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Blue Star Mothers of America Inc. Collection

 Collection
Identifier: RH-A-3805

Scope and Contents

This collection is comprised of two Ritual Constitution and By-Laws booklets dated 1951 and 1960, and one 1980 yearbook for the Hattie Russell Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America Inc. The Hattie Russell Chapter located in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

From the Blue Star Mothers of America Inc. Constitution: "Preamble: We, the mothers of the members of the armed forces of the United States of America, do unite to establish a permanent organization. Desiring to continue to be of services, if necessary, to the perpetuation of democratic government, and are proud and honored that our sons and daughters have been chosen to serve their country."

"Object: the object of this organization shall be patriotic, educational, social, and for service; to maintain true allegiance to the government of the United States; to educate our members and others not to divulge military, naval, or other government information; to assist in veterans ceremonies; to attend patriotic rallies and meetings; to foster true democracy; to for the unsupported mothers who gave their sons to the service of the nation; to aid in bringing about recognition of the need of permanent civilian defense for each community and to ever be alert against invasion of un-American activities; to uphold the American institutions of freedom, justice, and equal rights, and to defend the Unite States from all enemies."

Dates

  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1951, 1960, 1980

Biographical / Historical

Conceived by Captain George H. Maines, The Blue Star Mothers of America organization began on January 22, 1942 when the Flint News Advertiser printed a coupon in their paper asking mothers of servicemen to return the coupon after filling it out. Over 1000 coupons were sent in and on February 1st 300 mothers met at the Durant Hotel in Flint, Michigan. The organization was made permanent and chartered by the U.S. Congress in June of 1960. Members of the organization would volunteer in hospitals, make care packages for soldiers, aid veterans and offer support to families of fallen soldiers. The organization continues to this day.

Extent

1 boxes

Language of Materials

English

Physical Description

This collection amounts to 0.05 cubic feet of space and is comprised of two Ritual Constitution and By-Laws booklets from 1951 and 1960, and one yearbook dated 1980 for the Hattie Russell Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America Inc. The 1951 booklet is blue in color and measures 4”x6.” It is in good condition except for wear on the binding of the cover. The front page of the inside cover has the name “LeNita Clickaw and the address 923 Fairbanks 5-3730” written in ink, as well as “business meeting July 27th at Milham Park picnic.” There is also various writing and marks throughout the booklet in pencil. The 1960 booklet is white in color with silver embossing on the front cover. It measures 4”x6 ¼” and is in good condition. There is writing on the inside cover in black ink that reads “property of Matty E. Smith, 122 N. Darthmouth” on it. The bottom of the inside pages has come loose from the hard cover. The 1980 yearbook measures 4 ½”x6” and is made out of light blue construction paper. There is a sticker with two red horizontal stripes, one white horizontal stripe and three blue stars on the cover. The inside pages are white with blue type-written names and addresses of chapter members. The book is in good condition; however the construction paper has faded and become discolored with age. The name “Smith” appears on the back cover in black ink.

Notes

Purchased with funds from the Starring Endowment.

Title
Blue Star Mothers of America Inc. Collection Finding Aid
Status
Completed
Author
Ashley Kirvan
Date
2018
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Western Michigan University Archives & Regional History Collections Repository

Contact:
Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center
1650 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5307 US
(269) 387-8490