Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1899-05-18
FIRST REPORT.

FIRST REPORT
First annual report Of the Woodbury.
Auxiliary of the Associate Society of the
Red Cross No. l, of Philadelphia.
Ga the Both of April, 1898. fourteen ladies
met on the suggestion of one or two of their
number, at the home of Mrs Vim. E.
Speakmap, to consult in regard to forming
a society to furnish aid to our soldiers and
sailors in the then pending war with Spain.
With almost unprecedented energy and
dispatch, in lit lie more than twenty -four
hours after the inception of the idea Of such
a society in the brain of one of the ladies',
there was perfected organization.
Officers were elected, chairmen of com
mittees appointed, and matters set in train
TO begin work at once.
Comm unication was held with the Red
Cross of Philada and our organization vas
authorized TO act as an auxiliary, our title
10 be g The Woodbury. Auxiliary OF the AS
ISOLATED Society OF the Red Cross No. l. OF
Philadelphia"
1t was decided TO hold weekly meetings,
and before the second meeting, cutting, in
speeding and packing committees were ap-
pointed. and work was begun By cutting out
number of housewives as there was an
urgent call for a large number Of these use
full articles. Money was obtained By annual
dues, which were made 81 for men, and
fifty (50) cents for women, and committee
met for two days at the City Council cham
Der to receive such dues.
Through the kindness of Mr. w. II. Liver
more the society was allowed the use OF
room No 6, Merritt's Block, for weekly bu-
siness meetings and for sewing, and this
room was also open two mornings in each
week to receive finished work, and for any
other necessary business.
Then the demands from the parent society
began TO come in thick and fast, can you
make nightshirts, paamas, brassarts, pillow
cases, towels. &c, f" and 70 all demands was
ready and enthusiastic response, 1--WE can y
The cutting committee worked Industrious
ly and found willing hands ready to flush
the work as fast as they could prepare it.
During the time from May until November
they cut and prepared 2033 articles Many
pieces were cut by persons outside of the
committee of which we have no exact re-
cord, and hundreds Of bandages were rolled
which are not included in this unit.
The packing committee packed and sent
away one or more boxes every week, one
week the number reaching IL Most of
these were sent to the Philadelphia Emer-
gency Headquarters, 1901 Chestnut street,
TO be distributed as they thought best, bnt
in many cases our branch was allowed to
designate The benfciaries, and naturally
our New jersey troops were the ones named
also the Women's Hospital, and the Wo-
mems Home lpathic Hospital
When Company Ii from oar tom was
sent away each member was supplied with
variety of useful articles: towels, wash
cloths, soap, combs, handkerchief, paper
and envelopes, &c, besides these large box
of delicacies was rent them and one of
magazines and other reading matter.
The purchasing committee had its share
of responsibility in buying materials wisely
and economically, and it was continual
surprise that 80 much was done with so
small amount of money
A jelly committee formed shortly after
our start, spent much time in soliciting and
then collecting jellies, fruit Juices and other
delicacies which were forwarded to hospitals
and elsewhere from time to time.
Through all of the excessive heat of the
summer those of the Executive Board who
we're in town with others met regularly
every week, and some who did not attend
meeting, worked in their homes, with the
thought of the brave men who were willing
to risk their lives at their country's call,
ever in mind. They were helped by
friends in Paulsboro, Swedesboro and Cler-
mont
Our auxiliary was highly commended at
the Philada. headquarters for the quantity.
quality and workmanship of the goods sent
and the very satisfactory manner in which
they were packed.
Many persons not members of the auxili-
AIRY have given valuable aid, contributing to
fill our boxes and assisting in many ways
and to them our sincere thanks are due
We extend our thanks also to those who SO
kindly loaned US rooms in which to meet.
to the newspapers always so willing to pub
lsh our notices and reports, and to the ex-
press companies for transporting all packages
Tree of charge.
Total receipts of The Red Cross
Auxiliary, for the year
ending May 3, 1899. 5 332 0S
Expenditures, 228 81
Balance for year, S 104 81
Renewed membership dues, % SO
Total in treasury to date May 4, 5 1877 20
CHARLOTTE L. JACQUES.
Treasurer.
In presenting this report to the members
and contributors it is felt that each and all
have something to be proud of in the show
ing here made.
While there has not recently been call
for any work of our hands, the oIganiza.
ton is ready to wheel into line at mo.
ments notice, and the originators trust that
the Woodbury. Red Cross Auxiliary will be
permanent organization.
We have had since OuI beginning 24S
members, 3 Of whom we regret to record
that we have lost By death We would like
to keep our membership up as nearly as
possible to the number now on our books.
We hope that there may be no more wars
to set us TO work again, but at any time
there may be flood like that at JohnstowD
or fire like the great Chicago, an earth.
quake like that at Charleston when the
whole couniTy is called upon for assistance;
then with our perfected organization and
money in bank we could respond at once.
Respectfully submitted,
FANNY L. SKINNER