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| Red Cross worker, SHS C0848 |
American Red Cross Canteen at Union Station in Kansas City, MO (38.165)
National World War I Museum
While this American Red Cross canteen operated from 1917-1919, many women dedicated their time to serve with the American Red Cross helping soldiers and sailors on their travels across the United States. The main item of this collection is a scrapbook that holds newspaper clippings, photographs, correspondence, and other documents regarding the canteen. The most notable items of the scrapbook are unit reports created at the end of the war by the Captains of the units, the secretary, and the historian.
Bailey Collection
Missouri History Museum
Louise Salmon Bailey was a member of the Women’s Troop Train Service of the YMCA during World War I. The organization provided soldiers with food and drinks when their trains stopped in St. Louis on the way to the east coast and eventually to the War in Europe. The collection contains a portrait of Bailey in her uniform, photographs of troops returning home and her journal.
Birkhead, Laura E., Papers, 1917-1920, (C1707)
The State Historical Society of Missouri - Columbia
Miss Birkhead was involved with refugee work and providing clothing for children during and after the war. Her letters to Isabelle Stark of Neosho, MO describe devastated areas, evacuation and camps for refugees, expenses, rationing, and mail service. She also describes the volunteer groups, sponsored agencies, and military units assisting soldiers and civilians.
Daughters of the American Revolution, St. Louis Chapter (1895-1985) (S0204)
The State Historical Society of Missouri - St. Louis
During World War I, the chapter contributed to the French Orphans' Fund, sent ambulance drivers to France, and bought Liberty Bonds and Savings Stamps. In 1920, the group contributed from its Mary Alice Booth Educational Fund to a DAR state-wide Revolving Loan Fund for disabled ex-servicemen. At the time, Missouri was the only state with this type of fund. The collection includes meeting minutes, reports, scrapbooks, correspondence, photographs, and more.
Grace Gale Scrapbook (1917-1918)
Missouri History Museum
Missouri native Grace Gale Humann converted her Parisian chateau into the Furlough House, a retreat for American Soldiers on leave in Paris. To raise funds for Furlough House, Humann gave lectures to women's organizations and church groups in St. Louis. The collection contains newspaper clippings, photographs, and Humann's passport and visa. Read more about Humann and her Furlough House in our November 18, 2012 blog post.
The Junior League of St. Louis Records, (1914-2000) (S0628)
The State Historical Society of Missouri - St. Louis
The Junior League of St. Louis was started in 1915. It evolved out of the Junior Equal Suffrage League and was sponsored by Josephine Poe January. In 1917 the St. Louis League started their first program, the Occupational Therapy Workshop, as part of the relief effort for World War I. The collection contains minutes, the Leagues publications, membership directories, and a large collection of photographs.
Keeley, Mary Paxton (1886-1986), Papers, 1830-1983 (C848)
The State Historical Society of Missouri - Columbia
Mary Paxton Keeley was the first woman graduate of the University of Missouri's school of Journalism. In 1918 and 1919, she served with the YMCA Canteen in France. Within the collection is her diary and photographs that depict her experiences working in France. There are also several letters to Keeley written by soldiers who were enamored with her.
Leonard, Esther, Dr. (1892- ). Papers (1914-1919)
Missouri History Museum
Dr. Esther Leonard was contracted to serve as an army physician during World War I. In May 1918, shortly after completing medical school, she signed a contract of service and worked at the U.S. Army General Hospital No. 1 in New York City. In August 1918, Dr. Leonard was transferred to an evacuation hospital at Vichy, France. The collection consists of medical school papers, military orders, contracts, War Department photo identification card, transportation passes, a poem she wrote, and ephemera.
Moore, Eva Perry (1853-1931). Papers (1892-1932; 1970)
Missouri History Museum
Eva Perry Moore graduated from Vassar College in 1873 and taught Botany and French there until 1875. She married Phillip North Moore, a mining engineer and consulting geologist, in 1879. During World War I, she was active in several women's organizations to include the Woman's Committee, Council of National Defense, Missouri Division. The collection contains speeches and articles that Moore wrote while President of the National Council of Women of the United States and a member of the Woman’s Committee, Council of National Defense.
Musbach, Carl F. and Gold Star Mother, Mrs. Conrad Neth (85.165)
The National World War I Museum
Created by Mrs. Conrad Neth, Musbach’s mother, this collection was originally generated as a remembrance of her son Private Carl Fred Musbach. Mrs. Neth collected newspaper clippings, photographs, and postcards regarding Musbach’s service up until he was killed in action on July 18, 1918. In 1931, Mrs. Neth traveled to Europe on a Gold Star Pilgrimage. While abroad Mrs. Neth kept a 20-page journal and took over 30 photographs during her time in Europe.
Musical Research Club Records, (1912-1984) (S0496)
The State Historical Society of Missouri – St. Louis
Twelve women of University City who wanted more knowledge of music and to share this knowledge and their talents with one another organized the Musical Research Club in 1912. After the start of the first World War, the group extended its talents in helping musically and physically in all branches of the service. At Navy, Marine and Army clubs, members helped sell War Bonds and did Red Cross work. One member drove an ambulance to take wounded from the train to Jefferson Barracks Hospital. The collection contains records, clippings, programs, and photographs.
Neighbors, Charles H. (1892-1969) and Chester V. (1896-1959), Papers, 1917-1919 (C3614)
The State Historical Society of Missouri - Columbia
Correspondence of brothers Charles and Chester Neighbors and their relatives while the brothers were in military service during World War I. The many letters to Charles and Chester from their two sisters and mother depict the roles of Missouri women contributing to the war effort at home in Missouri, such as food conservation, knitting for the Red Cross, and selling Liberty Loans to members of their community.
Spraggon, Sarah Papers
Missouri History Museum
Sarah Bird Spraggon was an active labor leader in the St. Louis area and especially advocated for working women. In 1918, she was one of six women to participate in a two-month American labor mission to Britain and France. The mission was to build resolve and increase understanding between European and American war workers. The collection consists of correspondence, notes, schedules, programs, memorabilia, photographs, and newspaper clippings that Spraggon collected during the mission.
Stephens, Blanche Howard (1872-1931), Papers, 1917-1919, (C0060)
The State Historical Society of Missouri - Columbia
Papers of a Columbia, MO, woman active in World War I women's work, who served as 4th District chairman of the Women's Committee of the Council of National Defense. Her papers - which include publications, correspondence, meeting minutes, and more - pertain to Liberty Loan, Red Cross, food conservation, child welfare, patriotic education, and related work.
Wilferth, Estella (1896-1978), Papers, 1912-1962, (C3035)
The State Historical Society of Missouri - Columbia
A collection of correspondence written to Columbia, Missouri woman Estella Wilferth from admirers and family members during World War I. The letters cover topics concerning local events, weather, daily activities, and feelings about the war from the perspective of both soldiers and civilians.
Woman's City Club Records 1917-1987 (KC257)
The State Historical Society of Missouri - Kansas City
With the beginning of World War I at hand, the Club immediately devoted its energies to "lay women's most valued strengths to do war work." Another aim of the Woman's City Club was "to provide an open forum for discussion of important questions." Speakers, among the most prestigious being General John J. Pershing, were regularly invited to address the membership. The Women's City Club Records include minutes, membership information, bulletins, and associated materials.
