Now You Know: Angels Among Us

Angels Among Us

Heart Menders & Hope Givers of the Red Cross

by Debbie neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum

The name Clarissa Harlowe Barton, aka Clara Barton, is easily recognizable. Her name is etched on the boulders of history like many others and, amazingly, Clara had no idea how impactful her giving spirit would prove to be. She was intensely devoted to supporting Civil War soldiers as an independent nurse, dressing wounds and saving lives, which brought her the title “Angel of the Battlefield.” It was during a European visit that Clara was introduced to the work of the International Red Cross and once she returned home, her efforts turned to establishing the American Red

Cross, a goal she accomplished in 1881…a volunteer organization she led for 23 years. Some of the greatest deeds neither require nor receive Organized February 14, 1916, headlines…they are silent acts of random kindness. the Bartlesville Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was a force of ladies to be reckoned with and their volunteer operation supported the National Red Cross and the Belgian Relief fund while organizing first aid and surgical dressing training pre-WWI. But, when the U.S. entered that war on April 6, 1917, the ladies realized their projects were too daunting to be self-sustaining. Their American Red Cross charter application was backed by some of Bartlesville’s most prominent businessmen and through the efforts of the Bartlesville DAR, on June 4, 1917, the Bartlesville Chapter of the American Red Cross assumed part of the DAR duties. Shortly thereafter, the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic raised its ugly head in Washington County and the two organizations joined forces to support the needs of five local emergency hospitals. The situation was dire and flu deaths hit smelter workers hardest. A medical team of one physician and two trained nurses

were sent from Washington, D.C. when Bartlesville became recognized as second in the nation in “ratio of death to population.”

Around the world, while the doctors and nurses tended war injuries and flu illness, qualified Red Cross volunteers worked tirelessly to bring comfort where needed. As early as 1918, these “Florence Nightingales” delivered light on the darkest days and were recognized for their encouraging service to wounded and healing servicemen. Their uniforms consisted of a long gray dress with a large red cross upon the chest, which awarded them the affectionate nickname of the “Gray Ladies” by the patients they cared for. Although their attire seemed drab, the ray of sunshine they poured upon a facility of despair was not.

In 1955, the American Red Cross Recreation program was established as a patient outreach for the Eastern State Hospital in Vinita and two Washington County Red Cross Gray Lady groups dedicated their Mondays and Tuesdays to patient care. They were joined in 1958 by a group of five retired businessmen who formed the Washington County Gray Men, a volunteer arm of the American Red Cross, with the goal of opening opportunities to the handicapped residents of the Eastern State Hospital. The initial group…consisting of Mose Gash, Murray Ulrich, Walter Sharp, Joe Fournier and Charley Leathers…quickly grew to twenty-nine members. Once a week, two car loads of fully uniformed Gray Men made the 100-mile round trip to visit the “forgotten” patients with the sole purpose of bringing happiness and cheer. The day was filled with writing letters, playing bingo, picnic lunches, movie time with popcorn and taking the residents shopping…with special attention to birthday and holiday celebrations. Their efforts were also felt by resident of Bartlesville hospitals and nursing facilities.

There is a special place for volunteers…people with no personal agenda but to make the lives of others more livable and bring just a little light to otherwise grim situations. Learning some residents had not left the Eastern State Hospital property in years, or ever, the Washington County Gray Men became “Gray Angels” as they raised funds for a thirty-six passenger bus allowing sight-seeing and group outings. In addition, each Christmas, a party with song, dance and gifts was a resident highlight.

The Gray Men and Gray Ladies of Washington County were heart menders and hope givers. Although the American Red Cross phased out the Gray Ladies in the 1960s, the Washington County Gray Ladies and Men continued to volunteer thousands of hours, reaching their 25th anniversary recognition in 1983.

The Red Cross is the “go to” for first aid certification, swim lessons and providing more than 40% of U.S. blood products. However, in crisis events…war, earthquakes, floods, fires, personal and national disasters…the American Red Cross, with more than 600 chapters and 36 Blood Service units across the United States, is on the front line offering support during and after times of need, helping rebuild lives and communities.

In times of war, the Red Cross shines brightest and our service personnel are not alone. Upon the launch of Operation Desert Storm, up to 158 workers of the Red Cross arrived in the Persian Gulf area to support our ground troops; among the Red Cross workers, seven received Bronze Stars for their “meritorious service.”

There are heroes and angels among us…in global service of the Red Cross.

Clara Barton was hailed as the first Gray Lady and served as president of the American Red Cross until her retirement in 1904, at the age of 83. She died on April 12, 1912, at her home in Glen Echo, Maryland, leaving a national legacy of humanitarian service.

The term ‘Gray Lady’ refers to American Red Cross volunteers who for many years provided friendly, personal services of a nonmedical nature to sick, injured, and disabled patients in American hospitals, other health-care facilities and private homes.

Did You Know?