Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
D15666-2
Date(s)
- 1943-06-30 (Creation)
Extent
Name of creator
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
Amelia (Mrs. Clarence W.) Smith and Genevieve (Mrs. David H.) Freeman, volunteers for the Red Cross Hospital and Recreation Service, delivered gifts to the wounded at McChord Field Hospital in late June of 1943. This unidentified patient received a card from the "cheer basket" held by Mrs. Smith. The volunteers from the service offered personal, non-medical, assistance to the soldiers, helping with shopping, letter writing, reading and other activities. The soldiers affectionately called the volunteers the "gray ladies" after their gray cotton uniforms and gray veils. In 1947, the name of the service was changed to "Gray Ladies" in honor of this nickname. (T.Times 7-3-43, p. 4-article & photo of volunteers)
Smith, Amelia; Freeman, Genevieve; McChord Field Hospital (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; American National Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Uniforms;