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July 4, 2009
     

Digital Exhibit:
Children of Wilmette and World War I, 1917-1919


Gordon Buck

The Library’s Local History Collection contains several pamphlets, pictures and newspaper articles from the World War I era that illustrate how the children of Wilmette contributed to the war effort 1917-1919.

As members of the Wilmette Guard, a civilian war work organization of the period, children prepared materials for the Jr. Red Cross, knit warm clothing for soldiers and raised money for the purchase of “Liberty Bonds”

 

HE BUYS TILL IT HURTS

Gordon Buck, of 1215 Lake avenue, is 10 years old, a patriot and possessor of a fine Shetland pony, with cart and all necessary driving equipment. ... the youngster has decided...he will sell his pony...for $150, said cash to be immediately converted into Liberty loan bonds. The pony is now on sale at the family residence.”

Reading list about World War I by the Wilmette Public Library Children's Department

Page from pamphlet. Click to enlarge



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Babies with flags. Click to enlarge

Girls knitting for soldiers

Girls knitting for soldiers

Richard Stolp Betts

Liberty Loan poster

“Dear Sammy,
I am a little boy, six years old, and I knit this sweater all by myself, and I hope you will like it. I have put my picture in here to say hello to you."

Richard Stolp Betts, 939 Ninth Street, Wilmette, Ill.
Liberty Loan poster

Pamphlets explained how the purchase of “4th Liberty Loan” savings bonds would help the United States pay the debt for the cost of the war. Children were encouraged to buy bonds with whatever money they had.

Poem from a pamphlet.