Tally

Many Letters of Appreciation
Acknowledge Kit-bags Made by Legion Auxiliary Women

More than 1200 from Wethersfield entered the Armed Forces of our country from the days of early 1941 to and including V-J Day. Kit-bags like those pictured were given to each by the American Legion Russell K. Bourne DSC Post No. 23 and Auxiliary.

Chairman Irving E. Partridge, Jr., of Draft Board 4-A recalled a kit given him in World War I by the American Red Cross and mentioned it to Past Commanders Frank E. Anderson and Jack A. Young. This was brought to the attention of the Post Commander at that time, George J. Malloy, and the Auxiliary President, Mrs. Rupert A. Erickson.

They were interested immediately and with the help of Auxiliary Vice-President Mrs. Edwin A. Johnson work was begun on kit-bags for Wethersfield draftees and enlisted personnel. The well-made kits of khaki and navy twill contained a folder of buttons, thread, needles, and pins, shoelaces and a small booklet, "Fall In", a greeting from 1917-1918 comrades. Many of the first kits included a toothbrush, and while the supply lasted, a Wethersfield post-card, a notebook and pencil.

The Legion Post and Auxiliary shared in the little ceremony of presentation and in the expense of the work. The project grew rapidly as the number leaving for war mounted. Calls for help in preparing the kits were sent out and Mrs. Jack A. Young and a corps of helpers took over. The kits were made in lots of 100 at a time to fill the demand. Miss June Putnam (Mrs. J. G. Hogle) succeeded Mrs. Young, followed by Mrs. Francis E. Roberts and later Auxiliary Presidents Mrs. George S. Francis, Mrs. Harold M. Adams and Mrs. Harry C. Lydiard continued the work.

The present Auxiliary President, Mrs. Ellis L. Wilder, says that although the number leaving now is but a few each month, kits are presented as soon as names and addresses are supplied to Mrs. Harold N. Clapp, present chairman.

The towns of Rocky Hill and Newington came under Draft Board 4-A and draftees and enlisted from these towns received similar kits.

Many letters of thanks express appreciation for the kits and attest to their usefulness in providing a place to hold small personal belongings, while serving as a reminder of home-town interest.

Townspeople, as well as those receiving the kits, acknowledge this distinctive service and their thanks go to the Auxiliary members and their friends who have contributed generously of their time and efforts to make the worthy project the success it has been.