JFK+50: Volume 7, No. 2418
GIRLS CAN'T GO TO CAMP BUT THE CAMP CAN GO TO THE GIRLS?Rockford, Illinois (JFK+50) The Girls Patriotic League* of Rockford was organized 100 years ago, August 31, 1917, "to entertain the soldiers of Camp Grant**, including the officers."
Unfortunately, however, girls were not permitted in the camp. Not to be outdone, the girls "expect the men to come to them."
The acting head of the GPL of Rockford, Miss Marion Welsh, said...
"It is preposterous to think that thousands of young men will be happy...without the society and companionship of girls."
The League started out with 300 young ladies but expected their numbers to grow to 3000. They included church workers, working girls and home girls.
*The Girls Patriotic League of Mississauga, Ontario Canada sent boxes overseas to soldiers without friends & also prepared Christmas boxes for local boys serving overseas.
**Camp Grant, named for General Ulysses S. Grant, covered 5600 acres in 1917 & was home to the 86th Infantry Division & the 172nd Infantry Brigade.
SOURCES
"Girls Patriotic League," Mississauga at War, www.mississaugaatwar.wordpress.com/
"Rockford Girls Band To Liven Drab of Khaki," The Chicago Daily Tribune, September 1, 1917.
Strike One
Camp Grant
Rockford, Illinois
1917 Postcard
