Women's Groups Support World War I Efforts

As the reality of the United States entering World War I grew the National League of Women’s Services was established in January 1917.  Their mission was to assist soldiers, veterans, war workers, and their families on the home front.  They worked closely with the Red Cross to collect supplies and send care packages abroad.  They also coordinated and supported Liberty Bond drives.

The local National League of Women's Services office was located on the
2nd floor of Miss Florence Kern's Variety Store in Brevard.

The first mention of a local branch of the National League of Women’s Services was found in the May 25, 1917 issue of the Brevard News.  It states that several women have joined the organization and Mrs. Elizabeth Mount Silversteen was appointed chairman.  Mrs. Silversteen also compiled a record of service for all Transylvania soldiers and worked with family members to ensure that they received benefits due to them.

The group's first fundraiser was the sale of a beautiful imported doll donated by Bon Marche of Asheville and dressed by Mrs. Goode Cheatham.  Money raised went to purchased supplies to make items for soldiers.  In early September 1918 it was reported that a box with 130 pairs of hand-knit woolen socks was sent to the Atlanta Red Cross office to be shipped to France for American soldiers.  It was the twenty-ninth box from Transylvania County for the year.

The Transylvania Branch of the National League of Women’s Services was particularly active in the area of food conservation and preservation.  They strongly encouraged all women of the community to do their part by canning and drying fruits and vegetables.  A March 1, 1918 Brevard News article states, “It is estimated that over 15,000 pounds of food was conserved in this community last summer through the direct efforts of the league.”  A well-stocked comfort kit was provided for every Transylvanian who entered military service.  In addition to food items, the kits contained warm sweaters knitted by members of the league.

Margaret Deaver, Elizabeth Shipman, Madge Whitmire, Beulah Zachary
(front row) and Rowena Orr, Dorothy Silversteen, Adelaide Silversteen,
Martha Breese (back row) knit items for the Red Cross to be sent to soldiers.

Many of the women actively involved with the National League of Women’s Services were also members of local women’s clubs.  Women from two of these clubs raised $183.62 for the Red Cross, bought $6925 worth of Liberty Bonds, and $130 worth of War Savings Bond.  They also helped organize the Third Liberty Loan Drive and won the Honor Flag for Brevard.

Another group that helped support the war effort was the Victory Girls.  These young girls pledged to “earn and give five dollars” to support the war.  They put on numerous productions and entertainments to raise the money.  Mary Jane King was the director of the Victory Girls in Transylvania County.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library.  Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs.  For more information, comments, or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-1820.