Section D Pg 13 Missoulian Centennial Unit Active More Than Four Decades
Unit Active More Than Four Decades
The Missoula-Mineral Counties Red Cross Chapter has carried on the traditional work of disaster relief, rehabilitation, service to military personnel and veterans since 1917.
On May 11 of that year 50 citizens of Missoula at a meeting in the Chamber of Commerce petitioned division headquarters at Denver for permission to organize a chapter. Permanent organization was effected July 30.
Officers were F. A. Silcox, chairman; Mrs. William Wayne, vice chairman; Mrs. French T. Ferguson, secretary, and J. M. Keith, treasurer. The executive board members included Mrs. George Briggs, S. J. Coffee, Mrs. F. H. Cooney, Charles L. Cowell, Judge A. L. Duncan, Mrs. A. G. Fuller, J. W. Lister, Dr. J. N. Maclean, Dr. G. T. McCullough, Kenneth and Mrs. Ross, Mrs. F. A. Schlick, Gertrude Sloane, A. L. Stone, D. E. Swinehart, Mrs. Tylar Thompson, the Rev. A. F. Trivelli, A.N. Whitlock and H. T. Wilkinson.
In about a month Silcox resigned as chairman of the local chapter to engage in war work in Washington, D. C. Kenneth Ross was chosen to take his place.
Mrs. C. A. Barnes, the Rev. Father Bruchert, C. H. McLeod, E. C. Mulroney, and Mr. and Mrs. William Wayne were elected as additional members of the executive board.
Projects during the first year included making and filling “comfort” bags for soldiers and urging women to carry home their own packages in order to release delivery men for war.
The local chapter was also active during World War II. In 1945 the Red Cross provided recreational facilities at Ft. Missoula. In 1948 F. H. Myrick of the local chapter was appointed to the 50-member board of governors of the American Red Cross.
The year the Red Cross blood program was initiated – 1951 – Missoula set a state record in October by contributing 391 pints for the fighting soldiers in Korea. So many persons responded to the plea for donors that an estimated 130 had to be turned away.
Since that time, however, occasions when Missoula has met its goal have been the exception rather than the rule. Montana State University has passed its quota five out of nine times.
In addition to its blood program, the local chapter has sponsored first aid and water safety courses, wives home nursing instruction; mother and baby care courses; canteens for disaster and war zones; grey ladies who serve the sick and injured by writing letters, reading, moving them to and fro; gift boxes overseas to needy children.
The local chapter contributed part of the $12,606 which was spent for relief during the Madison Canyon earthquake and flood Aug. 17, 1959.
Officers of the chapter for 1959-60 are Vincent Wilson, chairman; Lawrence Livingston, vice chairman; Richard F. Bush, secretary; and R. A. McGrew, treasurer. Members of the board are Bush, O. J. Esterl, Superior, Dr. John F. Gentry, Jack L. Green, Katherine Hall, F. C. Megerth, Arthur A. Pine, Conrad Shelhamer and Wilson.