In order to increase its membership, the Red Cross started
a local membership drive on June 3, 1917. The Revered
Father KRAUS was chosen chairman of this work, with the following
district solicitors: Mesdames Delos MEYERS, G. E. DIXON, George
RICHARDSON, A. N. LAWTON, Walter DOUGLAS, Will BREYVOGEL, David
GOMBAR, Claire PRYCE, Lou LAUBE, Rob ATWOOD, George DARBY, Oscar
HYATT, H. C. BROUGHTON and Miss Mary MATTER. Gradually its members
increased, and by September 26, the Brodhead Branch had an enrollment
of 300 members.
There was only one local drive for funds. This was made by
a few of the business men in November, 1917. $222.00
was netted.
During the war period, there were two national membership
enrollments, the object being to raise the membership from
5,000,000 to 15,000,000. Each "drive" was held
in the week preceding Christmas - the first, December 17 to 24,
1917. Mr. W. H. FLEEK was appointed chairman with the following
district sub-chairmen: Miss Emma LYONS, Mesdames Will LAWVER,
Roy TIES, and I. H. HOWARD for the city; Dr. A. N. LAWTON for
the town of Spring Grove; and Ben RODERICK for the town of Decatur.
A house-to-house canvass was made. On Monday, December 24, Red
Cross Christmas Day, service flags were to be seen in nearly
every home window in this loyal community. The drive was a splendid
success, resulting in the addition of 1,020 new members and in
contributions amounting to $72.60. The total district raised
73 per cent over its quota, which was 585. Spring Grove exceeded
its quota by 36 per cent and Decatur by 100 per cent.
The second national membership drive took place December
17 to 24, 1918. Mr. FLEEK was again chosen chairman,
with the same committee, who went over the top on the first
day of the Drive, with 1,353 members, an enrollment of nearly
100 per cent for Brodhead.
But the 1919 (December 16 to 23) and 1920 (November 11 to
25) Red Cross Roll Calls showed the enrollment again
on a peace-time basis.
WAR DRIVE FUNDS.
During the war, President Wilson, made two calls for National
Red Cross Funds. The first war drive was conducted
between June 18 and 25, 1917, and the goal set was $100,000,000.00.
The committee for Brodhead and the three adjoining towns, Sylvester,
Spring Grove and Decatur, were as follows: the Reverends SCOTT,
WRIGHT, and BAERWALD, and Mr. C. A. STEELE and Mr. G. E. DIXON.
Saturday was designated as National Red Cross Day in Brodhead.
Contributions were received at headquarters and at the banks.
The allotment was $1,800.00.
The second drive was conducted between May 20 and 27, 1918,
with the goal again $100,000,000.00. Green County's
quota was $8,000.00 and Brodhead's $700.00. The County Council
of Defense took charge of the work in the County and determined
to put the drive over in one day, the day chosen being Monday,
May 20. Green County had the honor of being the first county
in the state to go over the top in this drive. Brodhead exceeded
its quota, raising $919.45. Mr. FLEEK was chairman of this drive.
Shortly before this drive, the districts were reorganized; Sylvester
was joined to Monroe territory, while Decatur and Spring Grove
remained with Brodhead, but managed their own drive. Prior to
this drive Mr. Albert E. WIGGAM, who had been at the front, made
a speech in the public square in behalf of this drive. He told
much about the Red Cross, eulogizing the work done by this organization.