Newcomb Relief Unit Records
2007-92

Summary Information
Scope and Contents note
Organization and Arrangement
Administrative Information
Controlled Access Headings
Provenance
Bibliography

Summary Information

Repository: Newcomb Archives
Creator: American Women's Hospital.
Creator - Creator: Many, Anna
Creator: Red Cross.
Creator - Creator: Richardson, Caroline Francis
Creator: Young Men's Christian Association. (YMCA)
Title: Newcomb Relief Unit Records
ID: 2007-92
Date [inclusive]: Between 1918 and 1922
Extent: 0.5 Linear feet
Preservation Action: Highly acidic papers placed in polyester folders. Clippings copied onto PH- neutral paper.
Language: English

Scope and Contents note

These records span the years between 1918 and 1922, with the bulk of the material dating from July 1918 to July 1919. Included are correspondence, minutes, clippings, applications, and financial reports produced during the formation and operation of the Newcomb Relief Unit and the Relief Unit scholarship fund.

The Newcomb Relief Unit was one of several teams from women’s colleges prepared by national organizations to go to Europe during World War I. Newcomb College joined Wellsley, Smith, and Vassar in the efforts to raise $20,000 needed to create a Relief Unit through the Red Cross. The YMCA clearly documented the delays and frustrations the Unit underwent during the fundraising process. Ultimately, after the Red Cross canceled at the last moment, the Unit served with the YMCA. The experiences of the eight women, stationed at different places throughout France and Italy, are captured through their articulate letters. The letters were sent back to Helen McLellan, the Unit's contact at Newcomb. While every woman’s experience was different, most of the women worked in canteens. Especially significant are the reports of Caroline Francis Richardson, leader of the group, and Anna Many, the group’s business manager. Also included are the minutes of the meetings that created the Newcomb Relief Unit Scholarship Fund with the $6,000 surplus.

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