Early History of The Pelham Comfort Society

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On April 6, 1917, the United States joined its allies, Britain, France, and Russia, and entered World War I.  The same month, patriotic Pelham residents created the Pelham Comfort Society to help "the boys at the front and in camps during the war" and to assist "disabled and needy veterans."  Originally the Society was organized "for the specific purposes of spreading cheer among the soldiers during the war."   Once the war ended, however, the organization shifted its mission and carried on its work to assist the war's veterans.

The Society raised funds through member subscriptions, proceeds of card parties, and proceeds from dances and benefits.  Later in the life of the organization, it also received funds from the Pelham Community Chest, a donation aggregation organization that once existed in the Town of Pelham.  

Although it is unclear precisely how the Society initially was organized, in 1922 it became a Membership Corporation with officers and a board of directors.  A local Judge, George Lambert, prepared the articles of incorporation as a membership corporation under the laws of the State of New York and submitted those articles to the membership in 1922.   

The Pelham Comfort Society undertook a host of tasks to ease the lives of veterans.  It sponsored Ward Parties at veteran's hospitals including Base Hospital No. 81, Kingsbridge Road and the Veteran's Hospital at Northport, Long Island.  At times it supplied as many as 100 veterans with "cigarettes, candy, ice cream and cake, reading matter and useful articles of wearing apparel" occasionally in cooperation with the American Red Cross.  At Easter the Society donated plants, flowers, and candy for the benefit of veterans.  Its members also donated gifts at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and on other occasions.  

According to one account (quoted in full among the articles transcribed at the end of today's posting), in 1921 alone, the Pelham Comfort Society:

"made forty visits to the hospitals and cheered the heart of many of the disabled veterans interned there.  Many articles of clothing were distributed among the needy in these hospitals.  The report states that 500 boxes of cigarettes, 120 packages of tobacco and pipes, 39 overcoats , 87 pairs of shoes, 15 suits, 40 suits of underwear, 69 shirts, 20 dozen new handkerchiefs, 100 pairs of socks, 2 bath robes, and three hats were distributed during the year to the disabled soldiers.

One of the good deeds of this organization during the year was the case of a discharged soldier whose expenses to his wife and family at Columbiaville, Mich., were paid last summer.  The soldier was unable to procure helpt through the Red Cross and when the case was brought to the attention of the Comfort Society his transportation was quickly arranged for.

At a Christmas dinner, held at the fire house, there were 102 soldiers entertained by the Comfort Society.  Each soldier was presented with a gift.  Christmas gifts were also sent to 187 soldiers in hospitals the members visited during Christmas week.  This organization has held many other affairs for the veterans among which were a lawn fete, a Hallowe'en party and a St. Patrick's party.  Altogether, there were 304 disabled veterans who were brought to Pelham and entertained by the Comfort Society during the year.  The Society is planning to do even more this year for the veterans than they did last year."

In addition to such philanthropic efforts, the Pelham Comfort Society also maintained Memorial Park (also known as Veterans Park) adjacent to Town Hall for many years.  The Society also decorated the Memorial Park monuments on Memorial Day.  For many years the Society also sent flowers to Gold Star Mothers at Easter and Christmas and made donations to veteran's hospitals such as the Soldiers' Hospitals at Castle Point, Seton Northport, Tupper Lake, N.Y. and Lyons N.J. At one point the Society bought land in the Adirondacks to permit veterans to have camping vacations in the great outdoors at the Society's expense.  

The Pelham Comfort Society continued its charitable efforts to assist soldiers at war and veterans even during World War II.  Indeed, its efforts lasted at least through the end of World War II and, apparently, for a few years after that as well.

World War I Patriotic Poster by

James Montgomery Flagg Who

Was Born in Pelham Manor.

NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

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Below are a few of the many, many, many articles that appeared for more than three decades in local and regional newspapers regarding the Pelham Comfort Society.  

"Report of Comfort Society
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Report Shows Excellent Record of Noble Work Society Has Done During Year
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Articles of Incorporation As a Membership Corporation Are Submitted to Members
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As a testimony for her service in the work of the organization, the members of the Pelham Comfort Society re-elected Mrs. E. L. Adair president of the Society for the coming year, at the annual meeting at the Town Hall Tuesday night.  Mrs. W. Moye was elected first vice-president; Miss Charlotte Kurtz, second vice-president; Miss Dorothy Kurtz, treasurer; Miss Charlotte Bosse, recording secretary, and Mrs. Edward Odin, corresponding secretary.

Three directors were elected.  They were Mrs. J. Manning, Mrs. G.L. Lyons and Mrs. W. C. Connacher.  An executive committee of five was elected for the ensuing year.  This committee is composed of Mrs. G. L. Lyons, Mrs. A. Berle, Mrs. Fred Head, Mrs. T. Patterson and Mrs. W. C. Connacher.  Mrs. J. Manning, Mrs. G. Keller, Mrs. L. Marvel, Mrs. P. Ceder and Mrs. W. Hamilton were elected to the refreshment committee.  Miss M. Merriam and Mrs. J. Manning were chosen as nurse and assistant.  Miss Grace Lyons was chosen color bearer and Miss Johannah Miick was chosen banner bearer.

Judge George Lambert submitted the articles of the incorporation of the society as a membership corporation under the law of the state.  In presenting the articles of incorporation Judge Lambert commended the Comfort Society on its work in the past and expressed his gratitude that he was able to serve the Society in forming the articles of incorporation.

During the year the Comfort Society made forty visits to the hospitals and cheered the heart of many of the disabled veterans interned there.  Many articles of clothing were distributed among the needy in these hospitals.  The report states that 500 boxes of cigarettes, 120 packages of tobacco and pipes, 39 overcoats , 87 pairs of shoes, 15 suits, 40 suits of underwear, 69 shirts, 20 dozen new handkerchiefs, 100 pairs of socks, 2 bath robes, and three hats were distributed during the year to the disabled soldiers.

One of the good deeds of this organization during the year was the case of a discharged soldier whose expenses to his wife and family at Columbiaville, Mich., were paid last summer.  The soldier was unable to procure helpt through the Red Cross and when the case was brought to the attention of the Comfort Society his transportation was quickly arranged for.

At a Christmas dinner, held at the fire house, there were 102 soldiers entertained by the Comfort Society.  Each soldier was presented with a gift.  Christmas gifts were also sent to 187 soldiers in hospitals the members visited during Christmas week.  This organization has held many other affairs for the veterans among which were a lawn fete, a Hallowe'en party and a St. Patrick's party.  Altogether, there were 304 disabled veterans who were brought to Pelham and entertained by the Comfort Society during the year.  The Society is planning to do even more this year for the veterans than they did last year.  

The Comfort Society also purchased a lot in the Adirondacks for a veterans' summer camp.  Many disabled veterans will be able to enjoy a vacation at the expense of the Society."

Source:  Report of Comfort Society, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 14, 1922, Vol. 13, No. 7, p. 4, col. 1.  

"PELHAM COMFORT SOCIETY TO GIVE BENEFIT DANCE
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The Pelham Comfort Society is giving a dance at Firemen's Hall, North Pelham, on Saturday evening, October 28.  Proceeds are for convalescent veterans, and tickets are being sold at fifty cents each.  The Harris jazz band will furnish the music."

Source:  PELHAM COMFORT SOCIETY TO GIVE BENEFIT DANCE, Scarsdale Inquirer, Oct. 28, 1922, No. 57, p. 3, col. 2.  

"Comfort Society's Anniversary

The Pelham Comfort society which was organized at the outbreak of the world war and has spent its entire time in helping the boys at the front and in camps during the war and assisting the disabled and needy veterans since, is to celebrate its seventh anniversary in April and will give a big entertainment.  A souvenir booklet giving a history of its activities will be prepared for distribution."

Source:  Comfort Society's Anniversary, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jan. 26, 1924, p. 14, col. 6.  

"Disabled Veterans To Be Entertained Today By Comfort Society
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First Ward Party Of Winter To Be Held At U.S. Veterans' Hospital This Afternoon
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More than sixty disabled World War Veterans are to be the guests of the Pelham Comfort Society at a hospital party this afternoon.  The members of the organization will visit the hospital taking with them refreshments, entertainers and musicians.  In addition several hundred magazines and phonograph records will be given to the soldiers so that their enjoyment may continue long after the party is over.  The ladies will visit the U.S. Veterans' Hospital No. 81 in the Bronx.  

Mrs. M. G. Oden, president of the Pelham Comfort Society, will head the delegation of local women.  The visit to the hospital will be the first of a series of similar entertainments which the organization has planned for the winter.  Plans are being prepared for the Annual Christmas Party which is to be presented during the Christmas holidays.  At this party several hundred disabled veterans are entertained."

Source:  Disabled Veterans To Be Entertained Today By Comfort Society -- First Ward Party Of Winter To Be Held At U.S. Veterans' Hospital This Afternoon, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 19, 1928, p. 9, col. 1.  

"Disabled Veterans To Enjoy Christmas Party At Hospital
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Pelham Comfot Society Will Spread Christmas Cheer Among Several Hundred War Veterans
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Pelham is again called upon to provide for the Christmas Party of several hundred disabled World War Veterans now confined to hospitals in New York City.

The Pelham Comfort Society, which has provided a big program of Christmas cheer every year since the close of the World War, is asking for support for its program which is to be presented during the holidays.  Mrs. M. G. Oden is president of the organization and will be in charge of the affair.  Thomas M. Kennett, publisher of The Pelham Sun, is treasurer of the fund.  Contributions should be forwarded to The Pelham Sun office.  

The ten years which have elapsed since the war have not lessened the burden of several thousand men who were wounded or suffered during the world conflict.  Many of them are still confined to hospitals.  The Pelham Comfort Society, which was organized for the specific purpose of spreading cheer among the solders during the war, has carried on its work among the unfortunate victims ever since.  Every month the ladies who belong to this organization visit various hospitals in New York City and take with them all manner of good things for the inmates.  Momentarily at least, the minds of the disabled veterans are relieved of their troubles.  The December party has become a Red Letter Day in the lives of those in the hospital.  It is Christmas time and the spirit of Christmas prompts more extensive work.

This year it is planned to present a long entertainment program at the hospital as well as giving the veterans a big Christmas dinner.  Several residents of the Pelhams who are especially talented have offered their services.  Local merchants have offered to donate a quantity of good things to eat.  

Many Pelhamites have supported the program in the past.  Their support is needed now.  Early contribution will assure the success of the party.  Forward your donations to Thomas M. Kennett, Treasurer, The Pelham Sun office.

The names of contributors will be published in The Pelham Sun."

Source:  Disabled Veterans To Enjoy Christmas Party At Hospital -- Pelham Comfot Society Will Spread Christmas Cheer Among Several Hundred War Veterans, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 30, 1928, p. 5, col. 3.  

"Here is Where Your Contributions Go -- 

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PELHAM COMFORT SOCIETY -- 

THE DISABLED VETERAN without funds or the ability to earn them has a claim on the community that it is always an honor and a patriotic duty to meet . . by supplying small comforts not within the mere province of pensions or necessity.

The organization that acts for the citizens of Pelham in this splendid service is the Pelham Comfort Society.  Through its Ward Parties at Base Hospital No. 81, Kingsbridge Road, and at the Veteran's Hospital at Northport, L. I., it supplies about 100 ex-service men with cigarettes, candy, ice cream and cake, reading matter and useful articles of wearing apparel . . . the latter through the American Red Cross.

At Easter there are donations of plants, flowers and candy; special and appropriate gifts at Thanksgiving and Christmas and on other occasions.

And Remember This!  The Pelham Comfort Society takes care of the Memorial Park in North Pelham, decorating the monuments on Memorial Day, sends flowers to Gold Star Mothers at Easter and Christmas and donations at other times to the Soldiers' Hospitals at Castle Point, Seton Northport, Tupper Lake, N.Y. and Lyons, N.J.

The Pelham Comfort Society is to receive from the 1939 Chest to aid in this good turn to veterans, $475.

Officers of the Society are:

President..........Mrs. Minnie G. Oden
Vice-Pres.........Mrs. Lillian T. Moye
Cor.-Sec..........Mrs. Walter G. Barket
Rec.-Sec..........Miss Charlotte Kurtze
Treasurer........Mrs. Frank Chaloux"

Source:  Here is Where Your Contributions Go -- . . . PELHAM COMFORT SOCIETY [Advertisement for Pelham Community Chest], The Pelham Sun, Nov. 18, 1938, Vol. 28, No. 33, p. 3, cols. 1-8.  

"LEADING THE COMFORT SOCIETY
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From the days when the United States adopted the Selective Service Act down to the present day the Pelham Comfort Society has functioned loyally and splendidly for the well-being of those who served during the war and those who after the war have become numbered among the 'army of remembrance' of war's effects.  The rank and file of the latter we find in veterans hospitals.  To them, the visitations of such organizations as the Comfort Society are bright spots in a dreary existence, times to which they look forward with eagerness, enjoy to the full, and talk about for weeks afterward.

The ranks of the 'army of remembrance' are thinning yearly.  The loyalty of those who commprise such societies remains constant and steadfast.

We are reminded of all this, not by the gathering thunder clouds of war, but by the annual election of officers of the Pelham Comfort Society, when for the fourteenth time Mrs. Minnie Godfrey Oden was elected to the presidency.  During the year we record many instances of kindly acts performed by the Comfort Society.  Their visits to veterans hospitals are made possible by donations made through the agency of the Community Chest.  Their gifts of flowers to Pelham people who are sick, the cost of transportation to the hospital, and lilttle donations to many other things come from their membership subscriptions, and the proceeds of card parties.  

After twenty years, the Great War seems remote, but if you could go with the members of the Pelham Comfort Society to visit one of the veterans' hospitals you would remember very vividly that the war is very present with any thousand of disabled soldiers.  

It is good that the loyalty of the members of Pelham Comfort Society exists.  The long service of its president is one shining example."

Source:  LEADING THE COMFORT SOCIETY, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 7, 1939, Vol. 29, No. 1, p. 2, col. 1.  

"COMFORT SOCIETY HOST YESTERDAY TO 250 VETERANS
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Disabled Veterans at Northport Hospital Entertained Yesterday by Members of Comfort Society.
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The Pelham Comfort Society was host yesterday at a party for 250 disabled veterans at Northport Government Hospital on Long Island.  

The party attended by thirty society members who made the trip to and from the hospital by bus, was held in the recreational hall of the hospital under the supervision of Mrs. Newell-Nelson, hospital superintendent.  

Cigarettes, playing cards, jigsaw puzzles, magazines, books and clothing were distributed to the veterans by the Comfort Society which also served ice cream and cake.  

Arrangements for the party were made by Mrs. M. Godfrey Oden, president of the Comfort Society and Mrs. Denton Pearsall Jr."

Source:  COMFORT SOCIETY HOST YESTERDAY TO 250 VETERANS -- Disabled Veterans at Northport Hospital Entertained Yesterday by Members of Comfort Society, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 12, 1942, Vol. 32, No. 10, p. 4, col. 2.  

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