On April 23, 1917, the Auburn Chapter of the Red Cross formally organized in response to the United States’ declaration of war on Germany on April 6 and Austria-Hungary on April 7. On the evening of April 23, a large group gathered in the Auburn Theater where Judge Prewett gave a stirring patriotic speech and implored people to join the Red Cross.
After his speech, the roll was opened and about 100 men and women joined. Mrs. G.H. Fay was elected chairman, A.J. Barclay vice chairman, Mrs. W.F. Jacobs secretary and Judge Prewett treasurer. The initial task before the new chapter of the Red Cross was making bandages, but as the war raged on, some would be sent to France and other international destinations.
Nationally, this period for the Red Cross was chaotic as the organization grew from just 100 chapters to over 3,000. In May, President Wilson set up a war council to direct the Red Cross and picked Henry Davidson, a successful New York Banker, to be the volunteer chairman.
The Red Cross had grown from 16,708 adult members before the war to 20,390,173 adult members and 11,418,385 junior members by its end. Those tasked with giving aid near the front were not immune to bullets and bombs as 400 Red Cross nurses and workers lost their lives. Of course, before the guns fell silent, the Red Cross set its sights on a new enemy: the flu. To learn more, visit the Placer County Museum and see the exhibit: The Pandemic of 1918.
Images: World War I Cap and Veil, c. 1918 and the Penryn Red Cross, c. 1918.
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