The Watertown news. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1917-1919, 1918-02-13


tematic appearance of things. Each
article is made in a separate depart
ment the head of which must see that
all articles are made standard and that
they will pass inspection.
1t seems hardly possible that the
grim hand of war should even be felt
there, but such is the case and visitors
there the last week could see on ev-
cry hand tables piled with articles be-
ing prepared for shipment.
In the hall long rows of boxes were
waiting to be filled with bandages,
sweaters and myriads of articles Red
Cross workers fitted here and there
tying, arranging and counting the var
ious articles for shipment. Three in
ventories are made, one goes in the
box, one to Chicago and one retained
by the local chapter
The last box was packed and the
cover nailed, on a shipment of Is Red
Cross boxes containing everything
from ambulance pillows to surgical
dressings, today They will be shipped
early tomorrow morning.
The writer personally accompanied
Mrs. F. E. Woodland on a tour of in
spection this afternoon prior to ship
ping the boxes. The work is divided
among six departments. In department
number one are made hospital dress
| ings Of muslin and gauze. In the pres
ent shipment the dressings of this
class number 1878 pieces, varying in
size from AKA to 12x9. If one were to
place this department on a business
basis and charge for the work done
| the government would be unable to
pay for the work for it would amount
to fabulous sums, but the Red Cross
| workers ever willing are doing it as
| their share of which the boys are TAX
| ing upon their shoulders the greater
part.
Department number is devoted to
hospital garments, cOnvalescent gowns
and pajamas. Red Cross work must be
| accurate. This is demonstrated in this
| department. Take for instance the hos
| pital gowns. The sleeves are loose and
| can be tied shut. Each cord on the
right sleeve must be sown in a GER
tain manner while that on the left
sleeve is also different in order that
a perfect flap tie can be made, and sc
| that the sleeve does not bulge open
| So far not a garment has been reject
ed by this department for poor work
manship.
Department three has charge of the
work on hospital linens, sheets and
pillow cases. Here the sheets are uni
formly folded, tied and numbered, each
bundle having its own label.
In department comforts for the
| lighting men are made. This includes
sweaters, muffiers, bed sacks and nu-
merous other articles. There were
over 200 sweaters sent with today's
shipment. The socks present the most
| difficulty as they must be measured
sized and tied in bundles. Each color
is kept separate.
/ In department 5 garments for the
j poor refugee children who have the
! sky above them, the earth below anC
only the Red Cross for their friend
i These garments of flannel are made by
1 the public school children in the
i grades and every garment demon
I strates that our children possess al
aptitude that is inspiring
| Department the little infant de-
partment is in charge of Mrs. Gordon
Bacon and makes articles for children
who are destitute and have nothing tc
| wear
In conclusion, the work being done
is such that mere description cannot
describe the wonderful service an(
sights that presents themselves to
ones view in passing through the
| rooms.