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The introduction of the American Red Cross to Ashland was made in July, 1917, as a branch of the Saunders County organization. Later, to work more efficiently, it became a separate chapter (January, 1917). The original officers were: Mrs. P. Fales, chairman; Mrs. F. R. White, vice chairman; Mrs. G. Howard, secretary; Mrs. Fred Brown, treasurer; Miss Dorethea Scott, purchasing agent; Mrs. C. D. Hartford, Mrs. F. E. White surgical dressing; Mrs. F. E. White, Mrs. J. Oliver, sewing; Mrs. C. D. Hart ford, knitting. On the reorganization of the chapter the new officers were: J. C. Railsback, chairman; C. N. Walton, vice chairman; Mrs. B. H. Clark, secretary; Mrs. F. Bontz, treasurer; D. C. Craig, Rev. F. D. Reeves, Mrs. P. Fales, Mrs. H. A. Wiggenhorn, executive board. Rev. J. Darling devoted a great deal of his time and energy to every kind of Red Cross work, in fact was one of the prime movers in the chapter and is deserving of great praise.  Many dances, entertainments and card parties were given in the interests of the Red Cross, the proceeds from each going to swell the funds for the Red Cross. The women 's clubs of the churches and the lodges of the town also did a great deal of good work and helped with money. The salvage room sales also proved a very profitable means of raising money, netting the organization $138.50. Membership drives, too, were very successful, thanks to the untiring efforts of Rev. J. Darling and the Junior Red Cross, who worked under the supervision of Mr. C. N. Walton. The 1918 Membership Drive Netting . . . . $ 932.50 The 1918 War Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,562.50 The 1918 Red Cross Fund Drive . . . . . . 1,559.37 The 1919 Christmas Membership . . . . . . . 574.50 Ashland's Red Cross carnival in June, 1918, was the event in their fund campaigns. Everyone worked enthusiastically for its success, and it netted them $2,500. Miss Mabel Sears and Miss Anna Churchill were very active in Red Cross work, and in November, 1917, gave a carnival called the Streets of All Nations, which was entertaining as well as highly successful, proceeds from this amounted to $425.00. Mention should also be made of the excellent work done by the Junior Red Cross, which, thanks to Miss L. Bell and Miss Clark, was so perfectly organized. They devoted one period a week to sewing pillows and hospital garments and to making toys, as well as aiding in the membership drives. The Junior Red Cross contributed $102.07, the 1918 High School Graduating Class $129.15, donations to peace celebration by merchants $110.52.  Red Cross fund drives were under the supervision of the committee composed of Mr. G. J. Railsback, chairman, and Geo. Scott, treasurer. The subscription committees were as follows: | |
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