Russian War Relief Program, 1942-1945

Call Number: MG-336

1 box     8 folders     .25 cubic ft.

Repository: LancasterHistory.org (Lancaster, Pa.)

Shelving Location: Archives South, Side 8

Description: This collection documents Lancaster County’s support of Russian War Relief, Inc. during World War II. The organization was incorporated in New York City one month after Germany attacked the Soviet Union, in order to provide humanitarian support for Soviet citizens and war orphans who were living in devastated villages with near-famine conditions. Russian War Relief, Inc. worked with local War Chests, Community Chests and the National War Fund in order to raise money for the campaign. Clothing, food and Christmas gifts for children were also collected. F. Lyman Windolph, a Lancaster lawyer, worked with a few others in the community to collect contributions from 1942-1944. The collection contains a publicity portfolio for Russian War Relief, Inc. and correspondence between Mr. Windolph and members of the organization from 1942-1945.

Creator: Windolph, F. Lyman.

Conditions for Access: No restrictions.

Conditions Governing Reproductions: Collection may not be photocopied. Please contact Research Staff or Archives Staff with questions.

Language: English

Source of Acquisition: Gift of William W. Campbell, in memory of F. Lyman Windolph, 27 June 2003.

Administrative History: Collection organized by DS; finding aid typed by HST, March 2012.

 

Folder 1 Publicity Portfolio

Folder 1, Insert 1 Folder. “Publicity Portfolio for Publicity Directors of Committees for Russian War Relief.” Issued by the Public Relations Department, Russian War Relief, Inc., 11 East 35th Street, New York, NY. No date.

Folder 1, Insert 2 Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Edward C. Carter, president, regarding the program and the publicity portfolio. Letterhead of Russian War Relief, Inc. 18 August 1943.

Folder 1, Insert 3 “How to get publicity that will help Russia.” No date.

Folder 1, Insert 4 Sample press releases.

Folder 1, Insert 5 Promotional broadside in newspaper format with photographs illustrating the need for relief and an order form. No date.

Folder 1, Insert 6 Sample speech. No date.

Insert 7 Guide for speakers. Cards with an outline of the Russian War relief story and supporting quotations by eminent authorities. no date.

Folder 1, Insert 8 “Radio aids for publicity directors of RWR committees and war chests.” No date.

Folder 1, Insert 9 Map of Russia placed in reverse upon the map of the United States to help Americans visualize the need for aid. Prepared by E. Means. No date.

Pamphlet soliciting donations. No date.

Poster. “Help put him back in our fight.” Color illustration showing an attack and a soldier falling in the center of a giant red star superimposed on the ground. 14”w by 21.5”h. Artist: E. Means. Einson-Freeman Co., Inc. Long Island City, NY. No date.

Financial and operations report for 1941-1942.

Folder 1, Insert 10 Letter from Anna Goldsborough, public relations director, regarding the enclosed speech. 10 April 1944.

Statement made by Edward C. Carter, president, at the Minneapolis War Fund Meeting on 3 April 1944.

 

Folder 2 Sewing Project / Share Your Clothes Project

Folder 2, Insert 1 National Sewing Project

Memorandum to authorized committees from Gertrude Warburton, national sewing director, enclosing the following packet. 17 July 1944.

Sewing Project Memo #30-A with information about the project. June 1944.

“Optimum set-up for Russian War Relief Sewing Project”

“An ideal sewing chairman and active committee”

“RWR sewing publicity”

“Cooperation of speakers’ bureau helpful to RWR sewing program”

“Fabric for RWR sewing projects”

“RWR sewing projects and patterns”

“Recommended sewing projects”

“Cutting facilities”

“Use RWR headquarters to promote sewing”

“Russian War Relief headquarters”

“Russian War Relief workrooms”

“Promotion of RWR sewing through outside organizations”

“Sewing production records”

Form for pick-up of cut garments.

Form for delivery of new sewn garments.

New garments shipping report, in triplicate.

Purple shipping label.

Red shipping label.

Knit shipping label.

Folder 2, Insert 2 News from Russian War Relief, Inc. 9 March 1943.

Estimated report of contribution in kind from authorized committees and other geographic areas, January to June 1944.

 

Folder 3 Correspondence of F. Lyman Windolph regarding Donations, 1942-1945

Folder 3, Insert 1 Carbon copies of letters from F. Lyman Windolph

To Mr. L. W. Newcomer, United War Chest, Lancaster, thanking him for a monetary donation. 9 July 1942.

To Harry S. Humphreys, Lancaster, treasurer of the local committee. 9 July 1942.

To Mr. L. W. Newcomer thanking him for a monetary donation. 8 February 1943.

To Harry S. Humphreys, treasurer of the local committee. 8 February 1943.

Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Helen Mangold, Russian War Relief, Inc., regarding donations. 11 February 1943.

Folder 3, Insert 2 Carbon copies of letters from F. Lyman Windolph

To Hon. William H. Keller, Lancaster, regarding donation of an overcoat. 8 April 1943.

To Mr. L. C. Marley, Standard Garment Company, Columbia, regarding clothing donations. 29 April 1943.

To Mr. S. A. Cantor, Arrow Shoe Stores Company, Lancaster, regarding a donation of advertising space. 30 April 1943.

To Miss Jane Meloy, Lancaster Chapter of the American Red Cross, regarding a contribution. 30 April 1943.

To Ottenstein Coats, Inc., Lancaster, regarding a contribution. 30 April 1943.

Folder 3, Insert 3 Carbon copies of letters from F. Lyman Windolph

To Little Prince Company, Columbia, regarding a donation of snow suits. 3 May 1943.

To Tidy Products Corp., Columbia, regarding a donation of baby blankets. 3 May 1943.

To Watt & Shand, Inc. regarding a donation of coats and dresses. 3 May 1943.

To Mrs. H. S. Sloat, Lancaster, regarding a donation from the Bausman Red Cross. 3 May 1943.

To Mrs. S. Hurshman, Lancaster, regarding a donation from the Ladies’ Hebrew Charities Society. 3 May 1943.

To Emanuel Alboum, Lancaster & New York Motor Freight Service, Lancaster, regarding transportation of the donated clothing. 3 May 1943.

To Mrs. M. C. Demmy, Lititz, regarding donations from the Lititz community. 5 May 1943.

To Raymond Runk, Lititz, regarding his assistance during the campaign in Lititz. 5 May 1943.

To Mr. M. C. Demmy, principal of the Lititz Borough School, regarding the assistance of school authorities during the campaign in Lititz. 5 May 1943.

Letter to Mrs. Morris from Betty [Kane], Lititz Borough School, regarding clothing donations. No date.

Folder 3, Insert 4 Carbon copies of letters from F. Lyman Windolph

To Russian War Relief, Inc., New York City, enclosing a letter from the United War Chest in Lancaster. 7 July 1943.

To Mr. L. W. Newcomer thanking him for a monetary donation. 7 July 1943.

To Mr. H. S. Humphreys, treasurer of the local committee. 7 July 1943.

To Mrs. S. M. Morris, Lancaster, enclosing a letter from Mr. Carter. 29 November 1943.

Folder 3, Insert 5 Carbon copies of letters from F. Lyman Windolph

To Ottenstein Coats, Inc. soliciting another clothing donation. 29 May 1944.

To Standard Garment Company, Inc. soliciting another clothing donation. 29 May 1944.

To Little Prince Company soliciting another clothing donation. 29 May 1944.

To Tidy Products Corp. soliciting another clothing donation. 29 May 1944.

Folder 3, Insert 6 Carbon copies of letters from F. Lyman Windolph

To Mrs. Vernon Hershey, Manheim, regarding a donation of used clothing. 5 June 1944.

Letter from Mrs. Florence Lockwood, Callaway, Nebraska, with clothing and monetary donations. 10 June 1944.

To Mrs. S. Krane, Lititz, regarding a donation of used clothing. 13 June 1944.

To Mrs. M. C. Demmy, Lititz, regarding a donation of used clothing. 13 June 1944.

To Little Prince Company, Columbia, regarding a donation of snow suits. 13 June 1944.

To Columbia Sports Wear Mills, Inc., Columbia, regarding a donation a sweaters. 13 June 1944.

To Tidy Products Corp. regarding a donation of children’s clothing. 13 June 1944.

To Standard Garment Company regarding a donation of dresses. 13 June 1944.

Folder 3, Insert 7 Carbon copies of letters from F. Lyman Windolph

To Watt & Shand, Inc. regarding the use of a storeroom and advertising space. 14 June 1944.

To Shirk’s Motor Express Corp., Lancaster, regarding their assistance in transporting contributions. 14 June 1944.

To Hoffman Delivery Co., Inc. , Lancaster, regarding their assistance in transporting contributions. 14 June 1944.

To Andrew G. Charles, Lancaster, regarding a donation of radio time. 14 June 1944.

To Hager & Bro., Inc., Lancaster, regarding a donation of advertising space and clothing. 14 June 1944.

To Oblender’s, Inc., Lancaster, regarding a donation of advertising space. 14 June 1944.

To Wise Jewelry Co., Lancaster, regarding a donation of advertising space. 14 June 1944.

To Simon A. Cantor, Arrow Shoe Store, Lancaster, regarding a donation of advertising space. 14 June 1944.

To Mrs. H. S. Sloat, president, Lancaster, regarding contributions to the campaign. 14 June 1944.

To Miss Jane Meloy, Lancaster, regarding assistance with the campaign. 14 June 1944.

To Ralph V. Alexander, Stevens House, Lancaster, regarding the use of tables and chairs. 14 June 1944.

To Walter O. Miller, Lancaster, regarding a donation of radio time. 14 June 1944.

To Miss Evelyn Fassnacht, president of the American Legion Auxiliary, Ephrata, regarding a donation of used clothing. 14 June 1944.

Folder 3, Insert 8 Carbon copies of letters from F. Lyman Windolph

To Emanuel Alboum regarding transportation of donated clothing. 15 June 1944.

To James C. Robbie, Lancaster Transportation Co., regarding transportation of donated clothing. 15 June 1944.

To Mrs. Florence Lockwood, Callaway, Nebraska, regarding a donation of clothing and returning a check for a monetary donation. 15 June 1944.

To the editor of the Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster, regarding the publicity provided by the newspaper. 19 June 1944.

To the editor of the Lancaster New Era regarding the publicity provided by the newspaper. 19 June 1944.

Folder 3, Insert 9 Carbon copies of letters from F. Lyman Windolph

To Russian War Relief, Inc. regarding contributions from Lancaster. 5 September 1944.

To Leo Allen, Russian War Relief, Inc. regarding contributions from other Pennsylvania cities. 14 September 1944.

To Leo Allen regarding Mr. Allen’s upcoming visit to Lancaster. 6 October 1944.

To Leo Allen regarding a request for kits that have not yet been received and the “Christmas Gift Campaign.” 7 October 1944.

Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Helen Mangold, Russian War Relief, Inc., regarding the shipment of kits. 12 October 1944.

Folder 3, Insert 10 Carbon copies of letters from F. Lyman Windolph

To Mr. C. F. Humphreys, Lancaster, regarding his assistance in the campaign. 4 January 1945.

To Mrs. Albert M. Herr, Lancaster, regarding her leadership in the campaign. 4 January 1945.

To Mr. O. L. Hampton, YMCA, Lancaster, regarding the use of tables and chairs during the campaign. 4 January 1945.

 

Folder 4 Christmas Gift Campaign, 1944-1945

Folder 4, Insert 1 Telegram to F. Lyman Windolph from Edward C. Carter, president, Russian War Relief, Inc., regarding the need for specific gifts for Soviet children and discontinuing the new clothing drive. 7 December 1944.

Folder 4, Insert 2 Telegram to F. Lyman Windolph from Anna Goldsborough, Russian War Relief, Inc., regarding publicity of the campaign and specifying other types of gifts for children. 8 December 1944.

Folder 4, Insert 3 Carbon copies of letters from F. Lyman Windolph

To Harry Kimmel, Columbia Knitting Mills, Columbia, regarding the change in the campaign from new clothing to used. 12 December 1944.

To Little Prince Company, Columbia, regarding the change in the campaign from new clothing to used. 12 December 1944.

To Tidy Products Corp., Columbia, regarding the change in the campaign from new clothing to used. 12 December 1944.

Folder 4, Insert 4 Memorandum from Fred Myers, Russian War Relief, Inc., regarding the Christmas Gift Campaign. 2 pages. 11 September 1944.

Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Leo Allen, Russian War Relief, Inc., regarding publicity of the Christmas Gift Campaign. 2 pages. 8 November 1944.

Folder 4, Insert 5 Letter to Harry S. Humphreys and copied to F. Lyman Windolph from Leo Allen regarding the Lancaster Committee’s expenses for the Christmas Gift Campaign. 16 January 1945.

 

Folder 5 Correspondence of F. Lyman Windolph, 1942

Folder 5, Insert 1 Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Milton Shields, field representative, Russian War Relief, Inc., regarding a committee in Lancaster. 2 pages. 20 February 1942.

Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Milton Shields regarding the United War Chest. 25 February 1942.

Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Milton Shields regarding Russian War Relief in Lancaster as part of the United War Chest. 25 March 1942.

Folder 5, Insert 2 Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Mayor D. E. Carey enclosing a letter from Russian War Relief, Inc. 7 May 1942.

Carbon copy of letter to Mayor Carey from F. Lyman Windolph returning the letter that was enclosed in the Mayor’s letter of May 7 and requesting that June 22 be proclaimed “Aid-to-Russia Day.” 11 May 1942.

Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Edward C. Carter regarding the organization of the Lancaster Committee of Russian War Relief, Inc. 12 May 1942.

Folder 5, Insert 3 Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from L. W. Newcomer, secretary of the United War Chest of Lancaster County, regarding a change in management and enclosing “Some figures for discussion.” 8 July 1942.

Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Morris Lewis regarding an amount paid by the United War Chest. 13 July 1942.

Carbon copy of letter to Morris Lewis, Russian War Relief, Inc., from F. Lyman Windolph regarding an amount paid by the United War Chest. 15 July 1942.

Carbon copy of letter to Russian War Relief, Inc. from F. Lyman Windolph enclosing a copy of a letter to Harry S. Humphreys. 9 July 1942.

Folder 5, Insert 4 Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from L. W. Newcomer enclosing a second distribution from the United War Chest. 5 September 1942.

Letter from Morris Lewis to F. Lyman Windolph thanking him for a letter. 14 September 1942.

Carbon copy of letter to Harry S. Humphreys, United War Chest of Lancaster City & County, from Morris Lewis acknowledging a monetary donation. 18 September 1942.

 

Folder 6 Correspondence of F. Lyman Windolph, 1943

Folder 6, Insert 1 Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from L. W. Newcomer enclosing a check from the United War Chest. 5 February 1943.

Carbon copy of letter to Russian War Relief, Inc. from F. Lyman Windolph enclosing a letter. 8 February 1943.

Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Fred Myers, Russian War Relief, Inc., requesting to meet in Lancaster to report on how monetary donations are being spent and to show “Our Russian Front.” 2 pages. 20 February 1943.

Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Arch Mandel, Russian War Relief, Inc., announcing the organization’s association with the National War Fund. 26 February 1943.

Folder 6, Insert 2 Carbon copies of letters from F. Lyman Windolph

To Dr. Harvey A. Smith, Superintendent of Schools, Lancaster, regarding local school involvement in the campaign. 2 pages. 7 April 1943.

To “Reverend John Doe,” Lancaster, regarding local church involvement in the campaign. April 1943.

Folder 6, Insert 3 Carbon copies of letters from F. Lyman Windolph

To Mr. C. F. Humphreys, Lancaster, regarding the success of the campaign and expressing thanks for his assistance. 4 May 1943.

To Mrs. Samuel M. Morris, Lancaster, regarding the success of the campaign and expressing thanks for her assistance. 4 May 1943.

To the editor of the Intelligencer Journal asking him to publish a report of the campaign. 3 pages. 5 May 1943.

To the editor of the Lancaster New Era asking him to publish a report of the campaign. 3 pages. 5 May 1943.

Folder 6, Insert 4 Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from L. W. Newcomer enclosing a check from the United War Chest. 6 July 1943.

Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Leo Allen, Russian War Relief, Inc., acknowledging the work of the Lancaster committee. 13 July 1943.

 

Folder 7 Correspondence of F. Lyman Windolph, 1944

Folder 7, Insert 1 Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Charles Feller regarding the destruction of Russian towns and villages and inviting Windolph to a meeting of the Harrisburg committee. No date.

Carbon copy of letter to Mrs. Herman Green, Harrisburg, from F. Lyman Windolph sending his regrets that he will be unable to attend the meeting of the Harrisburg Committee, but that Mrs. Morris will attend. 11 April 1944.

Memorandum of the National War Fund regarding bulletins to be sent. 20 April 1944.

Memorandum of Russian War Relief, Inc. regarding the kit collection policy. 24 April 1944.

Memorandum of Russian War Relief, Inc. regarding National War Fund response. 28 April 1944.

Folder 7, Insert 2 Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Leo Allen, Russian War Relief, Inc., enclosing a list of contributions from Pennsylvania communities. 12 September 1944.

Informational packet describing the projects in which communities throughout the United States were involved. 3 pages. No date.

Folder 7, Insert 3 Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Leo Allen regarding expansion of the Lancaster program. 25 September 1944.

Carbon copy of letter to Leo Allen from F. Lyman Windolph regarding the operation of the Lancaster Committee. 2 pages. 28 September 1944.

Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Leo Allen expressing his wish to have Windolph remain chairman of the Lancaster Committee. 4 October 1944.

Carbon copy of letter to Mrs. Samuel M. Morris, Lancaster, from F. Lyman Windolph regarding codes for items being furnished to local committees. 9 October 1944.

Folder 7, Insert 4 Carbon copy of letter to Leo Allen from F. Lyman Windolph wondering why the Lancaster Committee was not on the list of authorized committees. 22 November 1944.

Letter from Leo Allen to F. Lyman Windolph correcting the error. 30 November 1944.

Folder 7, Insert 5 Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Edward C. Carter, Russian War Relief, Inc., regarding the organization’s contract renewal with the National War Fund. 22 December 1944.

 

Folder 8 Correspondence of F. Lyman Windolph, 1945

Folder 8, Insert 1 Memorandum of Russian War Relief, Inc. regarding their new warehouse in New York City. 15 January 1945.

Memorandum of Russian War Relief, Inc. with a report of gifts in kind. 16 January 1945.

Folder 8, Insert 2 Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Leo Allen, Russian War Relief, Inc., regarding a visit to Lancaster. 8 May 1945.

Letter to Leo Allen from F. Lyman Windolph regarding Mr. Allen’s visit to Lancaster. 9 May 1945.

Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Leo Allen setting the date for a visit to Lancaster. 14 May 1945.

Letter to Leo Allen from F. Lyman Windolph stating that the Lancaster Committee is unable to support a food campaign and expressing the desire for the organization to find a new chairman for the Lancaster Committee. 21 May 1945.

Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Leo Allen in response to the above letter. 31 May 1945.

Folder 8, Insert 3 Letter from Fred Myers, Russian War Relief, Inc., stating that they will no longer be associated with the National War Fund and intend to take the burden off of local War Chest funds and Community Chests by asking for in-kind donations. 2 pages. 6 July 1945.

Memorandum of Russian War Relief, Inc. regarding the above letter. 13 July 1945.

Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Edward C. Carter, Russian War Relief, Inc., regarding the continuation of the campaign in the post-war period. 2 pages. 9 July 1945.

Folder 8, Insert 4 Letter to Leo Allen, American Society for Russian Relief, Inc., from F. Lyman Windolph regarding the discontinuation of the Lancaster Committee. 10 September 1945.

Letter to F. Lyman Windolph from Leo Allen expressing appreciation for Mr. Windolph’s leadership. 17 September 1945.

Letter to Leo Allen from F. Lyman Windolph in response to the above letter. 18 September 1945.