspicuous section of the hall, attracted scores of visitors. The women in their picturesque costumes were busy all day making surgical dressings and explaining the different activities of the organization.
July 4th, 1918, is a day that will long be remembered by the patriotic people of Orange County. In response to the Governor's appeal to the County Council of Defense to make this immortal anniversary of American liberty a day for a great demonstration of patriotism as well as for a renewed pledge to support the cause of our Country and that of our Allies, the Summer School of the University of North Carolina invited Orange County to participate in its celebration. For weeks preparations were made for the event, and when the day for the celebration finally arrived, there assembled the largest representative Orange County crowd on the University campus in all the history of the County. Early in the morning wagons, buggies, and automobiles began to arrive and when the hour for the morning's exercises came, at least three thousand people were on hand. The exercises began with a long parade led by the Liberty Band from Durham and followed by the Orange County Council of Defense and Liberty Loan officials. Then came other patriotic groups such as the Red Cross, Boy Scouts and the school children
(Junior Red Cross). These were followed by groups of members of the Summer School attired in costumes of our Allies and proudly bearing the flags of the brave people they represented. As each group passed they were wildly cheered by the spectators, and when the group representing our own country passed in review the enthusiasm of the crowd knew no bounds. First there was a platoon of United States soldiers (our own University of North Carolina boys in the R. O. T. C) Then North Carolina leading the other States of the Union, and finally, Columbia and Uncle Sam escorted by National Virtues. The procession slowly made its way around the campus until the Flag Pole was reached. Here it halted and the various groups formed a hollow square around the pole, Columbia, Uncle Sam and their guard of honor standing nearest the pole. With the entire audience standing at attention, Columbia assisted by Col. G. W. S. Stevens, the Commanding Officer at the University, and the Boy Scouts, slowly raised Old Glory to the breeze while the hand played the Star Spangled Banner. From the Flag Pole the crowd went to Memorial Hall, where most impressive exercises were held. Hon. S. M. Gattis was the orator for the day, and made a stirring patriotic address.
Immediately after dinner the Orange County Council of Defense met in Gerrard Hall. Prof. M. C. S. Noble presided over the meeting and made an earnest plea for renewed patriotism and support of the Government. Mr. J. C. Webb, Mr. Strudwick, and others spoke, after which there was an informal discussion of the plans and purposes of the organization. This meeting was followed by a conference of the Chapel Hill Township workers in the War Savings Stamps Campaign. All during the day the Red Cross workers in their picturesque costumes had been busy selling these stamps and at this meeting
it was found that the township had again gone "over the top".
At five o'clock a patriotic pageant was held in Battle's Park illustrating the Friendship of France and America. The pageant began with the reception of the Court of Louis XIV in honor of La Salle, who reported on his voyage to the New Continent and interestedly continued to follow the other incidents in our long friendship with France up to that most recent scene in Picpus cemetery when Gen. Pershing laid the wreathe on La Fayette's grave and uttered the now famous words. "La Fayette, we are here!" Just before the closing scene, an scene, Joan of Arc. the Angelus sounded and the large audience bowed their heads while Dr. W. S. Long offered a prayer for our country and our allies.
In the evening Edward Everett Hale's play, The Man Without a Country, was given in front of the Law Building, the day's exercises thus closing with the note that had been most predominant all day, namely, "Love your Country."
Too much praise cannot be given to Prof. A. Vermont, a native Belgian, who worked the plan for the pageant and carried it through with such marked success.
The following extracts are taken from the October and November (1918) numbers of the Alumni Review:
"Through the operations of General Order 79 issued by the War Department on August 24th, 1918, the University is operating today, in the main, as a military camp, of which the Students' Army Training Corps unit is the center. Upon this basis the University has converted the campus into a camp, the dormitories into barracks,
the dining hall into a mess hall, and every student inducted into the S. A. T. C. is a soldier under the direct command of Lieut. Col. G. W. S. Stevens and members of his military staff. The faculty, operating under the coordinate educational branch of the service has reorganized its work to conform to the requirements and is offering courses in keeping with the purpose of the War Department. In addition to the S. A. T. C. unit, the University has been designated as one of the 12 institutions in which a marine section of the S. A. T. C. is to be established. A marine officer and non-commissioned officers have been detailed to this institution for the purpose of organizing and instructing such men as may voluntarily apply for induction. It has also been designated as a center for establishing a Naval Section of the S. A. T. C., with a quota of 50 men. The S. A. T. C. unit is composed of four companies of approximately 160 men each, and when arrayed in battalion formation presents a formidable front. Each company is under the direct charge of two lieutenants. Lieut-Col. G. W. S. Stevens, Commandant in Charge since the early summer, has been relieved by the War Department, and Capt. Chas. C. Helmer, a native of Iowa, a graduate of his State University, and a veteran of the Spanish-American War, is now in charge of the Post. Other members of the military faculty include Lieutenants R. F. Boyd, C. P. Rounds, D. G. Lambert, Raymond Martin, Andrew Bell, H. B. Limbaugh, John H. Winslow, C. W. Robinson, P. M. Allison, R. A. Roberts, C. A. Joyce, McCowan, and C. R. Smith, and Sergeant J. S. Stump. The Non-S. A. T. C. students, that is those taking drill but ineligible for the S. A. T. C. either on account of age or physical disabilities, though permitted to room out in town, are under
practically the same rules and regulations as the S. A. T. C. men. Capt. J. Stuart Allen, Director of Military Tactics at the University last year, assisted by Adjutant Whitfield, Professor J. M. Booker, and Student Captain S. C. Ogburn, is in charge of the non-S. A. T. C. company. They are using the old class field for drill grounds.
"I pledge my allegiance to my flag and the republic for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." In these solemn words, repeated after President Graham at the flag pole on the campus, 650 University students were formally inducted in an impressive ceremony into the Student Army Corps at noon, October first. At the same moment throughout the entire nation 150,000 representatives of 500 American colleges similarly dedicated themselves to the service of the government in its fight to make the world a safe place in which to live.
The formal exercises were begun with an invocation by Rev. Euclid McWhorter, followed by the "Star Spangled Banner." In inducting the students into the Student Army Training Corps, President Graham spoke as follows: "We are met today to re-assert in a spirit of high and solemn consecration our active faith in the principles of freedom, justice and equality, on which this nation was founded, and out of which it has grown in beauty and strength to its present power. We mean to say here today, as our fathers said, and as the wholesome heroic heart of men will always say--that there are certain rights of liberty and life inalienable for men everywhere, and that whenever the vital growth of these rights is menaced we will
be quick to defend them as a heritage more precious than life itself. We are happy today as we accept the sword of defense of these ancient and eternal principles, and more for the opportunity of a wider and deeper interpretation of them, that makes our present cause the equal cause of the liberal brotherhood of all good men everywhere, and makes the cause of our country the common cause of a free mankind. Is it fanciful to think that the heroes of freedom whose stories we have studied here--of Thermopylae, of Runnymede, of Bunker Hill, and the rest--give to us, in the beauty of this quiet spot, their benediction, as we take from their hands the torch of the eternal task and 'carry on' to a new and greater victory. The spirit of this campus, the spirit of our State and our country, the spirit of the world today, assure to us the continuing courage and complete devotion that will bring to a glorious fulfilment the noblest adventure that ever called to the aspiring spirit of youth."
In the message from President Wilson, the students were appraised of the significance of the step which they had taken. Other messages were read from Peyton C. March, chief of staff of the United States Army, and Benedict Crowell, acting secretary of war. At the conclusion of the exercises the Corps was reviewed from the steps of the Alumni Building by President Graham, Major Towner (Military Inspector for the South Atlantic States), Colonel Stevens, and members of his staff.
The custom of asking the soldiers to Sunday dinners, which is followed in cities where regular army camps are located, is being followed in Chapel Hill, the Red Cross co-operating with the Army "Y" in this direction.
Shortly after the opening of the University for the year 1918-19 cases of Spanish influenza began to appear. In a short while scores had been stricken with the disease. In the very first days of the epidemic the Red Cross volunteered its services and began helping the physicians. The co-eds of the University were called upon to make face masks for the doctors and nurses in the various emergency hospitals. Two hundred and eighty-six masks were made, as well as one hundred and seventy arm bands for the attendants in the hospital. For weeks Miss Helen Shell, Miss Katherine Bourne and Mrs. Kent Brown did volunteer nursing in the University hospital, while other women were aiding stricken families all over the village. As the epidemic spread to Carrboro the need for volunteer nurses became more imperative. A committee composed of Misses Josie Pritchard and Helen Shell and Mrs. Kent Brown and Mrs. William deB. MacNider, assisted by others, worked night and day relieving the distressing conditions of the stricken people. Mr. J. S. Carr gave the use of the club rooms for a diet kitchen, paying all expenses for the maintenance of the same. Mrs. R. B. Lawson and Mrs. Arthur Blackwood volunteered to take charge of the kitchen and for two weeks served nourishing meals of soup, bread and milk. At least seven gallons of soup were served daily. Each morning two orderlies visited the various homes of the village to obtain an accurate report of the needs of the people, so that these needs might be supplied. This record would be incomplete without mentioning Miss Roper, who left a remunerative position as nurse for Mrs. McDade and ministered to the University boys afflicted with influenza. Although ill herself, for days she stayed at her post until forced by the physicians to give
up. In a few days pneumonia developed, and this brave woman died, having truly given her life for others.
The annual meeting for 1918 was held on Thursday, Nov. 21, in the Red Cross Work Room. Only routine business was transacted. The reports from the various committees were read, after which the officers for the coming year were elected as follows: Chairman, Dr. A. H. Patterson; Vice-Chairman, Miss Alice Noble; Secretary, Miss Nellie Roberson; Treasurer, Mr. Dudley Carroll; Additional Members on Executive Committee, Miss Josie Pritchard, Mrs. Kent Brown, and Dr. J. M. Bell.
On December 1, the Chairman called a meeting of the Executive Committee. Plans for the coming year were discussed and the various committees appointed. Mr. J. S. Holmes, Chairman of the Christmas Roll Call, outlined his plans for the drive. These plans were approved and the Chapter's co-operation promised. Miss Josie Pritchard reported that almost 100 Christmas packages had been sent to American soldiers in France by relatives through the local Red Cross.
On June first, 1917, a meeting was held in the Library at Hillsboro, N. C., to organize a Chapter of the American Red Cross. The following were present: Maj. John W. Graham, Mr. N. W.
Brown, Mr. T. N. Webb, Miss Sue Hayes, Mr. Alan Browning, Rev. Thomas McM. Grant, Mr. H. W. Webb, Dr. J. S. Spurgeon, Dr. R. B. Hayes, Mrs. R. B. Hayes, Mr. P. C. Collins, Mr. C. H. Robertson, Mrs. C. H. Robertson, Mrs. Jas. H. Webb, Mr. Jas. H. Webb, Miss Margaret Forrest, Miss Bessie Kirkland, Mr. J. C. Webb, Mrs. J. C. Webb, Miss Sarah Webb, Mr. Shepperd Strudwick, Mrs. Shepperd Strudwick, Mr. S. A. Johnson, Mrs. S. A. Johnson, Mr. Frank Nash, Miss Pattie Spurgeon, Mr. W. L. Wall, Rev. A. S. Lawrence, Mr. E. M. Lockhart, Miss H. P. Collins, and Miss Sarah Cheshire, who kindly came from Raleigh to talk to us about Red Cross activities. Miss Cheshire exhibited and explained sample bandages which she had brought from Raleigh. She advised a mass meeting at an early date to secure more members and to learn more of the Rod Cross and its purpose from a speaker who would address the meeting. June fourth was appointed as the date, in accord with Gov. Bickett's request that patriotic meetings be held before Registration Day, June fifth. The temporary officers elected were Mr. J. C. Webb, Chairman, Miss H. P. Collins, Secretary, Rev. T. M. Grant, Treasurer. Those present joined the Red Cross and became a committee of the whole to obtain new members. The following committees were appointed:
Programme Committee: Mr. Jas. H. Webb (Chairman), Mrs. E. M. Lockhart, Mrs. P. C. Collins, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. S. Strudwick, and Mr. Browning.
Nominating Committee: Dr. Spurgeon (Chairman), Mr. N. W. Brown, Miss Sarah Webb, Mrs. S. Strudwick, Mrs. Charles Andrews.
On June fourth a mass meeting was held at the Court House, Mr. J. C. Webb presiding, with the following programme:
"America" sung by the whole assembly.
Prayer by the Rev. T. M. Grant.
"The Star Spangled Banner" was then sung, after which the Chairman made an address explaining the urgent necessity for the Red Cross. Mr. Edward Bond, a soldier in khaki, who had served all the time our troops were at the Mexican border, made a splendid address, giving the soldier's viewpoint and making a fine object lesson. The "Battle Hymn of the Republic" was followed by a short address by the Rev. A. S. Lawrence, who, as an Englishman, had many friends already in the field and keenly felt the obligation on us to do our share in the Red Cross work. Mr. Frank Nash, in a short but very feeling speech, introduced Mrs. Palmer Jerman, who made a most inspiring address explaining what the Red Cross is and the necessity for America to do her share of that work as well as furnishing soldiers and money for the war. Enrollment of members was the next thing on the programme. Misses Nell Browning, Carrie Spurgeon, Mary Jones, Julia Faucette, Mamie Miller and Della Williams were solicitors. The meeting was closed by singing "Onward Christian Soldiers" and the Benediction pronounced by Rev. Mr. Oldham.
Following a week of good work by the membership committee composed of the following members, Mr. C. H. Robertson (Chairman), Messrs. G. C. Lynch, Charles Rosemond, Jack Roach, Julian Carr, Will Davies, Henry Walker, Charlie Walker, I. Eisenberg, Misses Lily Burns, Daisy Jordan, and Rev. Messrs. Oldham, Grant, Bradshaw and Lawrence, and the Financial Committee, with Mrs. Jas. H. Webb (Chairman), Rev. Mr. Grant, Mr. P. C. Collins, Mrs. Strudwick and Mrs. Andrews, assistants, a most inspiring meeting was held in the court house on Sunday, June eleventh, which was well attended by
both town and county people. All the ministers in town and a visiting evangelist took part in the service. The amount given for the One Hundred Million Red Cross War Fund was four hundred dollars, and the Red Cross membership was increased to two hundred.
The Red Cross held its meeting for permanent organization at the Court House on July fifth. This meeting was called to order by the temporary chairman, Mr. J. C. Webb, and "America" was sung. Mr. Webb then stated that a petition had been sent to the National Headquarters for authority to organize the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross with jurisdiction over Orange County except Chapel Hill. The written authority to so organize was read by the temporary secretary, Miss Henrietta P. Collins, after which a motion was made to proceed with the organization of the Chapter, which was done by the Chairman appointing the following nominating committee to propose names for permanent officers: Dr. Spurgeon. Mr. N. W. Brown, Mrs. Strudwick, Miss Sarah Webb and Mrs. R. B. Hayes.
"The Star Spangled Banner" was sung, then the nominating committee made the following report: For Chairman, Maj. John W. Graham; Vice Chairman, Mr. J. B. Turner; Treasurer, Miss Margaret Forrest; Secretary, Miss Henrietta P. Collins; the Rev. Mr. Grant and Mrs. J. Cheshire Webb, with the officers, to he the Executive Committee. The nominations being made unanimous, the permanent chairman, Maj. Graham, took the chair and in a short but sincerely admiring speech introduced Mr. James Pou of Raleigh. Mr. Pou held his audience spellbound while he gave the history of the causes of the great war and the reasons why it is of the most vital importance to every man, woman and child in the United States that
we should win and our duty to do our utmost to attain that end. Mr. Pou's speech made a profound impression. The meeting was closed by singing the "Battle Hymn of the Republic."
At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Red Cross held in the Library on July eleventh, 1917, attended by Miss Forrest, Mrs. J. Cheshire Webb, Rev. T. McM. Grant, and Miss H. P. Collins, it was decided that the first twenty-two names on the list at the first meeting be put in our authority for organizing our chapter. The following committees were asked to serve:
Publicity Committee: Mr. C. H. Robertson (Chairman), Mr. N. W. Brown, Mr. J. A. Harris, Mrs. Elkins, Miss Lula Cassidy.
Finance Committee: Mrs. Jas. H. Webb (Chairman), Mrs. Strudwick, Mrs. Charles Andrews, Mr. T. M. Grant, Mr. P. C. Collins.
Purchasing Committee: Mrs. R. B. Hayes (Chairman), Miss Margaret Forrest, Mrs. W. B. Wall.
The Membership Committee was discussed but not named. Mrs. R. B. Hayes having sent her credentials and sample bandages to headquarters, began a class in surgical dressings, which met on Tuesday and Friday A. M. weekly at the Red Cross room, a notice of which was sent to Cedar Grove, where there is much interest in Red Cross work.
The Executive Committee of the Red Cross met in the Red Cross room on August first, with the Rev. Mr. Grant, Miss Forrest, Mrs. R. B. Hayes, Mrs. Jas. H. Webb, Mr. Charles H. Robertson, and
Miss H. P. Collins present. The following letter was read:
Washington, D. C.,
July 17, 1917.
Maj. John W. Graham, Chairman,
Orange County North Carolina Chapter American Red Cross,
Hillsboro, North Carolina.
Dear Sir:
Having received notice of the organization, in accordance with authority duly granted, of a Chapter of the American Red Cross to be known as Orange County, North Carolina, Chapter and to have for its jurisdiction Orange County (except Chapel Hill and such portions of said territory as have already been organized under a separate Chapter), the Central Committee of the American Red Cross hereby recognizes the said Chapter and authorizes it to serve as such in conformity to the charter and by-laws of the American Red Cross.
Very truly yours,
Elliot Wadsworth,
(Acting Chairman)
The community as a whole has done everything to advance the cause in the way of interest, work and donations. The two Red Cross rooms for the white and colored people were loaned by Mr. J. Cheshire Webb. Through the influence of Miss Lily Bivins a large donation of knitting cotton was given by Daniel Miller Company of Baltimore, and our local merchants and business people have been most generous in their gifts and terms for all Red Cross purposes.
The Chapter reported to headquarters in Atlanta that we had on July first, 1917, four hundred members and had given four hundred dollars to the Hundred Million Dollar War Fund. A branch at Cedar Grove has been organized and they are at work on surgical dressings. The Auxilliary of the Colored People has organized and are ready for instruction in surgical dressings. They also wish to knit and are doing some in cotton.
The date and hour for meetings of the Executive Committee was set for the first Saturday in every month at five P. M. in the
Red Cross room.
Mrs. James Webb made her report as Chairman of the Finance Committee and offered her resignation, which was accepted with regret. Mr. P. C. Collins was appointed in her stead, but did not accept. Miss Forrest submitted the bills since our organization. They were approved and ordered paid. The meeting then adjourned.
On August 20, 1917, a meeting of the Red Cross was held concerning the knitting for the soldiers. The Orange County Chapter was apportioned two hundred sets by Headquarters. It was decided to appoint a committee to get in touch with a person in each community who would do what they could to secure knitters and funds. A thorough canvass of Hillsboro was to be made and two or more classes started. The committee consisted of Miss Hayes, Mrs. Johnston, Mrs. Robertson, Mrs. A. J. Warren, and Mrs. Oldham. The branch at Cedar Grove was to be asked to supply or make from ten to twenty-five sets.
At a meeting of the Executive Committee September 1, 1917, a letter was read from Mr. Willis J. Milner, Jr., Assistant Director, Southern Division A. R. C., urging the Orange County Chapter to appoint a Civilian Relief Committee. However, this work was already being done by the Orange County Council of Defense, with a committee for soldiers' business headed by an attorney.
Rev. Mr. Grant was unanimously elected Chairman of the Finance Committee to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mrs. J. H. Webb. She remained on the committee. Mrs. Robertson, Chairman of the Knitting Committee, reported that sixty knitters of experience were ready to undertake the Red Cross work upon receipt
of the yarn.
At a called meeting of the Executive Committee of the Orange County Chapter, A. R. C., the application from New Hope Church for permission to form a branch was approved and permission was granted. The certificate from Cedar Grove relative to the formation of their branch was read and put in the archives of the Chapter.
Report of the Comfort Bag Committee. October 6, 1917.
Fifty bags received. Of these seven were given to the first contingent of drafted men to go from the county; twenty-five to the second contingent, and ten to the third; six to the men who have volunteered from Hillsboro and one to a member of Battery C. Fifteen more bags were promised, but were delivered to the men without passing through the hands of the committee.
Report of the Knitting Committee. October 6, 1917.
Ninety lbs. of wool at $237.00 on hand, approximately one hundred knitters at work and ten full sets of knitted garments shipped that day.
Report from Work Room. October 6, 1917.
Up to October 1st, 1453 bandages had been shipped.
A vote of thanks was given to Cedar Grove for its generosity to the chapter in donating to it the premiums from the Community Fair.
On October 11, 1917, a public meeting of the Orange County Chapter A. R. C., was held at the court house for the election of officers. The nominating committee presented the
following names: Maj. John W. Graham, President; Miss Margaret Forrest, Treasurer; Miss Henrietta P. Collins, Secretary. The motion was put and unanimously carried. At this meeting Liberty Bonds. Food Conservation and the registration of women for service were discussed. Mr. J. C. Webb introduced Capt. J. Stuart Allen of the famous Princess Patricia Regiment of Canada, who have a graphic account of the conflict in France, having served there for some time and been wounded often.
The following report was made from the Orange County Chapter A. R. C. on October 11, 1917.
"Since June 4, 1917, when the meeting for organization was held, four hundred and fifty-five members have joined the chapter and branches. At Cedar Grove and New Hope there are branches named for those places, both of which are doing good work. In Hillsboro, also, there is an auxiliary among the colored people. The chapter has shipped one case of surgical dressings to Atlanta, Ga., containing 1453 surgical dressings made in this work room, and at Cedar Grove, also wash rags knit by the children. About fifty children are knitting for the chapter and one hundred other knitters are making weekly contributions to the shipments which the chapter is sending to Atlanta. Miss Hamilton reports sixty-four comfort bags already given to our soldiers and forty-five ready for next week. It is the intention of the chapter not to let a single soldier who cares for one leave the country without one. Our Treasurer, Miss Forrest, reports a total of about sixteen hundred dollars having been in her hands in the four months of our existence as a Chapter."
At a called meeting of the Executive Committee, October 22, Maj. Graham and Mr. Grant were elected delegates to the Red Cross Convention to meet in Raleigh November 1st and 2nd.
At an Executive Committee meeting November 12, 1917, Miss Sue Rosemond was appointed Chairman of a committee to sell Red Cross Christmas Seals. Miss Mary Spurgeon was appointed
Chairman of the committee to handle the Christmas packets for our soldiers, of which the Chapter is expected to furnish 133. Twelve new Red Cross members were reported. Mrs. R. B. Hayes also reported the shipment of 3155 surgical dressings on November 2nd.
On December 1, 1917, at the meeting of the Executive Committee a vote of thanks was given Mrs. Hayes for all she had done for the Chapter and regret was expressed that she would soon leave town. Mrs. Whitmel Webb was asked to serve as chairman of the purchasing committee. Mrs. Hayes reported packing the third box containing 1309 dressings from this work room, New Hope and Cedar Grove. The whole quota of 133 Christmas packets had been shipped. Mrs. Robertson reported 98 sweaters, 84 mufflers 72 pairs of wristlets and 171 pairs of socks had been sent to Atlanta.
On December 11, the following committees were appointed to carry on the Christmas membership drive:
Campaign Committee: Chairman, Mr. J. Cheshire Webb; Mr. G. K. Collins; Mr. C. H. Robertson; Mr. N. W. Brown; Mrs. S. Strudwick; Miss Forrest.
Citizens Committee: Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Webb, Miss Sarah Webb, Mr. H. W. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. T. N. Webb, Mr. N. W. Brown, Dr. and Mrs. Benton, Mr. Bradshaw, Mr. and Mrs. Wall, Mr. Frank Nash, and Mr. Robertson.
Publicity Committee: Mr. N. W. Brown, Mr. C. H. Robertson, Miss Sue Hayes.
Enrollment Committee:
For Schools: Mr. McNeer, Miss Maud Faucette.
For Business Houses: Mrs. P. C. Collins, Miss Mary Spurgeon.
For Mills: Mr. C. H. Robertson, Mr. T. N. Webb.
Fraternal Orders: Dr. J. S. Spurgeon, Mr. J. H. Webb, Mr. J. L. Brown.
Executive Secretary: Miss Henrietta P. Collins.
On January 5, 1918, at a meeting of the Executive Committee, Mr. J. Cheshire Webb reported a successful membership drive in which was secured the full quota of four hundred members. Mr. Robertson was unanimously elected chairman of the Executive Committee to succeed Mr. Grant who had moved to Hookerton, N. C. Mr. N. W. Brown was made Chairman of the Publicity Committee. It was moved that Miss Sue Hayes be elected as Supervisor of Surgical Dressings during Mrs. R. B. Hayes' absence. Miss Mary Spurgeon reported 133 Christmas packets sent and paid for, and a vote of thanks was given her for her good work on this committee. Miss Sue Rosemond reported $42.00 worth of Christmas Seals sold and some others not reported, which might bring the amount to $50.00. A vote of thanks was given Miss Rosemond. A gift of $50.00 from the Farmers & Merchants Bank was also gratefully acknowledged.
Report of Knitting Committee February 2, 1918.
200 sweaters, 197 mufflers, 275 pairs of socks, 143 wristlets. The fifth box of dressings was shipped January 30. Total 4871.
On April 6, 1918, the following committee was appointed
to carry on the Red Cross Drive May 20-27; Mr. McNeer, Chairman; Dr. C. M. Hughes, Dr. J. S. Spurgeon, Mr. C. H. Robertson, Mrs. W. H. Webb, Miss H. P. Collins, Mrs. S. Strudwick, Mrs. J. Cheshire Webb.
Publicity Committee: Mr. N. W. Brown, Mr. G. P. Collins, Mr. J. C. Webb.
The Treasurer's report, April 6, showed a balance in bank of $313.31.
On May 11, 1918, the Oaks Branch petition to join the Orange County Chapter was read and accepted. Also the generous gift of twenty comfort bags made and given by Mrs. and Miss Bivins was gratefully received. Miss Forrest read her financial report, which showed a balance in hand of $199.53 on May first. Mrs. Robertson read the following knitting report: Yarn bought, 381 pounds; Amount spent, $877.03; Knitted garments; Sweaters, 234; Mufflers, 211; Wristlets, 214; Socks, 521; Helmets, 6.
On May 13, at a special meeting of the Executive Committee arrangements were made for the carrying on of the Red Cross War Fund Campaign. The following Publicity Committee was named: Mr. N. W. Brown, Mr. G. K. Collins, and a third man whom they would select. Mr. Bradshaw was to furnish a list of the ministers in the
county and they were to be requested to announce the Drive and speak on the Red Cross on Sunday, May 19, which is called Red Cross Sunday.
On June 15, 1918, at a called meeting of the Executive Committee Miss Forrest reported the receipt of a letter permitting the Chapter to retain as much as twenty-five per cent of the receipts of the War Fund. Major Graham made a motion that the Treasurer send thirty-three hundred dollars to Mr. McAdoo when called for by him, retaining approximately twenty-five per cent of the receipts. The total amount raised for the Second War Fund was as follows:
| Cash | $ 4172.38 | |
| Pledges | 122.00 | |
| $ 4294.38 | ||
| Sent to Mr. McAdoo | $3300.00 | |
| Retained: | ||
| Cash | $872.38 | |
| Pledges | 122.00 | |
| $994.38 |
Mr. Cheshire Webb was to be asked to call a meeting of negroes to discuss the Red Cross with a committee composed of Major Graham, Mr. Robertson, Mr. N. W. Brown and Mr. J. C. Webb.
At the regular meeting of the Red Cross Executive Committee on July 1, 1918, Miss Forrest read her financial report for June, which showed a balance in bank of $95.95. Seven renewals and four new members were reported this month.
At a called meeting of the Executive Committee of the Red Cross held on July 19, Major Graham made a motion that, in answer to Mr. James H. Pou's letter stating the need of funds for canteen work in Raleigh, out of our Chapter funds Mrs. William Grimes be sent $120.00 to be used for the benefit of troops passing
through Raleigh in the name of the Orange County Chapter, which was carried.
The receipt of the Chapter box for June, to Headquarters, was reported. It contained 8000 compresses which were sent direct to France without repacking.
At the monthly meeting of the Red Cross Executive Committee held at the Red Cross Room, August 12, a letter from Headquarters advising discontinuing the donating of comfort kits to our county men when they leave for camp, was read. The men are furnished with most of the contents immediately on reaching camp, and the use of the khaki for this purpose made too large a demand on the supply. A motion was made that the comfort kit activity be determined by a committee composed of Mrs. Strudwick and Miss Collins, who were to consult with the comfort kit committee about supplies on hand and decide just when to discontinue giving them. A petition from Carr precinct to become a Branch of the Orange County Chapter A. R. C. was granted. Also a request for permission to give an evening of song for the benefit of the Red Cross by the Hillsboro Community Chorus was gratefully accorded. A letter was read asking that Junior Red Cross work be organized early in the school year. Thirty one magazine subscriptions were reported. The financial report showing expenditures of $145.67, with a balance in bank of $15.58, was approved.
At the regular meeting of the Executive Committee of the Orange County Chapter A. R. C., a motion was carried that the Comfort Kit Committee continue the gift of articles on hand until they are all used. The Canteen Committee composed of Mrs. Forrest,
Miss Bessie Kirkland, Mrs. Johnson, Miss Hamilton, Miss Collins, with five additional ladies of their selection, were given authority to purchase such supplies as they deem necessary for the packages to be given the boys going to camp, the value of each package not to exceed the sum of one dollar. Miss Forrest. Treasurer, reported the August expenditures to amount to $707.75, leaving a balance in bank of $308.71. A gift of the Community Chorus of $73.00 was reported and Mrs. H. N. Webb moved that the Director of the Community Chorus be sent a note of thanks for the gift resulting from the evening of song.
At a regular meeting of the Orange County Chapter Executive Committee it was decided to borrow $200.00 for sixty days to meet indebtedness at Headquarters and other expenses. The allotments which had been sent the chapter were discussed and the irrigation pads accepted but the allotment for garments was to be delayed for a month at least.
At a meeting of the Executive Committee called January 21, 1919, it was decided to sell the gauze and yarn on hand. It was voted for Mrs. W. H. Webb, Purchasing Agent, to try to find a sale for the gauze and for Mrs. Robertson to turn over the yarn to Miss Forrest, who is to hold it open for sale until March 1, 1919. What is left at that time is to be sold in lump.
Report of knitted articles from November 9, 1918, to February 12, 1919: 357 pairs socks; 121 sweaters; 1 comfort.
Report of Orange County North Carolina Chapter. American Red Cross, Located at Hillsboro, which includes Branches at Cedar
Grove, New Hope, Oaks and Carr.
Total number of members to date: 955.
Fourteen boxes have been shipped to Headquarters in Atlanta containing 41,396 bandages and surgical dressings. 148 Hospital garments, 180 operating gowns, 850 knitted articles, and 100 Italian comfort kits were also sent.
Comfort kits were given to the men going to camp until September 1918, when it was discontinued and a Canteen Committee saw the men off and tried to show our appreciation of their spirit. The Chapter made a contribution of $120.00 to the Canteen work of the Raleigh Chapter to troops passing through Raleigh.
Eleven boxes containing 2682 pounds of clothing were shipped for the Belgians. 706 linen articles valued at $234.90 were sent for the hospitals in France. A committee on Christmas packages inspected and packed 111 boxes for the men in the American Expeditionary Forces.
The Chapter has been strengthened during the year by the addition of a Branch at Oaks and one at Carr. These branches and the ones at Cedar Grove and New Hope assisted loyally in every undertaking of the Chapter.
Respectfully submitted,
Henrietta P. Collins, Secy.
At a meeting of the Executive Committee held at the court house on June 20, 1919, Rev. Mr. Bradshaw made a motion to give $300.00 of the $399.00 in the bank to help finance the Soldiers' Celebration. This motion was duly carried. Miss Forrest, the
treasurer, was requested to give a check for this amount to the Finance Committee. It was decided to request all Red Cross members assisting at the celebration to wear their Red Cross pins or badges.
It was decided to continue to try to find a sale for the case of gauze on hand, and failing, to hold until further orders.
Mrs. Strudwick, Miss Hamilton and Mrs. J. C. Webb were appointed a committee to audit the treasurer's books, a report to be made at once to Major Graham and record to be incorporated in the minutes.
A letter from Mr. L. E. Dale, Division Accountant, was read by the Chapter Chairman, requesting the Chapter not to disband and giving directions in case it should be deemed wisest to disband. Major Graham was asked to write to Mr. J. L. McMillan, Director of the Dept. of Development, for information as to what will be necessary to carry on a peace program in the Chapter. This was referred to a later meeting.
Orange County is proud to be able to claim at least three women who saw active service with the Red Cross during the war.
One of these was Miss Marion Elma Williamson, of Chapel Hill, N. C. She went abroad with Dr. McGuire's unit from Richmond, Va., where she had been living for sometime and practicing her profession.
Our second Red Cross worker was Mrs. Laura Hutchins Benson, also of Chapel Hill. Mrs. Benson enlisted in the Army Nurses' Corp, May 2nd, 1917, and was first stationed at the Walter Reed Gen. Army Hospital, Washington, D. C. During the awful epidemic of pneumonia
in the camps in the winter of 1918, she was called to Base Hospital No. 1, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, where she was later made head nurse. Our third Red Cross worker was Miss Jean Blue. She enlisted in Unit 65 early in 1918 from Watts Hospital on May 27th, and went to Camp Lee for training, remaining there until August 1, when she went to New York for one month of intensive training before sailing for France the first of September. She was stationed with the A. E. F. at Brest, first nursing soldiers with "Flu", those wounded, on their way back to America.
June 28--September 5, 1917.
On June 28, 1917, Mr. J. Cheshire Webb, of Hillsboro, received his appointment as Chairman of the Orange County Council of Defense. The other members are: M. C. S. Noble, C. H. Robertson, S. Strudwick, S. W. Andrews, John P. Hughes, P. C. Collins.
On July 9, 1917, the Soldiers' Business Aid Committee was formed to attend to any business affairs that any soldier wished attended to. The members were as follows: Frank Nash, (Chairman), T. N. Webb, O. F. Craig, C. M. Hughes, M. P. Efland.
On September 3rd, 1917, which was Labor Day, a celebration was held for the drafted men of Orange County. A large dinner was given to the white men at the Warehouse. Mrs. W. L. Wall was in charge of the dinner, which was a splendid success. On this occasion Miss Lily Hamilton, Chairman of the Comfort Bag Committee, gave comfort bags to the first seven men to be called from Orange County. The colored men had a dinner at the colored school house. There were
several patriotic speeches during the afternoon.
Miss Frances Venable (Chapel Hill) and Mrs. W. H. Webb (Hillsboro) were appointed chairmen of clubs for securing and sending literature to the soldiers.
February 12, 1918.
The legal advisory board formed to help men fill out the government questionnaires was composed of the following gentlemen: Major John W. Graham, Hon. Frank Nash, Mr. W. S. Roberson.
The Public Service Reserve was composed of the following gentlemen: C. H. Robertson, Hillsboro, W. H. Webb, Hillsboro, D. S. Smith, Chapel Hill, J. C. Webb (Chairman), Hillsboro.
June 15, 1918.
On June 28, 1917, Mr. J. Cheshire Webb, of Hillsboro, received his appointment as Chairman of the Orange County Council of Defense, which he was to organize. In order to accomplish the expansion of county organization by the creation of Community Councils, he called a meeting at the court house June 15, 1918, to be attended by those named for the Community Councils. At this meeting Mr. Webb outlined the origin and function of the Council of Defense as follows:
"When the United States entered the war, Congress felt the necessity of uniting and expediting all the measures for the preparation and continuance in the war. To this end it created a National Council of Defense and charged this body with manifold duties. The Council is composed of six members of the President's Cabinet: The Secretary of War is President and the other members
are Secretary of Navy, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Interior, Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Labor. This is the National Council of Defense. Then the National Council in turn created the State Councils and it says of the State Councils: 'The State Councils of Defense should co-operate with each other and with the Federal Government in organizing and directing the resources of the State in men and materials to make them available and effective for national use and should recommend changes in the State laws which may become expedient. Acting under authority of law, the National Council of Defense has asked the Governors of each State to form a State Council of Defense to accomplish the services mentioned.' In compliance with this request the Governor of North Carolina has appointed a State Council of Defense, of which the Governor and Adjutant-General are ex officio members. The other members are as follows: Mr. W. S. Lee, Mr. C. C. Taylor, Dr. Joseph Hyde Pratt, Dr. James Sprunt, Col. J. Bryan Grimes, Mr. Geo. Watts, Mr. R. N. Page, Mr. F. L. Seely, Dr. George Howe, Mrs. J. E. Reilley, and Dr. D. H. Hill. Dr. D. H. Hill of Raleigh was elected State Chairman. The State Council in its turn formed County Councils in each of the 100 counties in the State. This Council is composed of a chairman and six members. This is known as the central committee. In Orange County they are: M. C. S. Moble, C. H. Robertson, S. Strudwick, S. W. Andrews, John P. Hughes, P. C. Collins and J. C. Webb (Chairman). President Wilson now sanctions and urges a movement to extend this Council into every community in the entire nation, and to perfect this organization in Orange County is our reason for being here today. The following named gentlemen have been named to fill the place in
their respective T.P.'s, for the Central Council decided that it was best to make the unit of organization the township rather than the school district. As to the duties which you will have to perform, I can simply say this, that as near as I can make out, the function of this council at present is to do everything possible to Win the War. Our duties are nicely divided into such heads as these: Finance, Legal, Co-ordination work, Sanitation, etc. The Council has little or no funds in this State, but in spite of this it has accomplished no little. It is largely responsible for the creation of the N. C. State Reserve militia. It is also responsible in a great measure for the successful work of the Food Administration and registration of soldiers. As yet the people at large have no clear conception of just what is and will be expected of us. Your chairman has been asked to do everything from getting a soldier a divorce to catching a deserter. He thought this stretching the duties of his office. But as said before, we must stand prepared to do anything in our power to help win the war. You will be a permanent committee from now until God gives us the victory, to co-operate with every kind of war activity, whether it be selling War Stamps, working for the Red Cross or Y. M. C. A., or giving comfort or relief to members of a soldier's family. Remember that our duty is to co-operate but never to interfere with any other committee. And under no condition must we form any other kind of organization, but must endeavor to bind together for the most effective work those already existing."
Members Community Councils:
Bingham T. P.: T. J. Oldham, Mebane, RFD.; Harman McIver; G. E. Copeland; Tom Atwater; G. E. Crawford; J. T. Sykes, Efland RFD #2; Paul Lloyd, Chapel Hill RFD #3.
Chapel Hill T. P.: Dr. E. C. Branson, R. A. Eubanks, Chapel Hill; Ralph Ward, Carrboro; J. A. Duke; Homer Bennet; George Johnston, Chapel Hill RFD #2.
Hillsboro T. P.: Dr. J. S. Spurgeon; W. H. Webb; J. E. Carter; R. E. Bivens; Rev. H. S. Bradshaw; W. M. Jones, Efland RFD
Cedar Grove T. P.: Clyde Compton, Mebane RFD #3; Chas. Oakley, Cedar Grove RFD #2; H. P. Woods, Cedar Grove RFD #1; Jas. Laws, Jr., Cedar Grove; C. N. Woods, Cedar Grove RFD #1.
Cheeks T. P.: Carl Forrest, Efland; John Baity, Efland; W. E. Ham, Efland; Sam White, Mebane.
Little River T. P.: D. N. Mincey, Hillsboro RFD #1; Chas. Blalock, Rougemont RFD # 3; Arthur Wilson, Hillsboro RFD #1; C. E. Wilson, Hillsboro RFD #1; L. L. Smith, Rougemont RFD #3; N. V. Ray, Cedar Grove; W. S. Roberts, Hillsboro RFD #1.
Eno T. P.: J. A. Giles, Hillsboro; S. Browning, West Durham RFD #1; Sam Walker, Hillsboro RFD #1; Mr. Sadler, University Station, So. Power Co.; G. C. Roberts, Hillsboro RFD #1; E. P. Woods, Hillsboro RFD #1.
Provided by suggested activities from correspondence of North Carolina Council of Defense.
Woman's Committee.
[Document Image]
The Woman's Committee of the Council of National Defense was organized in Orange County on August 1st, 1997, at the court house in Hillsboro. About fifty women were present, representing every organization of women in the county. The meeting was called by Mrs. J. Cheshire Webb, who had previously received appointment as temporary County Chairman, with instructions to call a meeting to
perfect a permanent organization. The election of officers resulted as follows: Chairman, Mrs. J. Cheshire Webb, Hillsboro; Secretary, Miss Lula Cassidy, Hillsboro; Treasurer, Mrs. Isaac Manning, Chapel Hill.
The objects and aims of the organization were cited by the Chairman, being mainly to coordinate and link together all existing organizations of women, in order to secure greater efficiency in defense work for the nation.
It was decided at this meeting to organize throughout the county in units, as suggested by the State Committee--a unit for each township--the organization to follow the plan for the county, i.e. a chairman, secretary and treasurer and head of each department of activity.
On Labor Day, 1917, the second meeting of the Woman's Committee was held at the court house in Hillsboro. The resignation of Miss Cassidy as secretary was accepted, as she was planning soon to leave the county. Miss Sue Hayes was elected in her place.
Upon deliberate consideration the vote of the meeting of August first was cancelled and a central organization was unanimously agreed upon, with the heads of departments as follows, representing women from all parts of the county:
Miss H. M. Berry, Chapel Hill, was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Finance, and Mrs. Shepperd Strudwick, Hillsboro, Chairman of Publicity.
The following ladies constitute the Central Committee, taken together with the county officers and heads of department named above: Mrs. H. W. Chase, Chapel Hill, Miss Rebecca Cameron, Hillsboro, Miss Alice Noble, Chapel Hill, Mrs. J. S. Holmes, Chapel Hill, Mrs. W. H. Webb, Hillsboro, Mrs. T. N. Webb, Hillsboro.
Mrs. L. C. Patterson was unable to accept the appointment as head of Liberty Loan Committee, and Mrs. James H. Webb was appointed in her place, and served for the Second Liberty Loan drive. Upon the resignation of Mrs. Webb, Miss H. M. Berry was named as chairman and served for the Third and Fourth Liberty Loan drives. Figures giving the results of these drives are recorded elsewhere.
The State Committee asked each county committee to help finance the State work by contributing $2.00 a month. Money was raised for this purpose by individual subscription and contributions from the different organizations of women in the county, which more than paid our obligation from August 1, 1917, to August 1, 1918. In August 1918, the Commissioners of Orange County made an appropriation of $24.00 to cover our dues to the State Committee for the year following, and this amount was gratefully acknowledged by the County Chairman and forwarded by our Treasurer to the State Treasurer.
The Registration of Women for Service was held in
October, 1917, at which time over two hundred women filled out and signed the service cards provided for that purpose.
In July 1918, a canvass of the county was made in the interest of the U. S. Student Nurse Reserve, with the result that eight young women enrolled, six white, and two colored.
In February, 1919, in response to a letter to Governor Bickett asking his advice about carrying on the work of the Woman's Committee, he states that the Legislature seems indisposed to make any appropriation to carry on the work of the Council of Defense, because the General Assembly feels that present necessities of the State institutions should be taken care of before any extra work is assumed. Under these circumstances he does not feel that we are justified in incurring any further personal expense in this connection. Besides this, it is thought that Woman's Work will be taken up by organized effort in other directions. Not wishing to duplicate work, or endeavor to do work which does not mean real service, our organization naturally vanishes. On February 15, 1919, our State Chairman issued an honorable discharge to all members of the Woman's Committee of the Council of National Defense.
No single thing showed the patriotic spirit of the people of Orange County during the war more than the cheerful way in which they carried out the irksome rules and regulations of the Food Administration. A word must also be said for the merchants and the millers of the county. There was no wilful violation of a single rule by any mill in the county, and in only two instances
did a merchant break over, and in these cases they were of so mild a nature that they were settled by the County Administrator.
The housekeepers were industrious in saving all the fruits and vegetables by methods of canning and drying. Never has there been so much effort and accomplishment in this direction. The State offices at Raleigh will record all the various orders that were issued to the counties, so it is useless to name them here. There was, however, one rule originated by the Orange County Food Administrator which might be mentioned, namely, the order forbidding the threshing of wheat before the 15th of July. In spite of the fact that this order was issued at the request of the Farmers' Union and with the consent of the threshermen of the county, when the usual time came round for threshing to begin there was a very natural feeling of unrest on the part of the farmer who had his wheat out in the weather, but by this time so accustomed had the people become to obeying all rules that in spite of the great temptation in only two cases was there violation. These violators plead guilty and voluntarily contributed to the Red Cross, and the cases against them were dropped.
Orange County having two large towns, it was necessary to have an Administrator at Chapel Hill. Mr. R. A. Eubanks was appointed for this place and did good and faithful work.
On September 20, 1917, Mr. Henry A. Page, State Food Administrator, appointed Mr. J. Cheshire Webb, of Hillsboro, the Food Administrator for Orange County. The Executive Committee of the County Food Administration was as follows: Prof. E. C. Branson, Chapel Hill; Mrs. Isaac Manning, Chapel Hill; Mrs. H. W. Chase,
Chapel Hill; Mr. Lueco Lloyd, Chapel Hill; County Farm Demonstrator, Hillsboro; Mrs. J. C. Webb, (Ch'm. Woman's Div. Council of Defense). Hillsboro; Mrs. G. C. Roberts, Hillsboro, RFD #1; Mr. R. H. Claytor, Supt. of Pub. Inst., Hillsboro.
On October 13, 1917, a meeting of Teachers and School Committeemen, called by Mr. J. C. Webb, through the office of the County Superintendent of Public Instruction, was held in the court house. Responding to the call, forty-two teachers and a goodly number of committeemen and citizens assembled at the court house at eleven o'clock. The object of the meeting was to impress the teachers with the importance of the Food Conservation Campaign to be held October 29--November 4, and to explain to them the part which they were to do to make it a success. Prof. Branson of the University, in a very able address, explained the importance of food conservation and Mrs. Isaac Manning of Chapel Hill presented a most interesting account of her "Third Line of Defense" work in the southern end of the county.
At this meeting plans were laid for registering, at her respective school house, every woman in every school district on October 27, 1917. At this time each woman was to sign the Food Pledge, thus showing her willingness to co-operate in every way possible with the Food Administration. Those who failed to sign the pledge on that day were to be visited individually. These plans were carried out. The school houses were kept open from 9:00 A. M. to 4: P. M. on Saturday, October 27, 1917, and the various committees were on hand in their respective school houses to attend to the registration. During the following week, October 29 -
November 4, a systematic canvass was made of each School District and every housewife was personally interviewed.
The following committees were in charge of the Food Campaign in the various townships:
March 30, 1918.
In order to insure the safety of as much of the wheat crop as possible, Mr. J. C. Webb asked that the Farmers' Union in the county see to it that no threshing be allowed to start this year before July 20. The following reply was received from the Secretary of the Farmers' Union:
Teer, N. C. 4/1/18
Mr. J. C. Webb,
Hillsboro, N. C.
Dear Sir:
Your letter to the President of the County Union was read in our meeting Saturday afternoon and, after discussion, the enclosed resolution was passed. I am sending you a copy to be used if you see fit. You will notice the date July 15, instead of 20th, as suggested by you. We prefer that because if machines did not start before the 20th, grain would not be all threshed before tobacco was ripe and need curing and cultivation is practically finished usually by July 15.
Respectfully,
G. Ed. Copeland.
Sec. & Treas. Orange Co. Farmers' Union.
Whereas it is customary for threshing machines in Orange County to start about July 1, which causes the cultivation of crops to be neglected and, in our opinion, yield reduced, now, therefore
Resolved, that we the representatives of the Local Farmers' Union of Orange County in convention at Schley, N. C., March 30, 1918, favor a rule by the Food Administration that no threshing machine be allowed to start this year before July 15.
W. R. Roberts,
President.
G. Ed. Copeland,
Sec-Treas.
In response to a proclamation of Governor Bickett on September 23rd, 1917, the Council of Defense of Orange County met on October 20th 1917, by a call from Chairman J. C. Webb, and selected twenty-five men to comprise a detachment of a composite company of State Militia. These men were invited to meet at the court house at Hillsboro on October 22, and October 24, 1917, and in response to this invitation the following men met and voluntarily enlisted for the "duration of the war."
Later were added the following:
Organization was completed by the election of S. Strudwick to the office of First Lieut, and he appointed H. H. Iler, First Sergeant; Chas. Robertson, Corporal; P. C. Collins, Corporal; C. M. Andrews, Corporal.
The County of Orange through the Board of Commissioners furnished uniforms, etc., and the Detachment began at once to drill twice each week and continued this until the influenza epidemic caused the passing of a law which prohibited all assemblies of every kind for about three months.
The Detachment was called by Sheriff C. L. Rosemon to safeguard a prisoner during trial before a magistrate and responded promptly. Guns (Russian Rifles) and ammunition were obtained from U. S. Government through the N. C. Adjutant-General's office and permission was granted by that officer to increase the number of men to 37. The organization is today (April 4, 1919) active and ready to respond to the call of the State or Nation.
The Detachment is a part of Company #29, Headquarters at Burlington, N. C., and its present roster is as follows:
Orange County's entire quota of War Savings Stamps was three hundred and thirty-one thousand and four hundred dollars worth ($331,400.00) or an average of $20.00 for every individual in the county. In a War Savings drive June 23-28, 1918, seventy-five per cent of this quota was pledged. In order to raise the other twenty-five per cent another War Savings drive was held September 9-14, 1918.
On Registration Day, September 12, 1918, a large War Savings Rally was hold at the court house at 9:00 P. M. On account of the illness of Mr. S. Strudwick, Chairman of the Committee, the meeting was presided over by Mr. Gattis. An enormous crowd packed the court house and the hallway and stairs, for besides the interest in War Stamps there was the added attraction, not only of two of Pershing's men back from France, but one of our own boys, Mr. Jim Cheshire, who was the first to volunteer from this town and who has been sent home to train troops, having been made unfit by wounds for active service at the Front.
The meeting was opened by the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" by the Community Chorus, followed by a prayer by Rev. Mr. Oldham. Mr. J. Cheshire Webb then made an announcement as to the need of more War Stamps being sold. After the Chorus had sung "God
Save the King". Mr. Gattis introduced Private Higgins of the Mass. Guard, who gave a most interesting account of his experiences in the trenches. He was just recovering from a severe gassing. Following this address the Chorus sang "Sons of America", after which Mr. Cheshire was introduced amid a storm of applause. He is the first of our own men to come back and he was given a regular ovation. He gave a most interesting account of his experiences, particularly praising the splendid work of the Red Cross. The meeting was closed with the singing of the "Marseillaise" by the Chorus.
| Amount apportioned to Orange County, | $331,408.00 |
| Amount pledged by Orange County, | 272,956.00 |
| Amount actually sold by Orange County, | 264,370.00 |
This last item is somewhat "out of line" with actual facts and should show a greater amount, for the reason that a number of Orange County people who "pledged" bought the stamps in towns outside the county, such as Durham, Roxboro, Mebane, etc.
Men's Committee for First Liberty Loan: Paul C. Collins, County Chairman; M. E. Hogan (Chapel Hill), John P. Hughes (Cedar Grove), John Kenion (Cedar Grove), John Efland (Efland), Rev. L. I. Smith (Rougemont), Sam Walker, Thomas J. Oldham (Mebane, RFD).
In the First Liberty Bond Sale the four banks in Orange County sold Liberty Bonds as follows:
| Bank of Orange (Hillsboro) | $30,150.00 worth |
| Farmers & Merchants Bank (Hillsboro) | 150.00 worth |
| Bank of Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill) | $16,350.00 worth |
| Peoples Bank (Chapel Hill) | 5,000.00 worth |
| Total | $51,650.00 |
Second Loan. The Liberty Bonfire.
[Document Image]
On Tuesday night October 23, the Liberty Bonfire was built at the corner of the court house square. The fire was lighted by little Billy Hayes, son of Dr. R. B. Hayes of the U. S. Medical Corps. There were seven "three minute" speakers: P. C. Collins, S. Strudwick, P. H. Claytor, T. McM. Grant, Prank Nash, Maj. Graham, and Solicitor Sam Gattis.
In the Second Liberty Loan the four banks in Orange County sold Liberty Bonds as follows:
| Bank of Orange (Hillsboro) | $ 77,200.00 |
| Farmers & Merchants Bank (Hillsboro) | 11,200.00 |
| Bank of Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill) | 34,350.00 |
| Peoples Bank (Chapel Hill) | 9,800.00 |
| Total | $132,550.00 |
Men's Committee for Second Liberty Loan: Paul C. Collins, County Chairman; M. E. Hogan, Chapel Hill; John P. Hughes, Cedar Grove; John Kenion, Cedar Grove; John Efland, Efland; Rev. L. L. Smith, Rougemont; Sam Walker, Thomas J. Oldham, Mebane, RFD.
In the Second Liberty Loan the women of Orange County were organized for work as follows: Mrs. James H. Webb, Chairman, Hillsboro Committee: Mrs. Warren, Mrs. Strudwick, Mrs. Collins Mrs. Hassell, Mrs. Norfleet Webb, Mrs. Cheshire Webb, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Forrest, Mrs. Rob. Hayes, Mrs. Andrews, Mrs. George Lynch, Mr