We are all familiar with the stories of World War I and their global impact, but have you ever wondered what contributions were made in our hometown? World War I: Home and Away, an exhibit by summer intern Arthur Garrison focuses on Southeast Texas’ contribution to the war and specifically those of the McFaddin family.
Ida McFaddin was certified to instruct volunteers on preparing surgical dressings for the Red Cross. Many local women contributed to the war effort by volunteering for the cause.
Ida McFaddin’s surgical dressings war manual was used both while in training and when instructing her volunteer groups.
Red Cross packages would have included an assortment of surgical dressings and bandages, as well as cigarettes, candies, and other morale boosters.
Both of Mamie McFaddin’s brothers, as well as her future husband, Carroll Ward, enrolled in the military during the war. Carroll enlisted in the United States Army Air Service.
