CLARA BARTON FAMILY PAPERS Riccius, Saidee F. Correspondence Apr. 1916-Mar.1942April 29/16 [Skoogux?] (Saidee F Riccius from her Uncle S.E. Barton D Woodward Came to see me today -- Had quite a talk -- He is OK -- I wish you would Come down some day & get copies of the letters I wrote to Mrs Logan (sometime ago) & to Mr. Winslow recently -- about Aunt C. & send them to the Doctor -- He wants me to read Miss Boardman's book (which I will do) & dictate some reply to it, so that it can be on record for any2 future uses - I'll try to unload on you some day - Dr W. will get the letter from Miss B. + show to me, if Mr Washburn will let him show it It was written to Mr Washburn + not to Dr Woodward Am off a week in Canada - Back about next Saturday I hope - Arthur writes, good fishing - but no fish caught yet too cold - SEB Phones Main 1901 " 40 " 43 Stephen E. Barton Insurance of all Kinds No. 85 Water Street SEB/MAL Boston Boston, Mass., Jan. 20, 1917 Miss Saidee F. Riccius, 9 Congress St., Worcester, Mass. My dear Saidee: I enclose a letter from Mr. Porter H. Dale about the Congressional bill and my reply to the same, also a telegram from Miss Foster who wants the thing rushed right through. You will note she says Mr Dale is with us, but that does not agree with his letter. I wish you would write to Miss Foster at once and tell her that I am in Canada, to be absent a week and to please confer with Mr Dale who will show her his letter to me and my reply. I shall be satisfied with anything that Mr Dale may decide to do. I am willing for him to take charge. You may say to her that Mr Dale states that we can probably have anything that we want and I judge from that there is no danger of her bill being defeated. I wish you would send copies of the Dale letter and my reply to the Rev. William E. and tell him I will advise him further when I get a response from Mr. Dale. Also tell him that the parties responsible for the bill that is making so much rumpus are very insistent that it be pushed through immediately, while Mr Dale seems very doubtful about the wisdom of immediate action and he-2- will see by my letter to Dale that I have that opinion also. I shall be gone all the week in Canada, will see you when I return. Yours very truly, S. E. B. Love to Russ & yours We will go to [Virnay?] in Feby June [*Clara Barton*] Jan. 23, 1917 Dear Saidee:- Your telegram is just received. I do not think you need telegraph your uncle Stephen. I shall not yield the custody of any papers unless required by court, and have no present fear of that. I am planning to meet your Uncle Stephen in Washington next Tuesday, and have arranged my work here in accordance with that understanding. If there has been any change, please have him wire me. Cordially yours,[*Returned to E. Clare Jr. Panama. Nov. 16/18. copies kept.*] 39 William St., Worcester, Mass. September 28th, 8. Mr. Emil Clare, Panama, Box 180. Representative of Panama. My dear Mr. Clare;- Among other letters and papers of Clara Barton, (my grand aunt) I find a request from you dated way back in 1899 I believe, enquiring about your old Honorable discharge from the Union Army and today I find the lost document. Also in 1913 you most kindly loaned my Uncle Stephen Barton some personal letters from Miss Barton to you and these I find have never been returned either, although I do note there is no request for their return in your letter. Shall I return all to you or may we preserve them here with other prized records? I should enclose your discharge but am not sure of this address which I take from your letter dated in 1913. Awaiting your reply, I am Very sincerely yours, S. F. Riccius E. Clare Jr, Panama. Panama Octubre 20 de 1918. Mr. Saidee F. Riccins, 39 William St., Worcester, Mass. Dear Mr. Riccins:- I am in receipt of your kind letter of the 28th. of Sept. last, no doubt intended for my dear father, who died on June the 2nd, 1915. I know all about these letters and was requested by my father to claim them from a gentleman, whose name I forget this moment, to whom he had sent them to be used in the publication of a book about Miss Clara Barton's life. I also know of the Honorable discharge which had been sent by my father to Miss Barton and which was reported mislaid by her. As I have said, the letters were not sent direct to your uncle but to some other gentleman, to whom I wrote both from here and from New York, claiming the return of them, but my letters never reached him as they were sent back as undelivered. I also called at The Macmillans, while in New York in 1916, trying to locate the said gentleman. We heard so much about Miss Clara Barton from our dear father, that we loved her without having never the happiness of her acquaintance, and therfore those letters are appreciated and considered by us, of a great family value and consequently, I beg you to be so kind to have them returned to me at your earliest convenience. Please accept my thanks and believe me, Yours very sincerely, E. Clare Jr39 William Street, Worcester, Mass., November 16, 8. Mr. E. Clare Jr., Panama. Dear Mr. Clare;- I am most happy to enclose herewith your father's honorable discharge and also six of my Grand Aunt's letters you were so kind as to loan. It is a great pity that you should have been put to so much trouble in trying to locate them. Rev. Peroy H. Epler I think must have been the gentleman to whom you refer, and that undoubtedly explains why my Uncle, Mr. Stephen E. Barton, had not returned them long ago. I fully realised that both the discharge and the letters were cherished and valued by you and for that reason ventured to send my letter of query. I am sending the discharge just as I found it thinking you would also greatly prize your father's letter to Clara Barton. What a long, beautiful friendship theirs was. Very cordially yours, The First Congregational Church Telephone Oak Park 27 Rev William E. Barto, D. D. LL. D. Pastor Telephone Oak Park 777 Oak Park Illinois Foxboro, Mass., July 22, 1919. My dear Saidee, One of the most difficult and most necessary chapters of our book as we have foreseen from the beginning, is that which treats of Clara Barton's love affairs. The danger of our book is that it will lack human interest; that in it Clara Barton will be an institution, and not a woman. I have gone through her diaries and letters in the pre-war period, and unless I have misplaced something, I have read all that literature line for line, in the effort to get at the truth, and my judgement is that Mrs. Vassall is entirely right. If I have omitted anything, it is because some sheets of manuscript may possibly be misplaced and I shall come to them later. Meantime, I am enclosing a carbon copy of what I have written on this subject. Whether it will ultimately fall into two chapters or one, will depend on how the book shapes itself. But what I wish is that this, that you would read this to Mrs. Vassall, to your Aunt Mamie, and anyone else to whom you think it ought to be read, and give me their frankest possible comments. If they recognize any statement as incorrect, or question the good taste of anything I have written, I wish them to tell me. Then I want Stephen to read it. Cordially yours, William E. BartonThe First Congregational Church Telephone Oak Park 27 REV. WILLIAM E. BARTON. D.D., LL. D.. PASTOR TELEPHONE OAK PARK 777 OAK PARK ILLINOIS Aug. 13, 1919 Dear Sadie: Clara Barton issued in 1878 a little 16 page booklet about the Red Cross. Do you find a single newspaper clipping or letter from any influential person in response to it? She issued another 1881, and 300 newspapers commented favorably. See her large History of Red Cross p. 89. I want to say that there was a great contrast between the apathy of the first published effort and the favor with which the movement was received after she had secured the backing of the Government. It surprised the European friends of the Red Cross. Do you find any evidence that the first effort brought her influential support? I want to represent that she had to continue to bear the burden of this cause alone from 1878 to 1881 as she had previously done. Do you know anything that contradicts this? If there are any clippings of letters that bear on this, will you send them to me? I think I do not need any more material at Foxboro. But I shall return about Sep. 1, and I should like then the complete file of the Red Cross troubles, with copies of all pmaphlets, two where there are plenty. And indicate where the supply is short, so that I shall not cut up ny that are rare. By the way, in her letter to her cousin Judge Hale, Aug. 16, 1876, she says she never had a love affair in all her born days. And do you know whether Gleason ever paid back the $2,000 for her bonds that he ought not to have sold? What do you know about him? 2 I am beginning to study the Red Cross, and I see that I shall be swamped with the detail of the different fields. The constant problem is what to leave out. You spoke of the "White Cross" movement. Was that the one which Hannah Shephard and Fanny Atwater tried to start? {No get both not the same [?] was the Blue anchor. I was [?] late in 70 or early 80's. [?] up B.A.L.} I do not know much about that movement, and as yet have not found much about it in what you have sent me. Have you material on this which I ought to have? I do not think I want to give it much space, and perhaps not even name the people, but I should be glad to know the facts. You asked if I had a package of original letters, I have forgotten what the package was. I have one little bunch of letters addressed to her in Europe by American friends who were there, and I have the package containing her correspondence with physicians; no other package so far as I have found thus far in my files. I seem to have everything, but when she had most to tell she was too busy to write. {This is the package [?] Wilson's must be with them S.F.R.} I am taking the material chronologically, and when I get back to Oak Park I shall want everything about the Red Cross that I do not have, and all available printed matter. I have no very clear idea of the Cuban campaign, and have not yet begun to study it, not shall I till my return. But I should think we would not need much of the detailed mass on that subject. Our book is going to run to ten volumes if we are not careful. Yours very truly, William E. BartonSTEPHEN E. BARTON ALEXANDER ELLIS WALTER H. RICCIUS SPECIALISTS IN MILL LUMBER AND FACTORY LINES BARTON & ELLIS CO. INSURANCE 60 CONGRESS STREET BOSTON, MASS. CABLE ADDRESS STEPBART BOSTON TEL. MAIN 4258 SEB/H August 19, 1920. Miss Saidee F. Riccius, 39 William Street, Worcester, Massachusetts. My dear Skoozux: Mrs. Marietta B. Wilkins {sent her Mr. C.O. Carlton's address. No. Oxford}, the President of the Women's National Missionary Association of the Universalist Church, residing at #52 Essex Street, Salem, Massachusetts, is very desirous of establishing some sort of a Mission, or school or employment for young girls in humanitarian work. She has been in correspondence with Mr. Atwater and through the five hundred girls in her organization throughout the country, she has disposed of all of Aunt Clara's Little Childhood books which Mr. Atwater had on hand. She is desirous of getting possession of the Clara Baron birthplace and the Oxford summer home (thinking the latter could be secured) and has paid me a visit today at the suggestion of Mr. Atwater. I told her that the Oxford home had been disposed of, but quite possibly it might be obtained for her work later on. I also told her that I would ask you to go to the Clara Barton [home] birthplace, interview the present owners and see if they would care to sell the place and at what price, for the purposes named by Mrs. Wilkins. Some day will you run down to the little place and make inquiries and write Mrs. Wilkins at the address given. She has no money at the present time, but is positive that through the five hundred girls in her organization she could without doubt raise all the money that would be necessary to carry out her purpose. I am enclosing herewith a communication from Dr. Hubbell, a personal letter hastily written and a long report of his sad experience with Mrs. Hirons. This report was typewritten for the Doctor by Mrs. Sweitzer whom perhaps you know as one of Aunt Clara's stenographers some years ago. She has also written me in the Doctor's behalf. Miss Saidee F. Riccius ---2 August 19, 1920. {sent with the letter} I wish you would make three or four copies of this letter and send one, confidentially, to William E. I am sure he will be surprised and I want to get his advise as to what we should do, if anything, in aid of the Doctor. I wrote Mrs. Sweitzer recently and I am enclosing the file copy of my letter to her, also letters which I wrote to William E. and Atwater enclosing her letter. I judge that the Doctor intends, if he can get aid and support, to bring some sort of legal action against Mrs. Hirons to recover his property, and I think he would be able to do it if got it into proper hands, such as E.J. MacMahon, someone who knows Mrs. Hirons. Anyway, please return the Doctor's long report after sending a copy to William E. and another one to Atwater, with a little letter cautioning each to keep the matter very confidential, which of course they would do anyway, and also return the other papers for the files. I would send my love, but I am growing cold. S.E.B.The First Congregational Church TELEPHONE OAK PARK 27 REV. WILLIAM E. BARTON, D.D. LL.D., PASTOR TELEPHONE OAK PARK 777 OAK PARK, ILLINOIS Jan. 29, 1921. Dear Saidee: - It was good to hear from you for you and I act as if we had a lover's quarrel. The truth is I have been so busy since I got back I have not done anything that I did not have to do, but the time is at hand when you and I must get busy. The publishers will want that manuscript in its completed form by about the first of April, and that date is not far away. As to pictures, my impression is that we shall make no mistake in having plenty of them. The photographic letters you have sent I will forward with the manuscript and let the publishers select any they please. In the matter of photographs, I think we shall do well to finish more than we shall probably use and give the publishers the opportunity of choice. I will check and send back to you those that seem to me particularly well worth copying and finishing. Cordially yours, William E. Barton Miss Saidee Riccius, 39 Williams St., Worcester, Mass. The Vonhof. Mansfield, O. C.E. OZIER, Prop ROSS WEAKLEY, MANAGER March 18, 1921 Dear Saidee: - Our book reads fairly well in the revision: but also it is far too long. The publishers limit me to 180.000 works and 2 have 300.000. I may be able to get them up to 200.000 - but this involves cutting our book a third - and it would easier to add a third to it - or more. Than transfer boxes in the air-shift - Is not this the him for me to go through them andsee if we have there anything whatever of value - if not destroy that part? I doubt if it contains a thing we want - but I think we should go through before the book goes to the publisher. If you and Stephen think so, crate them and send to me at Oak Park by Express And the pictures - W.E.B. The First Congregational Church TELEPHONE OAK PARK 27 REV. WILLIAM E. BARTON, D.D., LL.D., PASTOR OAK PARK, ILLINOIS TELEPHONE OAK PARK 777 March 25, 1921 Dear Saidee: I go early Monday to New York and thence to Washington where I am to see Dr. Hubbell, and learn if possible if he can add any atmosphere to our book. When I get back I must hurry the manuscript to the publisher. You shall see the proofs. While I want to add whatever is essential, the problem now is what to cut out; for we have to cut the manuscript down one hhird, much to my sorrow. I have not received any of the portraits which our good lady was to have sent long ago. Can you get them at once? I returned proofs too you last September. I wrote suggesting that you ship on the me the MSS. in your air-shaft. But I shall not be disappointed if you and Stephen think this unnecessary. I think as I go through the manuscript we have a book which will surely represent Clara Barton worthily. Yours very truly William E. BartonThe First Congregational Church TELEPHONE OAK PARK 27 REV. WILLIAM E. BARTON, D.D., LL. D., PASTOR TELEPHONE OAK PARK 777 OAK PARK, ILLINOIS APRIL 6, 1921 Dear Saidee: - I should like greatly a picture of Fannie Child Vassall when she taught school with Clara Barton, and I certainly want that 18 year old daguerreotype type of Clara Barton. What about those snapshots you were going too send me of Clara Barton with the horse Baba, and other things? The only picture I have of her is the Civil War picture, which is on the cover of Epler's book. {He must use that} I have photographs of the manuscripts which you sent me and those are good. I do not have Clara Barton's father and mother. I have Dorrence Atwater. I was so busy in Washington I did not have time to call upon Mrs. Hirons. I did, however, hunt up Antoinette Margot, visiting her in company with Hon. Porter H. Dale. She and Mrs. Hirone and Mabel Boardman are a good trio. I am inclined to think that some of her stories are at the bottom of some of Mabel Boardman's attacks. Cordially yours, William E. Barton ILLUSTRATIONS VOLUME I. CLARA BARTON IN XXXX 1861. [?] from Oil Painting by Loop. Her Birthplace Where she first taught school Schoolhouse in Borientown Hersister Sarah Her Brother David Her portrait in the time of Civil War (familiar and and her favorite) Hremee Atwater Her letter tonov. John A. Andrews Henry Wilson's letter to Pres. Lincoln. Her letter to Andrew Johnson with endorsements. Letter of Susan B. Anthony. I want for this volme her 18 year old picture: Frances Childs; her sister-in-law Julian; her parents. What else? _______ VOLUME II [?] Portrait by Clara Dr w. [?] Home Summer Home at Oxford Graves and Red Cross at Grave. Letter of Bismark Stramburg diploma Letter of H.W.Bellows Galveston testimonial Would like Epler's picture "as the leaves fall" p 423 but with different titel: Snap shots of C.B. and Baba; Stephen E. Barton; Dr. Hubbell, who whatever his vagaries, was associated with her in too many campaigns to be ignored, and whom it is better to remember as her friend than in any way estranged. And other pictures, Now or Never!The First Congregational Church Telephone Oak Park 27 Rev. William E. Barton. D.D., LL.D.,Pastor Telephone Oak Park 777 Oak Park, Illinois April 7, 1921. Dear Saidee:- I have made a list this morning of the pictures which I have and I shall be immensely glad to have others. I am sending Stephen this morning a photograph of the oil painting by Henry A. Loop. I hope he will like it as well as I do. Will you ask Herman to make for me a translation of the Bismarck letter? We cannot draw the line at portraits which Epler has used. We must use a number which he has had. I should like fresh prints, however, so that the publisher shall not be too greatly impressed with our lack of originality. However, we want the pictures and want them soon. Cordially yours, William E. Barton The First Congregational Church Telephone Oak Park 27 Rev. William E. Barton. D.D., LL.D.,Pastor Telephone Oak Park 777 Oak Park, Illinois April 11, 1921. Dear Miss Riccius:- Thank you for the package of photographs just received. These will hekp very much and I am very glad to receive them. I have nearly completed the revision of the book. Cutting it down is a cruel process, but I hope to retain all that is necessary. Cordially yours, William E. Barton P.S.-I am to blame for this formal salutation; Dr. Barton always speaks of you as "Saidee", but I got the other written, before I noticed, so please excuse me this time. Z.LloydThe First Congregational Church Telephone Oak Park 27 Rev. William E. Barton. D.D., LL.D., Pastor Telephone Oak Park 777 Oak Park, Illinois April 12, 1921 Dear Saidee:- I am very glad the pictures are soon to come. I have now gone through the second volume and have cut it down to almost the required limit. It is harder to cut the second volume than the first, because I wanted to retain enough documentary matter to show clearly that the American Red Cross had one mother and no more. However, I must say that on reading the volume in this revision it was a little less dull than I was afraid it would be. As to Clara Barton's mouth in Mr. Loop's painting, I think you must be right. That mouth most have been idealized. I can't think that she ever had quite such [xx] inviting cherry lips, but artists must have certain liberty. I have sent your Uncle Steohen the photograph. I am going to send the manuscript to the publishers soon. Cordially yours, William E. Barton The First Congregational Church Telephone Oak Park 27 Rev. William E. Barton. D.D., LL.D., Pastor Telephone Oak Park 777 Oak Park, Illinois April 27, 1921 Dear Saidee:- I have send today the second volume of the Life of Ckara Barton to Houghton Mifflin CO. and I have a profound sense of relief. In going through the second volume I did more than in the first. In the quotations from Clara Barton's own writings in her diaries and home letters she used abbreviations and dashes more than looks well in print. I wonder if you would care to run into Boston and give this mansucript a careful reading before it goes to the printer. This would be for two purposes, first to make any typographical corrections which ought to be made; secondly to see if there is anything which in your judgement ought to be changed or which you would like Stephen to pass upon and if so call to his attention anything thatseems to you doubtful. You will find a good deal omitted since you saw this manuscript at Foxboro, but that had to be and it was not an easy thing to decide what to leave out. I want to say again how invaluable your own work has been to me. Without your help I could not have undertaken it. Sometime we must go through together the papers as you have them and decide a number of questions, but I would just as lief wait a year until after the book is published before we destroy anything. Sincerely yours, William E. BartonThe First Congregational Church TELEPHONE OAK PARK 27 REV. WILLIAM E. BARTON, D.D., LL., D., PASTOR TELEPHONE OAK PARK 777 OAK PARK, ILLINOIS May 16, 1921 Dear Saidee:- I received from you the photographs of Clara Barton's Decorations and of your Uncle Stephen. There was, however, no key to the Decorations. Certainly your Uncle Stephen's portrait must go in as I have just been waiting for a picture of him. Which I now have from you. I appreciate Herman's calling attention to the omission of the mention of the Stones, which comes from too much cutting. I must get in a photograph about them. We must not omit the family of her mother. Our cutting down was a cruel process, but I hope we have the great outstanding facts. Cordially yours, William E. Barton 35 Bordentown, N.J, Aug. 7, 1921. My dear Miss Riccius: The package of letters with the autographed message of Miss Barton's was received last week. Thank you very much for the messagesit will be treasured with the letters that she wrote. When you see Mrs. Vassall, will you tell her that hers and Miss Barton's name- sake, Frances Clara Suydam, lived until a few years ago and that Mr. Suydam youngest son is still living here. We all appreciated the slip that you sent Clara. We enjoy- ed it so much more as it gave us a new picture of our father, who seemed very helpless about the house when we knew him. Hoping that we may have the pleas- ure of seeing you here again, I am, Cordially yours, Harriet C. Clinton.The Women's National Missionary Association of the Universalist Church 359 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass. Mrs. Marietta B. Wilkins, President 52 Essex Street, Salem, Mass. August 10, 1921 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William St., Worcester, Mass. My dear Miss Riccius: The birthplace of Miss Clara Barton at North Oxford will be ready for dedication on October 12, Columbus Day. Our contractor who has charge of the rather extensive changes there assures us that he will have the work done by that time. I am writing to ask you if you will come and speak for us on the occasion just as you did at Bordentown N.J. We would appreciate having you very much. While my plans are necessarily incomplete, I think I am safe in saying that these exercises will begin at one o clock P.M. This will allow our friends to get away and towards home before dark. Awaiting your reply, I am Sincerely yours - Marietta B. WilkinsI must have sent you Mrs. Wilkins other letter telling of the work they are doing in Oxford. THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH EXECUTIVE OFFICES 369 BOYLSTON STREET BOSTON, MASS _________________________________ THE WOMEN'S NATIONAL MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION MRS. MARIETTA B. WILKINS, PRESIDENT 52 ESSEX ST., SALEM, MASS. MRS. AGNES R. CONKLIN, 1ST VICE PRES. DERBY LINE, VT. MRS. ROSE A. JOHONNOT, 2ND VICE PRES. 6 SOUTH ST., BELLOWS FALLS, VT. MRS. ETHEL M. ALLEN, REC. SEC'Y 185 W 9TH AVE., COLUMBUS, OHIO MRS. MARIAN W. LOBDELL, COR. SEC'Y 72 BRIGHTON ROAD, COLUMBUS, OHIO MRS. EMMA L. BUSH, TREASURER 24 CLARK AVE., CHELSEA, MASS. MRS. FRED A. MOORE, LITERATURE SECRETARY 653 MT. PROSPECT AVE., NEWARK, N.J. TRUSTEES MISS SUSAN M. ANDREWS 27 WASHINGTON CT., BRIDGEPORT, CONN. MRS. BERTRAM S. BLAISDELL 539 POTTER AVE., PROVIDENCE, R.I. MRS. WILLIAM H. MC GLAUFLIN 825 SUNSET ST., SCRANTON, PA. MRS. CORDELIA A. QUNIBY, HONORARY PRES. Salem. Mass. August 16 - [921] My dear Miss Riccius: - Your letter of August 13 received. I am very glad to know that you will be present with us on October 12 and read your letter to us. I am sure it will be of great interest and I am sure every one will be pleased to see you too. I thank you for your offer of the loan of your valued dish and I shall be very happy to take charge of it. May I hope to have it there on October 12. It would be very fine if we could do so - I would welcome any suggestions you may care to make about the place and the furnishings - The contractor started on his work there yesterday and I feel relieved indeed. I am too far away to handle the work and almost everything to date has gone wrong. He agrees to [?] the work this by October 12,the grounds will not be in shape at that time but I hope the cottage will be. We are restoring the big chimney which will give us three fireplaces on the lower floor: the stairs will go back where they belong and that is at right angles to their present location and at the back of the room on the right of the front door. We are to have a new front door with fine bull's eye lights, a latch and a knocker. A lantern will hang over the door. We are to have shutters instead of blinds. The latch and hinge on the door will come from the workshop of the man who makes things for Wallace Nutting and we are to have side lights (electric power) of the old fashioned style, resembling candles - A broad china closet with glass door will be in the room at the right of the front door. Of course, we must have a [caututus?] and we are trying to make the place comfortable, so a modern bathroom, furnace and range with hot water attachment will be installed. The wall paper will be of the period also - I have no one to go there and live as yet but hope to get someone before long. Sincerely - Marietta B. Wilkins THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH EXECUTIVE OFFICES 369 BOYLSTON STREET BOSTON, MASS _________________________________ THE WOMEN'S NATIONAL MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION MRS. MARIETTA B. WILKINS, PRESIDENT 52 ESSEX ST., SALEM, MASS. MRS. AGNES R. CONKLIN, 1ST VICE PRES. DERBY LINE, VT. MRS. ROSE A. JOHONNOT, 2ND VICE PRES. 6 SOUTH ST., BELLOWS FALLS, VT. MRS. ETHEL M. ALLEN, REC. SEC'Y 185 W 9TH AVE., COLUMBUS, OHIO MRS. MARIAN W. LOBDELL, COR. SEC'Y 72 BRIGHTON ROAD, COLUMBUS, OHIO MRS. EMMA L. BUSH, TREASURER 24 CLARK AVE., CHELSEA, MASS. MRS. FRED A. MOORE, LITERATURE SECRETARY 653 MT. PROSPECT AVE., NEWARK, N.J. TRUSTEES MISS SUSAN M. ANDREWS 27 WASHINGTON CT., BRIDGEPORT, CONN. MRS. BERTRAM S. BLAISDELL 539 POTTER AVE., PROVIDENCE, R.I. MRS. WILLIAM H. MC GLAUFLIN 825 SUNSET ST., SCRANTON, PA. MRS. CORDELIA A. QUNIBY, HONORARY PRES. Salem. Mass. August 28 - [1921] My dear Miss Riccius: - I thank you for your two very interesting letters and all they promise and suggest. I thank you for your very courteous invitation to visit you - I am very happy to accept your invitation and to have you go out to the old house with me. I am terribly handicapped living so far away from Oxford; I do not drive the car and Mr. Wilkins cannot always take the time to take me out there. The trains make it a journey to dread. If convenient for you, I will come out next Thursday and we can talk Thursday evening and go out to North Oxford Friday morning - If this time does not suit you I can make some other arrangement. I will await your word on this.About those family chairs. I rang Mr. Barton up a while ago about them thinking he might feel that I did not appreciate the gift being so slow about taking them. He said he didn't know when he could get them because of the law suit pending - I hardly like to speak of them again, interesting as it would be to have them. I have been up in Methuen today to bring home some china and a pair of tongs contributed by one of our women - I enclose some photos taken by Mrs. Blairdall of our Board. There is much interest in this project and when I finally get that house in shape so people who come there can see what I am aiming at, I can push the thing and make it go. Few people can idealize a dirty, empty house, especially one which has been modernized (?) as that poor cottage has been - I have kept very quiet about it. I have had a pen and ink sketch made of the house that is to be and will use it for advertising. It has been drawn by an architect who draws for the magazines. Awaiting your reply - Sincerely - Marietta B. Wilkins The Women's National Missionary Association of the Universalist Church 359 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass. Mrs. Marietta B. Wilkins, President 52 Essex Street, Salem, Mass. September 3. [1921] My dear Miss Riccius: - I arrived home about 11.15 last night. I had an hours wait in Worcester and about three quarters of an hour in North Station, Boston and the train I took was a slow train. I felt well satisfied with the days' events and feel that taken, all in all, many things are clear. Thank you for all your help. I find myself the posessor tonight of this silver shoe horns and I am wondering if I packed yours thinking it was my own. Iron shovels and shoe horns and who knows - You would better take account of stock at once - Of course this must be yours, so I will send it without further delay. Please excuse me. I failed to say goodby to your interesting brother. I enjoyed his hospitality. Sincerely, Marietta B. WilkinsThe Women's National Missionary Association of the Universalist Church 359 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass. ____________________________ Mrs. Marietta B. Wilkins, President 52 Essex Street, Salem, Mass. September 8. [1921] My dear Miss Riccius: - Have you that of a top notch Red Cross speaker? One of our own men who is a fine speaker in other things is a state officer of the Red Cross and I think could come but I am not moving on it until I hear from you - I do not care to step on any thin ice. I have not heard from M. B., doubt if I do now. Silent Contempt! The work at North Oxford goes merrily on - I ordered guide posts yesterday and a good swinging sign to be put at the House itself. I have written my little spiel to the Selectmen. I have ordered a flag staff and hinted for a big flag. Have appointed a committee on music and arranged for the impersonation. Am getting sample of wall paper, [built?] in curtains, and approving bills in five figures - One thing I haven't done. I haven't shipped your shoe horn: I can't find a suitable box but will go up attic now. I had a very encouraging meeting of my committee yesterday. All that I invited came and we progressed - They asked me if those splendid decorations which you showed me when I was with you could be on exhibition October 12 of course, under glass and guard. I think it would be a very wonderful thing if you can allow it. Please let me know. Sincerely - Marietta B. Wilkins September 13 [1921] My dear Miss Riccius: - I am very happy to know that the decorations bestowed upon Miss Barton may be on view on October 12. I am writing to ask your wishes in this matter; shall I appoint some Worcester women to arrange with you about their care and display or do you prefer to attend to this yourself? I will of course, pay any expense incurred. Heard from Miss Braidwan [?]; she had calmed down quite a bit, says she will write me again after her return to Washington. Can you tell me of any hymns which Miss Barton especially liked? Sincerely - Marietta B. Wilkins P.S.1 That shoe horn isn't mine; now how did it get in my bag? P.S.2 - We have decided to [?] Red Cross features on Oct. 12 - We are not [?] the Red Cross any way.September 18 [1921] My dear Miss Riccius: - I meant that I would get some local person to furnish a glass case etc. not do the arranging - I meant just what you have written. I have asked Mrs. Edwin A. Hunt, 1 King Terrace, Worcester to come to see you and find out about how large a case you will need and all about it. I also asked her if she could get a plain clothes man to go act then as a guard - Shall be very glad to do what you wish done in the matter. Am pleased that we can have the decorations then. The road out there is nearly done - and the road in to the place has not been touched yet. I was out there Friday on business - The sign posts and the sign at the house are very attractive. The designs for the sconces has been made by Wallace Nutting's artist and are very pretty. There will be five in the best room one in the hall and then there will be nine others, less ornate, in other parts of the house; the wire has been pulled thro for the lantern [?] the door. The old dome [?] being fitted on Friday and the bath room fixtures set. The cellar is done and it is a fine little cellar. The program for the dedication has gone to the printer the speakers are all arranged except me - I go [?] Wednesday morning at nine o'clock from Boston! About the keepsakes. When we have someone to live at the house I will feel ready to take them. Would be glad ofthe chance to put them on view on October 12- Just now they are leaving the doors unlocked all the time. I got the chairs from the undertaker and from Mr. Larned, one of the trustees of the Public Library, they will go up October 12 - [For? me?]. Mr. Foster did not discover me, much to my relief. He is an ever- present trouble.----I wish I had never met him, still it may be all right. He has certainly bothered me. Shall I write Mr. Stephen Barton about the hymns. He has a way of not answering sometimes. I suppose I could ring him up--that would nail it. I [?] any favorites of hers would make effective hymns. some of our girls in the Guild will go out to sing. Sincerely Martietta B. Wilkins I will break into add I would add here that her father did worship in the Un. Church for I find Stephen Barton elected + serving as an assessor of the Uni church from about 1817 to 1824. The Women's National Missionary Association of the Universalist Church 359 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass. ------------- Mrs. Marietta B. Wilkins, President 52 Essex Street, Salem, Mass October 10 - [1921] My dear Miss Riccius: My neighbors at North Oxford are stealing from me and as I have no permanent caretaker I must get someone to go out to that house and stay until someone is secured - Do you know of anyone who would do this? Everything seems to be going along all right; the house is finished; so is the road, and so, nearly so, is the president of the Missionary Society. My, but I'm tired! Now if the weather will only be good, everything will be fine. I shall be at the Bancroft tomorrow, Tuesday, night. I hope your brothers will come out Wednesday - Had a fine letter from Dr. Wm. Barton - Will read it at the dedication - Have quite a bit of interesting matter concerning A.R.C. Yours - Marietta B. Wilkins 41 Dwight Street. New Haven, Conn. July 30, 1922 My dear Miss Riccius: Your letter of July 20 at hand. In the same mail I received another from far of Arizona, which I enclose. It speaks for itself. I have asked Mr. George to submit an introductory appendix of word lists and analysis, which I will submit to the Bartons-Rev. Wm. E. and Stephen. I think Mr. George's suggestion is a good solution of popularizing the booklet and helping the Memorial. The new edition I shall take up right away. Now I believe is a good time to bring out the next booklet which Miss Barton was discouraged about publishing. If Stephen agrees, I would undertake at no cost to anyone but myself, to publish it and turn the profit into the Memorial funds. I should want Rev. Wm. E. Barton to pass upon first. I do not believe anyone could improve even by one word anything Miss Barton wrote, but no one knows better than I how particular she was to weigh every word and to punctuate every sentence. Please send this letter and Mr. George's to Stephen. I would like to see Stephen here, in Worcester or Boston as soon as convenient. With kind regards, Francis Atwater. August 2, 1922. My dear Mr. Atwater:- Thank you for your interesting letter of the 30th and it's enclosures. I have sent the correspondence along to my Uncle as you suggest. I am particularly interested in what you say regarding the second booklet written by Aunt Clara, but never published. I have all the manuscript for it here in my files and need portions of it for an address as Bordentown a year ago. I have just returned from a little visit with Myrtis and she plans to come to Worcester in a week or so to revisit old Oxford landmarks with her young daughter and me. The thought comes to me that it might not be a bad idea to read through the manuscript with her. Do you suppose we could be of any service to you? I think it would be very jolly if you and Uncle Steve could hold your conference here with us. I will know in a few days just what Myrtis' plan are. Please thank Mr. Atwater for her kindness in advising me of your absence. Cordially yours, S.F.R.Boston Aug 15/22 Skoozux - (Saidee F. Riccius) As far as I can find out you are another - I have searched my drawers - in my old desk - + I can find no trace of the Von Sahler matter - If you are positive that I have it, come over here + go to it yourself - Miss Elsie will open the desk - I am going away for a few days - You take a look in your house - I believe you have it SEB Aug 24 Mon 1922 Skoogux - Mrs Atwater phone that Francis cannot leave his bed this week but will probably be able to be at your house Wednesday noon next - I told her to keep me posted by letter Sunday - how he was getting on + we would be governed by his condition - I wired Wm E as enclosed + wrote him - Am your uncle SEBAug 29 1922 Skoozux - Read copy of my letter to Atwater [?] - He writes that his left lung has broken out + is bleeding - Of course he should not talk + we must not go to see him Have written Wm E. we should postpone the trip - You can come down her + see "Aunt Lizzie" + me - if you want to Harold says Mytris + Joyce are with you - Sorry [?] - when are they coming here? SEB Nov. 13 1922 6PM Skoozux - Enclosed is from Wm E - Copy his letter + then send the whole matter to Atwater so he can go ahead + make enquiry of the [?] Book Co - I hope to go to Vienna next week Early - Do you want to go - [?] will not go - Let me know - [?] [?] SEB Send me a bill for expenses - postage & etc &c+c for a long while back Salem. June 21/23 Dear Miss Riccius:- I enclose material bearing a Mrs. Oren, "Dixie." I do not know what to think of her: she has recently written me asking for a conference and asking me to arrange a meeting for her in Salem. I told her I would be pleased to me her (I would) but I couldn't arrange a meeting! I see by her recent stationary she has secured a new "Brand." I asked Mr. Stephen Barton about her at the very start but he hadn't heard of her -I have not yet found my list you made for me - but I am sure it will turn up - I was too careful with it. Yours - M.B. Wilkins She is the one who suggested bringing the Bordentown schoolhouse to Oxford - I am a little wary of her but I and not shutting any doors so I answer her letters and, as you see am conducting a certain investigation the [?] - Return material please when you have waded thro it I wish I knew who the Universalist woman is whom she says she met. I am getting a little "warmer" on some of my lines - If I could have had the support to which I am entitled (I think) and had my first cost in hand, I could very well approach friends from outside for special gifts - but this opposition from a "little group of [wilful?] (wo) men" has bothered. I shall arrive, I am sure -(In June 1923.) Clara Barton International Memorial Association Incorporated under the laws of the State of [Washington/Wisconsin], 1920 Headquarters: Washington, D.C. General officers: Mrs. Dixie W. Owen Founder Life Pres. and Bus. Mgr. Oakland, California Mrs. Birdie M.Gregg, Vice President at Large Trinidad, Colorado Mrs. Ethel M.Wilson First Vice-President Oakland, California Mrs. J.G. Gould, Second Vice-President Los Angeles, California. Mrs. Lillian B. James Third Vice President Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mrs. Mary L. Carrell General Secretary Fort Smith, Arkansas. Mrs. Simson Shaw, Treasurer Memphis, Tennessee.(In June 1923. Clara Barton International Memorial Association. Incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington, 1920 Headquarters; Washington, D.C. General Officers Mrs. Dixie W. Owen, Founder Life Pres. and Bus. Mgr. Oakland, California. Mrs. Birdie M. Gregg, Vice-President at Large Trinidad, Colorado. Mrs. Ethel M. Wilson, First Vice-President Oakland, California. Mrs J.G. Gould, Second Vice-President Los Angeles, California. Mrs. Lillian B. James, Third Vice-President, Albuguerque, New Mexico. Mrs. Mary L. Carroll General Secretary Fort Smith, Arkansas. Mrs. Simon Shaw, Treasurer, Memphis, Tenneesee. ------ (List of officers given on small folders) Her very latest issue of officers; Mrs. Dixie L. W. Owen, Founder and Pres. San Francisco, Calif. Vice-President Miss Ethel M. Warner, Tacoma, Washington Genl. Secretary Mrs. Edith L. Dean, Mountain View, Santa View, Santa Clara Co., Calif. ------- On an earlier pamphlet;-folder view Life Pres. and Bus. Manager, Mrs. Dixie L. W. Owen, 2196 O'Farrell St., San Francisco. Vice Pres. at large Mrs. Nettie Hgland, 1o79 Fourteenth St., San Francisco. First Vice Pres., Ethel M. Warner, Tacoma, Wash. Second Vice Pres. Mrs. Bessie B. Holling, 316 Fourth Ave., San Francisco (Mrs. Wilkins wrote her re Mrs. Owen and got a short note saying she knew nothing of Dixie or her present whereabouts.) Recording secy. Mrs Edith L. Dean, M State of Washington Department of State Office of the Secretary Olympia Feb. 21, 1922. Mrs. Marietta B. Wilkins, 12 Essex Street Salem, Mass. Dear Madam- Answering your inquiry re the "Clara Barton Memorial Association." You are advised the above corporation was changed by amendment from "Fathers and Mothers Memorial Association of America." The offices are shown as follows: Life President and Business Manager, Mrs. Dixie L.W. Owen 276 Page St., San Francisco, Calif. First Vice-President, Ethel M. Warner, of Tacoma, Washington. Second Vice-President, Mrs. Ida A. Fowler, of Tacoma, Wash. Recording Secretary, Edith L. Oliver, Mt.View, Calif. Corresponding Sec'y., Mrs. Adelaide L. Kreiss, 276 Page Street, San Francisco, Calif. Treasurer,Mrs.J.C. Crittenden, 564 2nd Ave., San Francisco, Cal. Corporations are not required to file reports in this office,therefore, the latest officers are not on file. Very truly yours,, J. Grant Hinkle, Secretary of State. San Francisco, Mar. 29, 1922. Mrs. Marietta B. Wilkins, Salem, Mass. My dear Mrs. Wilkins- Your inquiry concerning Mrs. L.W. Owen just received and I hasten to tell you some things that I know for a fact. I happened too know Mrs. Owen over 30 year ago, in fact traveled with her while she claimed to be representing the Nat. Y.W.C.A., but they repudiated her and I then learned that it was her custom to make such false claims and to appropriate moneys collected too her personal use. A year ago she came upon me again, claiming she had reformed,, had something good now. She was Pres. of the Clara Barton Mem. Assn. and requested that I act as Treasurer for the concern. I told her that if she would show me that it was bona fide I would accept. She went to several of my friends offering them positions saying I had sent her. I called a meeting of these people and in questioning her we learned that she had organized the so-called Assn. and appointed herself Life President. We asked about the funds thus far collected. She replied that they had all been used for expenses. She had been lecturing in some of the local churches and taking collections, also had future arrangements made for several more public meetings. The Chamber of Commerce learned of her misrepresentations, informed the churches that she had tried to interest and they put a stop to her endeavors. In the meantime she had cause these circulars bearing our names to be printed without our knowledge so we called another meeting and disclaimed all connection with the affair. She immediately left the city and has not been heard from since that I know of. While Gen'l. W.H. Sears [next page] was visiting my home, Dr. Julian B. Hubbell wrote and requested him to interview me regarding this same party as he had received one of the circulars she had issued here. She can in no way be trusted. She has devoted her life to these misrepresentations and is now 69 years of age. A woman of much ability, misused. She is very eccentric and peculiar, but for all that is interesting. If you wish to verify this,write the Chamber of Commerce here, but in the meantime, trust her in no way. She has recently affixed Dixie to her name, her real initials being L. (?) W.O. Hoping this may be of service to you, I am, Yours truly, Senoma G. Crittenden, 564 End Ave., San Francisco. Judge Payne P Uncle Tib To his niece Saidee F. Riccius Ofc Wed noon 16 Prob. Mch. 1924 Dear Old Skoozux - Yours recd - with the Washin enclosures - You might have kept from John Barton Payne - It seems he is - or was - a Judge - He sent me the little book referred to in his letter + Ill send it to you - It is quite good + gives Clara Barton a page for her best wartime photo - + it gives her the credit of securing the adoption of the treaty, but doesn't expatiate on the long, persistent, + almost hopeless or discouraging efforts she expended - nor does it say that, had it not been for her work all alone - + with no effort from the Boardmans there probably would have been no American Red X for Boardman to covet + work - However John Barton Payne seems friendly + just + I hope we can accomplish 2/ through him - with the aid of Wm E. + Calvin, what CB is entitled to. When I see you - I want to dictate a reply to Judge Payne - He is now off for Europe - All this week Ive been planning to go down to the farm, if the roads were passable - I wrote + wired Arthur for information, + today he replies - mud, mud mud + everybody gets stuck - I intended asking Bart to pick up you + the dog + come on over + we would start Saturday for a week - but, no go - We must postpone until the [?] skeets - I wanted to get down ahead + put new putty on - + not get the house full of dam pests -STEPHEN R. BARTON ALEXANDER ELLIS SPECIALISTS BARTON & ELLIS CO. IN INSURANCE CABLE ADDRESS MILL 19 PEARL STREET STEPBART BOSTON LUMBER BOSTON 4, MASS. TEL. MAIN 4257 AND FACTORY LINES 2/ Maybe I'll go over Saturday + see you + carry the basket If I do that it will keep you from coming here - eh? Still I'd kinder like to see you - Did you see Wm E's last Safed? I'll bring that too. Not feeling too well - Doctor coming to see me tonight - I have the itch the bellyache + head feels sore - not the usual kind of sore head - tummy upset again. Goodbye SEB Read letter from Mrs. Wilkins I have not replied - Do it when I see you Stephen C. Barton to his niece Saidee F. Riccius Friday P.M. Feb 17/28 Skoozux Enclosed is the portrait in Sunday Times - 12th inst - Don't look much like Aunt C. but Mama says it looks like "Saidee" --is it true that you were being painted in 1844 - I would hardly think it, but it may be - Perhaps that's why you don't paint now - Any way - you may keep this picture - Can you find any references to it in the papers on file? I don't seem Ever to have seen or heard of it - Notice what Judge Payne says - It would be nice if he could get it for the Red Cross museum We will get Clara Barton installed there by degrees, So there won't be any question. Dont fear Mabel - She is a dead duck SEBS.E. Barton to Saidee F. Riccius BARTON & ELLIS CO. INSURANCE STEPHEN E. BARTON 99 MILK STREET ALEXANDER ELLIS BOSTON, MASS MONTREAL OFFICE LAKE-OF-THE-WOODS BUILDING Ofc Feb 20/28 Skoozux - While my boss is not looking + he can't see me behind my desk, I'll just say, that I don't think the Sunday Times picture was taken - or painted - for some other Clara Barton - They were not naming babies after CB in 1844 - + surely no baby at that date was old enough to have its picture painted - No, I am inclined to think that some North Oxford painter - perhaps John Stafford Senior - painted it, + it looks as much like the subject as the most of painted portraits do. It is a good looking picture any way, + that is a compliment for you - if - as Mama says - it resembles you in any particular - Judge Payne + you will ferrit [sic] out the history of it= The copies of the letters from General Sheridan + General Sturgis, were given to us by Judge Payne 2/ They had found the originals - perhaps in the material turned over to the R.C. by Aunt Clara, after she resigned in 1904 - + Judge Payne had made many copies + given them away to visitors, as souvenirs - wasn't that good? - I am returning Judge Paynes letter to Walter H. Rufenacht - attache Swiss Legation - re the Swiss flag to be placed in the CB birthplace - watch out for it - write Mrs. Wilkins - send her copy of the letter - the flag may go to her - Acknowledge to Judge Payne - in your name - the rect of copy of his letter + tell him we shall be pleased to have the flag in the BP when recd - If I get time I shall go over + see you some day with a bag full of stuff - not Canadian stuff - SEB[*CB picture N. Y. Times*] [*S.E. Barton to Saidee F. Riccius 2nd Copy*] BARTON & ELLIS CO. INSURANCE STEPHEN E. BARTON 99 MILK STREET MONTREAL OFFICE ALEXANDER ELLIS BOSTON, MASS LAKE-OF-THE-WOODS BUILDING Ofc Feb 20/28 Skoozux - While my boss is not looking + he can't see me behind my desk, I'll just say, that I don't think the Sunday Times picture was taken - or painted - for some other Clara Barton - They were not naming babies after CB in 1844 - + surely no baby at that date was old enough to have its picture painted - No, I am inclined to think that some North Oxford painter - perhaps John Stafford Senior - painted it, + it looks as much like the subject as the most of painted portraits do. It is a good looking picture any way, + that is a compliment for you - if - as Mama says - it resembles you in any particular - Judge Payne + you will ferrit [sic] out the history of it= The copies of the letters from General Sheridan + General Sturgis, were given to us by Judge Payne BARTON & ELLIS CO. INSURANCE STEPHEN E. BARTON 99 MILK STREET MONTREAL OFFICE ALEXANDER ELLIS BOSTON, MASS LAKE-OF-THE-WOODS BUILDING 2/ They had found the originals - perhaps in the material turned over to the R.C. by Aunt Clara, after she resigned in 1904 - + Judge Payne had made many copies + given them away to visitors, as souvenirs - wasn't that good? - I am returning Judge Paynes letter to Walter H. Rufenacht - attache Swiss Legation - re the Swiss flag to be placed in the CB birthplace - watch out for it - write Mrs. Wilkins - send her copy of the letter - the flag may go to her - Acknowledge to Judge Payne - in your name - the rect of copy of his letter + tell him we shall be pleased to have the flag in the BP when recd - If I get time I shall go over + see you some day with a bag full of stuff - not Canadian stuff - SEBTHE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH EXECUTIVE OFFICES 176 NEWBURY STREET BOSTON, MASS. ____________________________ THE WOMEN'S NATIONAL MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION CLARA BARTON BIRTHPLACE ENDOWMENT FUND COMMITTEE [photograph of house with caption] [*CLARA BARTON BIRTHPLACE $50,000 to be raised for Endowment*] Mrs. Marietta B. Wilkins, Chairman 52 Essex Street. Salem, Mass. Mrs. Edwin A. Hunt, General Chairman Clara Barton Birthplace Committee 1 King Terrace, Worcester,Mass. Mrs. Persis C. Shedd, Treasurer, W. N. M. A. 175 Ocean Street, South Portland, Maine Salem. Mass. August 3, 1928. Dear Miss Riccius:- As I have listened in on "Soconyland" Sketches, I have thot many times of the feasibility of having the North Oxford work broadcasted; it seemed to me that there was quite as much material in the life and service of Clara Barton for dramatization as in many of the things I had heard - Last week I wrote to the station at New York, or rather, the office; yesterday I received a reply from the office of Barton, Durstine & Osborn who have charge of the advertising for the Standard Oil Co. of New York. They wrote a very fine letter to me; I'll quote so that you may read yourself. "Inasmuch as we are responsible for the production of Soconyland Sketches, it is perhaps needless to say that we were very pleased to receive your interesting letter. We have noted with considerable interest your suggestion for the theme of a future program. We will refer this to our Radio Department and if they feel that the subjectcan be dramatized, we shall be pleased to advise you," etc. I did not presume to say in my letter that the various episodes in her life could be made with the four they used as I didn't know as they would even consider my letter enough to reply. Now where does Mr. Bruce Barton stand now on this? He said, I believe, that what I wished for was not out of "his line", didn't he? It would seem under present outlook that it is very much in his line: quite a coincidence, I call this. Is there any way that influence can be brot to bear on this case now? Broadcasting would reach a wide and varied audience; reach out in a way to advertise for us - I have tried to get hold of the papers but am waiting for my flags which had to be returned for sticks, they were for raising on poles when I got them. I am going to ask the chairmen to get publicity in their state papers; that may do it for us. The church will raise quite a bit, I feel and, possibly one half with what I have been able to do almost alone; my committee works at No. Oxford but they haven't a national point of view and we need that now, (this between us). Have you and your brother any suggestions? It look very much as if we could accomplish this. I suppose a word from Bruce Barton would settle it. Sincerely- Marietta B. Wilkins I have an appointment with Mrs. Kirkland who spoke at No Oxford on Flag Day about cooperation with the D.A.R., some cool day! 32. Bruce Barton March twenty-ninth 1 9 2 8 My dear Mrs. Wilkins: Thank you for writing me about your plans for the Clara Barton memorial. They are interesting indeed, and I wish I could help you in them, but that is beyond my scope. What you need to do, it seems to me, is to enlist the services of some one who is familiar with the methods of bringing such work as you want to do before the public. I am sorry I can not be more helpful to you. Cordially yours, Bruce Barton Mrs. Marietta B. Wilkins 52 Essex Street Salem, Massachusetts[this is on an envelope} Women's National Missionary Association of the Universalist Church Clara Barton Birthplace Endowment Fund Committee MRS. MARIETTA B. WILKINS, Chairman 52 ESSEX STREET, SALEM, MASS. Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William St. Worcester [next page] F.A. OWEN, PRESIDENT H.G. FOWLER, VICE PRESIDENT F.C. OWEN, SECRETARY W.B. BUNDY, TREASURER OWEN PUBLISHING COMPANY Home Office and Publishing Plant, Dansville, N.Y. PUBLISHERS OF NORMAL INSTRUCTOR AND PRIMARY PLANS A MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR TEACHERS DANSVILLE, N.Y. August 14, 1928 Miss Sasidee F. Riccins 38 Williams St. Worcester, Mass. Dear Madam: We received your letter of August 7th in which you asked if we could furnish you with a print of the picture of Clara Barton's old home in Dansville. It will probably interest you too know that your letter was the means of calling our attention to the fact that the photograph which we used in making the illustration for the Genesee County booklet was not really a picture of the Clara Barton home,but instead was a photograph of another home located about two miles from Dansville. Our Art Department had the two negatives on file and as the two homes are somewhat similar in style we inadvertently used the wrong photograph. We are pleased to send you herewith a print made from the correct negative and hope that this will be suitable for your purpose. The charge for this print is 25 cents which you may remit to us at your convenience. Very truly your, F. (?) OWEN PUBLISHING CO. (?) Fowler Vice President Instructor Literature Series of Supplementary Readers and Classics for All Grades. Branch Offices Excelsioir Literature Series of Annotated Classics for Upper Grades and High Schools New York Instructor Entertainment Books Philadelphia Helps for Teachers Chicago Instructor Picture Study Series Des Moines Instructor School Libraries San Francisco School Souvenirs, etc. [This is on the outside of an envelope] The Women's National Missionary Association [stamp] Salem, Mass. Of the Universalist Church Aug 3, 1926 1 PM Clara Barton Birthplace Endowment Fund Committee MRS. MARIETTA B. WILKINS, Chairman 52 ESSEX STREET, SALEM, MASS. Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William St. Worcester, Mass. Please Forward [next page] F.A. OWEN PUBLISHING COMPANY Home Office and Publishing Plant, Dansville, N.Y. PUBLISHERS OF NORMAL INSTRUCTOR AND PRIMARY PLANS A MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR TEACHERS Instructor Literature Series of BRANCH OFFICES Supplementary Readers and NEW YORK Classics for all Grades PHILADELPHIA Excelsior Literature Series of CHICAGO Annotated Classics for Upper DES MOINES Grades and High Schools SAN FRANCISCO Instructor Entertainment Books Helps for Teachers Instructor Picture Study Series Instructor School Libraries School Souvenirs, Etc. DANSVILLE, N.Y. August 14, 1928 Miss Saidee F. Riccins 38 William St. Worcester, Mass. Dear Madam: We received your letter of August 7th in which you asked if we could furnish you with a print of the picture of Clara Barton's old home in Dansville. It will probably interest you to know that your letter was the means of calling our attention to the fact that the photograph which we used in making the illustrateion for the Genesee County booklet was not really a picture of the Clara Barton home, but instead was a photograph of another home located about two miles from Dansville. Our Art Department had the two negatives on file and as the two homes are somewhat similar in style we inadvertently used the wrong photograph. We are pleased to send you herewith a print made from the correct negative and hope that this will be suitable for your purpose. The charge for this print is 25 cents which you may remit to us at your convenience. Very truly yours, F. (?) OWEN PUBLISHING CO. (?) Fowler Vice President HGF: MV August 16, 1928. Mr. H.G. Fowler, Vice President Dansville, New York My dear Sir:- I am more than grateful to you for your kind and interesting letter of the 14th and the picture of the Clara Barton House in Dansville. I am Miss Barton's grand niece and have been trying for some time to procure a picture for my files. Would it be troubling you too much if I asked you to send me three more of the prints for which I enclose my check. Rev. William E. Barton is soon to publish a young peoples edition of Clara Barton and I want to send him one of the pictures as an illustration for his book. Cordially yours, Enc. [next page] 330 McClaire Ave. Coshocton, Ohio March 6th 1929. My Dear Mrs. Riccius: I wish to thank you for a reply which I received today which I had addressed to the late Mr. Stephen Barton. I have the "Barton Genealogy" by Edw. Barton of Waterville N.Y. and I also have Daniel's "History of Oxford" and numerous other books, but I wish particularly to get in touch with some of Pliny's (?) children or grandchildren (to find the parents of Pliny's wife, Naomi Morse). Mr. Edw. Barton of Waterville, N.Y. sent me the following names-Do you know the present address of any of these descendants: Pliny m. Naomi Morse March 31, 1808 children b. at Oxford. Pliny, M.L. - an influential man at Salisburg, Conn. State Senator he married Mary Lockwood of Cairo N.Y. They had 1) Mary, m. and resided at Salisbury, 2) Edward, agent on Com. Western R.R. at Salisbury, 3) John C. 4) Charles C graduated 1869 at Trinity College, later at Harvard Law School, lawyer in Boston, residence Newton; 5) George K. Merchant at Cedar Rapids, Ia. If you could give me the address of one of Charles C. Barton's family, perhaps they would be well aware of the facts I wish to learn. Hoping this will not inconvenience you; I am sorry to have to write you again on this subject. Thanking you kindly for your interest. Yours truly Mrs. A.P. Magness. [next page] CABLE ADDRESS (?) TELEPHONE TRINITY 6111 Security Title Insurance and Guarantee Company OFFICERS Glenn A. Schaefer, President and General Manager T.W. Haymond, Vice - President, Secretary and General Counsel Russell S. Padget, Vice-President and Treasurer Wm. S. Porter, Vice-President and Superintendent of Operations Geo. H. Woodruff, Vice-President Jas. R. Ford, Vice-President and Manager Los Angeles Office J.S. Loofbourow, Assistant Manager Lost Angeles Office L.J. Rice, Title Officer, Title Officer Walter B. Kibbey, Attorney WOODRUFF, MUSICK, PINNEY AND HARTKE SECURITY TITLE INSURANCE BUILDING CONSULTING ATTORNEYS 532-534 SIXTH STREET LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA September 10, 1929. Dear Saidee- Our good friend, Frank A. Miller of the Mission Inn at Riverside, is anxious to procure a bust of Aunt Clara to be placed in the "Garden of Heroes" adjoining the Memorial Auditorium there in Riverside. He does not know how to go about it and I didn't but I told him that you knew everything and that I would ask you, guaranteeing that he would get the answer. Besides being a correct likeness, the bust will have to be of bronze, stone or cement, as it is to be outside, exposed to the weather. Of course he expects to pay whatever the cost may be, but I wish that it might be obtained as reasonably as possible as he has assumed quite a burden in furtherance of a sentimental thought on this subject, - making symbols of peace the outstanding feature of a war memorial. We shall greatly appreciate any suggestions that you may be able to give. Our best love to Herman and yourself, Affectionately, (?) OTHER OFFICES: EL CENTRO HANFORD MADERA MODESTO SAN ANDREAS SAN LUIS OBISPO SONORA VENTURA SANTA FRESNO JACKSON MERCED RIVERSIDE SAN BERNARDINO SANTA BARBARA STOCKTON VISALIA ANA November 20, 1929. My dear Judge Payne:- I want to thank you for the very pleasant call which I had the privilege of making on you last week. Later in the day I found the time to go out to Glen Echo and call on Doctor Hubbell. He is very near the end and at first Mrs. Chamberlain felt that he would be unable to see me, but finally she did ask me to go up and talk with him for a few moments. My call there was most satisfactory. Mrs. Chamberlain, Dr. Hubbell's niece, allowed me to look through the house and I found that all of the furnishings are practically just as they were when Miss Barton was alive, and that Dr. Hubbell has apparently made it a point to have the kept that way. When Dr. Hubbell dies the real estate will apparently be left to his two nieces. Such of the furnishings and other objects as are connected with the Red Cross they plan to turn over to you, and those things which are primarily family pieces will come to the relatives here. I saw a number of things which it deemed to me would be very acceptable in your museum, particularly a number of important diplomas and awards, hanging where they always did in the front reception hall. I am sure it will please you to know that Dr. Hubbell had already given orders to have sent to you at once the camp bed trunk which you mentioned to me, also an important flag concerning which he had dictated a brief statement. These things have perhaps already reached you by this time. Again thanking you for your courtesy to me, I am, Sincerely yours, H.P. Riccius Judge John Barton Payne The American Red Cross Washington, D.C. *Clergyman.* Ten Hills, Baltimore, Md. Feb. 17, 1931 Miss Saidee T. Riccius: Dear Miss Riccius: I wish to thank you cordially for your kind letter and its enclosure. I gratefully appreciate your goodness, and have incorporated in my "Life of Antoinette May??" the article you so kindly sent me. I shall at once procure "The Life of Clara Barton" by Rev. Wm. E. BartonI shall remember, with sincere appreciation, your very kind and helpful response to my request. With best wishes, Very truly yours, Thos. D. Williams. [*Memorial Stamp*] [*Sta 33*] DIVISION OF STAMPS IN YOUR REPLY REFER TO Post Office Department RK:ED THIRD ASSISTANT POSTMASTER GENERAL Washington February 28, 1931. Miss Saidee F. Riccius, 39 William Street, Worcester, Massachusetts. My dear Madam: Your letter of February 20, to the Postmaster General offering copies of photographs of Clara Barton in your possession for use in preparing the design on the forthcoming Red Cross commemorative postage stamp, has been referred to this Office. Consideration has been given to the placing of the likeness of Clara Barton on the Red Cross stamp but it was finally decided to use a design typifying a Red Cross nurse or "War Mother" as referred to in the publicity matter of the Red Cross organization. The Department appreciates your interest in offering to furnish copies of the portraits of Miss Barton for this purpose but, under the circumstances, they will not be needed. Very truly yours, F. A. Tilton Third Assistant Postmaster General THE NEW YORK TIMES Feby 8, 1931 Demands for Memorial Stamps Worry Brown; 1932 Commemoration of 20 Events Is Asked WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 (AP). The commemorative postage stamp has become a considerable chore for the Postmaster General. Four such stamps suffice in any ordinary year, but Postmaster General Brown may have to turn out five times that number in 1932. And he also has 1931 troubles. The George Washington Bicentennial and the Olympic games to be held in Los Angeles, each call for a series of stamps, not to mention other events with claim to commemoration. With only three engravers qualified to do the highly technical job of making stamp plates, the Postmaster General said he might have to turn for additional engravers to the commercial money-making field, United States concerns that engrave paper moneys for certain foreign governments. They know the technique of intricate infinitesimal scrolls. Twelve stamps have been definitely promised to celebrate the two hundredth anniversary of Washington's birth. On these, the Postmaster General had struck snags. "Our first idea was to run portraits of Washington at different significant periods of his life." he said. "But the collected portraits of Washington bore too little family resemblance. "One of them looked like John Jacob Raskob. "We didn't want to send out stamps supposedly Washington and have people writing us we were mistaken. So the series we are now designing will include only easily recognizable portraits, and some scenes from his career." The Postmaster General said that in so far as mechanical difficulties could be surmounted, he would supply the Olympic series. Other countries, holding the games, have issued a series of six. Pulaski, the Red Cross and Cornwallis's surrender constitute the 1931 list to date, with twenty applicants contending for fourth place. Martha Washington having been edged off the 4-cent stamp by the late President Taft, the Red Cross fiftieth anniversary stamp at first appeared to offer opportunity for another feminine face, that of Clara Barton, on the upper right hand corner of the envelope. But the design bearing her portrait was not very satisfactory and probably;y will not be used, the Postmaster General said. The stamp will stress, instead, the Red Cross symbol. I notice by a recent newspaper article that you had contemplated using the picture of Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, on the proposed 1932 commemorative stamp of the fiftieth anniversary of the society, but that the design bearing her portrait was not bvery satisfactory and probably would not be used. I am the grand niece of Miss Barton and I want to express to you my sincerest thanks and appreciation for your thoughtfulness in trying to bestow this honor so richly deserved by Miss Barton. I have in my possession a good many splendid portraits of Miss Barton from which I feel very confident excellent designs could be made and it would give me great pleasure if you would allow me to send you a few from which you might like to select one for use in your design. S.F.R,New Haven. June 23/31 Dear Saidee, I was expecting to see you at the Universal Conference at Oxford. I heard you were at your Aunt Lizzies on account of her illness. I am sending you Judge Payne's letter. I think, he doesn't think, the time is ripe yet for the Bust to be placed in the building. You will get considerable satisfaction from what he says about a certain woman. Yours truly Francis Atwater NATIONAL OFFICERS HERBERT HOOVER, PRESIDENT ROBERT W. deFOREST, VICE PRESIDENT CALVIN COOLIDGE, VICE PRESIDENT CHARLES EVANS HUGHES, VICE PRESIDENT THOMAS D THACHER, COUNSELOR OGDEN L. MILLS, TREASURER MABEL T. BOARDMAN, SECRETARY _________________________ NATIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS JOHN BARTON PAYNE, CHAIRMAN JAMES L. FIESER, VICE CHAIRMAN ERNEST P. BICKNELL, VICE CHAIRMAN JAMES K. McCLINTOCK, VICE CHAIRMAN THE AMERICAN RED CROSS NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS WASHINGTON D.C. CENTRAL COMMITTEE JOHN BARTON PAYNE, CHAIRMAN MRS. AUGUST BELMONT CORNELIUS N. BLISS MABEL T. BOARDMAN WILLIAM R. CASTLE, JR. MRS. HENRY P. DAVISON MRS. FRANK V. HAMMAR MAJ. GEN. M.W. IRELAND SAMUEL KNIGHT OGDEN L. MILLS GUSTAVUS D. POPE MRS. HENRY R. REA REAR ADMIRAL CHARLES E. RIGGS JOHN D. RYAN GEORGE E. SCOTT HENRY UPSON SIMS THOMAS D. THACHER ELIOT WADSWORTH June 4 - 1931 My dear Mr. Atwater, I have your letter of June first. I did not know you had a bust of Clara Barton. Please write me about it. Whether this is the time to raise the question is the subject of some doubt. There is one person who is very unhappy because of the wide recognition which came to Clara Barton in connection with our Fiftieth Anniversary. One doesn't like to write about things of this sort; perhaps you may be coming to Washington and I will be glad, indeed, to talk with you quite frankly on the subject. I notice what you say of Mr. Riccius. All of our historical material, except a few pictures, is in the Museum and I do not know where else we could place anything for both exhibition and safety. The medals of Mr. Davison and my own are in the Museum, which I think is the best place for them. My kindest regards. Cordially yours, John Barton Payne Chairman Mr. Francis Atwater 133 - Cottage Street New Haven, Connecticut 1881 - FIFTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO HUMANITY - 1931June 17. 32 Dear Saidee Francis & I thank you so much for helping us out. While he is a little stronger today, he still has temp of 102%. He will write you later. Sincerely yours, Helena Atwater B. November 12, 1935. Admiral Cary T. Grayson, American Red Cross, Washington, D.C. My dear Admiral Grayson: - May I take this opportunity of congratulating you upon the splendid Red Cross program broadcast last evening, and to thank you most sincerely for your beautiful tribute to Clara Barton, my grand aunt. I am taking the liberty of enclosing a little pamphlet which I think you may find of interest, and possibly like to preserve in Red Cross archives. It was published by Clara Barton in 1878 out of her own slender means. Most cordially,ber 3, 1935 DRAMATIZATION OF RED CROSS SET FOR WTAG Program No. 11 to Depict Signing of Treaty by President Arthur ________________ Efforts of the American Red Cross to save life and assuage human suffering in the face of disaster will be described dramatically in a special broadcast over an NBC-WTAG network Monday, Nov. 11, at 10:30 p.m. The program will open with a dramatization of the signing of the Red Cross Treaty by President Chester A. Arthur in 1882. Admiral Cary T. Grayson, chairman of the American Red Cross, will speak. The broadcast will mark the opening of the new Red Cross campaign. It will be a dramatic review of the major disasters, floods, conflagrations and wars, which the country has experienced in a half- century. It depicts the first work of the organization when Clara Barton arrived at the scene of the historic Johnstown flood to be greeted by a state militia commander who had never heard of the Red Cross. Continuing, the action switches through the war with Spain, Col. Theodore Roosevelt's ride at San Juan Hill, the Galveston flood, the San Francisco fire and several floods along the Mississippi. Frank Black's orchestra will provide a musical background. FOUNDED 1881 UNDER THE TREATY OF GENEVA THE AMERICAN RED CROSS NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS WASHINGTON, D.C. NATIONAL OFFICERS Franklin D. Roosevelt, President Charles Evans Hughes, Vice President December 9, 1935. Herbert Hoover, Vice President Stanley Reed, Counselor T. Jefferson Coolidge, Treasurer Mabel T. Boardman, Secretary NATIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Miss Saidee F. Riccius Cary T. Grayson, Chairman 39 William Street James L. Fleser, Vice Chairman Worcester, Massachusetts James K. McClintock, Vice Chairman Dear Miss Riccius: CENTRAL COMMITTEE Cary T. Grayson, Chairman On my return from Europe, where I Mrs. August Belmont made a hurried trip on official Red Cross business, Cornelius N. Bliss I have found your note and the most interesting and Mabel T. Boardman priceless enclosure of a pamphlet published by Clara T. Jefferson Coolidge Barton, the Founder of this organization, in the year Mrs. Henry P. Davison of 1878. Willilam Fortune I appreciate more than I can tell you Samuel Knight the generous spirit which prompted you to send this momento William Phillips to us, and I can assure you that it will have a prominent Gustavus D. Pope and permanent place in our Museum as a part of our Clara Mrs. Henry R. Rea Barton Collection. Stanley Reed With all good wishes, and renewed appreciation Maj. Gen. Charles R. Reynolds of your thoughtful remembrance, I am Rear Admiral P.S. Rossiter Cordially and sincerely yours, George E. Scott Cary T. Grayson Henry Upson Sims Chairman Alfred E. Smith Eliot Wadsworth TRUSTEES ENDOWMENT FUND Henry Morgenthau, Jr., Chairman T. Jefferson Coolidge Henry P. Davison Howard W. Fenton William D. Hoover William A. Julian Harry G. Meem Corcoran Thom Felix M. WarburgBirthplace 52 Essex Street Salem Massacusetts Nov. 18. 1936 - Dear Miss Riccius:- I am returning the very interesting you sent me. I should never have thot of trying to contact what I supposed was in the Washington fund and which I thot was about $2500.- but $27.000.- lying around inactive and the great immediate need at No. Oxford was a temptation. I think Dr. Woodward has forgotten all about it and he is going to telephone to you I believe. Well - never mind; so far, I have turned every stone I have seen, and I have now turned this one - "Gone with the Wind" and it is all right. There seems to be the same hectic condition over the Washington memorial as there has been over every movement to do anything for Clara Barton and some of my best friends have even suggested that the [?] [?] was getting me because of contacting the line. However - we of the Oxford movement (?) have arrived to solid ground. have we not? We are here to stay, I think, but we must await that administration building. It will come - I feel sure.I hope you and your brother will be successful in doing what your uncle would wish done and that of course, is, Washington. He talked to me about that. I wish he could have seen the real success we have met with at last. Mr. Butler thinks he does know. One thing your papers have done to me. I can see quite plainly that even if I can get her election to the Hall of Fame in 1940, the thing must be financed before that and their "busts" and so forth came high. I have never been to see the Hall of Fame and just now I do not feel that I ever will but perhaps, who knows? I have made a start on it and find that one must have been dead twenty-five years to be considered must be submitted for election, and elections are held every five years. (one has just been held) [(in 1931)] so the next we will come in 1940 - If you have any suggestion or warnings send them on; also if there is some group that you would prefer to suggest it, say that too, but the thing was suggested by our committee when Mrs Harold Marshall was a member and she made the first move on it. I suppose M.B. will oppose it if she gets wind of it. Perhaps she will pass on before that. I am glad you are getting better; you are really too good to lose. Mrs. Taylor is making a slow recovery; she has seen in a run down condition for a long time. Three major operations and marriage in less than five years and now this serious accident. Her nerves are shattered and no wonder. Many thanks for the loan of the correspondence. [?]! Sincerely - Marietta B. Wilkins Salem Dec 23 Dear Miss Riccius: The poem on reverse side was read in a meeting where I spoke on the Clara Barton Memorial and I have been planning to get it properly written and send to you at that time. Serious illness in my family has prevented my attending to it but at the eleventh hour I am sending it "as is" to you because [?] "little white [?] tree" seems very like this "Christmas Inn." I thot you might enjoy it as much as I did. Sincerely - Marietta B. Wilkins This illness I refer to is my paternal aunt, the last of the clan; I took her to the hospital today as a last resort. Tonight things look brighter but I am all in. M.W. Christmas Inn - Little white rooftree that sleeps at the turning, Close by the cross roads where new years begin, Waken each lattice and set your hearths burning; All the world's knocking - make ready within. Childhood is waiting all wondered and breathless; Youth is on tiptoe with dreams in its eyes; Manhood is wistful with hope that is deathless; Age from its single smile, tenderly wise. Little lost dreams are the waits that shall sing them Echoes of carol strains dimmed with the years; Memories golden, the Page boys to bring them Holly-sweet moments of laughter and tears. Friendships forgotten shall ring with the meeting; Joys unremembered shall call them by name; Voices long silent shall hail them with greeting; Faces undying shall circle the flame. They shall find cheer till the embers are graying, Heart warm and sheltered from winds whirling white; Never a score shall they find for their paying Lean purse and proud purse shall comrade tonight. Little white rooftree of welcome unfailing, Love shall they find here, the truest and best; And in the dawn when the tapers are paling; Faith, starry mantled, shall light them to rest. Martha Haskell Clark - Address of Mrs. Mariatta B. Wilkins of Salem, Mass. before the Unveiling of the Memorial tablet to Clara Barton at the Birthplace in North Oxford, Mass. ******************** June 14, 1938. Seventeen years ago last month, the W.N.M.A. bought this estate with the unanimous vote of the executive board then in office, our counsel, Mr. Bicknell, came out here, completed the purchase, returned with an encouraging report and said to me "Get busy." Since then, we have been busily engaged, first with the restoration of the cottage itself, and, when possible, made a small beginning in the way of the welfare work which was the only way truly to honor Clara Barton. The whole thought was the carrying out of the idea we had had in our Association for a long time, really to do something of a national character in our social service department; we still maintain this department which is in line with the policy of our General Convention which has the same social service department. We had done nothing of national scope so far. Beginning in a small way with work for underprivileged little girls, we have gone steadily and busily on, watching all the while for an opening for work of national scope. This materialized with the beginning of work for diabetic little girls in which we responded to an appeal by Dr. Elliott P. Joslin in his book "Diabetes" published in 1951, for summer camps for such children. As fast as possible we equipped this property as you may see. The retention and restoration of the barn which is a part of the original Barton property, the building which housed the stock of fancy horses which Clara Barton's father raised, made this possible at the start.2. A long story the barn. And we came down to what you can see today and will be privileged to inspect, our much needed Administration building. All through this service, the women have proudly carried their ownership of this historic place, brave and courageous through the many problems, always coming through joyously; there have been problems but no discouragement ever. We have felt that a work like this must succeed. An endowment fund was launched at the outset and now stands at $20,467.33. Today we record our possession in bronze. We would bear witness here today to the genuine interest and actual assistance, faith with works, of many friends, our own women, our own church through many organizations, friends in other churches, the family of Miss Barton, her personal friends, co-workers in this land and the regions beyond, notably the Swiss government. We record our grateful appreciation of all which has been done for this shrine. Of all these I wish to single two out of a legion - Mr. Stephen E. Barton and Hon. Francis Atwater, who are no longer with us. Mr. Atwater helped in many ways, he was a constant visitor, he gave generously until his financial affairs failed him, and then broken in health, broke in speech, he could only dictate his interest at the very last in an occasional letter. Stephen E. Barton was a beloved nephew of Clara Barton who worked with her in her many activities, and one room in this cottage is dedicated to him. He and Mr. Atwater assembled a fund of their own personal gifts, waiting for an opportunity to place some memorial to Miss Barton in Washington; for over five years they gave the interest on this fund to us when it looked as if perhaps the work must cease and when expenses were being guaranteed by two of our committee. 3. Before making any move to acquire this property, I consulted Mr. Barton, feeling that a work like this, a memorial, to be thoroughly complimentary must be one to be a pleasing tribute to the person we were trying to honor. I remember his saying when I first met him that he must see his niece, that she would know all about it, "I rely wholly on her," he said, "and you must talk with her" which I proceeded to do. All through the years this grand niece has been of untold help and inspiration and much of value is due to her in the planning of the memorial. She has advised, she has come here many times, she has arranged loans and gifts of many things belonging to the Barton family, things of real interest and value to us. She has arranged the memorial room to this nephew, her Uncle, has given a copy of the Barton coat-of-arms and generously of her means. It seems fitting today that she should officiate at the unveiling of this memorial tablet.Love to you - M. B. W. MARIETTA B. WILKINS 52 ESSEX ST. SALEM, MASS. January 27. [1940] Dear Miss Riccius: - Thank you for the papers which I will return. I am not sure whether we must tell our authority but find find out, I [?] to be prepared. The matter went over unanimously yesterday at our meeting so Massachusetts women stand back of it. MARIETTA B. WILKINS 52 ESSEX ST. SALEM. MASS. January 30 / 1940 Dear Miss Riccius: - A word from the president of the Mass. board states that if we go on with this effort to place Clara Barton in the Hall of Fame that Miss Boardman will make a statement to prevent her election Well, I supposed she would try to preventWill you please tell me where I can get a bit of those [electors?], I thot it was not so very public [there?] name. I can write to the secretary but would rather find out some other way. In any case, I think M. B. will be submerged perhaps disgraced if she does anything mean now; she may be ignored as a jealous old woman. perhaps we have come into the kingdom for this cause. I feel [f???] over it. Let me know where I can see the list, if possible, or I will write to the Hall of Fame in case I can find it. Public opinion is being covered over the treatment of Clara Barton. I hear it on all sides. Washington people are asking "Why?" Have had a $600.- addition to the Endowment. it, but I hadn't that she could. I can see that the matter will be held up perhaps for this election. They are asking me what she will pay; I certainly do not know. Perhaps the Loyal Legion will take this up. but I shall be obliged to keep quiet for the sake of my women. Oh M.B.W. 52 ESSEX STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS Feb. 2, 1940 Dear Miss Riccius: I think as far as I go personally, I shall give up the idea of filing the blank?] for the nomination of Clara Barton to the Hall of Fame. If I had known that national board had done what they have done, and they that they were doing right no doubt, I would not have tried to have [Mare?] do it. They did not report to me after I made the motion. I heard in a casual way that they were not going to do it now but wait for "her" to die. that the stories were untrue and told by a jealous woman but it would be "better to wait". They got Harold Latham of New Jersey vice-president of the Macmillan Co., whose mother is on the board to do something. I do not know what, and he ??? back the word from [Miss?] B. Of course someone must have told her and I was working quietly. Anyway, it has doubtless spilled the beans for us for 1940. I hope someone will go through with it but I do not dare work further for fear of hurting the birthplace work. I do not see how any influence can be brought to bear on the election if those in charge are honest in their printed words, I quote from Robert Underwood Johnson's book "Your Hall of Fame" - The American Public may be assured, and I am certain will be proud of the fact that, from the beginning to the present moment, no one related to the Hall of Famehas used undue influence in the election. If there have been [endeavors?] to "crash the gates" now and then in the interest of candidates, it has never been in the instance of an unworthy [person?] and it has resulted unfairly in failure". They allow newspaper publicity and the newspapers have taken up the cudgel for her lately. I had made up my mind to put in my own [bland?] (I have it) but before deciding, I wrote Dr. Woodward what had happened. He is wild over it and wrote me immediately to wait till the [dice?]: he says he is a fighter but he wouldn't tackle that and he wrote quite at length. He writes "Never you fear. Clara Barton will live in the memory of America long after Mabel Boardman and President Taft who offered her our dead and forgotten memories." I still wish someone would stand for the right and go there with it and I can only regret that if I am to go on successfully with my own people, it might seem that I ought not to do it. However, March 15 is a long way off. One thing I [wish?] I could [see?] a list of the [elected?] no doubt I can get it by writing to the secretary. I would like to know where she was [relected?]. the date. Yours, Marietta B. Wilkins *We have a $600.- addition to our Endowment.* 52 ESSEX STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS February 16. {1940} Dear Miss Riccius, I am getting to be a daily occurrence but I am so pleased to report progress on my Hall of Fame efforts that I can't resist the temptation to write to you. The Massachusetts president plans very definitely to go thru with her plans and she thinks she will not wait for her board meeting March 7. This board endorsed it and the Somerville public meeting was enthusiastic over it so she feels she can proceed. I am sending you a copy of our "Leader" for February 17. There is a good article in it on "Famous Americans" written by one of our young men who has evidently heard of our plan. What is thrilling me is the fact that Hon. Owen D. Young, outstanding Universalist layman, is an [elector?]. He you remember got after Hon. John Barton Paine on the matter of the flying of the Red Cross flag at the birthplace, bought the flag, and sent it out there; his wife (1st) gave me the $2000.- which[ ?] the [b????]. so I have written to him and have told him what has happened and that we women plan to go on. Asked his help.I have written to the secretary, H. of F. for a list of the elected which I need. I hope we can have Marie B. thrown off of the group of electors for, under their rules, she should be or better to submerge her when the final ballot comes in. The strategic flaw however, is the acceptance of nominations; if she can get in there, the thing is off, but I do not think that is where she is, as I have said. I wish I could see the list. I do not believe any great number of people take any stock in her she is where she tried to but Clara Barton in the [senile? elves?]. People do know of Clara Barton however. I will let you know when I hear anything further. It looks very promising now to have the nomination go through 3/5 of 118 votes will elect, but all the elective fail to vote at time. Hopefully, Marietta B. Wilkins 52 ESSEX STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS March 13. 1940 Dear Miss Riccius: The dead live on the Hall of Fame matter is Friday and I know you are wondering about the Mass. group. [Mrs.?] Ball and all the women wish to push this nomination but someone, who will not allow her or his (his I imagine) to be used has advised against it. an anonymous affair which I despise. I have the letter written by the member of the national board before me and it advises postponement. I have also another letter here written by one of our men, Dr. Van[?ch???], because of the letter: he advises postponement. I think they all look forward to the same event. Anyway, [Mass.?] rescinds her vote and no Universalist group will endorse it now. That need not mean that any American citizen hasn't the privilege to do it. I hear in connection with this that M. B. has material for a book, a biography of Clara Barton and Red Cross officials have put strong pressure to bear on er not to have the book written "to debunk her". I think that the fear of her starting out on this literary [?t???t] is what has caused caution on the part of the women.What they seem to be [etrusing?] is some irregularity, as they think, in the Johnstown flood money. I can't see as there is anything else and how that could constitute material for a "biography" I cannot see and no one believes that anyway. Personally, I have felt that the person is afraid that Miss Barton would be elected. I can't see how she would be permitted to bring up a matter of so long ago. I can't see as she could influence any considerable group and would hurt herself more than anyone else. However, I may be wrong. I had looked forward to this Hall of Fame as a fitting climax to what I have tried to do so I feel disappointed. I may be here in 1945 and maybe not. We are all hoping she will not be around. I will return all your papers as soon as possible; Mrs. Ball has a few of them. There is no that on the part of our women beyond protecting Clara Barton from the onslaught of this wicked woman; they say they think too much of her to allow such an attack. It is all cautious on the part of all of them and a determination to promote the [??] Oxford memorial. I do not know what became of the young men of the church to put the nomination in they came out for it. My love to you, Marietta B. Wilkins always rather inclined to be proud of the honor. He was the factor of the Washington Church (Universalist) at the time. This yarn that M. B. has threatened with is fifty-one years old. My best to you and your brother. Love M.B. W.for the purpose we know as a plain American citizen, which right I have. Now we will see. I think there may be other papers to this end but I know of no one who has done it. Have you any account of the funeral service at Glen Echo where one Dr. Van Schaich conducted the rites? Did he pronounce any eulogy and say anything especially at that tie. He was Salem April 9 1940 Dear Miss Riccius:- I was glad to get the card from you in the Great Smokies; that is where I started the Universalist Mission which is functioning well now. Our settlement is on the side of a mountain in the Pigeon River Valley - a lovely spot. Of course, you saw the Sunday Post with the list of nominees for the 1940 Hall of Fame; the suggested "five" and our candidates name led all the [?] Our Owen D. Young is an elector; I feel sure he will vote right; you remember how mad he was at the Washington group telling us we couldn't fly the Red Cross flag; sent one to us at once and also arranged that John Barton Payne sent his blessing and his [?] - face to put on the wall. He hasn't forgotten that. I wrote to him and I have his guarded reply. The Massachusetts women are feeling badly now that they felt that they ought not to send in that bland Will. I sent it and I feel very happy that I did it. Here's hoping.I have had a bad fall; three weeks tomorrow. I fell over a big rug that was rolled up on the floor in a third floor room. It was dark when I was up there and while I knew it was there, I was careless. I hurt myself awfully, tore the "fringes" whatever those are on my muscles of my back; not serious, but oh, so painful. I wasn't dressed for a week and haven't slept one whole night since, until last night. I haven't been able to move without yelling. All this in apology for not returning those papers and the booklet, and also for this bad writing. The National Geographic Society (?) of which Miss Cora Curry is Librarian wrote me; she is arranging a memorial of Clara Barton pictures, I believe, to be sent in their names to the birthplace. This is a Washington Society about to give up. They do not seem to be afraid of U.B. [?] thing it is against the law to threaten also to libel the dead. Mr. Atwater told if [?] she lifted up her voice against Clara Barton again to let him know and he was going to put her [?] for it! Dear [?] We have had a bequest to the endowment fund of 599.40, we have it. We have another of $2500.00 to be paid. Quite a windfall. We are planning for a Flag Day observance on June 15 Saturday. I have invited Governor Saltonstall. hope he can come. My son is his personal counsel, so perhaps I can make it work. I wish I could visit the Great Smokies again. I did get as far south as Williamsburg last October. Wonderful - My best to you and your brother. Love - Marietta B. Wilkins MARIETTA B. WILKINS 52 ESSEX ST. SALEM, MASS. April 14 Dear Miss Riccius:- The votes go to the elector May 1. They are to be returned October 1; dead line October 15. Thank you for your kind letter. No one but you knows I sent that nomination but I shall tell them if they ask me who did it. Love, M. B. W. May 7, 1940 39 William St. Worcester, Mass. My dear Miss Curry:- My cousin, Myrtis Barton Butler phone me of your interesting long letter asking for information on certain matters and as she is very ill I suggested she forward the correspondence to me and let me see if I could answer your questions. I find our correspondence of last July in my files regarding the tablet the dear ladies of the Legion of Loyal Women had placed in the Red Cross Building and I hope what information I gave you was of help. All Aunt Clara's papers were taken from Glen Echo by my dear Uncle, Stephen Barton, and it has been my task to sort and file and preserve the entire accumulation of her long life. It has been a tremendous task. You ask of a manuscript copy report owned by an old friend of Clara Barton's. I don't exactly know to what you refer, but possibly an old copy book of Clara Barton's of 1876 to 1878 in my possession contains the earliest correspondence regarding the Red Cross with Dr. Appia and Pres. Moynier. All these papers, diaries, etc. are most carefully preserved and cared for. I have been very carefully through Aunt Clara's diaries for 1864 and 1865 and find not a trace or word of Arlington. I did all the compiling for Dr. Barton's book. on page 314 Vol. L he says her headquarters at this time, 1865. was theoretically at Arlington, but in reality it was Annapolis and she never mentions Arlington in her daily notes. As a matter of fact she never did have that meeting so much desired wit President Lincoln. She was all dressed and ready and went to the White House on two occasions, but the President was in conference with his cabinet and she "came away in the rain, discouraged," then she was called to her brother Stephen's deathbed and went to Massachusetts for the funeral. When she returned to Washington her petition had been signed by Lincoln and she started on her work for Missing Man and on April 14, 65. Lincoln was killed. (Page 305 Vol. I Dr. Barton.) Her journals are pretty complete for this entire period and it does deem strange that she should neglect to mention such an important thing as the work at Arlington Cemetery if she were responsible for the work. The journals also cover Andersonville and the months after her return and the defence of Atwater. Clara Barton was never connected with the War Department so of course she would never have been mentioned in any of their records. The Congressional Committee had all Clara Barton's receipts, vouchers, etc. of money expended by her before they refunded HERpage 2. $15,000. I do appreciate all the interest and devotion you and the other ladies have given so untiringly to the memory of my Grant Aunt. We have felt that it is much better to ignore the false ravings of Miss Boardman. After all she can't go on living for ever and CLARA BARTON DOES and her fame grows from day to day. If I can be of any further service do call on me. Cordially yours, Saidee F. Riccius May 7, 1940 [1940] Dear Saidee:- I have just dictated a long screed to Miss Curry, and am sending these papers and her letter to you at once, so that if you have anything that can answer her inquiries, you will send them off to her immediately. I was awake all last night, and feel pretty punk today. But I'll sleep tonight from sheer exhaustion, and will be on the top of the wave tomorrow. Hope you can locate something for these truly Loyal Women. Lovingly, Myrtis.Office of the National Genealogical Society, 1420 Girard St.,N.W., May 11, 1940. Mrs Myrtle Barton Butler 57 Bridge St.,Northhampton, Massachusetts. My dear Mrs - Butler---- "Myrtle": Your splendid letter will be most useful I am sure in aiding to clear up some of the beclouded bits of history " as it has been told" regarding our beloved Clara Barton. The very next mail brought an equally illuminating and helpful letter from Miss Saidee Riccius, and as I had previously told you I had a number of "items" from Dansville, N.Y., - Miss Beth Sandford and active member of the Clara Barton Chapter, America Red Cross -- No. 1. So I'm writing to all three of you today, and will try to give each of you the helpfulness that I'm gathering from the three of you, and I am asking each of you three to send me whatever further they can think helpful at this time. First let me outline as best I can- the situation: The Legion of Loyal Women: --- to conserve my rewritings- I am enclosing a carbon of the letter we sent to the Federation of Womens Clubs of Washington, in which we outlined the activities and closing of the Legion. Thus I can proceed: First: The large brass tablet that is fixed on the wall of the Red Cross national Headquarters here. It is we think very handsome, and decidedly "effective, but it is NOT a good likeness - as you will note from the enclosed photo. (A) the artists 's plaster cast seemed quite correct but the bronze emphasizes slight differences and bronze does not phi?? satisfactorlly- it looks hard and the lights and shadow seem to change the expression, but it is a MEMORIAL 2 and was duly accepted and they are very proud to have it there. The case for the preservation and exhibition of the things that they already have in their custody- some they own and some belong to Miss Hubbell-who "loaned " them as long as they are duly protected and displayed" when otherwise, they are to be returned to her. Pretty wise of her, it seems to us here. This case is a fine glass, with bronze frame and on black walnut base-- the very very best that is made by the Remington- Rand Co., and the largest size---72 inches long and double width. THe Red Cross folds are "simply crazy" they are so delighted to have it. The locks are specially strong etc. In this case set upright against the glass back, in the case will be a bronze marker with this inscription C L A R A B A R T O N 1821 1912 In Humility To Humanity She gave her all For Her Country, the World and her God. Presented by THE LEGION OF LOYAL WOMEN. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Please overlook the inaccurate typing of the above. The lettering is beautiful on the plack- label-- dark letters on the bright ground- so easily read. Then the book- which you will see acopy of at the Birthplace. These three gifts "In Honor of Clara Barton, will be formally presented to the Officers of the Red Cross on Wednesday next, 10- 30 A.M. After which the Legion will formally adjourn "Sine die". that presentation closes its existence as an organization. We have continued all of these years since we stopped our active relief work-- simply and only fir the purpose of placing in that Red Cross building memorials to the founder of the American Red Cross and the proponant of the American Amendment. That being done we are finished. I think that I told you that there were only four of us yet alive. One-Mrs. O'Keefe is very ill in Garfield Hospital here- is not expected ever to leave it, but she does not know that she is so limited. If you should feel like dropping her a little card with a message of appreciation for the sketch which she wrote as the introduction to this book of photostats, her address is Mrs. Mari O Mills- O'Keefe, [?" Warh Hon?] Garfield Hospital, Washington, D.C. Mrs Hattie Houghton Roach -Address in Washington would be 1305 30th St.,N.W. - and her sister Mrs Belle Goughton Calver and myself are the other three - *Mrs OKeefe died Sunday May 12, 1940* 3 Mrs. Calver is still in Hingham, Mass but hopes to be here by Wednesday, May 15, 1940, for this service. Will you kindly show this letter and the enclosure to Miss Riccius, so that I may write her along other lines? You two and her brother as the sole and only heirs of Clara Barton can take steps to secure information more fully than any of us here could possibly do, so I'm reporting to you regarding some of the Clara Barton material already in possession of these two Red Cross organizations and also regarding "a letter owned by Miss Mable Boardman", which I've heard about but never seen. But from what I've been told I think must be either from some enemy or crank or may be fraudulent. In any event it is a matter to be handled most carefully and diplomatically and one must have further information before making the slightest move as it is very important to "let sleeping dogs lie", until it can be adjusted without any unpleasantness if recovered ultimately, *from Miss Boardman - That's That-* First: Miss Sanford wrote that the Clara Barton Chapter in the fall of 1958 they bought through a H.M.Pinckney, Edgemoor Land Office, 1721 H. Street, Washington, D.C. "Clara Barton's own autographed copy of the History of the Red Cross, published by the Government Printing Office in 1883, and also a couple of hand bills and two letters of Miss Barton's, which it was said belonged to an old friend of Miss Barton's, who was then still living near Glen Echo, but was in very poor circumstances, and was obliged to dispose of her few treasures." This seems right enough but I an asking Miss Sandford to examine those two letters and send to me any and everything that may appear there that might aid us in identifying the said "old friend" and interview her if she is still living near here. I'm now? also asking about the two handbills, if different from what we own, I'm asking for a photostat thereof. I am delighted that that Chapter has these; Their purchases also included "an old pen made from a turkey feather by a soldier in Andersonville Old Prison, and given to Miss Barton which she used for many years as the letter said. I'm asking for a photostat of that and the box it was in, also. As the Legion money is now expanded, it has occurred to me that you folds might like to have photostats of these relics and might feel like paying for the negatives and I personally will have the positives made and send you as many as you desire. So much for that. How about that Alleged letter-- it was delivered to Miss Boardman by Mrs. Hirons. I am told that it is a very specifically proof of a personal nature nothing financial but personal misdoing. Of course it is either misread or absolute- false whatever it may be. I have never been able to think out any way to approach it. When we meet, as I hope that we may in the near future, this will be for consideration. The Red Cross Headquarters bought certain relics which they prize most highly, including the Diary that I mentioned to you and some other papers which they have an idea now, might have been stolen but they received them with plausible explanation On Wednesday after the ceremonies I'll try to see what identifying information I can get as to who they got these from or through 4 Miss Rea (or Rae perhaps) the Librarian and Curator of their Museum, is a friend of Miss Boardman's and highly appreciates (as all of us must do) the very great and really good work that she has accomplished in organizing and financially establishing the solidity of the society of the American Red Cross, but Miss Rea also recognizes and very highly appreciates the tremendous services of its founder-- Clara Barton, and I am pretty sure that now practically all of the officers are very proud of all that they have from and regarding her and they are straining every way that they can to secure more and more. They want to have the greatest possible collection of "Clara Bartonia" - (how does my spelling of it strike you) B U T----The Library of Congress made the first start and they have quite a collection of published material, including the scrapbooks that they have made and are compiling. It is there in that Rare Book collection of the Library of Congress that I'm hoping to see the Clara Barton private papers eventually safely and permanently housed. There is the only place that I'd feel sure that these private things would be most carefully and exactly kept and used without prejudice of any sort. All of her diaries there would be [safe?] forevermore from mutilation or destruction, and her services were more for the entire history than for the Red Cross after all. So that as I plan to add my own things to the collections of the Red Cross I myself always look first to the Library of Congress to see what they have of or regarding the same. To them I'm giving the first choice of the clippings that I still have. I gave most of mine (that were not destroyed in 1910 when our country home was burned) to Cape Howard some years ago, he then was making a scrapbook for the Interior Department-Library. It never was finished and since his death we have not yet been able to ascertain what became of his collections, but we are still hunting for them. You simply cannot appreciate the relief and satisfaction is has given al all concerned to know that you folks have all of those precious private papers and diaries safely housed in your own possession now--but we do know that you too must look with great anxiety as to its ultimate future. I have in mind to inform all whom I know to be deeply interested in these matters -- that they are safe and practically intact in your hands - her nearest and dearest family, but everybody is pretty anxious and concerned to find out who was the thief who stole the few things that we know are in these other hands and all of us believe [?other things?] might have been stolen. Yes--it was from the Anniversary program of the Clara Barton Chapter at Dansville, N.Y. that I received your name and address. So I wrote you at once. [4] 5 Mrs Butler Fr. CCC/May 11 - 21, 1940/ There are two other angles to be completed in this memorial history of CLARA BARTON? and I must ask yourself and Miss Riccius to take hold of them as you two will have in hand already, I presume the facts needed to complete both. First we are compiling as full a list as we can secure of publications relating to Clara Barton, her life and her work and I am enclosing the list sent me by the Clara Barton Chapter American Red Cross, No. 1, Dansville, New York to which I have added what I have additional thereto. Will you please write in what others you know of and return the list to me at your very earliest convenience. THe National Red Cross here and the Library of Congress will then take my list and each add what they can. When we have gathered together all that we can a good list will be compiled so that the can proceed to add to their Libraries those that the different libraries do not now have. Each of these three are trying to assemble as complete a Clara Barton Bibliography as possible and each and all should be given my list as quickly as may be. Chance and changes may upset plans most any day, you know. Second * -- I have promised each of these libraries a pedigree of Clara Bart We want to bring down to her from each and every one of her emigrant ancestors that we can identify. I have some as you will note but you will have to verify and catch up errors - if any - and I am pretty sure that some are therein. To these please add all tha you folks possibly can. I want the births, marriages and deaths, dates and locations; I want the children and as much data s may be of the children of each of her ancestors so that each generation along her own pedigree line will show the family she came from. I do not want to follow down any excepting her own pedigree line. I hope I'm making myself clear and understandable -- see wh-at I'm enclosing - to help make it plain. I may not send all in this one mail but will mail all that I can with this and follow up as quickly as I can. And now about that little book -- My Childhood - by Clara Barton.: i have one printed in 1907 fived me by Dr. Hubbell. Was that its first issue? I had one of each of those first editions given to me by Miss Barton with inscription, but lost both when our Country home was burned. [6] [Fr. CCC]- May 11/21, 1940 As you probably once knew in 1915 The Legion of Loyal Women decided that notwithstanding any possible obstacles we would eventually place in the Red Cross National headquarters here suitable memorials of Clara Barton. So we started a fund and in spite of the World War it went very well. Having accumulated quite a respectable amount we decided to organize an independent organization a Clara Barton Memorial Association and turn over to it our Clara Barton Memorial moneys. This was done and Mrs john A. Logan, one of our members was made President of the new Society, and Mr John Joy Edson its Treasurer. Both served until they died. After MRs Logan's death various nationally prominent men served as President until after his resignation as Maj Gen of the U.S.A. Gen. John Clem removed to Texas then we placed Mrs Mary Loga Logan Tucker as its President, and after the death of Mr Edson, Mr Isaac Gans, (the most-prom prominent financial man in Washington after Mr Edson) was made Treasurer. Meanwhile after the World War things were allowed to lag along until Mr. Frederick C. Fernald when Commanding the Sons of Veterans here came to me desiring to add that organization to aid the work. We then reorganized with as many of the original members as were available. it had always been a loose sort of organization members were those who contributed to the fund -- no dues, but the reorganization provided for dues etc. and planned for real service. Mr Fernald was Secretary, at his own expense he published in 1924 an edition of this book for the purpose of instituting a nation-wide drive to secure large funds for an imposing memorial; His tragic death stopped all such plans; He was killed by an automobile while returning from the post office with stamps for his first prospectus. By this time the membership small, mostly members of the Legion of Loyal Women none of whom were young as we had stopped active work as a relief body, and closed our membership list only held together as a social unit unit until we had accomplished our purpose of placing those memorials in the Red Cross building, for our Sewing Guild had turned over its Clara Barton Memorial Money to the Legion as a trust fund for that purpose. Mrs Mary Logan Tucker and myself seemed to be the only ones in position to take it on and neither of us could see our way to carry on properly such an undertaking, so finally the heirs Mrs Fernald and only child, Prof Ernest Fernald presented the material to the Legion of Loyal Women who in turn finally presented it to the Clara Barton Birth- 7 Mrs Butler fr.CCC May 11/21 1940 (Birthplace) place Memorial -- The Universalist Womens Association -- to be sold to help in its upkeep. It seems that they already had some of those books but of course were much pleased to receive more. They have been selling three styles of bindings; had quite a few of our gift done in a cheaper binding for sale to the diabeti diabetic children themselves, designing to acquaint as [ma] widely as possible the story of a faithful and useful childhood which lead to such noble world work. Recently I learned that there were still extant bound in the regular red cloth bindings a number of these books [fro the] in the publishers packages of 39 each. I am enclosing a clipping which will tell you that the Legion of Loyal Women (of whom only three are yet living) accomplished its objects and adjourned "Sine Die" on May 15, last Wednesday. the very last of its money it appropriated that day to buy some of these books to send to the Lincoln Memorial University, at Harrogate, Tennessee to be sold and used for the benefit of the Student Nurses ther. You will recall that the Last moneys of the Clara Barton Memorial [Society] Association were presented to that institution to found the nucleus of the Clara Barton Nurses Aid Fund for their benefit. To be a revolving loan fund to help in their outfitting for service. So 100 copies I'll be expressing to them, but more are available and you stated your very great desire to obtain some of that publication for your own uses. Now I have the great satisfaction of telling you that I can get for you not to exceed 100 copied as follows - delivered [yo] by express. in one package --- 25 Copies at 10¢ each - i.e. $2.50 50 Copies at 7 cts each - $3.50 or 100 Copies at 5 cts., each - $5.00 This offer cannot stand long as other arrangements are in view. The Legion did not have the money balance necessary to purchase the entire stoch; it secured alnd provided for the distribution of as many as it could purchase. Its funds were then exhausted. In passing I may suggest that copies have been given to the Public Libraries here and they report that all copies 4 to a library are in constant demand. So it has occurred to me that you folks may be having it in mind to present some of these if ever attainable to the libraries of your County and State. 8 To Mrs Butler Fr. CCC, May 11/21 1940. But I must bring this long communication to a close, however I must tell you how absolutely delighter the Red Cross officials are to receive these things. I am enclosing a sheet - one of their letter heard in case you may not know the present staff. Mr Davis himself, the Director; and all three of the Vice Directors were present as well as the Librarian (Miss Or Mrs Rea) All were much interested in all that we told them about Clara Barton and asked us to let them have whatever additional we could; So I personally promise in additional to the [Bibi] Bibliographical list and the Lineage previously promised - some of these Clara Barton - "My Childhood" books, which I have bought for my own uses. It is not necessary to report that I never come in contact with the lady - the Secretary - whom neither of us like. Of course, she was NOT present. Will you kindly pass on for Miss Riccius to read this - my letter to you? I'll be writing to her replying to her valued letter to me but I'll not repeat this letter there are so many other things that we are all interested in that my letters to her will be matters that you also will be interested in but of matters other than what I write you. I simply have to conserve my own strength -- time and two hands -- I think I've mentioned t my retirement from the Government service in 1930, and my only source of income being my annuity, I have to do almost everything myself. I am no typist as you abserve but I cannot afford a Secretary or a stenographer and my friends who could help with these things are so overloaded with their official duties that very little time can be squeezed out for anything else these days of unrest and apprehension. About the papers that may be located in your own or other hands, of course I agree with all of you that Red Cross historical papers really should be placed there but I am sure that if I was going to place any material that might be "misplaced' i8d have it photographed and certified so that it would not be the only copy extant. With many good wishes I'll be most anxious to hear from your as soon as may be, always hoping that your health may be improving rapidly and that you soon will be restored to your very best "normal good health" - if you are not now entirely recovered. The Legion of Loya Women closed May 15, 1940. Very truly yours Cora C. Curry The Clara Barton Memorial Association closed its existence before either Mrs Tucker or Mr. Gans died. [The Clara Barton Memorial Association closed it]COPY. May 30, 1940. Dear Mr. Davis: I am proud and grateful for the opportunity of adding the names of Clara Barton and Stephen E. Barton as contributors to the superb relief work of the Society which they served with such deep faith, loyalty and devotion through many years. This contribution comes from a memorial fund established by Stephen E. Barton in "loving memory of his Aunt, Clara Barton." Very sincerely, Saidee F. Riccius Grand Niece of Clara Barton. Mr. Norman H. Davis, Chairman, American Nat. Red Cross, Washington, D. C. (May 29th 1940 $100.) May 31 1940 Hotel Margaret Brooklyn, N. Y. Leaving today for address for summer Squirrel Island Maine Miss Saidee Riccius - Worcester Mass Dear Miss Saidee Enclosed, a few samples of my work. My loyalty to Clara Barton led me to do it, besides seeing Chas that proper nomination in March. Many others include our Prest, many Goaller.] but Holyoke an elector who enthusiastically pledged me her vote for C- B- as an elector Justice Frank Justice, my nephew, Prof of International Law at Leland Stanford & a close friend & his student before he wasJunot Assoc. to Justice Holmes - pressures me to contact. So and it goes -- I don't doubt C.B. will be elected - and later I'll enclose a consolidated estimate backing her if 3 will Prest of Red Cross & 2 former Prest x President today- - - Hoover. Roosevelt - Chief Justice Hughes - As [.... from NY ...] Here I had sent to lock Election wealth multiplied - as 'quotes' - without any signed name by me. You can see they would drawn . any petty backfire should it be lit & their verdict is overwhelming to any American judge today. We must each keep my own name out and Clara Bartons in Thus you will see Hotel Margaret Brooklyn, N.Y. my unflagging loyalty is placed where it counts without publicity seeking of any kind. Please send Miss Wilkens this & ask her to return - to me Squirrel Island Maine Better all keep quiet anything anyone does It will count most these & avoid stirring up any back fire - Sorry I didnt see you. Please copy any electors names & Miss Wilkens do the same & return list - Please send acopy of this list to Brad Barton on your own appealing to his fathers loyalty & ask him to draft letters to run by her -- or of people who are electors. Plenty of time only do it now as they are making up their minds before Oct. election That will count Also any others - With high esteem P.H. Epley 52 Essex Street Salem Massachusetts June 4, 1940 Dear Miss Riccius: - Under separate cover, I am returning the material you loaned me in connection with the American Amendment impudence. I apologize for delay but for eleven week now I have laid by with this injury to my low back. Doctor and physiotherapist still came regularly but I hope to be better soon. Today the "riot act" has been read to me by both of them that I must keep quiet; I thot I had done so but they are of a different opinion. However, I'll try for I must get going soon. this is misery for me, sitting around, idle. Of course, we hear nothing from the Hall of Fame election. nor do we expect to until autumn. I should think with the drive on for funds for the Red Cross, it might help the election, shouldn't you? I have sent a suggestion to the Boston Herald, that while we contribute to this organization we remember the Founder, hoping it may reach the eyes of some of the elector. have sent the same suggestion to a New York friend. I hope to come to No Oxford for the June 15 celebration. Flag Day one day removed.I doubt if my medical unit will approve but I go if pleasant. I hope you are well - Love - Marietta B. Wilkins Box 69 Squirrel Island Maine June 6 1940 Dear Miss Saidee - Thanks for good letter and your approval. I did weeks of thinking just how to bring to bear this most authoritative judgment of the country, dated - documented, also the words The Red Cross officials brighter than "M.B." verdict it is a National [?] no matter what M.B. does, it will be impossible to upset that verdict. And sent as from Americans using the authoritative words of these more authoritative [?] - I guess it is conclusive - if indeed anything were needed. (2 I wanted to make sure & spared not time nay money to thus show unsigned in Loyalty to the Founder of Our Red Cross - your great Aunt Clara. If Bruce Royton did not interest himself he is too self centered. I hope it was not so. How could he not act ? Too bad Mrs. Betkins had the fall - neat to boiling at Bruce Bartons lack of reply - at least. I hope you were wrong at the Universalists not acting. That seems impossible. However great figures did act and will act to. Every Elector has now Box 69 3 Squirrel Island Maine the verdict above described as sent you in The Tribunals Estimate at the 50th Anniversary. Also numerous Electors have been written by prominent friends of theirs. But keep busy & get some one to contact an Elector on that list to write to. Perhaps your Rector. (preferably Bishop Hobson) - would write several - clergymen & School Heads etc. send him a copy of Electors & suggest it - dont be timid - They would be honored. I also have followed4 up the Lippincott Book on Clara Barton to send out in a year or two - to guard against misinformation there & trust they are not misled by M. B. They saw her but reported to me they couldnt 'fathom her' - yet still she might influence from her position. I'll keep in touch with Miss Williams. She was down sick & at a Hospital last winter I hear. (She is the Author) When I phoned from Judge Rileys I was thinking of Clara Bartons will when I mentioned the $36000 - was that the amount? That foolish idea of 'M. B.' did not influence this new Author - when we finished - The rest of Clara Bartons Box 69 Squirrel Island Maine life shows how utterly insane such a fancy was. I found some very interesting letters showing her selfless giving of her self and resources when I was in Washington - which I would use some day. Please tear this up as my personal - rapidly penned. I think probably when I see you after next November Clara Barton will be in The Hall of Fame - as she is Already. How she would lead Her Red Cross in Todays Terrors! That is her Memorial. with High Regard - P.H.E. AMERICAN RED CROSS WASHINGTON, D.C. CHAIRMAN'S OFFICE June 6, 1940. Miss Saidee F. Riccins 39 William Street Worcester, Massachusetts Dear Miss Riccins: Thank you very much for the contribution of $100.00 to the War Relief Fund of the American Red Cross which was made available through a Memorial Trust Fund established by Stephen E. Barton in loving memory of the Founder of the American Red Cross - his aunt, Miss Clara Barton. Please accept our deep appreciation for this gift which is doubly valuable to us because of sentimental reasons. You can be assured that this contribution will be put to immediate good use in help- ing to meet the needs which are mounting hourly in war- torn Europe. Gratefully and sincerely yours, Norman H. Davis 52 Essex Street Salem, Massachusetts June 8, 1940 Dear Miss Riccius:- Thank you for all this encouraging lot of material: it is more than I had hoped for altho I felt sure that Clara Barton's own record would carry her thro, eventually, anyway, as Mr. Young suggested. There has been a "great stillness" in the women's organization of our church; no one has asked me if I knew who nominated her: I should have told them, however, if they had asked me - It was an embarassment to me that our national President(!) called the Massachusetts president down after the suggestion had been enthusiastically and unanimously carried by a large state meeting. I felt sorry that I had been the means of embarassing the Mass. head. that is all; it took me a little while to get over that, but I soon made up my mind what was the right thing to do and I did it as an American citizen. Did Mr. Epler put the same in also? He says he helped the nomination thro in March. This is a wonderful boost we have got apparently and I can't be grateful enough. I wish Dr. Fosdick would help. If all goes well, I am coming to No. Oxford on Saturday. I am lying in bed now for a period each day having the nurse once a week and a doctor twice this week. However, I am getting on.I broke nothing, neither bone nor my glasses but I did give my body one awful slam. My maid heard me fall and that someone slammed the front door, so you see how I went. I am all right but just naturally it upset my nerves following in just a few weeks the glass affair on our Boston & Maine. We have just had a gift to the endowment fund of $599.40 which carries the sum total to $21.944.74. and I think there is a legacy to come of $2500.00 more - Slow to be sure but coming. I hope you got the papers and booklet I mailed and which must have passed your letter and papers en route. I shall be so glad to see you Saturday. Love - Marietta B. W Mrs. H. N. Pitcher Box 482 Imola, Calif. Oct. 7. 1940 Miss Saidee F. Riccius, 39 William St. Worcester Mass. [*Reuben 119*] Dear Miss Riccius: - You were recommended to me as an authority on the Barton genealogy of Mass. by Mrs. Elsia Barton Burleigh of Waterville, Maine. I am seeking information regarding the parents or other relatives of Reuben Barton who was born Jan. 9-1812 in Plainsfield, Hampshire Co. Mass. He married Marcia Wilson of St. Albans Vermont. These people were my grandparents and I would be very grateful to you if you could give me any information whatsoever about any of their relatives, living or dead. Very Sincerely Myrtle Barton Pitcher P.S. We are said to be connected with the Clara Barton line.52 Essex Street Salem, Massachusetts October 15. 1940 Dear Miss Riccius: - October 15, the dead line on the return of ballots for the Hall of Fame: now we will hold our breath until November 1 when the decision will be reached according to the Hand Book. I have done no political work as such. I thot that such a thing was taboo but that is not the case, so all power to the arena of those who have done it. My own thot was and still is, that in such a time as this, any thinking person would vote for the founder of the American Red Cross. I think I told you that I did write to Hon. Owen D. Young of our Universalist Church. We held a meeting of the birthplace committee at No Oxford yesterday; we are to remodel the ell to the house and make it an apartment for the caretakers; Mr. Springall, the architect, who designed the Administration Building, had the plans there. Also, the owner of the lot (corner lot) on the Larned Road, opposite the house has put up a sign "Lots for Sale." I understand they are $50.- apiece. He owns the next place, towards Texas. His nameis Bourquet. We are going to buy that lot if possible. It is horrid land, largely rocks resembling our local Rockport. While no definite approach has been made, we hear that Mr. Turner, who owns the opposite corner would not be averse to selling that land, and all things being equal, we will try to acquire that. This place seems like a good thing. Mrs. Corey of our committee is to try and find out all about the thing from Mr. David Barton Clark, but she had not been able to reach him up to date. Of course, I am delighted, for it will mean permanency to my child. I was a little surprised that it all went thro the National Board but it did. Right here, I wish I could get hold of that little office building where Clara Barton kept books. I have made several approaches to it but I have never offered to buy it. I thot where it was there in desire, the owner, whoever he may be, might like to make that contribution even to moving it up there for a little shop. No one, so far, has made any sign of interest; perhaps as I have assented to the investment of a part of our Endowment Fund for buying this land (under legal advise) they will be willing to buy this if I ask them. Do you know who owns it? Now another thing. Are there any things out there at the house that you have loaned, not given, as we are going to mark all loans. One woman who allowed some glass to remain there, we thot she gave it, has asked for it as she has acquired some more pieces "of that pattern." Please let me know and help me mark such pieces as you have loaned. Is the china saucer a loan? Remember me to your brother. Love. M.B. Wilkins [Bart Clark] Box 482 Imola, California Oct. 22 -40 Dear Miss Riccius: - I am indeed grateful to you for the information you so generously sent me. For several years I have been trying to make connections on father's line of ancestry without results. Then to have it all come at once was like an answer to prayer. You have gone to a great deal of trouble and I do want you to know how much I appreciate hearing from you and receiving all the names. There doesn't seem to be any doubt of this being my line, it connects with my grandfather as to dates and places as well as name. I am inclosing what I have, hope you will be able to understand it. It's not nearly as professional looking as the pages you sent me. The marriages of my sisters and brother, their children etc. I have omitted, also, the names of uncle Reuben's boys. If you would like2. to have these I can supply them. Will surely send for the pamphlet you spoke of. You are right in the spelling of Plainfield. I looked it up on the family record which father and grandfather kept. Very Sincerely Myrtle Barton Pitcher [*Mrs. H. N. Pitcher*] I) Born Married Died Reuben Barton -- 9 Jan. 1812 Plainfield, Mass } Feb. 11-1838, Coles Co. Ill. -- 2, April, 1891 Iowa Marcia E. Wilson - 25 Dec. 1811, St. Albans, Vt. } by Elder L.T. Coone -- 8 Sept. 1845 Hancock Co. Ill children. I. *{Nathan Henry Barton - 13 Apr. 1840 Coles. Co. Ill. -- (Jan. 1877. Utah -- 9 June, 1909 San Bernardino, Cal. to Sylvia A. Whitney of Manti Utah) {Reuben A. Barton - 10 Nov. 1842 Coles Co. Ill - (Married Esther Snow had five sons.) {Marcia E. Barton - 25 July 1845 Hancock Co. Ill. -- 25 Sept 1845 Hancock Ill ----- -------- --------- 2. mar. {Reuben Barton (same as top) {Almera Johnson 21 Oct. 1813 -- Vt. 16 Nov. 1845 Nauvoo, Ill. -- Utah (children by second marriage) {Mary E. Barton -- 21 July 1846 Olena Ill. ------------------- -- 19 Aug. 1848 Nauvoo Ill {Sarah D. Barton -- 29 Apr. 1849 Nauvoo " ------------------- -- 23 Mar. 1870 Utah {Lois E. Barton -- 19 Apr. 1851 " " ------------------- -- " {Almera M. Barton 12 Dec. 1852 Pottawattamie Co. Io. ------------------- -- 17 Jul 1853 Pt. Co. Iowa {Harriet J. Barton 1 Sept. 1854 " " " ------------------- -- 20 Dec. 1861, Salt Lake Utah This is all I have of my grandfather's family. My father and mother's family I will put on a seperate page.II * Nathan Henry Barton md. Sylvia Almira Whiting who was born 14 Dec. 1861 Mauti Utah Their children are as follows: Maud Marium born 31 Oct. 1877 Springville Utah Grace Emaline -- " 3 Nov. 1879 " " Myra Edith --" 18 July 1881 " " Nathan Wallace --" 25 " 1883 Pleasant Valley, Utah. *Myrtle Gertrude -- --" 24 Sept 1888 San Bernardino Calif - - - - - - - - - - Myrtle Gertrude Barton md. Hiram Nathan Pitcher 1 Jan. 1906 Long Beach Cal. children:- Howard Barton Pitcher b. 15 April 1912 San Bernardino Cal., died 19 May 1912 Lois Myrtle Pitcher b. 6 May 1913 San Bernardino Calif. md. Roy Thompson Jewel Almira Pitcher b. 29 Aug 1918 " " " " Willard Cleon Skonsere -------------- Our grandchildren are:- Beverly Joyce Thompson b. 25 July 1934 San Bernardino Calif. Paul David Thompson b 23 May 1938 " " " David Cleon Skonsen b. 11 Feb. 1940 Washington D.C. NEW YORK Rochester, May 1st 1941 Miss. Saidee F. Riccius. 39 William Street Worcester, Mass. Dear Miss Riccius - I am sending you under separate cover. A War time photograph of your Grand Aunt Clara Barton. In a rummage sale I found a war time photo of Clara Barton by Brady. A friend of mine who saw the little picture told me. That I had a real find as Brady was famous and a [top?] man in his day. So I looked up at the library his biography. ---------------------------------------------- Matthew B. Brady 1823. 1896. Pioneer American Photographer and in his day held same position George Eastman holds to day. He secured permit in 1861 to accompany the Union Army. When peace was declared he had seven thousand negatives. The War Dept purchased four thousand negatives from Brady. ------------------------------------------------- To which I might add in those days. The movie camera had not yet been invented. So all shots were still life. Such as ruined homes. Groups of Officers and Soldiers. Heaps of Dead etc. Brady was fortunate to secure Clara Barton for a sitting. It is one of the best photographs of Miss. Barton I have ever seen. Looks just as I first saw her twenty years after the war. I had the original photographed and then enlarged. Then I typed same and rephotographed resulting in photo I am sending you. Roy D. Hall 210 MARYLAND AVE. N.E. WASHINGTON, D.C. Dear Miss Riccius:- Your interesting letter, recently received was greatly appreciated. I extend my sincere thanks for the nice things you said. However, I am not the only one to be congratulated, you have the honor of being one of Clara Barton'sFamily - which is quite worth-while. Some how I do not feel like a stranger to you, we must have something in common. Clara Barton was one of God's own, we loved her, always the same, never ruffled or even seemingly annoyed, no matter what 210 MARYLAND AVE. N.E. WASHINGTON, D.C. happened. Did you know that Mr DeGraw spoke at her funeral? Dr Hubbell (her field agent) delivered the message given to him a few days before death. I wish I could talk with you it would be eminently more satisfactory - perhaps some day you will come to Washington, then we canhave a heart to heart seance. It was sad that the latter years of Miss Barton's life were so unhappy. Mr DeGraw did all he could to assist her and smooth out the rough places etc. etc. I recently received a book of poems concerning Miss Barton and others entitled "The Angel of the Battlefield" 210 Maryland Ave. N. E. Washington D. C. a beautiful volume completed by a lady resident here - though a stranger to me. Once more I will thank you for writing to me, also ask you to pardon my poor penmanship - my version is somewhat defective - What can I expect at myage 2 With kindest regards and best wishes Cordially Emma DeGraw June 4th 1941 Hotel Rochester Manger Hotels New York Rochester, N.Y. Chicago Washington, D.C. Boston Grand Rapids Rochester, New York July 1941 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 Williams St Worcester Mass Friend Saidee,- The Rochester Red Cross Chapter was formed in 1880 two years before the United States accepted and signed the Geneva Treaty. Your Grand Aunt the late Clara Barton assisted by the late Susan B. Anthony organized the chapter in the Asbury Methodist Church here in Rochester. The church now want to have a Clara Barton and Red Cross Night and have set October 19th as the date. Will you kindly loan us the Old Flag also have you any cuts of Clara Barton we can use in making up the program so those who attend the meeting will have something to carry away with them to remember Clara Barton. The affair is going to be one of the longest and most important meetings held in Rochester in many a year. I will of course give a talk on Clara Barton as I knew her. and there will also be other speakers memorializing your Grand Aunt. This may be the last time I may ever be able to direct suchas affair. I am an old man and I have have just been discharged from the hospital after being there nine weeks after a serious operation. So I am very anxious for their affair to go over big. To save you money, why not ship the old Red Cross Flag and [crate?] if you have any by Railway Express the [ex?fulseg?] to be collected on this end. By shipping that way the article sent will be [moved?] for one hundred Dollars and on July 20th the shipment will be returned to you if prepaid. Shipping Directions Ray D. Hill 199 Plymouth Ave. So Rochester Red Cross Headquarters, New York Sincerely yours, Ray D. Hill P.S. Kindly ship soon as convenient so we can display the old flag in down town store window for advertising the affair. Rochester, New York. *Red Cross* October 29-1941. Miss Saidee F. Riccius, 39. William St. Worcester, Mass. Dear Friend:- In 1880, your grand Aunt Clara Barton organized in the Asbury Methodist Church RochesterN.Y., The Rochester Red Cross Chapter. On October 19th A Clara Barton Red Cross Night was held in the same church. The affair went over big. Over a thousand were seated in the body of the church. Miss Maher Executive Secretary of the Rochester Chapter read the minutes of the original charter meeting and a brief outline of what the Chapter has done since the night your Grand Aunt started things moving. I talked on Clara Barton as I Knew Her. My little talk went over very fine. No one moved and no one talked. The Clara Barton Tent composed of daughters and grand daughters of Union Soldiers attended in good numbers and they presented the Church Sunday School Library with a copy of Life of Clara Barton a good little book lately published by Mildred Mastin Pace. Published by Charles Scribners & Sons New York. I read the book and for a church library could not be better. The writer probably took Life Clara Barton by you and Wm. E. Barton and made a nice readable story book. For the student on Clara Barton and the Red Cross your book is in my opinion the best on the market. Miss Pace's book is printed on good paper Nice pictures and well bound. I am enclosing you copy of letter I received since the meeting and also copy of the program. Under separate cover I am mailing you August September Rochester Chapter Report. The first page shows you out of the front of two buildings used by the Chapter. The following pages are all doings such as your Grand Aunt worked out over fifty years ago and are now in operation. She certainly did see far ahead. Also find copy of Facts 1941. Which also is Clara Barton's own ideas. On page 28, quite an article on Clara Barton. I am quite sure you will enjoy reading every page of both above items. There was a nice write up in the papers and the meeting was also advertised on the radio. I was very ill night of the talk but I stuck it out and been more or less under the weather ever since so please do excuse this rambling note. I did not have stage fright. Simply I have not been strong since my hospital operation last Spring. Day after the meeting five women entirely unknown to me met me on the street and told me how much they enjoyed my talk about your Grand Aunt. By the way a G.A.R. Veteran. The only one left in Rochester. Was at the meeting. He is an even hundred years old and he told me that Clara Barton was a good woman. During the service he was asked to stand up a minute and the whole church got up as mark of honor. Clara Barton although she has been dead nearly 30 years, stands high in the estimation of every one. No one knows better than I the awful heart aches she suffered in her last days. *[I am too ill to make necessary corrections or write another letter, so make allowance. Sincerely yours Ray D. Hill]* Asbury First Methodist Church. 321. East Avenue. Rochester, New York. Rev. Weldon F. Crossland, Minister. October 20, 1941 Mr. R.D. Hill 420 Oxford St. Rochester, N.Y. Dear Mr. Hill: Asbury - First owes to you a fine vote of Gratitude for having suggested the Red Cross Clara Barton Service which we held last Sunday evening. On every side I heard the finest comment concerning the spirit of the service as well as your own interest and effective address about Miss Barton. You made her live vividly for us. And for your splendid part in the decorations and exhibits, we also thank you. It lent just the flash of color and objective interest that was needed. You are doing a fine service in keeping the work of this great organization before the city. It will inspire many others to follow Miss Barton's example of Christlike service. With the best personal good wishes to you, I am Very sincerely yours, Signed, Weldon Crossland Copy of original letter. March 23, 1942. Dear Miss Hornaday:- A friend has just sent me a copy of the Magazine Section of The Christian Science Monitor containing your article on Clara Barton, Samaritan of Battle. I am the grand niece of Clara Barton and it occurs to me you might be interested to know that the Henry Inman picture of Clara Barton pained in 1844, which you used for illustration, is not the picture of Clara Barton of Red Cross fame. The picture first came to light about 1928 in the Thomas B. Clarke collection purchased from the Estate of the artist's son, John O'Brien Inman. We took the matter up with Mr. Clarke at the time, through the Pennsylvania Museum, where it was on exhibition, and later the National Museum in Washington, where it now forms a part of their permanent collection. I do not wish to appear unappreciative of the importance of the Inman portrait, which as a matter of fact is very important and lovely, and I should be delighted if I could claim it as a portrait of my grant aunt Clara Barton. I have in my possession a daguerreotype of my grand aunt taken about the time this picture was painted and reproduced in Rev. William E. Barton's "Life of Clara Barton." page 52, Vol. 1. If you will compare the two pictures I believe you will agree they are not the same person.2 Mr. Inman had studios at Philadelphia, Mt. Holly, N.J. and at times in New York, and there is no record of his doing any work outside of these places with the exception of a little in Boston about 1822, which is too early to be of interest in our case. About 1843 he went abroad and was most certainly in London in 1844, and did not return to America until April 1845 and died a few months later. This rather precludes the possibility of Inman having done a portrait of Clara Barton of Oxford, Mass. in 1844. Until about 1850 Clara Barton's entire life, with the exception of a very brief journey to Maine in 1839, was spent in her native town of Oxford, Mass. While she may have journeyed as far away from home as Boston, it is rather unlikely that she did so, and her first contact with the outside world came in 1850 when she spent a year at Clinton Institute, Clinton, N.Y. During her years in Oxford she was a country school teacher, living modestly at home and quite clearly the family circumstances would not have afforded an opportunity for a portrait by such a distinguished artist as Henry Inman, who was receiving as much as $1500 for his portraits at that time. It seems to me that this portrait ought not to go down in history incorrectly labelled. Sincerely yours, Miss Mary Hornaday. The Christian Science Monitor, Boston, Mass. CARTER MEMORIAL THE AMERICAN RED CROSS WORCESTER CHAPTER 554 MAIN STREET WORCESTER, MASS. CHAPTER OFFICERS Admiral Wat Tyler Cluverius, Chairman R.J. Rutherford, First Vice-Chairman George H. Hill, Second Vice-Chairman 25 March 1942 Mrs. John W. Higgins, Third Vice-Chairman John Winslow, Secretary Miss Saidee F. Riccius, William A. Wheeler, Treasurer 39 William Street, Worcester, Massachusetts BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nason Arnold My dear Miss Riccius: Jacob Asher Edwin G. Bagley I now send you the formal thanks Mrs. Charles Baker of the Worcester Chapter of the American Mrs. J. Arthur Barnes, Jr. Red Cross for the priceless gifts of flags Rt. Rev. Msgr. B.A. Bojanowski and correspondence of Clara Barton which Howard M. Booth you have made to the Worcester Chapter. Edward L. Chapin Mrs. W. Irving Clark They shall be treasured. Sincerely yours, Lewis W. Everett Mrs. Charles F. Fullam Wat Tyler Cluverius Arthur Guy Chairman Neil T. Heffernan Joel L. Hodges Dr. Ernest L. Hunt George N. Jeppson Mrs. Harry B. Lindsay Mrs. Albert B. Lyman John J. Maginnis Mrs. Sydney R. Mason Rabbi Levi A. Olan Dr. Harlan L. Paine Dr. Harlan T. Pierpont Thomas F. Power Miss Hazeltine E. Rich Frank A. Ryan Robert W. Stoddard Clyde H. Swan Mrs. Earle F. Thayer Hermon R. Walker Miss Rachel K. Warren Walter W. Webster Harry E. Whitcomb Otis C. White Nelson P. Wood Mrs. Etta E. Woodward R.G. Willcox Executive Director Gertrude L. Mackesy Home Service Secretary CHAPTER BRANCHES Auburn Barre Brookfield Charlton Douglas East Brookfield Grafton Holden Hubbardston Lancaster Mendon-Milford-Hopedale Millsbury North Brookfield-New Braintree Oakham Oxford Paxton Princeton Rutland Shrewsbury Southbridge Spencer Sturbridge Sutton Upton Ukbridge Warren-West Warren Westboro West Boylston West Brookfield Whitinsville-Northbridge The Christian Science Monitor Published by The Christian Science Publishing Society One Norway Street, Boston, Massachusetts WASHINGTON NEWS BUREAU WASHINGTON, D.C. 1293 National Press Building Telephone: National 2142 March 26, 1942 Miss Saidee F. Riccins 39 William Street Worcester, Mass. Dear Miss Riccins: Thank you for calling our attention to the mistake of using the Inman portrait in connection with my article on Miss Barton. I wrote the article but had nothing to do with getting the pictures. However, I am forwarding your letter to Mr. E.C. Sherburne, editor of the magazine section in Boston, with the recommendation that he use it in an early edition. Miss Rae at the Red Cross library agrees with you that the portrait could not possibly be Miss Barton. She says the Red Cross was offered a chance to buy it and turned it down. Thank you for catching the mistake and taking the trouble the trouble to write. Sincerely, (Miss) Mary Hornaday Washington Bureau The Christian Science Monitor CARTER MEMORIAL THE AMERICAN RED CROSS WORCESTER CHAPTER 61 HARVARD STREET WORCESTER, MASS. March 26, 1942 CHAPTER OFFICERS Admiral Wat Tyler Cluverius, Chairman R.J. Rutherford, First Vice-Chairman Miss Saidee F. Riccius George H. Hill, Second Vice-Chairman 39 William Street Mrs. John W. Higgins, Third Vice-Chairman Worcester, Masachusetts John Winslow, Secretary William A. Wheeler, Treasurer Dear Miss Riccius: BOARD OF DIRECTORS On behalf of the Committee Nason Arnold which has been fortunate to get the new Chapter Jacob Asher House for the Worcester Chapter of the American Edwin G. Bagley Red Cross, I wish to thank you for your contribution Mrs. Charles Baker to the equipment of the new building. Mrs. J. Arthur Barnes, Jr. Mrs. Higgins' gift of the building and land has Rt. Rev. Msgr. B.A. Bojanowski been augmented by hundreds of offers of various Howard M. Booth things; many of which we have been unable to use, Mrs. W. Irving Clark but your gift was happily much needed and we hope Lewis W. Everett that you will have continuous pleasure in the Mrs. Charles F. Fullam knowledge that you helped. Mrs. Homer Gage Arthur Guy With kind regards, I am Neil T. Heffernan Joel L. Hodges Very sincerely yours, Dr. Ernest L. Hunt George N. Jeppson Harlan T. Pierpont Mrs. Harry B. Lindsay :PRG Chairman of the Building Committee Mrs. Albert B. Lyman John J. Maginnis Mrs. Sydney R. Mason Rabbi Levi A. Olan Dr. Harlan L. Paine Harlan T. Pierpont Thomas F. Power Miss Hazeltine E. Rich Frank A. Ryan Robert W. Stoddard Clyde H. Swan Harrison G. Taylor Hermon R. Walker Miss Rachel K. Warren Walter W. Webster Harry E. Whitcomb Otis C. White Nelson P. Wood Mrs. Etta E. Woodward R.G. Willcox Executive Director Gertrude L. Mackesy Home Service Secretary CHAPTER BRANCHES AUBURN BARRE BROOKFIELD CHARLTON DOUGLAS EAST BROOKFIELD GRAFTON HOLDEN HUBBARDSTON LEICESTER MENDON-MILFORD HOPEDALE MILLSBURY NORTH BROOKFIELD-NEW BRAINTREE OAKHAM PAXTON PRINCETON RUTLAND SHREWSBURY SOUTHBRIDGE SPENCER STURBRIDGE SUTTON UPTON UXBRIDGE WARREN-WEST WARREN WESTBORO WEST BOYLSTON WEST BROOKFIELD WHITINSVILLE-NORTHBRIDGE CLARA BARTON FAMILY PAPERS Riccius, Saidee F. Correspondence Apr.1942-Nov.1947April 1, 1942. Admiral Wat Tyler Cluvarius, American Red Cross Chapter, Worcester, Mass. Dear Admiral Cluvarius: I wonder if you would not like a brief sketch of the Clara Barton flags to place with the collection for further identification and reference? If something of the sort is not done to place them in their proper niche in history, we may learn to our surprise that Clara Barton waved them at Bull run during the Civil War. In my haste the day you came for the flags I neglected to copy the little note written by my Grand Aunt on the cover of the box of foreign letters. Would you be good enough to let me have a copy of it for my files? There were nine foreign flags in the collection. - France, Turkey, Saxony, Prussia, Netherlands, England, Austria, Papal States and one flag I could not identify. Can you tell me what flag it is? And did I leave a small World War service flag with the others by mistake? I deeply appreciate your interesting and appropriate remarks at the dedication. You surely brought the exercises to a dramatic climax with those crude little flags of the early pioneer Red Cross days. Cordially yours, THE AMERICAN RED CROSS WORCESTER CHAPTER 61 HARVARD STREET WORCESTER, MASS. CHAPTER OFFICERS 6 April 1942 Admiral Wat Tyler Cluverius, Chairman R.J. Rutherford, First Vice-Chairman Miss Saidee F. Riccius George H. Hill, Second Vice-Chairman 39 William Street, Mrs. John W. Higgins, Third Vice-Chairman Worcester, Masachusetts. John Winslow, Secretary William A. Wheeler, Treasurer My dear Mr. Riccius: BOARD OF DIRECTORS In reply to your letter of April 1st Nason Arnold which came during my absence, I attach Jacob Asher a transcript of the note written by your Edwin G. Bagley Grand Aunt on the cover of the box Mrs. Charles Baker containing foreign letters. Mrs. J. Arthur Barnes, Jr. Rt. Rev. Msgr. B.A. Bojanowski Your idea of making a brief sketch of Howard M. Booth the Clara Barton flags is excellent for future Mrs. W. Irving Clark identification and I hope this can be done soon. Lewis W. Everett Mrs. Charles F. Fullam I did not find a small World War flag with the Mrs. Homer Gage others nor have I been able too identify the Arthur Guy unmarked flag. I will keep this matter in Neil T. Heffernan mind and let you know if your flag comes to light. Joel L. Hodges Dr. Ernest L. Hunt Thank you, George N. Jeppson Mrs. Harry B. Lindsay Sincerely yours, Mrs. Albert B. Lyman John J. Maginnis Wat Tyler Cluverius Mrs. Sydney R. Mason Chairman Rabbi Levi A. Olan Dr. Harlan L. Paine Harlan T. Pierpont Thomas F. Power Miss Hazeltine E. Rich Frank A. Ryan Robert W. Stoddard Clyde H. Swan Harrison G. Taylor Mrs. Earle F. Thayer Hermon R. Walker Miss Rachel K. Warren Walter W. Webster Harry E. Whitcomb Otis C. White Nelson P. Wood Mrs. Etta E. Woodward R.G. Willcox Executive Director Gertrude L. Mackesy Home Service SecretaryCopied from top of box containing letters referred to. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "Letters from foreign nationals pertaining to the collection of National Flags at the American Red Cross Headquarters. Mainly received at the New Orleans Exposition by Mr. John Hitz. These letters should be held as a part of the Flags - belonging to them as their history." Signed: Clara Barton April 14, 1942. Mr. E.C. Sherburne, Magazine Section, Christian Science Monitor, Boston, Mass. Dear Mr. Sherburne: Miss Hornaday kindly informs me that my letter to her regarding the Inman picture of a Clara Barton, not the founder of the American Red Cross, has been referred to you with the recommendation that it be used in an early edition. May I inquire if any correction of the mistake has yet been printed, and if so would you be so kind as to forward a copy to me for my files. Sincerely,The Christian Science Monitor Published by The Christian Science Publishing Society One Norway Street, Boston, Massachusetts EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT April 20, 1942 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester, Massachusetts Dear Miss Riccius: Your letter about the Inman picture was printed in the April 18 Magazine Section. A copy of the paper containing it was sent to you today. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to correct our statement. Yours sincerely, Ernest C. Sherburne, Editor Weekly Magazine Section ECS: w Sent her Inman picture Brady War picture of C. B like my original & clipping from C. S. Monitor Miss Meyer returned my enclosures without comment. Evidently doesn't care to be correctedMay 18, 1942. Miss Annie Nathan Meyer, Gotham Gallery 2 West Fifty-fifth Street New York, N.Y. Dear Miss Meyer: Yesterday's New York Herald Tribune published a picture of Clara Barton to be exhibited under your chairmanship for the Scholarship Benefit of Marnard College. I am the grand niece of Clara Barton, and am particularly interested in this picture which bears a close resemblance to a portrait by Henry Inman, and which is not the portrait of Clara Barton of Red Cross fame. The lovely picture Mr. Moore has so kindly loaned for your exhibition I am sorry to say is not Clara Barton founder of the American Red Cross, and I am sure you would want to know before you place an incorrectly labelled picture on exhibition. Could you find out for me where Mr. Moore got his picture? There quite clearly was another Clara Barton living in New Jersey or Penn. in the middle forties, and I am most anxious to discover her true identity. I am terribly sorry to upset your exhibition plans. I am enclosing copies of the Inman portrait and the Brady Civil War picture of my grand aunt. I think you will readily agree my picture and the Elliott and Inman pictures are not the same person. Would you be good enough to return my enclosures when you have finished with them? There is a splendid portrait of Clara Barton in National Red Cross Headquarters in Washington. Cordially yours, S.F.R. Enclosures.THE AMERICAN RED CROSS WORCESTER CHAPTER CARTER MEMORIAL 61 HARVARD STREET WORCESTER, MASS. CHAPTER OFFICERS 22 May 1942 Admiral Wat Tyler Cuverius, Chairman R.J. Rutherford, First Vice-Chairman George H. Hill, Second Vice-Chairman Mrs. John W. Higgins, Third Vice-Chairman John Winslow, Secretary William A. Wheeler, Treasurer BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nason Arnold Jacob Asher Edwin G. Bagley Mrs. Charles Baker Mrs. J. Arthur Barnes, Jr. Rt. Rev. Msgr. B.A. Bojanowski Howard M. Booth Mrs. W. Irving Clark Lewis W. Everett Mrs. Charles F. Fullam Mrs. Homer Gage Arthur Gay Neil T. Heffernan Joel L. Hodges Dr. Ernest L. Hunt George N. Jeppeon Mrs. Harry B. Lindsay Mrs. Albert B. Lyman John J. Maginnis Mrs. Sydney R. Mason Rabbi Levi A. Olan Dr. Harlan L. Paine Harlan T. Pierpont Thomas F. Power Miss Hazeltine E. Rich Frank A. Ryan Robert W. Stoddard Clyde H. Swan Harrison G. Taylor Hermon R. Walker Miss Rachel K. Warren Walter W. Webster Harry E. Whitcomb Otis C. White Nelson P. Wood Mrs. Etta E. Woodward Gertrude L. Mackesy Home Service Secretary 22 May 1942 Miss Saidee F. Riccius, 39 William Street, Worcester, Massachusetts. My dear Miss Riccius: I went right to work on the flags and attach herewith what I have found. I trust it meets your needs. Sincerely yours, Wat Tyler Cluverius Chairman CHAPTER BRANCHES AUBURN BARRE BROOKFIELD CHARLTON DOUGLAS EAST BROOKFIELD GRAFTON HOLDEN HUBBARDSTON LEICESTER MENDON-MILFORD HOPEDALE MILLSBURY NORTH BROOKFIELD-NEW BRAINTREE OAKHAM OXFORD PAXTON PRINCETON RUTLAND SHREWBURY SOUTHBRIDGE SPENCER STURBRIDGE SUTTON UPTON UXBRIDGE WARREN-WEST WARREN WESTBORO WEST BOYLSTON WEST BROOKFIELD WHITINSVILLE-NORTHBRIDGE LIST OF CLARA BARTON FLAGS 1 small Red Cross flag, not inscribed 1 small Red Cross flag, pillow case, no name 1 Red Cross flag, not inscribed 1 Large Red Cross flag, inscribed "Clara Barton" 1 Red Cross flag (Russian Famine Relief, 1892), inscribed "Clara Barton." 1 Red Cross flag, not inscribed 1 Red Cross flag, not inscribed 1 Red Cross flag (used at New Orleans Exposition), inscribed "Clara Barton" 1 Turkish flag, name tagged 1 Austrian flag, inscribed "Clara Barton" 1 German flag, inscribed "Clara Barton" 1 British Union Jack, inscribed "Clara Barton" 1 Papal State flag, inscribed "Clara Barton" 1 French flag, inscribed "Clara Barton" 1 Saxony flag, inscribed "Clara Barton" 1 Netherlands flag, inscribed "Clara Barton" 1 National Ensign U.S. flag, not marked 1 large red, white and blue burgee, inscribed "Clara Barton" This flag not identified, probably made up for exhibition purposes, very large. All Red Cross flags, except pillow case, on backing thin gray bunting.THE AMERICAN RED CROSS WORCESTER CHAPTER CARTER MEMORIAL 61 HARVARD STREET WORCESTER, MASS. CHAPTER OFFICERS Admiral Wat Tyler Cluverius, Chairman R.J. Rutherford, First Vice-Chairman George H. Hill, Second Vice-Chairman Mrs. John W. Higgins, Third Vice-Chairman John Winslow, Secretary William A. Wheeler, Treasurer BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nason Arnold Jacob Asher Edwin G. Bagley Mrs. Charles Baker Mrs. J. Arthur Barnes, Jr. Rt. Rev. Msgr. B.A. Bojanowski Howard M. Booth Mrs. W. Irving Clark Lewis W. Everett Mrs. Charles F. Fullam Mrs. Homer Gage Arthur Guy Neil T. Heffernan Joel L. Hodges Dr. Ernest L. Hunt George N. Jeppson Mrs. Harry B. Lindsay Mrs. Albert B. Lyman John J. Maginnis Mrs. Sydney R. Mason Rabbi Levi A. Olan Dr. Harlan L. Paine Harlan T. Pierpont Thomas F. Power Miss Hazeltine E. Rich Frank A. Ryan Robert W. Stoddard Clyde H. Swan Harrison G. Taylor Hermon R. Walker Miss Rachel K. Warren Walter W. Webster Harry E. Whitcomb Otis C. White Nelson P. Wood Mrs. Etta E. Woodward 7 June 1942 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester, Massachusetts My dear Miss Riccius: The folder of the Clara Barton letters is perfectly splendid and will be a treasured gift at our Chapter for generations. I had no idea the collection of these epistles could be made so attractive. You have done a wonderful job. I extend to you the heartiest thanks of the Worcester Chapter, and of the American Red Cross, for the priceless gift. Sincerely yours, Wat Tyler Cluverius Chairman Gertrude L. Mackesy Home Service Secretary CHAPTER BRANCHES AUBURN BARRE BROOKFIELD CHARLTON DOUGLAS EAST BROOKFIELD GRAFTON HOLDEN HUBBARDSTON LEICESTER MENDON-MILFORD HOPEDALE MILLBURY NORTH BROOKFIELD-NEW BRAINTREE OAKHAM OXFORD PAXTON PRINCETON RUTLAND SHREWSBURY SOUTHBRIDGE SPENCER STURBRIDGE SUTTON UPTON UXBRIDGE WAWRREN-WEST WARREN WESTBORO WEST BOYLSTON WEST BROOKFIELD WHITINSVILLE-NORTHBRIDGE THE AMERICAN RED CROSS NEW YORK CHAPTER (BOROUGHS OF MANHATTAN AND BRONX) 315 LEXINGTON AVENUE (CORNER 38TH STREET) NEW YORK CITY MURRAY HILL 4-4455 CHAPTER OFFICERS GENERAL JAMES G. HARBORD, CHAIRMAN MRS. WILLIAM KINNICUTT DRAPER, VICE-CHAIRMAN DOUGLAS GIBBONS, VICE-CHAIRMAN MISS ALICE HILL CHITTENDEN, SECRETARY MRS WILLIAM G. GREEN ASSISTANT SECRETARY H. P. DAVISON, TREASURER MISS JEAN A. REID, ASSISTANT TREASURER JOSEPJ M. HARTFIELD, COUNSELOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GENERAL ROBERT C. DAVIS BOARD OF DIRECTORS GENERAL JAMES G. HARBORD, CHAIRMAN MRS. AUSTIN R. BALDWIN GEORGE L. HARRISON MRS. AUGUST BELMONT JOHN M. HARTFIELD WILLIAM C. BREED MRS. ALFRED H. HAUSRATH LEWIS H. BROWN ALFRED H. HUNT JR. MORTIMER N. BUCKNER SANFORD H. LANE MRS. DAVID CHALLINOR MRS. CORD MEYER MISS ALICE HILL CHITTENDEN HENRY MORGANTHAU S. SLOAN COLT MISS NELLIE OPPENHEIM H. P. DAVISON MRS. CLOUGH C. OVERTON MRS. WM. KINNICUTT DRAPER MRS. WM. BARCLAY PARSONS, JR. PETER S. DURYEE MISS ELLEN M. PHILLIPS JOHN S. ELLSWORTH MISS JEAN A. REID LEON FRASER MRS. EVERETT E. RISLEY DOUGLAS GIBBONS MISS MARY M. ROBERTS HARVERY D. GIBSON JOHN M. SCHIFF MRS. ISAAC GILMAN RODERICK STEPHENS MRS. WILLIAM G. GREEN MRS. PAYNE WHITNEY HONORARY MEMBER MRS. LEONARD WOOD JULY 6, 1942 My dear Miss Riccius: In the course of collecting books for the New York Chapter's Library of Red Cross Literature I have acquired the Proceedings of 12 out of the 16 International Conferences. I am still missing the Proceedings of the Conferences held at Berlin in 1869, at Karlsruhe in 1887, at Rome in 1892 and at Vienna in 1897. I am writing to ask if you would be good enough to help me to trace any of these volumes. After having seen the many interesting documents you loaned to the Museum of the City of New York, I requested Miss Grace Mayer to forward this letter to you as I did not know your address. Very sincerely yours, Miss Nellie Oppenheim Director of Library and Magazine Service NO: nDAIDEE F. RICCIUS 39 WILLIAM STREET, WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS My dear Miss Oppenheim,- Miss Mayer kindly forwarded your letter in reference to the New York Chapter's Red Cross Library. Twelve out of sixteen is a pretty good record and you surely deserve all the help I can give you on the missing four. I am going through my files and records and gathering up what I can for you. I expect to be in New York about the 23rd for a few days and will bring along what I can spare for you. Can I reach you at the Lexington Avenue address? Cordially yours S F. R.CHAPTER OFFICERS THE AMERICAN RED CROSS General James G. Harbord, Chairman NEW YORK CHAPTER Mrs. William Kinnicutt Draper, Vice-Chairman (BOROUGHS OF MANHATTAN AND BRONX) Douglas Gibbons, Vice-Chairman 315 LEXINGTON AVENUE Miss Alice Hill Chittenden, Secretary (CORNER 38TH STREET) Mrs. William G. Green, Assistant Secretary NEW YORK CITY H.P. Davison, Treasurer MURRAY HILL 4-4455 Miss Jean A. Reid, Assistant Treasurer Joseph M. Hartfield, Counselor Executive Director General Robert C. Davis BOARD OF DIRECTORS General James G. Harbord, Chairman Mrs. Austin R. Baldwin George L. Harrison Mrs. August Belmont Joseph M. Hartfield William C. Breed Mrs. Alfred H. Hausrath Lewis H. Brown Alfred H. Hunt, Jr. Mortimer N. Buckner Sanford H. Lane Mrs. David Challinor Mrs. Cord Meyer Miss Alice Hill Chittenden Henry Morgenthau S. Sloan Colt Miss Nellie Oppenheim H.P. Davison Mrs. Clough C. Overton Mrs. Wm. Kinnicutt Draper Mrs. Wm. Barclay Parsons, Jr. Peter S. Duryee Miss Ellen M. Phillips John S. Ellsorth Miss Jean A. Reid Leon Fraser Mrs. Everett E. Risley Douglas Gibbons Miss Mary M. Roberts Harvey D. Gibson John M. Schiff Mrs. Isaac Gilman Roderick Stephens Mrs. William G. Green Mrs. Payne Whitney HONORARY MEMBER Mrs. Leonard Wood July 14, 1942 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester, Mass. My dear Miss Riccius: Your gracious letter of July the 10th has given me a great deal of pleasure and encouragement. I should love to have met you, but unfortunately I am obliged to leave New York on the 22nd for a much needed rest owing to the heavy Red Cross work I have been doing during the last year. I hope however that our personal meeting will only be postponed. Meanwhile if you desire to leave anything for me at the above address you may safely do so by leaving it in the hands of my secretary, Miss Lillie Nelson, at an time before the 4th of August, or after that date with Mr. Rogers. Very sincerely yours, Miss Nellie Oppenheim Director, Library and Magazine Service NO:n CHAPTER OFFICERS THE AMERICAN RED CROSS General James G. Harbord, Chairman NEW YORK CHAPTER Mrs. William Kinnicutt Draper, Vice-Chairman (BOROUGHS OF MANHATTAN AND BRONX) Douglas Gibbons, Vice-Chairman 315 LEXINGTON AVENUE Miss Alice Hill Chittenden, Secretary (CORNER 38TH STREET) Mrs. William G. Green, Assistant Secretary NEW YORK CITY H.P. Davison, Treasurer MURRAY HILL 4-4455 Miss Jean A. Reid, Assistant Treasurer Joseph M. Hartfield, Counselor Executive Director General Robert C. Davis BOARD OF DIRECTORS General James G. Harbord, Chairman Mrs. Austin R. Baldwin George L. Harrison Mrs. August Belmont Joseph M. Hartfield William C. Breed Mrs. Alfred H. Hausrath Lewis H. Brown Alfred H. Hunt, Jr. Mortimer N. Buckner Sanford H. Lane Mrs. David Challinor Mrs. Cord Meyer Miss Alice Hill Chittenden Henry Morgenthau S. Sloan Colt Miss Nellie Oppenheim H.P. Davison Mrs. Clough C. Overton Mrs. Wm. Kinnicutt Draper Mrs. Wm. Barclay Parsons, Jr. Peter S. Duryee Miss Ellen M. Phillips John S. Ellsorth Miss Jean A. Reid Leon Fraser Mrs. Everett E. Risley Douglas Gibbons Miss Mary M. Roberts Harvey D. Gibson John M. Schiff Mrs. Isaac Gilman Roderick Stephens Mrs. William G. Green Mrs. Payne Whitney HONORARY MEMBERS Mrs. Clough C. Overton Mrs. Leonard Wood July 17, 1942 Miss Saidee T. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester, Massachusetts My dear Miss Riccius: Unfortunately, Miss Oppenheim will be on her vacation when you come to New York on the twenty-third for the day. But I shall be in my office and would like so much to have you come in to the Chapter. I should like to meet you and show you through the Chapter. If you have a free moment, you could make an appointment with my secretary. Hope you can feel your way clear to do this, I am Sincerely yours, (Mrs. William Howard Taft II) Director, Volunteer Service MO'NT:mkJuly 19, 1942 Dear Miss Oppenheim, I am so sorry I am going to miss seeing you when I am in New York next week, but hope your vacation will be most beneficial. The Conference material I have gathered for you from my files I shal leave at the Chapter House, and hope it will fill some of the missing proceedings you lack. For the 1869 Berlin Conference I have found nothing but the little pamphlet 1870-1 which you may like to have. 1887 Karlsruhe Conference is pretty well covered. 1892 Rome was the year of the Russian Famine and Miss Barton did not attend but sent a representative who hurried on to Russia. I have but two small pamphlets issued at the time and no extra copies I can spare you. 1897 Vienna is covered by Dr. Monas-Lesser's English translation which I have copied for you. The translation and his letters to my Grand Aunt are all in place, but the original German copy is missing I am sorry to say. Do let me know if I can be of further aid. Mrs. Taft has written a most cordial letter of welcome and offers to show me about the Chapter House. I shall hope to see your splendid collection. With sincere best wishes for a pleasant vacation and restored health. Most cordially, Miss Nellis Oppenheim, 315 Lexington Ave., American Red Cross, New York, N.Y. July 31st, 1942 Pocono Manor Inn Pocono Manor, Penna My dear Miss Riccius, Frankly Miss Nelson I have heard some details of your visit to the Chapter house & regret that you could not spare enough time to see other Services than those under my care, as you would surely have found many quite worthwhile. For the precious material you left our Library collection I not only thank you in the name of the N. Y. Chapter, but personally am most grateful. Of course I am ever so curious to see what you were kind enough to spare us, but that must await my return. I cannot keep from telling you that only yesterday I procured a copy, Pocono Manor Inn Pocono Manor, Penna in good condition, of Charles J. Stille''s History of the U.S. Sanitary Commission that I have been looking for since some time. Your support & I hope approval of my work means more to me than I can tell you & I am looking forward to your next visit in New York. Very sincerely yours, Nellie Oppenheim Dear Miss Oppenheim, - It was so nice to get your dear letter, and I most sincerely hope the material I left for you will be of value. I was thrilled and astounded at the wonderful collection you have made of such rare books. Both Mrs. Taft and Miss Nelson were so kind and thoughtful and I truly felt a bit ashamed to take up so much of their crowded day. I appreciated every minute of it. I am mailing a couple of packages to you which you will find waiting for you when you return from your vacation. Miss Nelson very modestly expressed a wish for them and thought you might like them. If I can ever discover the missing 1892-97 or '69 Conference books either here or in Boston I'll send them to you. I do so hope to meet you some day and will surely let you know if and when I can be in New York again. Most cordially, August 10, 1942. P.S. What a find in the U.S. Sanitary Comm. History - when did you dig it up?Aug 1942 Dear Mr. Conklin,- I am greatly interested in your letter telling of Mrs. Freytag's study of the Red Cross and my Grand Aunt's connection with Red Cross History. I know that Aunt Clara did lecture in Dansville for she mentions it in a speech she made on Feb. 24, 1886 at Dansville, (Dansville Advertiser March 4, 1886). "In one of theses winters I came to Dansville at the request of your townsman Charley Niles. I don't know where I spoke, but I remember my audience,and at the close Dr. Harriet N. Austin came to the platform to speak to me.....................This was the first I knew of Dansville." I have searched most carefully through the diaries kept while she lectured during 1867-8 and can find no mention of Dansville, but she was in Rochester on Tuesday, April 9, 1867 and for about a week she lectured in New York state, (Union Springs, Syracuse) and I feel pretty sure it much have been at that time she gave the Dansville lecture. She first mentions Dansville in her diary under date of Thursday, March 16, 1876 while she was ill in New England Village, Mass. "Miss Belle Adams came at 10 1/2, left at 5 1/2 P.M......Told me all she had to tell of Dansville. Thinks it "the place to go to get well". Is not an enthusiast, but a calm sensible girl, looks at things in the light of reason and common sense, and I feel that I can take her reports without discount, and her opinions on trust." By March 28th she had come to a decision and informed her nurse of her intention of going to Dansville and by the middle of June she was settled at the "Cure" as I have the receipted vouchers of her living there. I am enclosing a sheet published by the Dansville Advertiser June 12, 1879 which you may not have seen, and which might interest Mrs. Fraytag. I can't remember whether I sent you the first little Red Cross pamphlet of 1878, and I slip one in to be sure. If I can be of further service do please let me help you. Our Worcester Chapter of the Red Cross is doing magnificent work under our chairman, Admiral Cluverius, and the new Chapter House presented last spring is our pride and joy. If you are in New York City do visit the State of New York Red Cross Exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York. Cordially yours, Aug. 10, 1942.CLARA BARTON CHAPTER NO.1 AMERICAN RED CROSS DANSVILLE, N.Y. August 8, 1942 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester, Massachusetts Dear Miss Riccius: The head of the English Department in the Dansville HIgh School, Mrs. Freytag, has shown considerable interest in the chapter and in Clara Barton. She arranged a dramatization for some of her students to give at the time when a regional conference was held here, and I believe that she usually has her classes, in a particular course, make a study of the Red Cross and Miss Barton's place in Red Cross history. Some time ago, Mrs. Freytag asked me if I knew just when it was that Miss Barton came here to lecture. It was that experience, as I recall, that led her later to come here to recover her health. I did not know, but said that I thought you might have a record. If it is in any of the volumes in our library, I think that Mrs. Freytag would have found it. By going through old newspaper files, it is quite probably that we could locate and reference; but you know that the oldtime editors apparently took a perverse delight in hiding important items, so that future researchers would have the greatest possible trouble in finding them. One needs eagle eyes and the patience of Job to make such a search. So I am taking the easy way first, and asking whether you can give us the desired information. As you might imagine, these are very busy days for the chapter, especially for the Production Committee and for other committees that are particularly involved in the war effort. Mr. Stackel, our chairman, has proved to be an excellent man for the job, and we are fortunate in having a very devoted and tireless woman as head of the Production work. Sincerely yours, William D. Conklin Publicity Chairman CHAPTER OFFICERS THE AMERICAN RED CROSS General James G. Harbord, Chairman NEW YORK CHAPTER Mrs. William Kinnicutt Draper, Vice-Chairman (BOROUGHS OF MANHATTAN AND BRONX) Douglas Gibbons, Vice-Chairman 315 LEXINGTON AVENUE Miss Alice Hill Chittenden, Secretary (CORNER 38TH STREET) Mrs. William G. Green, Assistant Secretary NEW YORK CITY H.P. Davison, Treasurer CALEDONIA 5-4400 Miss Jean A. Reid, Assistant Treasurer Joseph M. Hartfield, Counselor Executive Director General Robert C. Davis BOARD OF DIRECTORS General James G. Harbord, Chairman Mrs. Austin R. Baldwin George L. Harrison Mrs. August Belmont Joseph M. Hartfield William C. Breed Mrs. Alfred H. Hausrath Lewis H. Brown Alfred H. Hunt, Jr. Mortimer N. Buckner Sanford H. Lane Mrs. David Challinor Mrs. Cord Meyer Miss Alice Hill Chittenden Henry Morgenthau S. Sloan Colt Miss Nellie Oppenheim H.P. Davison Mrs. Clough C. Overton Mrs. Wm. Kinnicutt Draper Mrs. Wm. Barclay Parsons, Jr. Peter S. Duryee Miss Ellen M. Phillips John S. Ellsorth Miss Jean A. Reid Leon Fraser Mrs. Everett E. Risley Douglas Gibbons Miss Mary M. Roberts Harvey D. Gibson John M. Schiff Mrs. Isaac Gilman Roderick Stephens Mrs. William G. Green Mrs. Payne Whitney HONORARY MEMBER Mrs. Leonard Wood September 8th, 1942. Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester, Mass. My dear Miss Riccius: Upon my return to New York for a very few days to attend the Magazine Distribution, all I had time to do was to open the case containing the beautiful picture of Clara Barton. It is a likeness which I never seen and I greatly appreciate your parting with it. Someday I hope it will adorn a wall of the Chapter Library. The other package and the items you personally left for me, must remain to be examined when I again return to New York, but in the meantime they are all safely put away. Gratefully yours, (Miss Nellie Oppenheim) Director of Library and Magazine Service.CLARA BARTON CHAPTER NO. 1 AMERICAN RED CROSS DANSVILLE, N.Y. September 18, 1942 Dear Miss Riccius: I have been slow to acknowledge your prompt and very courteous reply to my inquiry regarding Miss Barton's early lecture in Dansville. I made a copy of your letter for Mrs. Freytag, and although I have not seen her since her return from a vacation trip I am sure that the information you provided was of very real interest. If is curious, isn't it, that the diaries do not give any help as to the date? With your suggestion as to 1867 for a guide, I searched the Dansville Advertiser for that year, and also for years that preceded and followed, without result. The fact that she refers to "one of these winters" would hint that the date was earlier than April, when she spoke in Rochester (or at least visited that city) and made addresses in Syracuse and Union Springs. I looked up Dr. Harriet N. Austin in the History of Dansville published in 1902, hoping that some date given in her biography might help. However, she was here for a number of years, from 1858 to 1882. Dr. Austin was rather a notable character, a leading advocate of dress reform for women. She and others from the "Hillside" who wore the "American costume" consisting of trousers, a long coatlike covering, and severe white collar above a sort of white blouse or shirt, created more comment in Dansville streets than women wearing slacks do now. In more recent years my father was on the medical staff at the Sanatorium, and I recall that Dr. Kate Jackson (wife of Dr. James H., head of the institution after the death of the founder, Dr. James Caleb) used to wear always, in public, a particular type of dress - certainly not the "American costume" but a gown that I suppose would be of the princess type, plain but a very good material. Amid changing fashions, it set her apart as distinctive. She was a charming and gracious woman, whose influence was very strong on the "Hillside." I am enclosing, for you possible interest, a copy of paragraphs from the article on Dr. Austin - and if I can locate it I will copy an amusing reference to the "American costume" that I came across in the Advertiser. Sincerely, Wm. D. Conklin WDC September 21, 1942. Dear Mr. Conklin;- Your very interesting letter telling me of Dr. Austin, the Jacksons' and the Hillside "American costume" was just the bit of information I needed to help discover the Dansville lecture date. All these old friends of that early date seem like personal friends to me for I have read much of and from them in diaries and letters. I am sorry my hint about 1867 put you to all that research, but I am very glad to have the material you send for my files. My Grand Aunt's first lecture was given in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Thursday, October 24, 1866. For Tuesday, December 11, 1866 I find the following;- "Tuesday, December 11, 1866. Rochester. Took breakfast at Dr. Mandevill's, - Rev. Mr. Huntington with us. Dorr (Dorrence Atwater) came with carriage at 10, - went to the Valley Depot and went to Avon. Waited till 12 1/2 and left for Maryland. Delayed some hours at Avon, arrive Wayland at 4, took stage for Dansville 6 P.M. Tire came off wheel a mile out of Dansville. Walked in, put up at American House. Mr. Niles, President, called. Said preparations had been made for me at Water Cure. Dorr did not like to go and I declined. Mr. Hovey of South...?. and City Point memory called. Went to lecture at 7 1/2. Hall seats 400, about full, pleasant audience. Met Miss Dr. Austin, a pleasing lady in bloomers and other ladies from Water Cure. Received 50 dollars. Came home and retired at 11." Wednesday, December 12, 1866 Snowy. Dansville, N.Y. Took breakfast and waited for stage at 10, rode to Wayland and took train for Elmira." ... -------------- I am amused at Dorrence Atwater's diffidence over staying at the Water Cure, and wonder if his dislike came from the "bloomered ladies". I had quite forgotten that Dr. Austin's dress reform started at that early date. It is of great interest to me to learn that your father served on the medical staff at the Sanatorium. You very modestly held out on me. Did your father ever meet my grand aunt? Thank you so much for your kind letter and the copies from the Dansville Advertiser. It is possible you may find some notice of the lecture in the Advertiser of December 12, 1866. Cordially, Clara Barton Chapter No. 1 American Red Cross Dansville, N. Y. September 26, 1942 Dear Miss Riccius: Thank you very much for looking up the diary record of Miss Barton's first lecture in Dansville. I made a copy to give to MRs. Freytag, and I am sure she will be delighted to have it. Evidently my researches had not been too careful, or I should have found an item in the Advertiser for December 13, 1866. As it was a weekly paper, the issue was the newt one following the lecture - which happened to be two days later. I am enclosing a copy of the item which I think you will like to have. I'm glad the editor took occasion to scold the people of Dansville for not turning out in larger numbers. In those days an editorfelt free to speak his mind about his neighbors as well as about the government at Washington. Mrs. Freytag was able to act on my suggestion that if possible she visit the New York State exhibit to chich you referred. She was greatly pleased with it, and doubtless at the next Red Cross meeting (if she can attend) she will tell us about some of the things she saw. I'm very glad you mentioned the exhibit. The diary entry has several aspects that are of particular interest. The long, roundabout journey from Rochester must have been a trial. At that time, no railroad entered Dansville. One had been built from Avon to Mount Morris to Dansville by 1872. ntil within recent years this road, under Erie vontrol, gave fair service for passengers. I recall that when I first came up here from Rochester, here was a "Genesee Valley Special" which went through without change. That was about 1906, when my father moved to Dansville to join the Sanatorium staff. (You will see that he did not know the institution in the really ols days, and of course never had the pleasure of meeting Miss Barton.) I myself stayed on in Rochester where I was in school. In 1883 the main line of the Lackawanna was completed from New York to Buffalo, and as that road had and has a Dansville station, most of the people who arrived here thereafter from east or west came by the railroad that the late lamented Phoebe Snow made famous for smokelessness (there has been plenty of smoke in recent years!). One thing that the jacksons did which was of benefit to their institution, but which was of problematical value to the village (while keeping it much cleaner than the average town) was to insist that the Lackawanna be built high on the hill back of the "san." A much more feasible right of way could have been obtained, but the "cars" would have passed low on the hill, below the buildings. The steep grade that was necessary, in avoiding this, has meant that pusher engines have had to be employed on freights all these years, and as a Miss Saidee F. Riccius -2- Sept. 26, 1942 result Dansville is a sort of Lackawanna stepchild. The station is 300 feet above the village. All our freight comes into town via the valley, using a crossover at Groveland from the Lackawanna to the valley road. Doubtless before Miss Barton gave up her home here she found transportatio facilities much better than on her first visit. However, for many years the road to the station became so muddy at certain seasons that horse-drawn buses had hard work to catch the trains. After all these years, we are now seeing the elimination of a grade crossing near the station, for an excellent underpass has been built, with new approach read. This road is on the direct route between Dansville and Rochester. The suggestion has been made that since the first chapter of the American Red Cross was established here by your grand aunt, and the second in Rochester, it might be appropriate to designate this road as the Clara Barton Highway. Probably it is useless to make a further effort in this direction until after the war, for metal will not be available for highway signs. By the way, did you know that a G.A.R. post here was named Barton Post, in honor of Clara Barton? The first post was called Barna J. Chapin. This did not flourish long. In the early 80's another post was organized and Miss Barton's permission was obtained for use of her name. Howeber, te first commander, Seth N. Hedges, died within a year, and the members fel that they would like to honor him. Miss Barton very graciously responded to another request - this time for the removal of her namr (it must have taken considerable nerve to make the request!) and said she would really prefer to have the post bear Major Hedge' name. This little incident of ancient history may be of some interest. Sincerely W. D. Conklin William D. Conklin[*95 Plymouth Ave., So.*] Rochester, N.Y Sept 26th 1942 Miss Saidee F. Raccius. 39 William Street Worcester, Mass. Dear Friend - During the morning hours I cut surgical dressings for the Red Cross and afternoons I give to Red Cross Blood Donors. I am fairly busy all day long. Some time ago I noticed an editorial about your Great Aunt Clara Barton. Thinking you would be interested I am mailing it to you under separate cover. Also copy of "Blood goes to war." Telling all about Blood transfusion and Dry Plasma. 23 thousand persons here in Rochester have given blood to the Red Cross. Who send the blood to various United States Hospitals and War Ships, Camps, etc. Also enclosing "The Clara Barton Camp for Diabetic Girls." Every Thursday night [we] The Red Cross has a special program on the radio. July 23rd there was one good one about Clara Barton. I am also sending you the Radio Scrip. Between the actors speaking parts you will notice certain mechanical effects and music are put on by the radio engineers. All of which is probably new to you and may prove interesting. Notwithstanding your Great Aunt has been dead 30 years her name is greatly honored and more so to day than ever. The old gang who worked against Clara Barton years ago, have quit knocking her, as it did not do any good but fixed Clara Barton more firmly in the hearts of everyone. Sincerely yours, Ray D. Hill. [*Ellie*] - NO. 4 OF A SERIES THE SYMPHONY OF MERCY THURSDAY JULY 23, 1942 WHEC SOUND ----SOUND OF RUSHING FLOOD WATERS NARRATOR -- That is the terrible voice of the flood , more deadly than fire; more dreaded than famine; the sound of the roaring beast that since time uncounted has lashed at cities and villages and hamlets the earth around and whose gripping talons rip today at homes in a state just across our own borders scarce a hundred miles away. MUSIC ------- HAIL TO THE CHIEF NARRATOR - Hail to the Chief! The salute to our presidents. The time-hallowed sounds that herald the leader of this republic. A proud song, mighty, majestic but never boastful. The herald cry of democracy's leader. SOUND ----- A SIMPLE PISTOL SHOT NARRATOR -- A single pistol shot. A sound bespeaking many things; hatred, revenge, treachery, martyrdom. A final, conclusive sound. A sound of death. ANGELS OF MERCY AS BEFORE AND FADE TO NARRATOR - Sounds in a symphony again. Unrelated sounds. What, you say are these? How do they fit together! What do they mean and who shall explain them to us? Well, we of the Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross are here to do that again tonight. We present the fourth program in the series, Symphony of Mercy, the program designed to bring you the story of the history and the work of the American Red Cross in this emergency and those that have gone before. Last week you heard of the work of Clara Barton in the Civil War and her subsequent visit to Switzerland where she conceived the idea of America's inclusion in the International Red Cross Society. Clara, as we told you then, returned home and plunged immediately into the killing job of organizing and converting to her train of thought, the various bureaucratic departments and sub-divisions of the federal government. Finally after successively converting James Blaine, the then Secretary of State, Robert T. Lincoln, William Vindom, and many more of the leaders of the administration, Clara Barton at last got her coveted interview with President James A. Garfield. Let us turn back history's pages and read again of that interview:- SOUND ----- DOOR OPEN AND SHUT SECRETARY - Mr. President, this is the time appointed for Miss Barton. Shall I show her in? GARFIELD - If you please, Hunter. And give me a little time with her. She's waited long enough, you know. She deserves to be allowed to stay a little. SOUND --- DOOR AGAIN SECRETARY -- Miss Barton, Mister President. GARFIELD --- Come in and sit down, Miss Barton. Blaine has told me how tired you've become listening to all those pompous fellows I depend on the learn things for me, but I think it has all been worth while in this case at least. I'm wondering if you're strong enough to stand some good news for a change, eh?-2- BARTON -- Oh, Mr. President, what is it? You'll forgive me for being impatient but I've heard nothing but bad news for so long I'm like a starving person for some [news] that's hopeful. GARFIELD --It's better than hopeful, Miss Barton, the thing is done. This paper is a part of my next message to Congress. Listen. "And another matter of the utmost importance should be your consideration at this session. I cannot commend too much tour immediate and unqualified ratification of the Geneva Treaty embracing the International Red Cross Society in its entirety with no reservations whatsoever. I have had occasion to review this whole matter in some detail, as have your own committees, and I have no hesitation in asking its immediate adoption." There, How's that? BARTON-----Oh Mr. President. It's ---it's like the thrill of saving lives. It is saving lives -- thousands of them. MUSIC------TRIUMPHANT FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AND THEN A CHANGE OF MOOD TO BEHIND NARRATOR-- But that message was never delivered. One morning in the Union Station in Washington, shortly before Garfield was to have delivered his message, a train waited to take the President on a minor journey, to Baltimore. Something else waited too. Death? Yes. Death and death's messenger, Hark. He speaks. GUITEAU -- Porter, if I should desire to get out here quickly could I do so? PORTER ----- Yassuh, dere's a hack stand right yonder. You just stand there an' wait. GUITEAU-----Thank you, porter. I will wait. (FADE) POLICEMAN- Hey, Porter, did I hear that man ask you if he could get out of here in a hurry? PORTER ----- Sho did, Mistuh Officer. Sound mightly peculiar tuh me. OFFICER-----Yeh, yeh. Mighty suspicious, The president's due any minute you know. Mebbe I better have a talk with that gent. He don't look good. SOUND-----GALLOPING OF HORSES UP AND STOPPING OFFICER -- Whoops, too late. Here's the chief now. Good morning, Mr. President. SOUND ---CARRIAGE DOOR OPEN AND CLOSE GARFIELD --I shan't be long Blaine and you can reach me at any ----- SOUND-----SHOT PAUSE AND ANOTHER SHOT GUITEAU - Liberation! Guiteau thou hast accomplished it. MUSIC --- TRAGIC UP HOLD AND FADE TO NARRATOR--And so Clara's work was nullified by the mad act of one man who bullet snuffed out the life of not only a president of this nation but the lives of other thousands who should die of disaster, war and starvation before Clara Barton could again climb the wearying path of recognition by the new administration, but at last it was done, and on March 16, 1882 the United States ratified the Treaty of Geneva. -3- No money had been appropriated by the government in its action. No one had been politically advanced, and the new organization was left to struggle along by trial and error. Its first chapter and its second had been already formed at least, and this second chapter bears a particular interest to those here tonight. We want to take you know to the night of October 4, 1881, and a scene in Asbury Methodist Church here in Rochester, N.Y. Two young women in the audience are speaking:- LUCY----Oh, Ruth, look, there must be forty or fifty people here. Isn't it wonderful the interest everyone is taking in this new group. Why there's and and RUTH----Yes, and and and and I understand that Hiram Sibley is to speak tonight. Whose that woman up on the platform next to LUCY ----Why, that's Clara Barton, silly. Anyone would know her. RUTH ---Why, you're crazy. That little thing Clara Barton? Why she hasn't enough gumption to do quilting. That must be her secretary or something. LUCY---It is too Clara Barton. I saw her at the health resort in Dansville just last month when I was there with Mummy and I know. Don't let her appearance fool you. She has more endurance and vigor and ability than most men. Daddy says that she outfought all the politicians in Washington all by herself. Hush up now, here is Mr. Sibley. SIBLEY --Ladies and Gentlemen, I present Miss Clara Barton who will read to you the principles under which we have assembled tonight and under which we shall operate henceforward. I give you the first lady of the United States enshrined in our hearts while still alive as a heroine of her people, Miss Clara Barton. SOUNDS --CHEERS BACKED UP BY STUDIO PEOPLE BARTON---Thank you [Mr. Sibley] Dr Morgan. Our principles are few but important and I ask that you adopt them as read for they are the working tools with which we can accomplish our ends most simply. First: -We shall never solicit relief nor ask for contributions. Second:- No salaries shall be paid to officers. Only those shall be paid whose attributes in their several field makes them essential to our work. Third:- We shall keep on hand for time of disaster certain funds which may be withdrawn instantly for disaster work independently of banks lest we shall not be ready to start on holidays or Sundays. Fourth:- That we shall go to the field without fanfare or publicity and there shall issue such reports as shall be without bias or color. Fifth:- If, when we are there the people shall desire to contribute of their own free will to the relief of the afflicted we shall do our best to be the managers and distributors thereof in the wisest manner possible. These shall be our precepts and our code. MUSIC--TRIUMPHANT AGAIN AND FADE TO NARRATOR--And this code has maintained to the present day in the Red Cross despite its tremendous growth and despite the many varied fields into which it has penetrated on its errand of mercy. Soon the Ohio river floods called the new Red Cross unto its first disaster work and then began a chain of works that have gone on gaining in magnitude to the present day, when the Red Cross is present in almost every country in the civilized world assuaging hunger, outfighting pestilence and out gaming the myriad forces of evil conjured up by fate to harass the people of this world in our-4- own time. Clara Barton lived to very great age, still active, beloved by all and she has left her spirit behind her more strongly in the hearts and good works of the American people than perhaps an other woman this country has ever produced. One more little scene, a quiet little scene as we leave Clara Barton, which pictures the love held for her by everyone who knew her and her work. As a patrolman walks his beat one morning a minister passes the time of day with him:- SOUND ----TRAFFIC NOISES BE CAREFUL THEY AREN'T MODERN MASSIE ---Lovely morning, Officer. A lot of traffic this morning. COP ------It is indeed sir and its those new automobiles that's causin it all. There the invention of the devil, in truth sir. MASSIE---They are a little trying, Officer but they have their good points too. SOUND---SCREECH OF BRAKES MASSIE----That old woman - he almost hit her! Here help me, Officer. OFFICER---Here sir. She's all right. Thank heaven. And what a little old thing she is. MASSIE---Little officer in stature but do you know who this is? It's Clara Barton. OFFICER--Clara Barton, is it? Hey, you spalpeens git out of the way. Stop your roarin' along and let a real person pass. There now. Bring her across, Reverend, We've made way for a very great lady. NARRATOR --And so the saga of that very great lady ends but the work of the American Red Cross goes on. We leap next to the World War and next week bring you the story of the Red Cross in those trying days of 1914-1918. Another triumphant movement in the Symphony of Mercy. Heard on tonight's program were: Ben Duffy was the narrator Ken French speaking This is WHEC Rochester CHAPTER OFFICERS THE AMERICAN RED CROSS General James G. Harbord, Chairman NEW YORK CHAPTER Mrs. William Kinnicutt Draper, Vice-Chairman (Boroughs of Manhattan and Bronx) Douglas Gibbons, Vice-Chairman 315 Lexington Avenue Miss Alice Hill Chittenden, Secretary (Corner 38th Street) Mrs. William G. Green, Assistant Secretary New York City H.P. Davison, Treasurer Miss Jean A. Reid, Assistant Treasurer Joseph M. Hartfield, Counselor EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR General Robert C. Davis BOARD OF DIRECTORS General James G. Harbord, Chairman Mrs. Austin R. Baldwin George L. Harrison Mrs. August Belmont Joseph M. Hartfield William C. Breed Mrs. Alfred H. Hausrath Lewis H. Brown Alfred H. Hunt, Jr. Mortimer N. Buckner Sanford H. Lane Mrs. David Challinor Mrs. Cord Meyer Miss Alice Hill Chittenden Henry Morgenthau S. Sloan Colt Miss Nellie Oppenheim H.P. Davison Mrs. Clough C. Overton Mrs. Wm. Kinnicutt Draper Mrs. Wm. Barclay Parsons, Jr. Peter S. Duryee Miss Ellen M. Phillips John S. Ellsworth Miss Jean A. Reid Leon Fraser Mrs. Everett E. Risley Douglas Gibbons Miss Mary M. Roberts Harvey D. Gibson John M. Schiff Mrs. Isaac Gilman Roderick Stephens Mrs. William G. Green Mrs. Payne Whitney HONORARY MEMBER Mrs. Leonard Wood November 9, 1942 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester Massachusetts My dear Miss Riccius: Upon my return from the mountains late in September, I found an unusual amount of work owing to the fact that my secretary had left us. I have therefore only just had an opportunity to examine the books and papers you have given me and I find them most interesting and a valuable addition for our Library. I am sure you will be glad to hear that since last writing you I have acquired the Proceedings of the Conference held at Berlin in 1869 and at Rome in 1892, and this gives us 14 of the 16 Proceedings. In addition we have your contributions on Karlsruhe and Vienna. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you in New York this winter. Very sincerely yours, Miss Nellie Oppenheim Director, Library & Magazine Service NO:vrCLARA BARTON CHAPTER NO. 1 AMERICAN RED CROSS DANSVILLE, N.Y. February 11, 1943 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester, Massachusetts Dear Miss Riccius: Our former chapter chairman, the Rev. Mr. Stackel, now has a pastorate in Rochester, and when a special writer for the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle went to him for information on Miss Clara Barton's connection with Dansville and the first chapter, Mr. Stackel mentioned me as a possible source of material. Mr. Merrill, the writer, does articles for the Sunday Magazine section of the paper mentioned - good ones, it seems to me - and the paper itself has high standing, being in no way sensational. It occurred to me that Mr. Merrill might possibly like to use the quotation from Miss Barton's diary relative to her first trip from Rochester to Dansville for her lecture here - in case that were permissible. You will recall sending me the quotation when the question came up as the date when your grand-aunt first visited the village. Of course I should not feel free to send this quotation without your permission - and if you do not see your way clear to releasing it for publication (with whatever acknowledgement you would feel was appropriate), that will be perfectly all right. I have been with a publishing firm long enough to know that it is proper to guard jealously one's rights to material that has historical value. In any case, I should appreciate your sending me brief word, in the enclosed envelope. Mr. Merrilll says that he wants to have his article complete by the middle of next week, so I realize that there is not much time to spare. I can, of course, send him certain information that will probably be helpful; but without conferring with him I would not know whether the diary excerpt would fit in with what he has - so I could not promise that it would b used even if you were willing to have it put into print. It would be hard to give him an idea over the telephone, and there is not time for an exchange of letters with him. What I shall do is to send along material that has no legal "owner" such as programs of our anniversary, and tell him I have written you. By the way, I ran across something that was written by one of the charter members of the chapter, Mrs. Lillian F. Lewis, in 1931, containing some personal recollections of Miss Barton. As soon as I can get the typing done, I will send you a copy. Sincerely yours, [signed] Wm D. Conklin February 12, 1943. Dear Mr. Conklin- Of course you may use the diary excerpt or any other material I have sent you from time to time if it will be of any assistance to Mr. Merrill in his article for the Magazine section of the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in writing for permission. I am enclosing copy of a letter I think may interest you regarding the change in nams of the Dansville Post. Sincerely yours, [*Nov. 12, 1882 To Chas. Sutjam, Post Comm. Dansville, N.Y.*]Clara Barton Chapter No. 1 American Red Cross Dansville, N. Y. March 2, 1943 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester, Mass. Dear Miss Riccius: One never knows what a writer, to whom one furnishes material, will or will not do. I told Mr. Merrill that I was asking you for permisson to reprint (or print) an excerpt from Miss Barton's diary, and when you write so promptly I told him by letter that you had cordially granted permission; so I supposed of course he would mention that fact. Evidently I took too much for granted. Now the article is out, and there is no such acknowledgment. If I did not believe that you are amiable enough to be charitable in viewing such lapses, I should expect to be visited with your righteous indignation. The worst of it is that Mr. Merrill has mentioned my name - in referring to one bit of information that I had passed along without doing the "research" that he mentions. I did not specifically say, "Do not mention me," but there was no point in his doing so. I wanted the chapter to get some recognition for helping him out, but if one is too particular the results are not always what one would like - the author may get up on his ear and throw out everything. I really was please that Mr. Merrill used as much as he did of the data on Dansville, and I think that he gives an attractive word picture of your grandaunt. Probably that will seem to you to be the most important point; I hope so. I am sending you a copy of the magazine section, and am also sending one to Mrs. Butler in Florida. We are getting a start on our War Fund drive. I hope that we shall succeed in raising our $11,200 for the chapter area. It is really not a large quota compared to that of some highly industrialized areas. In our area we have about 15,000 population. I hope that there would be some help for me on publicity, but so far I have had to do it all, including getting up letters and a small mimeographed booklet of which I enclosed a copy. This is for canvassers to use. Sincerely yours, [signed] Wm D. Conklin Publicity Chairman WDConklin March 9, 1943. Dear Mr. Conklin:- I am most grateful to you for your thoughtful letter and the Magazine containing Mr. Merrill's article which pleases me very much indeed. It is always such a relief to have a writer prepare correct material for a sketch of my Grand Aunt, and Mr. Merrill did a splendid piece of work I think. Thank you too for sending a copy to my cousin, Mrs. Butler. She has not been well for some time and recently fell and broke her ankle. She did so enjoy the trip to Dansville in 1931,, and I am sure Mr. Merrill's reference to it will please her greatly. We are in the midst of our Red Cross Fund Drive too, our quota $500,000. We have always gone over the top and I feel confident we will this time. A friend of mine, Mrs. Emily Burling Waite Manchester, a pretty well known artist, got our a new poster done by the Japanese Silk Screen method. I think she was most successful and I bought a few copies. It occurs to me you might like one for your Chapter House. Anyhow I am having it framed and sent to you, and hope it will prove acceptable. Cordially yours,Clara Barton Chapter No. 1 American Red Cross Dansville, N. Y. March 22, 1943 Dear Miss Riccius: The poster to which you referred in your letter of March 9 has come, and we are more than pleased to have it. I am sure you will receive an official acknowledgment after our next chapter meeting. Meanwhile, on behalf of the chapter, I want you to know that it will mean a great deal to us that have this evidence of your interest. It seems to me that Mrs. Manchester was most successful in her likeness of Miss Barton. The whole effect is striking and beautiful. It would have been generous of you just to five us the poster, without having it framed. We could have arranged for that; but we do appreciate your thoughtfulness in making it ready for our use. First of all, we shall want to display the poster in connection with the War Fund drive - probably in the window of the campaign headquarters. We do not have a chapter house, though we have long had hopes that there would be a house or a part of a Town and Village Hall set apart for the chapter. However we do have a Production Headquarters, where a great deal of work is beaing done now. It is in a building on Main Street which was lent to us for the purpose and which answers very well. It is different from an ordinary store - having two pleasant small rooms in the front and a large room (workroom) behind these, also storerooms. The upstairs is roomy and light but we have not so far needed to use it. We have a number of interesting things on the walls, and your poster will make an unusual and attractive addition. You may recall that I promised to send you a copy of an article writte by one of our charter members, Mrs. Lillian F. Lewis - not now living. I believe it was written for one of our newspapers at the time af the 1931 Anniversary. Mrs. Lewis had rather a "literary" turn of mind, and perhaps was a little too fond of displaying the riches of her vocabulary - but she was really a very bright woman, the widow of a minister, I believe. There may be some passages in this screed that will be of interest to you. I am sending a copy also to Mrs. Butler, who wrote us a very appreciatibe letter after receiving Mr. Merrill's article. I'm so sorry she sould be so handicapped. Sincerely yours, WDC W D. Conklin THE CONCEPT AND FOUNDING OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS And a Neighborhood Sketch of Its Founder By Lillian F. Lewis Charter Member of the First Chapter at Dansville, New York The Red Cross is not a "Society," nor an "Order"; there are no members of the "Red Cross," but only of societies whose sign it is, affirmed our champion. It stands for and is the gracious guarantee of strict neutrality, knowing no color, race, barrier nor bias in its agence of relief. We may still claim:- "The Red Cross has come to be so loved and truted, its principles and insignia are so deeply set into the substance of international law and the life of many nations, that people are asking with enthusiasm about its origin and history." Fifty years ago "many who approved the humane idea regarded it as Utopian, - desirable, but not attainable." However, countries were quick to accredit its feasibility and facilitate its high purpose. The Red Cross had faithdully and efficiently functioned before it arrived at our Capital, and has notably increased in favor and following during the subsequent five decades we commemorate. Miss Barton explained: "Although the gradual growth of the idea of something like humanity in war, stimulated by the ignorant and insane horrors of India and the Crimea, and soothed and instructed by the sensible and practicak work of Florence Nightingale, has slowly led to conditions which made such muvement possible, it was not until the remarkable campaign of Napoleon III in Northern Italy woke the slumbering sympathies of the world, that any definite steps revealed themselves." Borrowing the sentiment of Constance Wakeford, Miss Nightingale, "the Lady of the Lamp" and Miss Barton, 'the Angel of the Battlefield;" though unknown to each other save in name, were indeed sisters. The United States Sanitary Commission in its neutral ministry to the wounded through the Civil War, attracted world attention, and gained Miss Barton's affiliation and admiration, influencing her bent later toward the wider appeal of the Red Cross. The initial international conference helf, August 1864, at Geneva, Switzerland, represented by ten governments and the Federal Council of tha republic, stablished a permanent International-2- Committee, with headquarters at Geneva, the only such, all other committees being simply national or auxiliary to a national. That eminent body also frew up an international agreement, said to be the first compound treaty ever framed. This comprised a code of ten articles, to be submitted by the convention delegates to their respective countries for ratification, pledging the signatory powers to a policy of neutrality and humanity heretofore unobserved by nations at war. The United States did not respond. Meanwhile, Miss Barton, broken in health from wartime work in its field and hospital service, went to Europe on the advice of her physicians, reaching Geneva September 1869. Questioned by the International Committee about our not signing their treaty along with the other civilized countries she resolved to investigate the anomaly, and became intimately interested in the Red Cross organization and objective. Naturally this gentle disciple of mercy, whose post lay "between the bullet and the hospital," took to the Genevese slogan: "The Red Cross shall teach war to make war upon itself." Impressed further by the demonstrated efficiency of the Red Cross system and services in the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-72, (aid so appreciated that the Prussian Emperor affixed the Red Cross to the Iron Cross of Merit) Miss Barton, who lent her care in that conflict, felt more keenly our aloof attitude. After thirty-one nations had entered the Geneva compact, coveting her presence at Washington to enlist the cooperation of her homeland, the International Committee officially authorized her to serve as its representative in such effort. Returning to America in 1873, for several years Miss Barton remained a patient at the Jackson Sanatorium, Dansville, N. Y., and was not able to present her Red Cross credentials at the National Capital until 1877. The administration of President Hayes vouch-safed no encouragement; but in April 1881 President Garfield granted her a favorable hearing, and by his advice a meeting was held in Washington, May 21, 1881, at which a tentative Constitution for an American Association was presented and adopted in the hope that it would expedite our acceptance of the International Treaty. At a second meeting, June 9, a staff of officers was elected, Miss Barton being the unanimous choice for president; and on July 1, formal articles of incorporation were duly signed to be recorded in the District of Columbia. Thus was laid the cornerstone upon which rests the structure of the Red Cross in America. President Garfield, shot July 2d and dying September 19th, left to President Arthur the honor of signing the declaration of our adherence to the Geneva accord. We were 32d on the list, but better late than never! -3- Though prior to this action the Red Cross had acquired foothold over here, since no societies could be organized under the true banner of the Red Cross at Geneva where and while its treaty had no promise of endorsement, our independent organization was then merely national but nowise ephemeral. Because the Red Cross originally recognized only the miseries arising from war, and our nation being more isolated than European countries seemed less liable to enemy invasion or attack, the treaty had lacked particular appeal to our Government. Realizing this, Miss Barton "ventured to attach to that vast motor the added weight of all great national calamities, including not only suffering by war, but by pestilence, famine, fires, and flook," finally covering any disaster of national scope. The first formal action toward forming an American Red Cross was begun at ashington May 21, 1881 by Clara Barton who afterward returned to her home in Dansville, N.Y. The shooting of President Garfield delayed further action in Red Cross organization. Miss Barton was worn out and discouraged. Coming to the assembled at the Lutheran Church on August 22, 1881, and there under the leadership and authorization of the national president, Clara Barton, formed the first Chapter of Red Cross in America. Early in September occurred the forest fires in Michigan, and Dansville Chapter, the only one in the United States, responded to the call and Major Mark J. Bunnell was put in charge of the relief expedition. Rochester realizing the opportunity sent to Dansville for Miss Barton to come and organize a Chapter. Syracuse came shortly afterward and all joined in the disaster relief for Michigan. The avowed sympathy of President Arthur and Secretary of State Blaine with the Red Cross and its International Treaty, together with the surprising contribution of $80,000 in money and material for Michigan's relief, lent prestige to the cause and impetus to its sponsored treaty. Our founder fondly maintained: "There is in the Red Cross no 'entangling alliance.' There's not a peace society on the face of the earth today, not ever will be, so potent, so effectual, as the Red Cross of Geneva," with which we became linked after the promulgation of March 1, 1882, establishing our alliance with its fraternal treaty. The United States enjoyed official representation at the third Conference of Geneva, September 17, 1884, a red letter day in Red Cross annals, due largely to our invincible leader. "She thought it out and she wrought it out" in her own ever gracious way of smiling, believing, assuring advocacy. Did she "lean out her soul and listen" to the Master's word, "O woman, great is thy faith; be it unto thee even as thou wilt"? or to the rubric, "In quietness and confidence shall be thy strength"? Manifestly, disappointment and delay did not daunt the courage nor dim the hope of that serene diplomat!-4- Clara Barton lived to be ninety-one years of age. She had the distinction of having been born on Christmas and passing away on Easter. Her "Story of the Red Cross" contains the terse biographic preface: "I have lived much that I have not written, but I have written nothing that I have not lived." She kept a diary, which with publications by or about her are a record-asset, but I glean less formally from the pages of memory which carry me back to her sojourn in Dansville, supplemented by reports of reminiscent friends longer and better acquainted with her. One such, Mrs. Ellen Brodt, a Charter Member, who spent her declining years here, writing of Miss Barton, incidentally reveals the sturdy heritage she had. Let me quote, slightly condensing: "Clara was the great pet and playmate of her father. He had been a soldier, and fought many a hard battle with the Indians in the early history of our country. They fought miniature battles with red corn for Indians and white corn for white men, with something better for officers, like chessmen or checkers; so that at a very early age she became familiar with the movements and paraphernalia that fo to make up a regiment, as well as the distinction between Captain, Colonel and General and what was peculiar to their office, which knowledge never left her." Mrs. Brodt continues: "The earliest information I have of her is as a dark-eyed dark-haired three-year old, carefully protected from the cold of a northern winter by red flannel dress and stockings of the same warm color, being borne in the string arms of her grown-up brother and left on the bench of an old-fashioned New England school away up in Massachusetts. ***At eleven years of age began her nurse experience by the bedside of an invalid brother, whom she never left but one day in two years save for a short horseback ride taken daily to preserve her health." (We know that she became an expert equestrian.) The narrative states in conclusion: - "This lonely little girl, shut away from school and the activities and attractions of childhood, patiently, faithfully, lovingly and uncomplainingly caring for her sick, we pity though we know it was the training school for one of the noblest and most self-sacrificing women of the age." Another wrote of her: "She lived so simply at her desk, at work, a piece of bread and cheese and an apple was her dinner; a frugal supper, and a most abstemious breakfast. **Her dress was so simple, no one tried to follow her fashion." My first recollection of her takes in her contemporary agitants, Susan B. Anthony and Frances E. Willard, aligned respectively with Women Suffrage and W.C.T.U. The trio, strikingly different in appearance and personality yet closely allied in their progressive standards and far perspective, stirred our town to wider interests and activities, with which I sympathized. Miss Barton paid public tribute to Miss Anthony's "sound judgment and clear vision," adding, she "was the first woman to lay her hand in mine in the formation of a Red Cross in her native city of Rochester, and that society has stood like a rock through trouble and disaster, responsive to every call." Miss Willard might have had her congenial friend, Miss Barton, in thought when she wrote: "There is a prayer uttered or unexpressed that brings us face to face, and it is this, -5- Help me to heal the heartbreak of humanity." It connotes with her word, "The highest genius predicts the most universal sympathy." Both exemplified the Shakespearian phrase: "Let gentleness my strong enforcement be." I met Miss Barton on various occasions; had access to her rambling hillside abode near the Seminary I attended when Dr. Julian B. Hubbell in later years her esteemed secretary and field secretary of the Red Cross, taught classes I was in. In those impressionable years of my life a chat with that evangel of mercy in her sanctum was a cherished event. Then a champion of Band of Mercy work in behalf of dumb animals, I was glad to find her pronouncedly like-minded. Under the eagle eye of her companion, the quaint Miss Josephine Kupfer, I viewed the commodious, pictorial study, and noted with awe the opulent desk with its wealth of equipment and intricate miscellany, wondering how she maintained such perfect penmanship in all her lavish output. I tried to inbreathe the exotic atmosphere of her rather mellow tones. Alas! Later, praising that quality in her voice my own grew strident! Present at the special church gatherings she addressed in behalf of the Red Cross I enrolled as a Charter Member of its First Chapter formed here by her as prearranged by our townspeople in her honor. Dansville will celebrate the golden anniversary of the initial formation September 9, 1931. Fifty-seven joined at this organization meeting in the Lutheran Church which was filled to capacity, with notables on the platform beside Miss Barton. Other prominent names shortly were added to that year's membership. Through our local unit succeeding relief calls were responded to liberally, as in the tragic flood of Johnstown, Pa. (1889). Fielder, then cashier of the Citizens' Bank and our secretary, totaled $437.75, speedily and cheerfully raised. It is a man's gallant claim, "Woman has this in common with angels, those who suffer belong to her." We count that true of our Red Cross leader, whose purse, pen, poems and personal career primarily served compassionate ends. Modestly silent touching her resourceful efforts and energetic zeal, these self-evident factors were perceptibly discerned and intrinsically appreciated. She was accorded royal recognition at foreign courts and received numerous decorations and medals indicative of high and wide esteem. She proudly declared of the devise and execute has been attempted; "and prophesied "Into the hands of the coming generations will be given the legacy of Christendom in the spirit and power symbolized and consecrated forever by the Red Cross of Geneva." We well might choose for her eulogy, "She wrote golden pages in the history of brotherhood," she dealt justly, loved mercy and walked humbly with her God.-6- "With the gleam of scarlet she walks with the immortals now." but "The millions she has blest" as a "choir invisible" in devout gratitude may chorus: "Angel soul of mercy - may our Cross of Red Cheer the wounded living; bless the wounded dead." Dear Mr. Conklin;- I am glad the poster reached you safely. It seemed to me very appropriate for the Clara Barton Dansville Chapter to have while their big drive for War Funds is in full swing. Possibly it may stimulate a few extra gifts. I sincerely hope so anyhow. I am very glad to have the interesting sketch written by Mrs. Lewis for my files. Her name is most familiar and I am sure I have found her name mentioned in old letters or diaries of that early period of Red Cross days. Worcester went well over the top in its Red Cross drive for half a million, and funds still coming in. Of course we feel pretty proud of our success. Sincerely, March 27, 1943.CLARA BARTON CHAPTER NO. 1 AMERICAN RED CROSS DANSVILLE, N.Y. April 9, 1943. Miss Saidee F. Riccius, 39 William St. Worcester, Mass. My Dear Miss Riccius: You will be interested in knowing that our Clara Barton Chapter No. 1 went over the top in fine shape in its War Fund Drive. Our quota for our Chapter, and including several outlying Branches was $11,200.00. As of last night, the total amount already in was $12,695.00. We went well over the top before March 31st - so you will see that our job was done right on time! There is grand co-operation in every sector here in our area this year - and while it required a lot of hard work, it was a real pleasure to see the grand response that came from every sector. We were delighted in receiving the framed poster of Clara Barton which you sent to us. It is interesting to know that it was done by the Japanese Silk Screen method. It is very attractive indeed, and as soon as it reached us, we placed it in our main display window on Main Street. There have been a great many favorable comments about it. After our Drive was completed and we cleared our display windows, the framed poster was taken to our Chapter House and placed in a prominent position there. This was a grand gesture on your part and we all deeply appreciate it. Letters from you and your cousin, Mrs. Butler, have been greatly appreciated, as well as the help and inspiration which have come from them, and your good wishes. Very sincerely yours, Kenneth A. Plough, Chairman CLARA BARTON CHAPTER NO. 1 Dansville, N.Y. KAP/MB March 27, 1944. The American Weekly. 959 Eighth Avenue. New York, N.Y. Dear Sirs :- In yesterday's edition of the New York Times I found a most interesting Red Cross appeal published by you with a picture of Dr. Appia presenting Dunant's little book to Clara Barton. Would it be troubling you too much to ask where I could procure a copy and the name of the artist. I should greatly appreciate any information you could give me. Sincerely yours,THE AMERICAN WEEKLY Greatest Circulation in the World HEARST MAGAZINE BUILDING 959 EIGHTH AVENUE AT 57TH STREET NEW YORK, N.Y. TELEPHONE COLUMBUS 5-1020 March 31, 1944 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester, Massachusetts Dear Miss Riccius: We are sending you under separate cover a printer's proof of the advertisement entitled "The Little Book...That Saves Our Men...On Every Battlefield, " which you saw in the New York Times Sunday, March 26th. The artist who drew this illustration for The American Weekly is Ray Prohaska. We hope that you continue to enjoy reading the many interesting articles and features in The American Weekly magazine, which is distributed with twenty great Sunday newspapers from coast to coast. Sincerely yours, Gilbert E. Mott GEM: mg April 6, 1944. Mr. Gilbert E. Mott 959 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. Dear Mr. Mott: Thank you very much for your kind letter and the excellent printer's proof copies of the illustration for "The Little Book...That Saves Our Men...On Every Battlefield." I want to congratulate the American Weekly on its selection of Mr. Prohaska's fine painting, and the extremely interesting sketch you prepared to accompany it. Seldom have I found picture and article so historically accurate. Clara Barton was my grand aunt, and the copy will be preserved with my other historical Clara Barton papers. Do you know if Mr. Prohaska's canvas is for sale, or what it would cost? With sincere gratitude, I am Cordially yours,THE AMERICAN WEEKLY Greatest Circulation in the World HEARST MAGAZINE BUILDING 959 EIGHTH AVENUE AT 57TH STREET NEW YORK, N.Y. TELEPHONE COLUMBUS 5-1020 May 22, 1944 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester, Massachusetts Dear Miss Riccius: Some time ago you sent us a letter requesting the original of the illustration which appeared in our advertisement entitled, "The Little Book...That Saves Our Men...On Every Battlefield." At the time that you had written, the American Red Cross had already requested the original of this drawing since it was with them that we worked out the details of the copy, and so forth. We are sorry that we are not able to send you this original, but you can be assured that if it had not already been promised we would gladly have done so. Sincerely yours, Gilbert E. Mott GEM: mb Wrote Mr. Mott thanking him for his kindness and how pleased I am that the American Red Cross have the original drawing, as that was my idea in wanting to secure the drawing for them if they cared for it. S.F.R. ATLANTA - 101 MARIETTA ST. BOSTON - 5 WINTHROP SQ. CHICAGO - HEARST BUILDING CLEVELAND - HANNA BLDG. DETROIT - GEN. MOTORS BLDG. LOS ANGELES - EDISON BUILDING SAN FRANCISCO - HEARST BUILDING ST. LOUIS - ARCADE BUILDING Letter in my Year files Mch. 22. 1884CLARA BARTON CHAPTER NO. 1 AMERICAN RED CROSS DANSVILLE, N.Y. August 12, 1945 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester, Mass. Dear Miss Riccius: We have not been in touch with you for some time, but here, as in Worcester, the months have been busy ones, and Clara Barton Chapter has been trying to do its share of war work. The other day, when Miss Ruth Sandford, our very able chairman of Junior work, brought me an old copy of the Dansville "Advertiser," which a friend had sent her. I thought of your probable interest in a letter that it contained (if you haven't already a copy), so I have typed it off for you. It relates to a pioneering effort in disaster-relief work, and carries a very pleasant reference to Miss Barton's Dansville home and neighbors. The grand new "Home" (underlined) that she speaks of was of course the new building of the Jackson Sanitarium (Sanatorium it was always called, later) which had been known ordinarily as "Our Home on the Hillside." This building, I find, was completed October 1, 1883, replacing the wooden structure which had burn in June, 1882. As Miss Barton speaks of never having seen the new building, she must have been away from town for a number of months - and she does sound quite homesick. How anyone, in the midst of a relief operation and with a thousand calls on her attention, could relax enough to sit down and write such a letter is a mystery;but one can see from this and from her immediate and appreciative response to the greeting of Mr. Bradley as a former Dansvillian that she did have very close ties with the village. Some managers of big enterprises grow so tense and almost fanatical in prosecuting their work that they lose the perspective that apparently Miss Barton was able to keep. The picture she draws of the group in the cabin, settling down after a busy day while she told the history of the little purple necktie, is a delightful one. What a storyteller she must have been! One can't help feeling cheated not to know what the war history of that bit of haberdashery could have been. We also have a clipping, which I came across recently in reorganizing some files, that was a United Press dispatch from Washington on May 16, 1940, telling how WPA research workers, looking up data for use in a celebration of the 150th birthday of the patent system, came across interesting records about Miss Barton's service in the Miss Saidee F. Riccius -2- August 12, 1945 Patent Office. The story ran about eleven inches in type. It is likely that you have it, if you make a point of collecting data on your grand-aunt, but if you did not happen to see it, I shall be glad to have a copy made and sent to you. You will be interested to know that the chapter now has, for the first time, an executive secretary, a local woman who, we feel, has excellent qualifications for the work. Area Headquarters, through the field representative, has been urging us to employ someone in this capacity. Now we can keep our headquarters open regularly. Mrs Woodworth, the secretary, will take over much of the Home Service work, which is pretty heavy these days. Our Production Committee, which has had a very devoted chairman, has done a grand job. How glad Miss Barton would be that the chapter named for her has been carrying on the early tradition in the present war. The 1945 War Fund was oversubscribed here by more than 20 per cent, the branches doing their full share and more. Sincerely, William D. Conklin Publicity ChairmanIOC367 Norcross New York U.S.A. So sorry you're sick[*1945*] Oct 21 / 40 So sorry you are on the sick bed. Even had you not told me. I would have known after reading your letter. That you were up against it. I will try Sunday to send you some advance sheets of coming book. Sincerely yours, R. D. Hill Here's hoping this note will find you well on the way to Recovery RayClara Barton Chapter No. 1 American Red Cross Dansville, N.Y. October 24, 1945 Dear Miss Riccius: I am enclosing a copy of a radio script which will probably be of interest to you -- John Nesbitt's story-hour talk on Clara Barton, given on the Westinghouse program, Sunday afternoon, September 2 last. I did not hear the broadcast, but afterwards a friend told me that Mr. Nesbitt had talked on Miss Barton (as an interlude in the program which features John Charles Thomas and the Westinghouse Orchestra), and naturally I was curious to know what had been said. Since receiving two copies of the script -- I had asked for an extra one to send you -- I have been trying to check the reference to the Canadian Red Cross in relation to the Michigan Forest Fires of 1881. What with Community Chest publicity and other things demanding attention, I have only just been over all the Red Cross and Barton Books we have in our Public Library, and I find nothing whatever substantiating this statement, which I have marked on page 4. I have enjoyed some of Nesbitt's "stories," but this one was a great disappointment not wholly, I hope, because Dansville was not mentioned: Perhaps there are other statements that you would be in a better position to criticize than I. It seemed very far-fetched, for example, to speak of Miss Barton as "this dying woman" who for thirteen years fought, etc. The tie-in of the story with the medical profession and (of course) Westinghouse was much less skillful than some of the applications in similar stories. Naturally, a radio storyteller must dramatize his subject to hold attention, but he should not give wring impressions or permit a false emphasis. If you do think that the subject matter is definitely erroneous in any respect, I think it would be entirely suitable for you to write the "sponsors" and call attention to the errors, explaining why you are qualified to speak with authority. I received copies of the script from: Margaret Matis, Public Relations Department Westinghouse Electric Corporation 306 Fourth Avenue, P. O. Box 1017 Pittsburgh 30, Pa. I should be interested to know what your impression is. It is fine to have Clara Barton's name kept before the public in such ways, but it is unfortunate that those responsible do not always use the best source material. Sincerely, Wm D. Conklin William D. Conklin Public Information Chairman "CLARA BARTON" as told by JOHN NESBITT onf the WESTINGHOUSE PROGRAM September 2, 19451 Once upon a time the women of America wore seven underskirts, they used twelve yards of crinoline to make a single dress, and in a very lady-like manner they would faint when you winked at them... but in the dark days of our Civil War a prim, middle-aged spinster schoolmarm whose name was CLARA BARTON once stood watching a trainload of soldiers being returned to Washington. They were the wounded. White-faced, by the thousands these men were poured into the base hospitals.. and by the thousands they were poured out again... but now the faces were covered. The death rate in our best Civil War hospitals was about like that in a Nazi concentration camp. There were simply not enough doctors at the front lines to give adequate aid. A few women those days were allowed to serve as nurses in the base hospitals far behind the lines where it was safe... but they were never permitted at the front. War, like everything else - was especially for men! And for most women, that was the answer: there is nothing you can do about it! You must be a lady! But the one in a million was this schoolmarm: "I believe I'm going to do something!" so said Clara Barton. 2 September seventeenth, 1862...ANTIETAM!... one of the bloodiest battles in all the sad history of our world. Two thousand men of the Union Army alone were killed in that single day! And over acres and acres of ground strewn with stable straw, in endless lines lay the wounded... ten thousand of them from one day's fighting. No hospitals, no beds, no blankets. Almost no food, no medicine, or drugs to dull their pain. And in an abandoned farmhouse a surgeon, white with exhaustion, labors in the flickering light of a four-inch stub of candle. Beside his operating table he has a pile of green corn husks; they are the only bandages he has. Corn husks. Suddenly behind him there sounds a sure, firm voice... "Do you need help, doctor?" He turns... a women! "My name's Barton," she says. "It's Clara Barton." The surgeon simply stares at her. "Well, however you got here... thank God for you. Yes, please, get to work!" .... And to this day the Union Army records do not state clearly how Clara Barton as a woman ever succeeded in getting military passes up to the front lines... but from that moment on, in every great battle... Fredericksburg, Charleston, Richmond... wherever men saw other men drop in agony, they also was this pale, bronw-haired, courageous woman going about her work of helping them.3 The ice was broken, other women followed her to the battlefields... a Department of Army Nurses was formed... and when the war had ended, we at last decided to thank her. But we couldn't find her. For Clara Barton has disappeared. .... In distant Switzerland, a man named Dr. Louis Appia stepped quietly into a sickroom of a sanitarium and in his hand the doctor held a small red and white pin... which he gave to the patient who lay in the bed. The patient was a woman.. pale and bright-eyed from fever and nervous prostration. Clara Barton. For weeks she had not even been able to sit up in bad... that was the cost of working too hard for others. Twenty-two of the world's great nations, said the doctor have joined together to form an international organization of doctors and nurses to bring speedy aid to the injured and suffering in all disasters... peacetime or wartime... wherever on the earth catastrophe might strike. "And you know," he said, "only one great nation has refused to join... and that nation is your United States!" And the pin that Clara Barton now held in her hand, she saw in the shape of a Red cross. And the sick woman sat up... and she smiled... "Doctor, maybe the medicine I need is more work to do!" 4 And for thirteen years, this dying woman fought the bitterest and most merciless battle of all... which is always the battle that you face when you attempt to put over a new idea. To get our country to join the International Red Cross. But we are a curious people, aren't we .... all our traditions are against signing agreements abroad -- and yet we are always willing to dig down and help if they are in trouble ... and we did stubbornly refuse the Red Cross. On the morning of August the thirty-first, 1881, the U.S. weatherman at Port Huron, Michigan, looked down at his hydrograph ... that's an instrument that registers the dryness of the air ... and it showed a reading of less than ten ... the air was drier than it had been within living memory. Two days later, one million acres of Michigan forest was ablaze ... one hundred sixty-nine human beings were dead ... thousands were horribly burned and homeless. And yet, because of a single telegram that was sent during that fire, a miracle occured. That telegram was sent by Clara BArton, who again rose from a sickbed to send it. It was delivered to the International Red cross chapter in Canada ... which had joined the organization. And Canada responded at once ... she sent us doctors and nurses and food and medicine down to big hard-to-convince America. And of course it woke us up. If another nation would befriend us in our time of need, then, by golly, we in return would help them. ?5 On March Twenty-sixth, 1882, our Senate ratified the Red Cross treaty ... fifteen years of Clara Barton's work ended at last. And the greatest organization in the world dedicated to fight disaster, had come to our country! ... And in the lifetime that all this was happening, we have also seen a related miracle slowly developing - a practical one which is the application of electricity to the ancient art of healing. Without electricity the Medical Profession would be thrown back generations. Few operations, of course are undertaken without first using the X-ray. But the surgeon also depends upon special electrical equipment to examine the eyes and ears and nose and throat - and even the interior of the body the doctor can now see with the aid of a tiny electric bulb which is no bigger than a grain of wheat. Electricity sterilizes the surgeon's instrument ... and it even draws him a picture of a beating heart. And imagine performing an operation by old-fashioned kerosine lamps or candles! Through the years, the closest cooperation has existed between our MEN OF WESTINGHOUSE and the Medical Profession, which has looked to WESTINGHOUSE for the technical help in the application of electricity to surgery and healing. 6 And one of the happiest results of this association has been a remarkable advance in the use of the X-ray, culminating in one of the true medical boons to come out of this war. This instruments is called the Bi-plane Marker, it was developed by WESTINGHOUSE X-ray scientists collaborating with army surgeons. It is so portable and compact that it can be used at front-line hospitals, this X-ray locates shell fragments in a matter of seconds ... and it even draws an iodine line to guide the surgeon. And even in the home, electricity fights for health and cleanliness and better living. abundant light and hot water ... even laundry equipment such as the WESTINGHOUSE Laundromat ... electrical cooking to retain vitamin content ... Home Freezers and refrigeration for improved diet ... these contributions of electrical living actually do have a very real meaning in their total effect upon the Nation's health. The people of Clara Barton's time would undoubtedly find today a new and very much cleaner America - a nation much stronger of body and perhaps of heart ... for we are now sympathetic to suffering ... and mindful of our Human resources. For wherever there is misery of disaster, the vast organization for her founding raises its flag, the proud flag of the Red Cross. She gave to a man's world a new idea: that a woman, having give man his life in the beginning, fights the hardest of all to keep that life in him to the very end. Clara Barton was childless, she was lonely, stern, and yet she was one of the great souls of ... time's Passing ... Parade!**************** This material is sent to you at your request, but owing to legal copyright restrictions it is necessary that it be limited to your own personal use only. This material may not be reprinted, recorded, rebroadcast, or given any publis performance whatsoever, whithout the express written permission of its owner - John B. Nesbitt ) M.G.M. - Culver City, California. *************** The Westinghouse Program, with John Charles Thomas, John Nesbitt, and the Westinghouse orchestra and chorus is presented over the Red Network of the National Broadcasting Company each Sunday at the following times: 2:30 P.M., E.W.T 1:30 P.M., C.W.T 12:30 P.M., M.W.T 11:30 A.M., P.W.T October 30, 1945. Dear Mr. Conklin:- I am sorry to be so slow in answering your kind letter regarding the Nesbitt broadcast in September, which I did not hear, and your letter with the script was my first knowledge of it. I am astounded as you are at Mr. Nesbitt's statement regarding a telegram sent by Clara Barton to the International Red Cross in Canada for aid in the Michigan Forest Fires. All her International Red Cross correspondence at that time was directed to Geneva, Dr. Moynier. Certainly I have never heard to nor seen such a telegram, and I have searched thoroughly through the 1881 records, diaries and old scratch books in which my Grand Aunt kept rough drafts of all letters and telegrams of that early period in Red Cross history. I find much of the forming of the first chapter at Dansville and their immediate work in the relief of stricken Michigan, but no mention anywhere of a call for relief from Canada, or of receiving any. I have also been through all my Red Cross books and pamphlets where Dansville is always credited with this relief work splendidly done. Surely had Canadian relief been given Clara Barton would not have failed to make mention of it in her official History of the American Red Cross published a short time later and reprinted and revised in 18902 I spent the morning at the library searching for early Canadian Red Cross history, but without success. As chairman of Red cross Public Information in Dansville why wouldn't it be a good idea to write the Canadian Red Cross and ask if they have any record of such a telegram of relief sent at that time. I have no idea where Nesbitt got his source material, but I feel he has made a mistake. It has been my experience that writers resent corrections offered by the family even tho you prove your point. You, as chairman of public information of this Red Cross may rate more attention. It just occurs to me that the New York Red Cross Headquarters on Lexington Avenue, New York City have a most complete Red Cross Library collected by Miss Nellis Oppenheim, and I believe they told me it also included a complete history of New York State Relief fields. As I searched through my records I found a couple of old letters of which I am sending you copies thinking you might like them for your Chapter files. Cordially yours, Akbum of American History A co-operative work to be published by Charles Scribner's sons Editor in Chief James Truslow Adams Associate Editor Thomas Robson Hay Managing Editor R. V. Coleman Art Director Atkinson Dymock 597 Fifth Avenue New York November 13, 1945 Miss S. F. Riccius c/o Museum of the City of New York Fifth Avenue & 104th Street New York City My dear Miss Riccius: Miss Grace M. Meyer, prints curator of the Museum of the City of New York, has told me about a copy of the appeal issued in 1881 by the Dansville, N.Y. branch of the Red Cross which you possess. We are eager to get material which will ilustrate the beginnings of the Red Cross for use in the forthcoming Volume III of the Album of American History. Would you be willing to let us have a reproduction of this appeal, together with permission to use it in the Album? We are always pleased to give credit for any material which appears in the Album. If you would be willing, either a photograph or a negative photostat would be satisfactory for our purpose, and we are, of course, glad to pay the cost of having it made. Sincerely yours, Lara Retting White Lara Retting White6 November 15, 1945. Album of American History, 597 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. My dear Miss White:- Miss Mayer has kindly forwarded your letter to me in reference to the appeal issued by the first Red Cross Chapter in Dansville, New York in 1881. I am very happy indeed to loan you this courgageous little pioneer broadside for uss in the coming Vol. III of tha Album of American History. Will you be good enough to see that it is handled with the greatest care and safely returned to me when your photostat is completed? Cordially yours, Album of American History A co-operative work to be published by Charles Scribner's sons Editor in Chief James Truslow Adams Associate Editor Thomas Robson Hay Managing Editor R. V. Coleman Art Director Atkinson Dymock 597 Fifth Avenue New York November 19, 1945 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester 2 Massachusetts My dear Miss Riccius: You were indeed kind to send us - and so promptly - the 1881 appeal broadside of the Dansville Chapter. It will serve splendidly as an illustration in our story of the beginnings of the American Red Cross. In handling the droadside to our photographer, I asked him to handle it with extreme care, and you may be assured that it will be returned to you in the same cindotion in which we received it. I hope to be able to return it to you withing a few days. We very much appreciate your generosity in letting us reproduce this appeal in the Album. Sincerely yours, Laura Retting White Laura Retting WhiteALBUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY A CO-OPERATIVE WORK TO BE PUBLISHED BY CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS Editor in Chief - JAMES TRUSLOW ADAMS Associate Editor - THOMAS ROBSON HAY Managing Editor - R. V. COLEMAN Art Director - ATKINSON DYMOCK 597 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK November 20, 1945 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester - 2 Massachusetts Dear Miss Riccius: The photographer has just returned your 1881 broadside which will be mailed to you tomorrow. Again, many thanks for letting us reproduce it in the Album. Sincerely yours, Laura Retting White Receipt Ack Nov. 23 / 45 SR 1430 Stuyvesant Ave. Trenton 8, N. J. November 25, 1945 My Dear Miss Riccius: In going through my father's personal papers I came upon your address. Inasmuch as you probably do not know of Father's passing I am sending you this note. He had a slight heart condition which became aggravated during this past winter. He was very active and I am afraid that he rather overdid his strength. He passed away on March sixteenth the day after he came to visit me. I feel his loss deeply. Sincerely, Mary Wood Mrs. Charles F. Wood (Mary C.)Photo by Raw RAY D. HILL Clara Barton Chapter No. 1 American Red Cross Dansville, N.Y. March 16, 1946 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester, Massachusetts Dear Miss Riccius: It occurred to the members of the executive committee of the chapter that it would be appropriate, and an evidence of gratitude for your interest and kindnesses over a period of years, if we were to elect your an honorary member of the chapter. This was done at the last meeting, on Thursday of this week. Similar action was taken regarding Mrs. Butler. Since both of you are grandnieces of Clara Barton, and have a continuing interest in her not only as a personality but as the founder of the American Red Cross, we hope that it will be a source of satisfaction to you to have this further tie with Dansville and with the first local society, which was established in 1881 with Miss Barton's aid and which was intended by the organizers to be evidence of their confidence in her and their admiration for her spirit and her achievements. Sincerely yours Wm D. Conklin WDConklin Chairman, Public Information (A tear sheet which you may like to have is enclosed.)AMERICAN RED CROSS NEW HAVEN CHAPTER HOME SERVICE SECTION (61 Division St. 265 CHURCH STREET New Haven, Conn.) NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT March 18, 1946 Dear Miss Riccius, As I have been at the Red Cross office this evening as a volunteer in the Home Service, I happened to receive a telegram stating that the Red Cross flag was to be lowered at half-mast for five days for Miss Boardman. I cannot think of anyone I would rather see a flag at half mast for. As one of my Red Cross friends aptly put it: "Hurrah! The old witch is dead!" Now that "happy days" are here, - (we hope!) whenever you decide the time is right to place some of Clara Barton's papers at the Red Cross Headquarters in Washington, please let us know and we can send down the few letters that we have from Clara Barton to our grandfather (Joseph Sheldon). Of course we do not want to send them down, if they are going to be discarded at the other end. I have thought of you so often and wondered how you were. I shall never forget the marvelous time we had at the Birthplace a few years ago with you. Very sincerely, Frances Bolton To the Executive Committee, Clara Barton Chapter No. 1 American Red Cross Dansville, N.Y. My dear friends:- Mr. Conklin, your chairman, has graciously informed me of your action in electing me an honorary member of your chapter. I am deeply appreciative of such an honor, and beg you to accept not only my thanks, but the assurance that I shall always treasure this tie with the first gallant little Red Cross Society of Dansville, N.Y. founded by my grand aunt in 1881. May I take this opportunity also of thanking you for your great kindness and thoughtfulness in keeping me informed in matters pertaining to your chapter, in which I am always intensely interested. Most sincerely, Saidee F. Riccius March 20, 1946.CLARA BARTON CHAPTER NO. 1 AMERICAN RED CROSS DANSVILLE, N.Y. March 24, 19464 Dear Miss Riccius: It was most kind of you to think of sending us a check to swell out 1946 Red Cross Fund, but knowing that your membership (actively) is in Worcester it had not occurred to us that you would feel at all responsible for our financial success. However, I am sure that the Executive Committee will deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness.. Indeed, you have shown your interest so often and been such a valuable source of information, that we are definitely in your debt. The letter for the Executive Committee I have handed to Mr. Herbert Ellinwood, who was elected chapter chairman in January. Mr. Plough, who headed the chapter through most of the war period, felt that he could not continue, since his business responsibilities are greatly increased by the illness of two officers in his firm. I, of course, am merely public information chairman, but it has fallen to me to handle more or less of the correspondence; and since I was partly responsible for inducing Mr. Plough to become chairman of the chapter, we have often conferred. Since you are glad to have clippings, I will send them to you occasionally. It will not be expected that you will acknowledge them, or feel obliged to keep any that are of only passing interest. Sincerely yours, William D. Conklin Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester 2, Mass. Worcester Apr 16 7:30 1946 Mass Miss Sally F. Riccius 39 William St. Worcester, Mass. 242 Burncost St. Worcester 6 Mass. April 16 '46 Dear Sally & Herman - Perhaps you don't know it but you are very popular with one happy couple and theyThese are strenuous and happy times for the Haigle family and we already love Jean as a daughter. Isn't it wonderful that Bart can be best man? Hope to see you and tell you all the news later on. Happy Easter Rufus 4 EAST LIBERTY STREET DANSVILLE, N.Y. May 31, 1946 Dear Miss Riccius: I have just today received your note and the obituary of Mrs. Butler. They had been traveling around. Evidently some inexperienced clerk made "Davisville" out of Dansville, but how the N.Y. could have been imagined to be "R.I." is an unsolved mystery. I was saddened by the news, but not greatly surprised. When I last heard from your cousin early in March, I could see that she had been under a great strain and must have been forcing herself to keep up and do what she felt had to be done. I had known of her husband's long illness, but I had not known of his death until she wrote this spring. It was nice to have the mention of Clara Barton Chapter in the article, and we are particularly glad, now, that we took the action we did in making her one of two honorary members. We shall get an item ready for much each of the local papers here, and I will send you clippings or tear sheets. I should also like to write to Mrs. Hughes, and wonder if you would tell me where I could address her if she is remaining in Northampton. I notice that her home address is Mt. Vernon, Maine. Some years ago, Mrs. Butler wrote about the daughter coming to live in Dunedin, speaking of Mrs. Hughes's interest in the Red Cross. We had some very interesting letters from Mrs. Butler. She was certainly a brilliant woman, and must have been a very charming friend to those who knew her intimately. We were greatly touched by her remembering the chapter at the time of the annual fund campaign, even when she was burdened with personal anxiety and sorrow, to say nothing of physical fatigue. To one accustomed to having such close contacts with her surroundings, the loss of her sight must have been a dreadful affliction -- but one she evidently endured with great courage. I know you must have had a trying and very busy time, and I appreciate your thoughtfulness in sending the clipping and the note so soon after your return to Worcester. The chapter will want to express sympathy, but there will be no meeting for nearly two weeks. However, I should like to write Mrs. Hughes soon, and later there will be a more formal expression. I regret to say that out chapter chairman for three years up to last January, Mr. Plough, is in the Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, where he is having a slow recovery from a condition that required an operation. I shall be seeing him tomorrow, and if I find that it would not depress him I will mention having heard, through you, of Mrs. Butler's death. Sincerely, William D. Conklin (I think that a combination of circumstances delayed delivery of your letter in addition to its going to the wrong place - the strike and more recently a flood which washed out a bridge on the Lackawanna not far from Elmira, so that mail has had to come to us lately by a shuttle train from Buffalo.)said he wished you could attend the wedding, which is to be at 3:30 p.m. Sat. April 27, at Grace Lutheran Church, State College, Pa. so I thought I'd pass the word along. As they didn't know the details in time to get formal invitations sent out. CLARA BARTON CHAPTER NO. 1 AMERICAN RED CROSS DANSVILLE, N.Y. June 8, 1946 Dear Miss Riccius: I am enclosing some papers, etc., which I think you will wish to have. Thank you for sending me Mrs. Hughes's address. I knew that her home was in Mount Vernon, Maine, from the Northampton clipping, but I was not sure she had not stayed on in Northampton. I have written her, and sent her duplicates of this material. Just today, a letter has come from her, with another clipping. When she had so much to attend to, it was very nice of her to take the trouble to write. Sincerely yours, William D. Conklin Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester 2, Mass. Proof of a newspaper out (two photographs on one plate) made at the time of the 50th Anniversary observance of Clara Barton Chapter No. 1, American Red Cross, at Dansville, N.Y. (1931). The upper picture shows James L. Fieser, then vice-chairman and acting chairman of the American Red Cross, addressing the assemblage and using the pulpit desk at which Miss Barton stood when she spoke to a gathering in the Presbyterian Church, just prior to the organization of the first local society of the Red Cross in America. (The organization meeting was held in St. Paul's Lutheran Church.) Seated back of Mr. Fieser, among others, are Franklin D. Roosevelt, then Governor of New York, and James W. Wadsworth, Jr., former U.S. Senator and later Member of Congress from this district. In the lower picture, from left to right, are Dr. B.P. Andrews, secretary of the organization meeting in 1881; Mrs. Frank Sandford, onetime chapter chairman and mother of Miss Ruth Sandford who for many years has been director of Junior Red Cross for the Chapter; Louis H. Frankewich, then chairman of the Chapter; and Mrs. Stephen L. (Myrtis Barton) Butler of Northampton, Mass., grandniece of Clara Barton, who is presenting to the Chapter the Red Cross flag flown at the masthead of the "Joshua V. Throop," Miss Barton's relief ship during the Ohio and Mississippi River floods of 1884.The Barton Reunion Association Place - Windsor Town Hall, Windsor, Maine. Time - August 18, 1946. Picnic Lunches - Coffee furnished by Association. If unable to be present please send letter to be read. Also repost names of all Bartons who served in the war for the Honor Roll. Dues 25 cents to be paid to Treasurer. R.F.D. 3, Waterville, Maine Elsia Barton Holway Burleigh, Secretary-Treasurer CLARA BARTON CHAPTER NO.1 American Red Cross Dansville, N.Y. September 27, 1946 Dear Miss Riccius: I am sending you some chapter items that I think will be of interest. During the centennial of incorporation of the village and town (sesquicentennial of settlement), celebrated during the week of August 11-17, there were window displays throughout the downtown section, and parades in which the Red Cross participated on two nights. A picture of various workers, represeting Red Cross services, on a float that had a huge Red Cross as a center, was not particularly satisfactory, because of the lighting, but we were pleased with the resultst in the case of two floats in the Historical Parade. I am encloseing prints of these, and also a picture of the windon. The photographer found it difficult to get a shot that would de justice to the display, or even show it at all, and of course much is lost by lack of color. The heavy hangings were of dark maroon or wine-color and the flag was hng against them, not in the front of the windiw as might appear. The enlargement of an old Brady photograph of Miss Barton was in sepia; getting it made and fitted with a new mat for an old-fashioned walnut and gilt frame involved two trips to Rochester, but I guess the result justified the time and effort. The frame was borrowed, but has since been given to us. A similar walnut frame was borrowed for the card, which ought to have been brought hearer the glass when the photo was taken. The text is given in one of the clippings. The mantel of course should have been Victorian instead of colonial, but that couldn't be managed. The table, chair, and small items were all carefully selected, and the general effect was admired. I have pasted brief descriptive labels on the backs of the photos. You will perhaps like to have a copy of letter which we received from Area Headquarters after sending photographs, clippings, etc., which they had asked for when they knew we were to participate in the celebration. I don't know whether anything definite will come from the effort to make a memorial of the house on Health Street, but I shall be glad to keep you informed of later developments. Sincerely, Wm D. Conklin William D. Conklin P.S. - The article y Liss Jenks in the Rochester paper contains a few inaccuracies which I hoped I had guarded against by talking with herin advance -- but it is hard to alter people's preconceived ideas sometimes. Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester 2, Mass.This side of the card for address Oakland, Maine AUG 3 12-M 1946 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 29 Williams St. Worcester, Mass COPY AMERICAN RED CROSS North Atlantic Area 300 Fourth Avenue New York, N. Y. Zone 10 September 5, 1946 Mr. William D. Conlin Publicity Chairman Clara Barton Chapter No. 1 American Red Cross Dansville, New York Dear Mr. Conklin: Thank you for sending us proof of the magnificent publicity job which you and your chapter achieved for the Dansville Centennial celebration. Although we have not yet worked out fully how we can best use the material you have sent us, I could not resist writing you immediately to congratulate you on the thorough and good job you did. The pictures are fine and I am sure we will find good use for least two of them in connection with display ideas for other chapters. It is laso possible that the editor of FYI may wish to use one of them. As for the press releases and the description of your publicity plans, these should prove a good example for other P. I. chairmen. Thank you again for sending us this visual presentation of your publicity campaign and please extend our congratulations to the other members of your historic chapter who participated in plans for the celebration. Sincerely yours, /s/ Abbie L. Gottlieb, for Herbert V. Carman, Jr. Director Public Information Service cc: Exec. Secty.Dear Mr. Conklin:- I am simply thrilled with those beautiful pictures and all the interesting clippings you so thoughtfully sent me. What a tremendous lot of time, thought and effort you and the other Chapter members put into that two day celebration. Being a member of Clara Barton Chapter of the Red Cross, I feel a bit of a slacker not to have shared some of the work. Those floats and the window display are works of art,- historical settings, costumes and the kind friends who held those difficult poses. My brother and I are particularly impressed with the picture representing my Grand Aunt addressing the people in St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Mrs. Ellinwood truly looks like the well known picture is charming of Major Bunnell receiving the funds for the aid of stricken Michigan, with the two girls packing relief boces marked with the first official Red Cross. The window display is excellent too. I know from experience how hard it is to get satisfactory pictures through glass and with lights. I can never adequately express my gratitude to you for the care, thought and time you most generously spend on all that interesting publicity. You are always so kind in sending me all the material so vital for my files. In 1944 the American Weekly published a full page poster by the artist Ray Prohasha depicting Cara Barton receiving the little book "Un Souvenir de Solferine" from Dr. Appia. I immediately wrote the publishers hoping I might be able to purchase the original, but it seemed the National Red Cross had already bought the picture. They most generously sent me two beautiful enlarged copies. I am having one framed and sent to you direct from the workshop to be presented to the Clara Barton Chapter. Heaven alone knows when you will receive it, but I hope before too long. I shall be interested to learn of any new developments regarding the Health Street House. With many thanks, Cordially yours, October 1st, 1946. Mr. William D. Conklin, Clara Barton Chapter, American Red Cross, Dansville, N.Y.Clara Barton Chapter No. 1 American Red Cross Dansville, N.Y. October 24, 1946 Dear Miss Riccius: The picture of which you wrote in your letter of October 1 has arrived, and we are greatly pleased with it. It was delivered at the chapter office, which was perfectly all right, but after Mrs. Woodworth, the executive secretary, phoned me that it had come I was a little slow in getting down to open the crate. The framers had packed the picture very carefully, and it traveled well. It was most kind and thoughtful of you to send it to us, and particularly to have it framed with glass on two sides, so that the explanatory text would be preserved. It will, of course, be on view at the next chapter meeting, which comes November 14, and I am sure that after that you will receive further acknowledgment -- from the chapter secretary, Mrs. Hatch. It was nice to know that you were pleased with the photographs, clippings, etc. The Centennial actually lasted through an entire week, but the parades in which the chapter participated came on two days -- or evenings. The window displays were ready, most of them, at least a week in advance, and so people had a good chance to examine the exhibits at their leisure. We thought you would like to have a copy of the North Atlantic area's "fyi" issue for October, in which one of our pictures was reproduced. We sent very detailed text, but there are one or two slight errors in what has been written to accompany the picture. The pulpit, actually, was from the Presbyterian Church, and was used at the preliminary meeting, but this does not particularly matter. I was sorry, when I saw how much emphasis the editor thought it worth while to give to the Library exhibit, that I had not emphasized that more in local papers. The exhibit at the Library, however, was not exclusively Red Cross, by any means, but contained a number a number of other items, in a showcase and on shelves, and at the time it seemed rather discriminatory to single out the Red Cross items for mention. It seemed as if you would be particularly interested, because your "other" chapter, Worcester, heads the list of mentioned activities. We too had noticed what an ideal Clara Barton was vouchsafed us in Mrs. Ellinwood, but we were pleased that you were impressed by the resemblance. The matter of the Health Street house turned out to be rather a comedy of errors. The visitor who was so sure that he could interest some of his clients, proceeded to place the matter before two companies that still use a red cross -- or have until recently -- in connection with their products; and of course the American Red Cross has been using every means possible to persuade and compel them to desist. If we had dreamed Miss Saidee F. Riccius -2- October 24, 1946 what the man had in mind, we should have told him immediately what the situation is, and convinced him that his efforts would be misdirected. To tell the truth, however, the chapter is more interested in finding and adequate place of operations, where all services can be housed under one roof, than in sponsoring something in the nature of a "shrine," though of course it would be fine if the Health Street house could be preserved, suitably furnished, and its maintenance assured. At present, we can't consider classes in home nursing training, because we have no place to hold them. Our production corps is in one building; the chapter office and home service in another. But at least we are fortunate in now having high rent to pay and in having central locations. Cordially yours, Wm D. Conklin William D. Conklin Publicity Chairman Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester 2, Mass.52 Essex Street Salem, Massachusetts Stephen Daniel House -1682- Salem, Massachusetts November 21, 1946 Dear Miss Riccius: I am sending you this clipping from a recent issue of the Salem Evening News. This, I understand, is where your people lived. I remember the store there; the paper calls it a 'grocery' store. Well, it was, but such a store; minted, wonderful to smell when one went in - and grand things to buy. My people used to go there and oftentimes sent me; we bought our tea there; real tea. If the house were there now, I could see it across our Commons from my rear window- This was the home of Sarah Barton's, daughter of Wm. Barton; was she an actress? I think so, very fine looking, then there was Mary, an artist; she was a student at Boston Art Museum (Copley Square then) and I used to go back and forth to Boston at the farm, a student at M. I. T. School of Design. She was very tall, very stylish, and so pleasant. I really loved her. I feel sure that this was the branch of the Clara Barton arm of the family - what a pity that old house was taken down. It was on a lot of land between two streets and faced on the Commons. You canbe the [days?] to the chapter with a small customer arriving I have sent the "negative" to 16 Beacon St. that is a lovely picture and I am going to keep my copy here - it can be sent on later. I have parted with my treasures so much in the past! I have a new hearing aid the "Beltone". I can hear a little better with it and it is not killing me with the awful weight of the heavy batteries and the [tangs?] of wires. I am just beginning to use it, and one must get accustomed to these contraptions. It is attached to my body with a kind of harness, very simple and very nice looking - just one unit, one piece. I hope to get along without so much trouble. I prefer to stay at home but I am getting so behindhand that I have emerged lately. I am feeling very well now, just troubled and embarrassed. As my Chinese protege said to me the other day "I am embarrassing". I know what he meant. What embarrassed him was the fact that his parents had signed him up (in China) to be married and now sending the girl over here without consulting him, just notifying him. He didn't know when she would arrive. My best to you and your brother, Sincerely, Marietta B. Wilkins *This copy sent to Miss Saidee Riccius* Rochester, N.Y. October, 31-1943 Miss. Jane H. Kelty. 600 Benson Street. Camden New Jersey. My dear Miss. Kelty:- In reply to your letter dated October 25th. Regarding my furnishing you with matter concerning my friend Clara Barton as a school teacher at Bordentown New Jersey. We will go back to Clara Barton, childhood. She had two sisters and two brothers. Clara Barton was the last child in her family and there was ten years difference between her age and proceeding junior member of the family. Result she had no playmates around her own age. Both older sisters were school teachers. They never talked baby talk to little Clara. But did their best to educate her. So at the age of only three she could spell and read words of three syllables. At the age of five one of her brothers taught her to ride a horse and bear back at that. She was a very timid child but while on horseback she was absolutely without fear and her wild and reckless riding was the wonderment of the neighborhood. She soon got so she could saddle and bridle the horse to perfection. All this training stood her in good. During her service while in the United States Army during the Civil War as it enabled her to escape on a troopers horse to avoid capture. At age of twelve her brother David fell off the roof of the barn and Clara Barton nursed him for two years. Se was a born nurse and David wanted no one about him but her. At age of fifteen she put up her hair lengthen her skirts and was a full fledged school teacher with forty five pupils. She taught school in Massachusetts for eighteen years. Then she moved alone to Bordentown New Jersey where she heard there was no public schools. In those days mostly all schools were private affairs. Many educated housewives taught school in their own homes, took pupils for as low as twenty five cents a week. Result public schools were considered pauper schools and no one wanted to go to them. This was true of all New Jersey towns of the period. Clara Barton looked around the town talked with four street urchins. Found they wanted to go to school but had no money or clothes. Clara Barton went to the Bordentown Village Trustees told them she wanted to open a public school. They turned her down flat and as if no one would attend been tried before and never worked. Then Clara Barton put the matter squarely up to the Village Trustees and said give me a building and I will find the students what is more I will teach three months for nothing. Trustees agreed and soon as Miss Barton got possession of the building. She hunted up the four boys and started school with them. At recess time she played ball, Tag, Horse shoe pitching, etc. That advertised the school. It grew fast and Clara Barton had to 2 send to her home team for a Miss. Frances Childs to come and be Assistant Teacher. Still the school grew and over a hundred pupils. A brand new building was given for the growing school. But now the politicians took a hand and demanded a school of that size should have a man principal. After a woman had done all the work, and built up the school. It was this unfair dealing that caused Clara Barton in later life to become an associate of Susan B. Anthony and a charter member of Womens Suffrage. While in Bordentown Clara Barton told the writer of this letter she came very near settling down in Bordentown. Had she done so I am quite sure some of her descendants would be Bordentowners to day. But in that case there would be no Clara Barton School and he world would have lost an outstanding figure. Clara Barton resigned her Bordentown School. In many years later she nursed many of her former Bordentown boys on the battlefields during the Civil War. The story so far is exactly as told to the write by Miss. Barton herself and is written from memory after being told over fifty two years ago. The original Bordentown school building is still standing and was purchased by the pennys raised by the New Jersey School Children. The building was restored as it was as it looked when Clara Barton opened the school for instruction. The Chair and desk used by her was donated by Bordentown people who purchased the furniture when school was moved to larger quarters. The little building is visited yearly by many people and is regarded by Bordentown folks as a shrine. I am enclosing with other photographs sent to you by parcel post. A post card of the little school. A photographic copy of a letter Clara Barton sent me way back in 1893 thanking me for a dog I gave her. Also picture of the dogs sire. And best of all a photograph of Clara Barton by Brady. Note the mouth about to break into a smile that was characteristic of her. Should you desire further information I refer you to two good books. Life of Clara Barton by William E. Barton. Life of Clara Barton by Rev. Percy Epler. The writer trusts this letter will give you the information you were seeking. The photographs enclosed in separate package are for you with my compliments and are part of my coming book on Clara Barton and Red Cross History. Sincerely yours, Ray D. Hill 52 years in Red Cross Service Copy this letter to Mr. Oberhelser and Miss Saidee Riccius. R.D.H. Rochester, N.Y. Saturday February 20-1943. Miss. Saidee F. Riccius 39. William Street. Worcester, Mass. Dear Friend:- Years ago I recall that you wrote and asked me. When, how and where did I meet your great aunt, Clara Barton. I told you at the time. Lately many people have asked me same question. So I wrote off the inclosure. Which I think will interest you. By the way in Williams book Clara Barton, I notice a photograph supposed to be Clara Barton as she looked when Dr. Hubbell first met her. While I was in Washington I had the run of Miss. Bartons home and I do not recall seeing such a photograph. Can you inform me. If the above photograph is an authentic photograph? I received many very many Christmas cards and I greatly appreciate receiving your card. I like it best of all. Always your friend, /s/ Ray D. Hill Ray D. Hill 98. Plymouth Ave. So. Rochester, New York. P.S. Inclosed two small yearly calendars. Nice to have in your shopping bag. [*Don't believe book ever written. S.F.R.*] Rochester New York Oct 10/43 98 Plymouth Ave So. My dear Saidee:- I am busy writing a book about your Great Aunt Clara Barton. It will be far different from any books on the market. More like the Readers Digest every chapter complete in itself and independent of any other chapter. Mostly stories direct from Clara Barton to the writer. I have spent two years getting the book ready and now about ready for the publisher. I was wondering just how I could inject a Clara Barton hand written letter into the book to make it more interesting. I gave three years after I left Washington a fine Saint Bernard pup to your famous Great Aunt. and I had the letter she sent me thanking me for the pup. I had a good picture of the pups sire and had the same photographed and I will use the dogs photograph for one page Clara Barton's letter following page. I also have a photograph of Clara Bartons death mask Which will follow my article on Clara Barton's retirement from the American Red Cross. A Rochester Newspaper editor who heard I was writing a book Took trouble to look me up and volunteered to help me any way he could and get the book published. He must think I have something. In my talks many of my hearers told me I should write a book exactly as I talked, But I never got interested until last few years. There are over Eight thousand Red Cross Chapters in the United States and I figure half of the chapter or even more will purchase a copy. That would make three or four thousand sales to start with. To say nothing of thousands of Red Cross workers who are good possible buyers. Always your friend, /s/ Ray D. Hill Ray D. Hill 3 inc Photos. Rochester, N.Y. Sunday Oct 31/43 My dear Saidee:- How is the little sick girl to day. I sure do hope she is better. A Miss Kelty wrote me short letter telling me Mr. Oberhelser at Bordentown advised her to get in touch with me for certain information she wanted regarding Clara Barton as a teacher. I wrote the inclose to help her out. She (Miss Kelty) Is a school teacher and member of Delta Kappa Gamma (National Honorary Educational Fraternity) and are planning to publish a book concerning famous pioneer women in education. She has to report Nov 13 at a banquet Hotel New Yorker New York City. I dashed off in a hurry the story for her and thinking you might be interested I am sending you a carbon copy. I am also enclosing you A Clara Barton Story. It will be printed as it is except I will leave off my name at end. I also inclose one of the first letters (Photograph) I Received from your Great Aunt. That letter will be my opening chapter followed What happened after I reached Washington. I sent you long ago that story how I met Clara Barton, etc. One School Superintendent writes me he will want copies for his school library and also the town library of which he is president. Many school teachers who seen parts of my book all told me it should be in all public schools for the children to read. I think New Jersey will order for all New Jersey schools. I have a commission to write a good Henri Dunant Chapter in my book by The government of Switzerland via Swiss Legation at Washington, D.C. Seems a Martin Gumpert who wrote Dunant The Story of the Red Cross possibly you read it. In that book Gumpert makes Dunants last days a beggar in the streets of Paris and also when he died he did so in the poor house all of which is not true. I have been given much material on the subject and its all backed up in proper manor Dunant did die but not in a poorhouse Was in a hospital in Switzerland, Nor was he stranded for cash. He received the first Nobel prize. Also the Swiss government remembered him with the Bonet-Fendt Foundation also the Dowager Empress Feodererovna of Russia gave him a yearly pension of 4000 Francs. So it dont look like the book Gumpert wrote. I will use my best efforts to get the National Library Asso to take steps to remove Gumpert's book from all Public Librarys, and I will try get the American Red Cross to sent out in their monthly letter to all chapters calling attention to the misrepresentations. As mostly Red Cr chapters and workers probably read the book and should be at right. I know that is what Clara Barton would have done were she still living. Sincerely yours, /s/ R D Hill Ray D. Hill.Unusual Pitch to Barton House Roof The Old Barton House The picture, which was taken many years ago, is labeled "The old Barton house." So it must be of some antiquity, though not of as much antiquity as the Witch house, the Pickering house, or the Narbonne house. This "Old Barton house," which was at the corner of Washington square and Williams street sheltered generations of old Salem families. The Bartons were here for centuries. Elders well remember Webb Barton, Gardner Barton and other Bartons. Mary, widow of William Barton, lived in the house in the nineties. The picture is offered to readers of today as a specimen of the comfortable dwellings of wood that were built by carpenters of old Salem, and occupied and cared for by generations of the families who owned them. The house had a view of the common before it. Beside it stood the Col. Peabody house, a mansion of brick, which is now the home for aged men. The sun shone bright on this house, and armed and cheered it in winter, while in summer, blinds and vines shut out the heat rays of the sun. An old-fashioned fence marked the dividing line between the garden and the sidewalk. The peaks of the roof may catch the attention of architects, for they are of a different pitch. The sharp-pitched roof has something of the lines of the roof of the Witch house. The "old Barton house" vanished some years ago and on its site a new- type house was built. Cape Porpoise point (Arendal) Edward Barton - Salem & Marblehead, Mass., Portsmouth N.H. & Cape Porpoise, Me (Kennebunkport) Elizabeth? Owned land & house in Salem 1640 which he [sold] later exchanged for a house & lands at Marblehead at Portsmouth, N. H. - (Little Harbor on Piscataqua 1652-3 Served as trial juryman 1650 grand juryman 1656 - & carenius juryman 1657 - Took oath of fidelity to Mass Bay Gov at Exeter, N. H. 1657 1666 Edward moved from Portsmouth to Cape Porpoise in a house he built on Montaquas Neck. bounded by Cape Porpoise River. the sea. & Montagua River. A bathing house built later+ family lived there intil [driven?] out by Indins about 1686). Pply sold by Edwalls [Edwards?] son Matthew - in 1729 Sons of Edward Matthew b 1640 William b Cape Porpous ? Elisha Edward Benjamin Joshua Matthew b 1640 - d after 1729 of Salem Portsmouth NH + Cape Porpouse. Was shipwright. marinar For many years divided his time between Salem + Cape Porpoise Me (He + his wife Martha lived in a dwelling house (+ 1/4 acre of land) by So. Harbor, Salem sold ppty in 1668 In 1683 Matthew bot from est of Richard Simmons of Salem a house + 1/6 acre of land + in 1686 a small piece of land adjoining + he evidently possessed [all??] land in Salem children Samuel b at Salem abt 1664 -prob [all??] [dutch?] by [Maile?] his 1st wife [He ???? was] Matthew married 3 times + 11 children of his known + probably [all???] by 1st wife. Dr. John Barton of Salem in 1672. Lived at Marblehead first & then Salem 1676. CLARA BARTON CHAPTER NO. 1 AMERICAN RED CROSS DANSVILLE, N.Y. December 6, 1946 Dear Miss Riccius: I am afraid it was at least partly my fault that you did not get a letter promptly from the secretary, Mrs. Hatch, after the last meeting. I had to substitute for her in taking the minutes, and did not remember, afterward, that I ought to phone her regarding the matter. I was just about to get in touch with her when she asked me for your address. You may like to have the enclosed clippings. It just happened that Mr. Stackel's picture was next to the Red Cross story, and in view of the fact that he was a former chairman I did not cut it off. He now has a church in Rochester. In the story on the Owen Company officers there is a paragraph containing a reference to Mr. Plough's services to the chapter. Since I was partly responsible for persuading him to take the chairmanship, I am particularly glad that the three years were such successful ones. He was very ill last spring, but is able to be at the plant regularly now. I have been with the Owen Company for a number of years, doing editorial work mostly. Sincerely yours, /s/ W. D. Conklin William D. Conklin Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester 2, Mass.[*acknowledgment + thanks for "The Little Book" by Dunant" sent Dec 1945.*] W.D. Conklin Clara Barton Chapter No. 1 American Red Cross Dansville, N.Y. Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester 2, Mass. Worcester Telegram, Franklin Street, Worcester, 8, Mass. Dear sirs:- In your morning and evening papers you have featured a very interesting poster of Clara Barton under "Know Your America". Betsy Ross bread. I want, if possible, to get a permanent copy of it for my files, and to learn the artist's name and address. I'll have to confess I am not familiar with Betsy Ross bread, nor do I know where Betsy makes it, as no address is given. Any information you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Clara Barton is my grand aunt. Cordially yours, S.F. Riccius January 23rd, 1947.Greetings 1946 WORCESTER TELEGRAM - The Evening Gazette - SUNDAY TELEGRAM WORCESTER 1, MASSACHUSETTS NET PAID CIRCULATION GEORGE F. BOOTH DAILY OVER 135,000 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER SUNDAY OVER 95,000 January 27, 1947 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester 2, Mass. My dear Miss Riccius: On Betsy Ross I suggest you write to the Commonwealth Baking Company, Quinsigmond Avenue, Worcester. They are the proprietors of that bread and have been handling, of course, the advertising. I rather imagine they will be only too glad to help you in any way they can. Sincerely, Franics P. Murphy Managing Editor Worcester Telegram FPM/d OWNERS OF RADIO STATION WTAGW.E. Long Company 155 North Clark Street Chicago, Ills. Dear sirs:- Our Worcester daily papers have been featuring a very interesting and lovely poster of Clara Barton under the caption "Know Your America" Betsy Ross brand. (Commonwealth Baking Company.) Mr. Nelson very kindly gives me your address and tells me these historical advertisements are procured from you. I am particularly interested in this poster as Clara Barton is my grand aunt and I want, if possible, to purchase a permanent copy for preservation in my Clara Barton files. Would you be good enough to tell me the artists name, and whether the original drawing or painting could be purchased? It is a real joy to unexpectedly find a poster of such charm and outstanding merit. I shall greatly appreciate any information you can give me. Cordially yours, January 28, 1947. THE COMMONWEALTH BAKING COMPANY MAKERS OF "Betsy Ross Bread" 75 QUINSIGAMOND AVE. WORCESTER 4, MASS. Jan. 28, 1947 Mrs. H. Riccius, 39 William St. Worcester, Mass. Dear Mrs. Riccius:- Enclosed please find the only cut we have of Clara Barton, which had been folded. I believe you can get some of these prints from the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, as I believe they still have the cuts. However, if you write the W.E. Long Co., I am sure they will take care of you. If not, please contact me, and I will see what I can do. Thanking you for your interest, I am Very truly yours, COMMONWEALTH BAKING CO. By Arthur L. NelsonMr. Arthur L. Nelson Commonwealth Baking Co. Worcester, Mass. Dear Mr. Nelson"- Thank you so much for your letter and the enclosed poster of Clara Barton. You gave me just the information I wanted about the W.E. Long Company, and I shall communicate with them immediately. I am greatly indebted to you for your interest and help. Cordially yours, January 29, 1947. The W.E. Long Co., 155 North Clark Street Chicago, Ills. Dear Mr. Bolani- Thank you so much for your prompt and very generous response to my letter. I am greatly indebted to you for the three splendid copies of the Clara Barton poster. They are just what I want for my files. With sincerest appreciation, Cordially yours, February 3rd, 1947.Clara Barton Chapter No. 1 American Red Cross Dansville, N.Y. March 14, 1947 Dear Miss Riccius: I hear that you have again been so kind as to remember us in connection with the Fund campaign. We are pleased that you care to, but we hope that you will ever feel the slightest obligation in the matter. Naturally, your primary affiliation is with the Worcester Chapter. I think you will be interested to see how valiantly Clara Barton's diary account of her visit here in 1866 has aided us, as shown in two of the enclosed clippings and in the transcript of Mr. Sisson's radio broadcast following his visit here. A third clipping (which has Red Cross stories on both sides) I am sending because we were much pleased to see the National organization sending out a release along historical lines with such positive and cordial recognition of the pioneer work done by your grandaunt. (The head on the story doesn't seem to mean much -- I'm sure I could have written one that would have suited me better, but I hesitate to imply that the paper's editor may not get the best results. You are welcome to keep all these items for your files. The unfortunate thing about the broadcast was that my name occurred several times. I had handed Mr. Sisson a copy of the "Express," with the story that quoted the diary entry, and I suppose he wanted to show appreciation. The Wayland editor, Mr. George Toole, has been very helpful, although our Wayland Branch at present has the misfortune to be headed by a very pleasant gentleman who apparently does not realize that someone with more executive ability is needed for the job. The chapter at large has raised $5,000 of the $6,000 quota, most of it so far from Dansville. Up on the hills, the snow has been deep, and roads are difficult to negotiate. One smart campaign chairman for a branch got going early and beat the storm which delayed the other groups. We are sure we shall succeed. By the way, the framed picture which you sent to us, of Miss Barton receiving a copy of "Un Souvenir de Solferino," was utilized in one of the most attractively decorated windows downtown during the campaign here, combined with six framed pictures of men and women in Red Cross uniform who were in service, during the recent war, from this area. There was a huge block red cross as a background together with a two-sheet poster based on the official design of flying Red Cross flags. Unfortunately, because of reflections that the photographer could not control, a picture taken of the window does not do it justice. Sincerely yours, WDC Mr. Wm. D. Conklin, Dansville, N.Y. March 21, 1947 Dear Mr. Conklin:- It is so kind of you to take the time to write me that lovely letter of thanks for my little donation to the Dansville Society. I feel very humble at the great honor bestowed on me and terribly proud. Anyhow, I'm a bit swell headed at the privilege of membership in two Red Cross Chapters. The clippings you sent are very interesting and I am glad to have them for my files. You are much too modest about the praise you so richly deserve. I am pleased at the sign of historical release from headquarters. The young officer sent here by the regional director for our large annual meeting surely stood much in need of a lesson in early Red Cross history. His Red Cross dated entirely from 1904, and I believe his display of Clara Barton's collection of 1884 Red Cross flags must have been somewhat of a surprise to him. We are still working for our $167,000 quota. Last official figures put us at something less than three quarters of this amount, but of course we will go over the top. I wonder if you have a copy of this old letter to Mr. Sweetl. If not you may like to place it with your records. Thank you very much. Cordially yoursCable address: Welong - Chicago The W.E. Long Co. Advertising 155 North Clark Street Chicago, Illinois. July 31, 1947 Miss Daidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester 2, Mass. Dear Miss Riccius: We are very grateful to you for your kindly interest in our advertising series "Know your America" and especially the advertisement featuring Clara Barton. Under seperate cover, we are sending you copy of the advertisement which you probably saw, as this is just the way it was prepared for the particular newspaper in which you saw it in Worcester. We are also sending two "store pieces" which were made up from the same illustration, which we thought you might like to have. This material is now out of stock with us, but we did find the samples which we are very glad to be able to turn over to you. We want to thank you again for writing us. Yours truly, THE W. E. LONG CO. Per E A Bolan EAB*RW Address all communications to the company --- not to individuals[*To Saidee F. Riccius*] [*Oct 4 1947*] MRS. DAVID WILSON KUHN TRYON NORTH CAROLINA My dear Cousin, You will find it hard to believe in a city as large as Worcester that I have during all this delay been vainly trying to find in this tiny village a large enough envelope to hold these letters which you so kindly sent and for which I hereby express my deep gratitude. Even now I have had to fold some of them but I dare not keep these any longer! The "mother" who had lately died must have been Grandmother Golay whose deathwould have come at just about the time Miss Barton's letter was written. Louise's mother did die at the time of her birth. Someday when I am fortunate enough to see you I'll enjoy giving you some pictures [?] details about [? family??] [??ay]! In the meantime again my thanks Affectionately Antoinette [So??any] [?Y???][Sent large picture taken in 1902 to Mrs Aderholdt on xxx 6/47.] S.F.R. Clara Barton Chapter No. 1 American Red Cross Dansville, N.Y. October 4, 1947 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester 2, MAss. Dear Miss Riccius: An inquiry came to the F. A. Owen Publishing Company with which I am connected, and it was referred to me because of my interest in Red Cross matters. We publish "The Instructor," a teachers' magazine, and one of our subscribers, Mrs. Marion L. Aderholdt of Friars Point, Mississippi, wrote to ask whether we had available a picture of Clara Barton "of a size suitable for framing and hanging on a schoolroom wall." She asked that, if we had nothing to offer, we refer her to some company that might be a better source. Unfortunately, we do not have anything. Indeed, the only pictures that we list are reproductions of art masterpieces in the form of color prints. I wrote Mrs. Aderholdt, however, that I could get an enlargement made from a negative which we have, if she so desired. At the time of our Town and Village Centennial, last year, we placed in one of the store windows downtown a picture which was enlarged for this purpose. However, it is not one of the more familiar pictures, and Miss Barton is not wearing a Red Cross brooch as she is in the enclosed picture, which we have used in small form on various occasions. We have nothing from which we could very well get a negative of this. It occured to me that you might know of some source which would be helpful, and that you would be likely to be informed if anyone were on this subject. Since I referred to the Wayland Branch as being rather out of the running, when I wrote on March 14, you will be glad to know hat the group has just reorganized with a very capable man at the helm, and we expect fine results. You will also be pleased to know that the chapter now has two large front rooms, on the first floor of a Main Street home. The former owner, Mr. Frank Lemon, was president of a bank here. After his untimely death, his widow asked whether we would care to consider renting these rooms, and we gladly accepted the offer -- after having our office on the second floor of one building and the production rooms on the second floor of another. We still do not have space for any classes -- and such space elsewhere seems to be at a premium. And we should like more storage space. But perhaps in time the situation will be even better than it is now. Cordially yours, Wm D. Conklin WDC October 6, 1947 Dear Mr. Conklin:- I am glad that you wrote me of Mrs. Aderholdt's wanting a picture of Clara Barton appropriate for hanging on a schoolroom wall. I have a very fine picture taken in 1902 which I am mailing her and I think it will please her. That is good news of the Wayland Branch which certainly is making a place for itself now under the reorganization. Sincerest congratulations for your fine work. The Clara Varton Birthplace Committee is thrilled that the Red Cross Courier for December is to give them a writeup with a winter scene of the little home on the cover. Watch out for it. Thank you again for writing me. I am only sorry that you gave all that time and thought to the matter when I could so easily help you out. Cordially yours,CLARA BARTON CHAPTER NO. 1 AMERICAN RED CROSS DANSVILLE, N.Y. October 10, 1947 Dear Miss Riccius: Thank you so much for sending the picture of Miss Barton to Mrs. Aderholdt. I am sure that she will be delighted, and that it will mean a great deal more to her and to her pupils to know that it came from one closely related to the founder of the American Red Cross. I hope that it did not mean any sacrifice to you - that is, that it was a picture of which you have duplicates. Sometime when it is convenient, would you please let me know whether, so far as you know, there is any commercial concern that stocks prints of this subject? Wouldn't it be a fine thing if, for a nominal amount, chapters throughout the country could obtain a picture for their headquarters? The "portrait" on the Dansville Welcome signs leaves much to be desired as a likeness. I told the committee, when the project was underway, that unless the sign builders could do a really good job, they might better omit the picture. However, one is warned not to "look a gift horse in the mouth" and we as a chapter didn't take any initiative in the matter, or (of course) contribute at all toward the cost. We were glad to have the promoters of the idea so conscious of Red Cross and the historic position of the chapter that they wanted to feature it in this way. I had a small share in planning the arrangement and wording. Now that Area Headquarters has called attention to the matter, in a "Say It with Displays" release, I will enclose a clipping on that, as well as a newspaper reproduction of the sign. If you cared for a print from the negative, I am sure I could get that. We shall certainly be looking forward to the December Red Cross Courier, with the cover picture and the story, and rejoice with the Birthplace Committee that "times have changed" so far as the attitude of National Red Cross is concerned. Sincerely, Wm. D. Conklin WDC October 14, 1947. Mr. Roy P. Basler The Abraham Lincoln Association, Springfield, Ills. Dear Mr. Basler:- A letter from my dear friend, Mrs. S. Herbert Wilkins of Salem, Mass. a short time ago enclosed a request from you for a photostatic copy of my grand-father's commission which carried the signature of President Lincoln and Sec'y. of War Stanton. I have had the enclosed photographic copy made and I hope it will be entirely satisfactory. I am not only pleased to send this copy of Captain David Barton's commission to the Abraham Lincoln Association, but tremendously proud that you ask for a copy. Cordially yours,THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION THE WRITINGS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN Editorial Advisory Board: Paul M. Angle, Chicago, Ill. James G. Randall, Urbana, Ill. Benjamin P. Thomas, Springfield, Ill. Editors: Roy P. Basler, Marion Dolores Bonzi FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS September 2, 1947 Mrs. S. Herbert Wilkins 52 Essex Street Salem, Massachusetts Dear Mrs. Wilkins: Dr. Basler is temporarily in Nashville; therefore, I am replying to your communication on the questionnaire we sent to the Clara Barton Birthplace Memorial. We appreciate very much your willingness to furnish us with a photostatic copy of the Commission of David Barton, brother of Clara Barton, signed by Abraham Lincoln, which is your Memorial room. We shall be glad to pay the firm which will do the photostating, or the photographer for a photographic copy if photostating facilities are not available. You may be assured that due acknowledgment will be made as to the location of the original of any document which may be used in the published volumes. Yes, the Lincoln Group in Boston is cooperating with us in this project, and your son, Judge Raymond S. Wilkins, is a member of our Association. We were very much interested in the work being done by The Association of Universalist Women for diabetic girls at the Clara Barton Birthplace Memorial. Thank you very much indeed for your interest and cooperation in our project. Sincerely yours, (Miss) Marion D. Bonzi Assistant Editor Officers GEORGE W. BUNN, JR., PRESIDENT MARY E. HUMPHREY, VICE-PRESIDENT PAUL M,. ANGLE, VICE-PRESIDENT BENJAMIN P. THOMAS, TREASURER ROY P. BASLER, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Directors OLIVER R. BARRETT, CHICAGO, ILL. JAMES W. BOLLINGER, DAVENPORT, IA. F. LAURISTON BULLARD, BOSTON, MASS. ALICE E. BUNN, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. GEORGE W. BUNN, JR., SPRINGFIELD, ILL. J. PAUL CLAYTON, WINNETKA, ILL. HENRY A. CONVERSE, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. PASCAL E. HATCH, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. MRS. LOGAN HAY, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. MARY E. HUMPHREY, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. EDGAR DEWITT JONES, DETROIT, MICH. RALPH G. LINDSTROM, LOS ANGELES, CALIF. HENRY M. MERRIAM, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. CHARLES L. PATTON, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. JAMES G. RANDALL, URBANA, ILL. BENJAMIN P. THOMAS, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. WILLIAM H. TOWNSEND, LEXINGTON, KY. October 14, 1947. Dear Mr. Conklin:- Thank you for your interesting letter and clippings of the Dansville welcome signs. I am truly greatly indebted to you for your thoughtfulness in sending me data, pictures, etc. for my files. I would like a print from the negative if you can conveniently procure one. So often pictures for things of this sort are rather poor, but I always feel most grateful for the spirit that prompts their use. A few years ago an admiring sculptress made a life sized bust of Clara Barton and sent it as a gift to the Birthplace. Well! - we were all horrified when we saw it. There was mighty little likeness and to make matters worse the artist (so-called) had tried to add a patina which resulted in making Clara Barton into a colored woman. That is one work of art that the public has been spared. I have quite a collection of pictures of my grand Aunt, but every so often a new one turns up. I have run through hastily the better known copies, or perhaps I might better put it, the ones I like best. At the birthplace in No. Oxford they always have pictures for sale. I think they still have the profile used by your Board of Trade, and at the bottom I find printed "Presented by G.A.R. Post 10 Worcester, Mass., birthplace of Clara Barton. By courtesy of the Commonwealth Press, Worcester, Mass." They did have some of the 1902 pictures, both large and small, but whether they are all gone now I can't say. Chickering & Co., Boston had a copyright taken in 1906, and the birthplace now has a lovely early picture, very well done, probably take in the early '50s, and there is also a splendid picture taken in 1896 which has been much used and which Clara Barton had signed "Very sincerely Yours, Clara Barton. You are quite right about there being a place where Chapters could obtain copies for a nominal amount and of course that should properly be Red Cross Headquarters in Washington, but the Legion of Loyal Women had to battle long and hard to get the beautiful portrait of Clara Barton by Mrs. Saisinger into the Red Cross building, and when it was allowed, they hung it behind a glass showcase in a room off the main gallery of the museum in the basement. They still have the fixed idea that the Red Cross started in 1904 judging by the historical background they give their speakers.One picture of my grand aunt, not often seen, I particularly liked and had a copy made of it. It was taken in 1882 at the time she organized the Society in Dansville, and the thought occurs to me that "our" Chapter in Dansville might like or have use for the film. Do you suppose they would? I should love to send it along if you think it would be acceptable. For all I know you may have sent me the picture originally. I enclose a copy taken from my film. Thank you again for your letter and enclosures. Cordially yours Enc. Mr. Willliam D. Conklin, Dansville, N.Y. Clara Barton Chapter No. 1 American Red Cross. THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION THE WRITINGS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN Editorial Advisory Board: Paul M. Angle, Chicago, Ill. James G. Randall, Urbana, Ill. Benjamin P. Thomas, Springfield, Ill. Editors: Roy P. Basler, Marion Dolores Bonzi FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS October 21, 1947 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester, Massachusetts Dear Miss Riccius: We are indeed grateful to you for furnishing us with a photographic copy of your grandfather's commission (Stephen Barton, nephew of Clara Barton) [*incorrect David Barton brother of C.B.*] signed by Abraham Lincoln on March 12, 1863. Our records show that the original is in the Clara Barton Birthplace Memorial through your courtesy. The enclosed folder gives the history of and explains the purpose of our association, of which Judge Wilkins, son of your friend, Mrs. S. Herbert Wilkins, has been a member for many years. Under separate cover we are sending a copy of the September issue of our Quarterly with our compliments. Sincerely yours, (Miss) Marion D. Bonzi Assistant Editor Officers GEORGE W. BUNN, JR., PRESIDENT MARY E. HUMPHREY, VICE-PRESIDENT PAUL M,. ANGLE, VICE-PRESIDENT BENJAMIN P. THOMAS, TREASURER ROY P. BASLER, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Directors OLIVER R. BARRETT, CHICAGO, ILL. JAMES W. BOLLINGER, DAVENPORT, IA. F. LAURISTON BULLARD, BOSTON, MASS. ALICE E. BUNN, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. GEORGE W. BUNN, JR., SPRINGFIELD, ILL. J. PAUL CLAYTON, WINNETKA, ILL. HENRY A. CONVERSE, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. PASCAL E. HATCH, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. MRS. LOGAN HAY, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. MARY E. HUMPHREY, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. EDGAR DEWITT JONES, DETROIT, MICH. RALPH G. LINDSTROM, LOS ANGELES, CALIF. HENRY M. MERRIAM, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. CHARLES L. PATTON, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. JAMES G. RANDALL, URBANA, ILL. BENJAMIN P. THOMAS, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. WILLIAM H. TOWNSEND, LEXINGTON, KY.October 23, 1947 Miss Marion D. Bonzi The Abraham Lincoln Association, Springfield, Ills. Dear Miss Bonzi:- Thank you for your letter of October 21st, and for the September issue of your quarterly, which I am very glad to have. The photographic copy of my grandfather's commission which I sent you is issued to Capt. David Barton, brother of Clara Barton, not Stephen as stated in your letter. Won't you please make the correction in your records? The original commission hangs in the Clara Barton Birthplace in North Oxford, Mass. Sincerely yours, CLARA BARTON CHAPTER NO. 1 AMERICAN RED CROSS DANSVILLE, N.Y. October 26, 1947 Dear Miss Riccius: I have been trying to find time for a reply to your letter of October 14, with its helpful information and suggestions. We do have a cut of the Clara Barton picture which you sent and which is identified as of 1882 date. However, the cut is not as large as this print, and I am sure the chapter will be glad to have it. I am enclosing a print of the Brady photo (supposed to have been taken at the time of the Civil War). Just where the text matter (copied on the back) came from originally, I couldn't say. This is the portrait that we had enlarged for showing with our display at the time of the Town-Village Centennial last year. The only other possibility would have been to use a picture that we had enlarged from a drawing that appeared some years ago in the Ladies' Home Journal. Also enclosed are some clippings. I don't recall whether I have spoken of the Merrill article on Dansville, and my dismay that the author in slight degree and the headline writer in an appalling way had misrepresented the situation by referring to the American Red Cross as originating here. Mr. Merrill said, afterward, that he had nothing to do with the headings on his articles, and was even away at the time the page was being put into shape. When he returned, it was too late to do anything about it. Mr. Merrill had been here, and I had tried to impress on him the real facts. I had to write to the Red Cross afterward, and explain how little we were responsible for the outcome. The material is to be put into book form, in shortened text, and I very much hope that various errors to which I called attention, will be eliminated. I should have been glad to go over Mr. Merrill's copy or proof, but was not asked to do so. However, he knew that I would be ready to do anything I could. I am also sending a print of the Welcome sign. I believe that the local nursery firms plan to do some planting around the base of this and the other four signs, so that they will not look so bare. You may be interested also in two of three recent news items relating to the chapter. It occurs to me that the 1882 picture may be one which you sent for us just to look at, and that you may not have a duplicate. If this is so, be sure to let me know, and I will return it. Our releases from Red Cross headquarters concerned with historical matter indicate that the organization is definitely ready to give your grand-aunt her due. There has been a great change in the last few years. Perhaps something can be done about that portrait at headquarters in Washington. Sincerely, Wm. D. Conklin WDCFRIARS POINT CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL [C. H. CARRUTH, JR., SUPERINTENDENT] FRIARS POINT, MISSISSIPPI October 27, 1947 Dear Miss Riccius, I am writing for the Jr. Red Cross Club of the Friars Point School. We thank you for the nice picture you sent us. During the summer our teacher wrote to different places to see if we could get a picture of Clara Barton. She finally succeeded in finding one when she wrote to Mr. Conklin and he wrote to you. We are very happy that she did. All of our school belongs to the Jr. Red Cross but only the fifth and sixth grades are in the Jr. Red Cross Club. Our club meets every other Wednesday. We have a president, a vice-president, a secretary, a treasurer and a program chairman. Our dues are five cents a meeting or ninety cents a year, and we can pay any time we want to. We bring scrap iron every time we meet to sell, and do good deeds with the money. We have a program at each meeting, too. One of our programs was about the life of Clara Barton. Our next FRIARS POINT CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL [C. H. CARRUTH, JR., SUPERINTENDENT] FRIARS POINT, MISSISSIPPI program will be about Clara Barton's work on the battlefield. It is called "The Soldiers' Angel." A new school is being built and we may hang the picture on the walls in our room. We may hang it in the hall so everyone can see it. I guess we will have to vote to decide! Sincerely yours, Hughy McSpanin, Sect'y.FRIARS POINT CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL [C. H. CARRUTH, JR., SUPERINTENDENT] FRIARS POINT, MISSISSIPPI October 28, 1947 Dear Miss Riccius, Every day I become more convinced of the kindness of people - especially people far away whom one can never know personally. Mr. Conklin was more than kind to write you in behalf of my Jr. Red Cross group, and you filled our hearts with gratitude by sending us the lovely picture of our founder and your great aunt. I waited till it arrived to write, so I could tell you it has come. It was in Saturday's mail, so of course I showed it to the children Monday. I wish you could have seen their faces light up! It is such a splendid copy, and such as nice size for framing. The children were interested in the decoration from Czar Nicholas, too, and several commented on the signature. I must tell you that our big two-story school burned two years ago, with almost a complete loss of equipment, and that since then we have been teaching in some vacant stores. We are re-building this year and expect to be in the new building in the spring. In the meantime, we have been replacing our books, maps, pictures, and things of that kind. We are happy to have this picture, which we wanted very much, to frame and hang in our room in the new building. Our school is 100% in membership in the Jr. Red Cross, but my room - the sixth grade - has also had for several years a Jr. Red Cross Club which meets bi-weekly, elects its own officers, gives programs, does good deeds with dues, and is indeed quite active. The children are writing you too. They suggested it themselves! FRIARS POINT CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL [C. H. CARRUTH, JR., SUPERINTENDENT] FRIARS POINT, MISSISSIPPI - 2 - As soon as all their letters are in I shall pick one to represent the group and it will be copied neatly and mailed to you. Many, many thanks from us all for your generous gift, which we prize very highly. Sincerely, Marion L. Aderholdt[*Copy*] November 4th, 1947. Mr. Basil O'Connor, Chairman, American Red Cross Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. O'Connor: It occurs to me you might be interested in the delightfully earnest little letter I have just received from Hughy McSpaning, Sec'y. of the Junior Red Cross Club of Friars Point Consolidated School of Mississippi, and the delightful accompanying letter from his teacher, Miss Aderholdt, telling of the children's active interest in the Red Cross. I would greatly appreciate the return of the letters for my files. Cordially yours, Enc. THE AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT November 10, 1947 My dear Miss Riccius: I was indeed interested in the letter from Miss Marion L. Aderholdt describing the Junior Red Cross in Friars Point Consolidated School, Friars Point, Mississippi, which you so generously shared with me. It is heartening to know that throughout our country young people are imbued with the spirit of the Red Cross and carrying on its helpful services. The picture of Miss Clara Barton, the first leader of our great society, will be a continual inspiration to the children at Friars Point and I am pleased that through your good offices it is possible for it to hang in a favored place on their school walls as indicated by the charming letter from Hughy McSpaning, Junior Red Cross Secretary. Please convey my greetings and best wishes to these earnest Junior Red Cross members in Mississippi. Sincerely yours, Basil O'Connor President Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester 2, MassachusettsOriginal Am. Nat. Red Cross The American National Red Cross Washington, D.C. Office of the President November 10, 1947. My dear Miss Riccius: I was indeed interested in the letter from Miss Marion L. Alderholdt describing the Junior Red Cross in Friars Point Consolidated School, Friars Point, Mississippi, which you so generously shared with me. It is heartening to know that throughout our country young people are imbued with the spirit of the Red Cross and carrying on its helpful services. The picture of Miss Clara Barton, the first leader of our great society, will be a continual inspiration to the children at Friars Point and I am pleased that through your good offices it is possible for it to hang in a favored place on their school walls as indicated by the charming letter from Hughy McSpaning, Junior Red Cross Secretary. Please convey my greetings and best wishes to these earnest Junior Red Cross members in Mississippi. Sincerely yours, Basil O'Connor. President Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street, Worcester, 2, Mass. November 11, 1947. Dear Mr. Conklin:- I am sorry to be so tardy in replying to your letter of October 26th, and thanking you for the prints and clippings which I am very happy to have. The enclosed film of Clara Barton in 1882 may be useful to the Chapter at some future date. I have had copies struck off for my own supply. I think the Brady War picture with the notation on the back probably came from an old gentleman named Ray D. Hill of Rochester, N.Y. who had known my great aunt in the early nineties I believe. He sent me one like it. You will be interested in the delightful letters I received from Miss Aderholdt and young Hughy. I sent them on to Mr. Basil O'Connor as they show such an active interest in the Red Cross. Cordially yours,THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION THE WRITINGS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN Editorial Advisory Board: Paul M. Angle, Chicago, Ill. James G. Randall, Urbana, Ill. Benjamin P. Thomas, Springfield, Ill. Editors: Roy P. Basler, Marion Dolores Bonzi FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS November 15, 1947 Miss Saidee F. Riccius 39 William Street Worcester 2, Massachusetts Dear Miss Riccius: Thank you kindly for your letter of October 23 which I have meant to acknowledge before this. You may be assured that our Association file records had been correctly noted (commission of Captain David Barton, brother of Clara Barton, signed by Lincoln, March 12, 1863). However, it was [you] Mrs. Stephen Butler, the [grand] daughter of Stephen E. Barton, nephew of Clara Barton, who contributed this commission to the Clara Barton Birthplace at North Oxford, Massachusetts. Sincerely yours, (Miss) Marion D. Bonzi Assistant Editor Officers GEORGE W. BUNN, JR., PRESIDENT MARY E. HUMPHREY, VICE-PRESIDENT PAUL M,. ANGLE, VICE-PRESIDENT BENJAMIN P. THOMAS, TREASURER ROY P. BASLER, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Directors OLIVER R. BARRETT, CHICAGO, ILL. JAMES W. BOLLINGER, DAVENPORT, IA. F. LAURISTON BULLARD, BOSTON, MASS. ALICE E. BUNN, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. GEORGE W. BUNN, JR., SPRINGFIELD, ILL. J. PAUL CLAYTON, WINNETKA, ILL. HENRY A. CONVERSE, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. PASCAL E. HATCH, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. MRS. LOGAN HAY, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. MARY E. HUMPHREY, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. EDGAR DEWITT JONES, DETROIT, MICH. RALPH G. LINDSTROM, LOS ANGELES, CALIF. HENRY M. MERRIAM, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. CHARLES L. PATTON, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. JAMES G. RANDALL, URBANA, ILL. BENJAMIN P. THOMAS, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. WILLIAM H. TOWNSEND, LEXINGTON, KY. CLARA BARTON CHAPTER NO. 1 AMERICAN RED CROSS DANSVILLE, N.Y. November 21, 1947 Dear Miss Riccius: Thank you very much for your letter of the 11th, with the enclosures. The Chapter will certainly be glad to have the film that you sent, though it seems as if you should keep it. As the picture was taken about the time the chapter, and the national organization, were formed, it naturally has special significance for the Red Cross. We were pleased, too, to have copies of the letters written by Mrs. Aderholdt and a member of her Juniors, and to know that the picture which you sent them was fully appreciated. Our satisfaction is increased to know that through us as a channel, so many children now and in future will have their interest in the Red Cross and in its founder stimulated -- thanks to your kindness. In writing me after the picture had arrived, Mrs. Aderholdt called attention to a discrepancy in our explanation regarding the so-called "favorite" picture -- the one that Miss Barton is supposed to have liked better than others, an oval which we have used in various connections. As it happened, the same thought had occurred to me shortly before Mrs. Aderholdt referred to the matter, and I can't understand how we could ever have said that the picture was taken in 1865 and that it shows Miss Barton in the uniform of a Civil War nurse, for she is wearing a Red Cross brooch, and I don't suppose she even knew about the Red Cross at that time -- or if she did, that it would have impressed her to such an extent. I have always understood that her interest was aroused when she went to Switzerland in 1869. Perhaps I am wrong about this. If your information provides a different date for the picture, or an explanation that would seem more logical than the present statement, would you please let me know sometime? Did it ever occur to you that Miss Barton looks very different in different pictures? Of course differences in age would be one cause, and differences in hair dressing would be another, but putting some pictures side by side, one can hardly realize that they are of the same person. You will recall my speaking of the Brady portrait. I wonder whether you know that this is reproduced in a large full-page size in "Mr. Lincoln's Camera Man," by Roy Meredith (Scribner's, 1946). I came across it in our Library. I suppose you saw, in the "Courier" last May, an article headed "Unique Memorial" relating to memorial windows in the Unitarian Church at Winchester, Mass., for a Red Cross girl who died on Okinawa. Clara Barton is pictured in one, and Florence Nightingale in another. You are not far from Winchester, and may already have seen the windows, of which there are seven altogether. Since I spoke of our Wayland Branch earlier, you will be interested, I think, in the enclosed clipping. We are much pleased by the revival-2- of activit in the Branch, since Mr. Capron became chairman. In winter, the steep, winding hill between Wayland and Dansville is the principal obstacle to close contact, for the village are only six miles apart. Sincerely, Wm D. Conklin WDC November 26, 1947. Dear Mr. Conklin:- Thank you for your letter and enclosures. I am still chuckling at your chagrin over the explanatory note of the profile picture of Clara Barton on the back of the 60th anniversary pamphlet. Anyhow it shows imagination which we both now seem to lack. I only marvel at my own restraint in not writing you if I noticed it. My guess is that it got by me too. That well known picture was taken in 1867, I believe, and was much used for reprints from time to time thereafter as it happened to be a very good likeness. The original picture shows my grant eunt wearing a simple brooch with a pearl I should say in the center. New prints made at the time of the founding of the American Red Cross were brought up to date by blotting out the pearl studde pin and making it into a cross. The dress she wears was, of course, a simple one of that perticular period. Her dress while at the front during the Civil War was in no sense a uniform, but a very practical outfit made to meet the needs of her arduous work. They were made of dark, durable materials suitable for all kinds of weather and conditions, skirts short enough to not drag in the mud and snow, dresses, hoods, boots or shoes, gloves, handkerchiefs, cellars, linen". As she had to do a lot of riding,it is not a at all unlikely that her dresses were made much like riding habits. She very definitely wore riding habits while at Port Royal for she wrote home instructions for their making. Of course Clara Barton looks different in different pictures, but don't we all? Hair styles can make a lot of differe,ces even in our own day. No matter when the pictures were taken she always had the same strong face, high cheek bones, well forme nose, broad mouth and wonderful intellectual eyes. The Inman collection portrait of a Clara Barton in the National Museum in Washington is not of Clara Barton of Red Cross fame as I proved to them, yet it is constantly reappearing in papers, and I have to go all throgh the matter again for correction. I had not seen this latest Brady portrait in scribner's 1946, but I have Miller's Photographic History of the Civil War (Review of Review 1911) 10 volumes in which it appears, nor had I seen the article about the "Unique Memorial" at Winchester, Mass. in the Unitarian Church. So glad you told me of it as I most certainly do want to see it. Wayland and Dansville must be much like Worcester, hills on all sides, - we climb over a hill to get don town and climb again to get back home. What fine work Mr. Capron as chairman is doing. Sincerely Mr. W. D. Conklin Dansville, N.Y.