Mary Frances Willard Letters
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of 52 typed copies of her original letters (322 pages) that Mary Frances Willard sent to her family members while serving as a YMCA canteen worker in France during World War I. It is unknown when these typed copies were made.
Dates
- 1918 - 1919
Creator
- Willard, Mary Frances, 1869-1961 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open without restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
Please consult staff at Chicago Public Library Special Collections to determine ability to reuse materials from collection.
Biographical / Historical
Mary Frances Willard (1869-1961) was a Chicagoan who resided in the Rogers Park neighborhood. In 1918, Willard enlisted to serve as a YMCA canteen worker in France during World War I. She was 48 years old at the time of her departure. Known as “Aunt May” to her family, Willard addressed all of her letters to “Dear Homefolks.” Her YMCA canteen duties included securing supplies, preparing such comforts for soldiers as hot chocolate, donuts and a convivial tent atmosphere. She was stationed in Le Mans, Marseilles, Paris and Troyes. World War I ended shortly after her arrival. The YMCA presence continued through the slow withdrawal of U.S. troops across France. Her letters comment on various topics including food supply, living conditions, African American soldiers (pages 54-55, 78, 82,83, 87), and the 1918 influenza pandemic (pages 50, 52, 66, 77, 106).
Extent
.5 Linear Feet (in 1 box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection consists of 52 typed copies of her original letters (322 pages) that Mary Frances Willard (Aunt May) sent to her family members while serving as a YMCA canteen worker in France during World War I.
Arrangement
The letters are arranged chronologically as they were numbered by the typist.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by Willard's nephew, Charles E. Baker, in 1983
- Union franco-américaine -- 1910-1920
- United War Work Campaign, Inc -- 1910-1920
- World War, 1914-1918 Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Creator
- Willard, Mary Frances, 1869-1961 (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Mary Frances Willard Letters
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Michelle McCoy
- Date
- 2021
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Unit at Harold Washington Library Center Repository
Harold Washington Library Center, 9th Floor
Chicago Public Library
400 S. State Street
Chicago IL 60605 United States
(312) 747-4875
specoll@chipublib.org