1.11.412

Print, Photographic

1917 Approximate

Janesville Women Red Cross Committee. 4 3/4" x 6 3/4" black and white photo. Identified from the "Waseca County in the World War Book": front row, left to right: Mrs. A. D. Sackett, Mrs. J. A. Markham, Mrs. M. J. (Stella) Taylor, Mrs. Eva Shepherd, Mrs. S. E. Severson; back row: Mrs. J. J. O'Hara, Mrs. H. D. Cameron, Mrs. M. E. Nelson, Mrs. J. M. Gordon and Mrs. J. A. Willis.

These women of Janesville were the first group in Waseca County to begin the work of the Red Cross during the first World War. The women organized on June 15, 1917 at a mass meeting in the Janesville Town Hall. Their work resulted in forwarding 3570 items to the war effort: 1614 knitted articles, 1464 hospital garments, 370 refugee garments. They gathered 50 towels, 35 bath towels, 25 handkerchiefs, 10 sheets and 2 napkins when they joined the effort to send linens to France. In November 1918, 53 Christmas boxes were prepared and mailed to Janesville soldiers serving overseas. Douglas Taylor, son of Dr. Martin and Stella Taylor served in World War I and was stationed in France.