Hope and Keep Busy: Women on the Homefront

While some local women accompanied their solider-husbands, most women waited at home for news of their loved ones. These women had to balance their regular duties with filling-in for male relatives and supporting the war effort. Whether on their own or with local organizations like the Ladies Hospital Aid Association and Elmira Ladies Relief Association, there were plenty of opportunities for women to show their patriotism. Women raised money for local soldiers’ families and disabled soldiers; rolled bandaged; sewed blankets, tents, flags and clothing; created care packages; knitted socks and mittens; and volunteered at the military hospital in Elmira.