| Dates: | 1918-1919 |
| Size: | 0.5 linear feet in 1 box |
| Repository: | Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Library Center, Special Collections, 400 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605 |
| Collection Number: | spe-w00138 |
| Immediate Source of Acquisition: | Donated by Willard’s nephew, Charles E. Baker, in 1983 |
| Conditions Governing Access: | Materials are open without restrictions. |
| Conditions Governing Use: | Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection. |
| Preferred Citation: | When quoting material from this collection the preferred citation is: Mary Frances Willard Letters, [Box #, Folder #], Special Collections, Chicago Public Library |
| Finding Aid Author: | Michelle McCoy, 2020. Updated and ingested into ArchivesSpace by Michelle McCoy, 2021. |
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.
Historical/Biographical
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).
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.
Arrangement
The letters are arranged chronologically as they were numbered by the typist.
Related Collections
World War I Collection
Subject Headings
- Union Franco-Americaine--YMCA of the USA--1910-1920
- United War Work Campaign, Inc.--YMCA of the USA--1910-1920
- World War, 1914-1918--Finance--United States
Collection Inventory
| Box 1 | Folder 1 | Letter 1, at sea, 1918 August 9 |
| Box 1 | Folder 2 | Letter 2, Paris, 1918 August 22 |
| Box 1 | Folder 3 | Letter 3, Paris, 1918 August 25 |
| Box 1 | Folder 4 | Letter 4, Paris, 1918 August 27 |
| Box 1 | Folder 5 | Letter 5, Troyes, 1918 September 8 |
| Box 1 | Folder 6 | Letter 6, Troyes, 1918 September 15 |
| Box 1 | Folder 7 | Letter 7, Troyes, Aube, 1918 September 22 |
| Box 1 | Folder 8 | Letter 8, Troyes, Aube, 1918 September 29 |
| Box 1 | Folder 9 | Letter 9, Troyes, Aube, 1918 October 5 |
| Box 1 | Folder 10 | Letter 10, Troyes, 1918 October 13 |
| Box 1 | Folder 11 | Letter 11, Haussimont, 1918 October 16 |
| Box 1 | Folder 12 | Letter 12, Troyes, Aube, 1918 October 27 |
| Box 1 | Folder 13 | Letter 13, Troyes, Aube, 1918 November 3 |
| Box 1 | Folder 14 | Letter 14, Troyes, Aube, 1918 November 10 |
| Box 1 | Folder 15 | Letter 15, Troyes, Aube, 1918 November 17 |
| Box 1 | Folder 16 | Letter 16, Troyes, Aube, 1918 November 24 |
| Box 1 | Folder 17 | Letter 17 and note, Troyes, Aube, 1918 December 1 |
| Box 1 | Folder 18 | Letter 18, Troyes, Aube, 1918 December 9 |
| Box 1 | Folder 19 | Letter 19, Y.M.C.A. tent, Troyes, Aube, 1918 December 15 |
| Box 1 | Folder 20 | Letter 20, Troyes, Aube, 1918 December 20 |
| Box 1 | Folder 21 | Letter 21, Troyes, Aube, 1918 December 29 |
| Box 1 | Folder 22 | Letter 22, Paris, 1919 January 5 |
| Box 1 | Folder 23 | Letter 23, Pau, 1919 January 12 |
| Box 1 | Folder 24 | Letter 24, Troyes, Aube, 1919 January 19 |
| Box 1 | Folder 25 | Letter 25, Paris, 1919 January 26 |
| Box 1 | Folder 26 | Letter 26, Le Mans, Sarthe, 1919 February 2 |
| Box 1 | Folder 27 | Letter 27, Le Mans, 1919 February 9 |
| Box 1 | Folder 28 | Letter 28, Le Mans, 1919 February 16 |
| Box 1 | Folder 29 | Letter 29, Le Mans, 1919 February 22 |
| Box 1 | Folder 30 | Letter 30, Le Mans, 1919 March 1 |
| Box 1 | Folder 31 | Letter 31, Le Mans, 1919 March 9 |
| Box 1 | Folder 32 | Letter 32, Le Mans, 1919 March 15 |
| Box 1 | Folder 33 | Letter 33, Le Mans, 1919 March 22 |
| Box 1 | Folder 34 | Letter 34, Le Mans, 1919 March 30 |
| Box 1 | Folder 35 | Letter 35, Le Mans, 1919 April 7 |
| Box 1 | Folder 36 | Letter 36, Marseilles, 1919 April 13 |
| Box 1 | Folder 37 | Letter 37 and note, Marseilles, 1919 April 20 |
| Box 1 | Folder 38 | Letter 38, Marseilles, 1919 April 27 |
| Box 1 | Folder 39 | Letter 39 and 2nd Letter 39, Marseilles, 1919 May 4 |
| Box 1 | Folder 40 | Letter 40, Marseilles, 1919 May 11 |
| Box 1 | Folder 41 | Letter 41, Marseilles, 1919 May 18 |
| Box 1 | Folder 42 | Letter 42, Marseilles, 1919 May 25 |
| Box 1 | Folder 43 | Letter 43, Marseilles, 1919 June 1 |
| Box 1 | Folder 44 | Letter 44, Marseilles, 1919 June 8 |
| Box 1 | Folder 45 | Letter 45, Marseilles, 1919 June 15 |
| Box 1 | Folder 46 | Letter 46, Marseilles, 1919 June 22 |
| Box 1 | Folder 47 | Letter 47, Paris, 1919 June 29 |
| Box 1 | Folder 48 | Letter 48, Paris, 1919 July 6 |
| Box 1 | Folder 49 | Letter 49, Paris, 1919 July 16 |
| Box 1 | Folder 50 | Letter 50, Paris, 1919 July 21 |
| Box 1 | Folder 51 | Letter 51, Paris, 1919 July 30 |
| Box 1 | Folder 52 | Letter 52, Paris, 1919 August 9 |
