Red Cross Garden Party on Dr. Swallow's lawn, about 1915. R. to L. : Ina Tod, Mrs. G. E. Swallow, Ethel Roberts; (in rocker), Mrs. A. Boulton; Mrs. Pittalway; Miss C. Landon; Mrs. E. Boulton at table. Top. R. to L. : Centre Mrs. A.G.P. Smellie, kiting; Mrs. Speers; Mrs. Thos. Callin --.

Red Cross Society
By Mrs. C. Cameron
(Marie Holmes)

No history of Russell would be complete without mentioning the work of the Red Cross Society. It was organized at the beginning of World War 1 in 1914. Charter members who were later named on the executive were: Mrs. C. A. Boulton, Mrs. A. G. P. Smellie, Mrs. H. Feir, Mrs. W. Jackson, Mrs. J. A. Glen and Mrs. Farthing.

Meetings were led every week where sewing and knitting was handed out, and quilting bees were held in the homes.

Tonsils and adenoid clinics were held in the school; at one clinic 63 children were treated.

Each month at least brought a new money-making project - these were local plays, choir concerts, travelling bands, and teas. Town and country joined hands to make these occasions the huge success they were.

At the end of the war the need for the Red Cross was not so great, but the unit continued to be ready in time of fire or flood.

In 1939, the beginning of World War 2 a meeting was held in the United Church to organize sewing and knitting groups, and once again work meetings were held two afternoons a week. These meetings were held in the old red Town Council building - hot in summer and so cold in winter. On many occasions we had company on the first floor which was the housing provided for offenders against the law. Ladies unable to sew, knit or make quilts were organized into a committee who served lunch to the workers.

Blood donor clinics were held in the Untied Church basement.

Before Christmas a parcel packing day was organized and every boy from this district was sent a box of homemade goodies.

Money-making projects were many and varied.

Heart-warming occasions were the showers held for each war bride who came to the community. Here they met their new friends and neighbors, and were given a hearty welcome to their new home.

The annual canvasses have been quite successful since everyone has a very warm regard for the Red Cross Society

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