The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1917-06-28
APPEAL OF RED CROSS
MEETS RESPONSE
SkOwhegan Citizens Loosen Purse
Strings During Campaign

For the purpose of creating both
enthusiasm and generosity in the Red
Cross campaign, Senator Martin Bart
lett, who is in charge of the Red
Cross work in Waterville, Rev. Frank
II. Phalen and Fred W. Clair also OF
Waterville, gave brief addresses at the
Municipal court room Friday after
noon.
Altho the audience was not large
in numbers enthusiasm ran high and
purse strings began to unloosen even
before the initial meeting was over
Ernest C. Butler Esq was chosen
chairman of the meeting. Senator
Bartlett, in outlining plans for the
movement, stated that Skowhegan,
Waterville, Madison and nearby towns
should contribute at least $25,000.
Rev. Mr.. Phalen told of the great
works being performed by the Red
Cross in Europe; of the suffering pre-
vented by these workers and ended
by making a strong appeal for those
who could not fight to contribute that
those who did the fighting might have
proper care Mr. Clair told his
hearers that all are enlisted in the
war from the oldest to the youngest
and that it was the duty of all to do
their share in bringing the impend-
ing struggle to happy termination.
After the addresses, Carleton P.
Merrill was chosen chairman of the
Skowhegan committee, with power to
appoint other committees to aid in
canvassing the town.
Bright and early Saturday morn
ing the committee got to work and
under the leadership of Mr. Merrill
things began to move so fast that
there was no time for organization
Every member was kept busy receiv-
ing subscriptions. The boy scouts
We're scurrying everywhere passing
fiiers upon which were printed APP
peals for aid in the great work. AT
noon Saturday the subscriptions to-
tailed $4,18S and by p. m. they had
reached $3.50. The committeeman
were happy and took rest Sunday to
prepare for a big drive during the
week. Some came forward Sunday
however, $3.50 being donated, plus the
5000 given by boys of Co. E. making a
grand total Sunday night of $500.
And again Monday the drive con-
tinued, the committee being determin-
ed that Skowhegan should contribute
its proportional share of that $25, 900
mentioned at the meeting Friday
With the setting of the sun Monday
night the amount for the day was
counted and totaled Sab. AT the
close of the campaign the entire sum
contributed by the generous people OF
Skowhegan was approximately $6043
Altho the campaign is virtually ended
II is understood that contributions are
still coming in and the example OF the
boys of Company E, who from theiI
slender resources gave the sum ol
5000 is said to have influenced more
than one to unite the knot in his
purse strings. Skowhegan has heard
the call and has answered we'll
The generosity of some of our peo'
pie in laying the foundation for the
campaign through good sized sub
scriptions aided wonderfully in max
ing it an entire success, the follow
ing being among the first to send il
their names:
Mrs Matte e. Goodwin $4,000
Mr. and Mrs. Bin W. Page 10000
Mr.. and Mrs. S. w Philbrick 10000
NJ. T. Pooler and family 5OO,Ol
Mr.. and Mrs. F. w. Briggs $1,000
Miss Louise II. Coburn 50O.O'
Mr.. and Mrs. A. X Butler 25O.Ot