MS 498 - Women's Relief Corps. Wiley Post #85 (Bowling Green, Ohio)

The records of Wiley Post #85, Woman's Relief Corps, consist of 1 linear foot of minutes, rolls of members, cashbooks, convention publications, and artifacts, covering the period from 1885 to 1974.

The collection was transferred to the Center for Archival Collections in two segments: one part from Glenna Stoner, last President of the Post, during October, 1987; and a second group, from the Wood County Historical Museum, during April, 1988. This register was prepared by Marilyn Levinson, Curator of Manuscripts, Center for Archival Collections, June, 1989. No restrictions exist on the the use of this collection.

The stated purpose of the Woman's Relief Corps was to provide aid and comfort to all veterans and their dependents, and to promote patriotism by visiting schools, presenting flags, and encouraging the general observance of Memorial Day.

Wiley Post #85, Woman's Relief Corps, was established in Bowling Green, Ohio, June 2, 1885, with forty-two charter members, as an auxiliary of Wiley Post #46, G.A.R.; the Post ceased activity in 1974.

The records of the Wiley Post #85, Woman's Relief Corps, of Bowling Green, Ohio, consist of 1 linear foot of minutes, by-laws, financial records, and publications, spanning the life of the organization from 1885 to 1974.

The bulk of the collection is a nearly complete series of minute books, covering the years from 1885, when the Post was established, till 1910, 1918-1933, and 1939-1956. The series of financial records is less comprehensive, including cash books from the later operation of the Post from 1926-1954. The membership roll book, which covers the period from around 1954 until the Post ceased activity in 1974, includes information on all Past Presidents from 1885 until 1974.

PROCEEDINGS

MINUTES.
1885-1910, 1918-1933, 1939-1956.
Minute books with Post activities, including report of Relief Committee investigations.

BY-LAWS.
1885-1900.
By-laws, including duties of officers and committees, fees and dues structure, and meeting information.

MEMBERSHIP RECORDS.
1954-1974.
Rolls books, including information on current and deceased members, with a complete list of Past Presidents.

FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS

LEDGERS.
1926-1954.
Cashbooks, with accounting of cash received from dues and fees, and cash expended, listing purpose.

PRINTED MATERIAL.

BOOKLET.
1903, 1909.
Woman's Relief Corps 21st and 27th National Convention Journals.

BOOKLET.
1937.
Woman's Relief Corps, Department of Ohio, roster and proceedings.

ARTIFACTS

GRAVE MARKERS.
n.d.
Cast metal flag holders, one from G.A.R. and one Woman's Relief Corps.

RIBBON PINS.
n.d.
Woman's Relief Corps pins (2), with tricolor ribbon.

Box 1

Folders

1. Minute book, 1885-1887
2. Minute book, 1888-1891
3. Minute book, 1891-1897
4. Minute book, 1898-1903
5. Minute book, 1904-1910
6. Minute book, 1918-1923
7. Minute book, 1923-1928

Box 2

Folders

1. Minute book, 1928-1933
2. Minute book, 1939-1942
3. Minute book, 1943-1946
4. Minute book, 1947-1952
5. Minute book, 1952-1956
6. By-laws, 1885-1900
7. Membership roll book, 1954-1974

Box 3

Folders

1. Cash book, 1926-1935
2. Cash book, 1935-1947
3. Cash book, 1947-1954
4. Woman's Relief Corps-21st National Convention Journal, 1903
5. Woman's Relief Corps-27th National Convention Journal, 1909
6. Woman's Relief Corps, Dept. of Ohio, Roster and proceedings, 1937
7. Two grave markers, n.d.
8. W.R.C. Ribbon pins, n.d.