Section D Pg 26 Missoulian Centennial Forest Triangle Begins as Service Club
Forest Triangle Begins as Service Club
The Forestry Triangle, a women’s social organization, began as a small service club.
When World War 1 brought the need for women’s handwork, a consignment of yarn was sent from the Washington office to the district forester, R. H. Rutledge, with the request that he enlist the women connected with the service in the making of knitted garments. Mrs. Rutlede Parker, then the head of the Red Cross, secured the support of the women in the offices. Many of the wives came together for luncheons and rolling bandages.
Flag Is Made
At this time a service flag of 54 stars honoring those in the armed forces was designed by J. B. Halm of the Office of Engineering and made by five women meeting weekly. Two of these, Mrs. Charles Vealey and Mrs. J. B. Halm still live in Missoula, and a third, Mrs. James Girard, visits Missoula frequently. Since the work was for the comfort of the armed forces, the name “Comfort Club” was chosen for the group. The group grew as the women of the Bureau of Public Roads and the faculty of the University’s School of Forestry joined. In 1923 when the name “comfort” was no longer appropriate, the name “Forestry Triangle” proposed by Mrs. Glen Smith was selected as best denoting the three branches of which the club was composed.
225 on List
The personnel of the U.S. Forest Service Region 1 numbers about 1,800 in 1960 with approximately 300 in the regional office. The Forestry Triangle has a monthly calling list of 225 which includes the three original branches and also, as associate members, the Bureau of Land Management and Soil Conservation, the Weather Bureau, the State Forester’s Office, and 54 retirees.
The purpose of the organization is to promote friendly relations among women of government agencies and, through hospitality, to build friendships with the women of the Field Service when they visit Missoula. Officers for 1959-1960; Mrs. Victor Sandberg, president; Mrs. Earl McConnell, vice president; Mrs. Kenneth Keeney, secretary, and Mrs. Arne Nousanen, treasurer.