1917 – With the imminent entry of the United States into World War I, there sprang up in Lockport a desire to be helpful in an organized fashion. To that end, a meeting was called by Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Brim at their home on the evening of March 26, 1917. All localities of the city and groups of citizens of every calling and occupation were represented. The unanimous wish to organize a Chapter of the American Red Cross found expression in a petition sent that night to its National Headquarters asking for authorization. Permission was at once granted.

The territory covered by the Chapter and its branches included the City of Lockport and approximately four-fifths of the rural communities of Niagara County. The remaining portions became attached to either the Niagara Falls Chapter or to the Tonawanda branch of the Buffalo Chapter. Twenty-seven branches of the Lockport Chapter were eventually organized, each having a complete assemblage of officers.

In June of 1917, the Chapter was located at the former home of Mrs. George Moss. (I have no idea who she was or where her home was located, but it was written that she was an old resident of the city and a woman greatly loved).

October 11, 1917 – The 1^st Annual Meeting was held at the Lockport Senior High School. Work completed that year consisted of sending 36 packing boxes overseas. These boxes contained thousands of badly needed supplies including surgical shirts, gauze rolls, eye bandages, comfort pillows, sweaters and wristlets for “The War” efforts. A sewing fund of $214.60 was raised for materials. (World War I at that time was known as “The War”!) As the men entered the service, each one under the jurisdiction of the Lockport Chapter was provided with a sweater, wristlets and socks. A few of those in the air service were given helmets, and in the early days of the war, long scarves were also provided.

1918-1919 – The Jr. Red Cross became active, collecting 12 tons of used clothing which was shipped to Belgium. A letter was received from “somewhere in France” stating, “A box of hospital supplies, sent by the Lockport Chapter has been received in one of our warehouses near the Front and was unpacked today. The contents were in perfect condition and showed unusual care in packing and preparation. May I take this opportunity to thank you in behalf of the great organization which your Chapter is serving so well for all the admirable box represents. I can only tell you that its contents will very shortly be delivered to the various hospitals on the neighboring Front.”

Home Service reports that children have been born in homes of soldiers who have no way of caring for them except with the help of the Red Cross. Wives have been left unprovided for by men who profess to be unmarried; other wives of soldiers have fallen into temptation and have needed Red Cross services. Special care has been taken by the Red Cross in every detail which affects the soldier himself, i.e. as a soldier in his duties to his country, his duties to himself, and his duties to his home.

The U.S. Government authorized the admittance of many ex-servicemen to the Niagara County Tuberculosis Sanatorium, as their physical conditions were a result of their Military service. Women of the Red Cross raised money for a wireless outfit, which was set up primarily for the amusement and occupation of the ex-servicemen.

One thousand pounds of jelly were sent to Fort Niagara and a full carload of peach pits was sent to Washington D.C. (No explanation of what they were used for.)

With the conclusion of “The War,” many of the Red Cross's war efforts were abandoned. A quote was found, stating, “As long as there are needy, the Red Cross, the greatest mother in the world must keep busy with her needles.” Thus the sewing and knitting services continued.

1919-1920 – Offices were opened in the Lohrman Building in Lockport. At the time, three major services were listed: Service of Ex-servicemen, Nursing Services, and Service to the civilian population. It was also the beginning of First Aid instruction as six classes were held.

The Influenza was a disastrous force in our community. It would have been infinitely more so, however, had it not been for volunteer Red Cross workers. The volunteers followed the orders of physicians in Home Nursing; provided bedding, food, and other necessities; cared for children in the households of the sick; and endeavored to answer every call and need. These volunteers were honored for their care in nursing those afflicted with this deadly and greatly feared disease.

1922-1923 – Home Nursing consisted of 1261 home visits with 905 quarts of milk given to the undernourished. $11,879.69 was raised and sent for “Japanese Relief”.

1925-1926 – The Chapter purchased a 1923 Ford Coupe for the nurse to use on her rounds since this service seemed to be the most active. (The following is an “autobiography” of this car, which I found interesting and thought others might enjoy reading.) “I am a two year old Ford Coupe. I have traveled nearly 20,000 miles, every mile of which has been on some errand of mercy or human need. I have made over 2,000 visits to the sick. I have carried many persons to and from the hospital. My passengers have been of all ages-little children on their way to have tonsils and adenoids cared for by a surgeon who has given his services to those who cannot pay-women who have gone to the hospital for care, make the return trip with a soft little human bundle in their arms.

I need not say that I have traveled but little on fashionable streets but am familiar with every humble thoroughfare in the city and with many of the country roads leading to the branches of the Lockport Chapter. I have always given a needed lift to disabled ex-servicemen for whom I always do my best, to the Children’s Committee for Dependent Children, to the United States Government as represented by the Veteran’s Bureau, to the Tuberculosis Society and many others.

One day we were all startled to know that a man had dropped dead and that he had left six little children and their mother in great need. I rattled out there as fast as I could. It was just on the edge of the city on an unimproved road but I made good time. We learned that he had been an upright man, but had been unable to work for some time. I had a very busy time for some days carrying food and clothing and comforts provided by generous friends of the Red Cross. Later, although the mother was foreign born and not quite pleased with the hospital idea, she was persuaded to accept the offer by the mayor of the Cushing Fund Assistance and went to the hospital where her baby was born After I took her home to her children, I took the Red Cross nurse there every day to teach her American methods of caring for her baby and family.

She now has been granted the County Mother’s Allowance and I am not such a constant visitor, but I go sometimes to see if they are all right.

I could tell you many more interesting stories, but most of them are sad in the beginning. Many of them, however have a cheerful ending when the Red Cross has finished its work. I will tell you of one more place where I went many times. It was the home of a beautiful boy, the son of a clergyman, a lad that was president of the senior class in college when he went to war.

The Red Cross in its careful survey of the county, found that this young lieutenant had returned to his home with, what was supposed to be, merely a hard cold. We visited the home and at once arranged to have the United States Public Health Physician make a careful examination of the boy’s lungs. It was found that there was serious trouble. It is a long tale of a struggle to save his life. Every known means was exhausted, medical service, hospitalization and tenderest nursing care.

The President of his college sent him personal greetings conferring upon him his degree from his Alma Mater. This raised his spirits for a time, but nothing could save his life.

That family had always been loyal to the Red Cross and it, in turn, was especially glad to while he lived. Although his insurance had lapsed, the Red Cross was able to bring about its reinstatement so that these loving parents could be cared for by their boy even after his death.

Sometime I will tell you of my journeys to the Cancer Hospital in Buffalo and of the wonderful things that were done there for many people.

I wonder what part of me was bought with your dollar!

Used clothes were collected and distributed at the Lohrman Building. Also 19 clinics were set up for mental and nervous disorders which seemed prevalent after “The War.”

*** Not much activity until 1930