history

History of the Wayne County Chapter Chartered May 28, 1917
	In 1881, Clara Barton - so inspired by the writings of Henri Dunant - began what is recognized worldwide as the most humanitarian organization in the world. The American Red Cross in Wayne County began service to the community 90 years ago. The Chapter began several months following the involvement of the United States in World War I. Concerned patriots in Wayne County wanted to help the war effort by supporting our troops who were deployed in Europe.
A petition to organize was completed and forwarded to Chicago, along with the required $10 fee. Authorization to form a Chapter was granted on the express condition, as stated on the official form, "that the proposed Chapter shall conform to the regulations and policies of the American National Red Cross".
	State Director F.E. Abbott signed the authorization. The Wayne County Chapter held it's first meeting on June 2, 1917 at the home of Mrs. GW Orcutt, where the following officers were elected: Dr. George W. Ryall, Chairman; Mrs. GW Orcutt, Vice Chairman; William H. Harris, Treasurer; and Edith G. Yocum, Secretary.
The original Board of Directors consisted of 34 members, with an additional five Ex-officio members being elected - including Mayor Forbes Alcock. All original members of the Board resided in Wooster.
	The newly chartered Chapter held it's first large meeting on June 5th, 1917 at the Wooster Methodist Church. The meeting was attended by "several hundred women" - and fifteen men! Among the early tasks the new Red Cross Chapter became involved with was supplying our servicemen over seas with care packages, bandages, and fund drives to help with the war effort. The Wayne County Chapter began a long tradition, that continues to this day, of helping our service members and their families. During it's first year, the Chapter opened twelve auxiliary branches throughout Wayne County. Branches in Orrville, Fredericksburg, Shreve, Big Prairie, Reedsburg, Burbank, Jefferson, Creston, Moreland, West Salem, Mount Eaton, and Chester Township all opened in 1917. In these areas 6,861 people became members of the American Red Cross by paying the required $1 fee. The entire adult population of 500 in West Salem became members and supported the Red Cross! In it's first year, the local Chapter was requested to raise $37,600 to support the War effort. The generous and patriotic people of Wayne County responded by raising $69,004 - nearly doubling the goal! The American Red Cross - Wayne County Chapter has a long and storied history - one which all of Wayne County should be proud of. Thousands in our community have been touched by the services provided by the American Red Cross and many more thousands have given of themselves to help others. Become part of this history. Become an American Red Cross Volunteer!