Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

Letter and accompanying certification card sent to Mary Watts from the Director of the Bureau of Nursing Service, Clara D. Noyes, informing her that she "satisfactorily" completed a course in the "Preparation of Red Cross Surgical Dressings." The letter is on printed American Red Cross Nursing Service stationery. The accompanying card was printed on cardstock, certifying that Mary Watts "has received a course of eight lessons in the preparation of surgical supplies under the auspices of the American Red Cross," dated July 7, 1917. Both the date and "Mary Watts" were written in pencil and the items bear stamp signatures of Clara D. Noyes. The accompanying envelope has a return address of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Red Cross located in Pennsylvania.

Letter from the Director of the Woman's Bureau to Mary Watts, noting that Watts' sample surgical dressings had been "received, inspected and passed," but missing was her recommendation by the instructor with whom she completed the practice work. This letter is on American Red Cross War Council stationery and bears the stamp signature by Florence Marshall, evident as her name appears directly on top of her title.

Letter sent from Lydia Jane Clark, Superintendent of Surgical Dressings of the Pennsylvania Division American Red Cross, to Mary Watts further requesting a recommendation from her instructor before issuing an official certificate. Clark indicated that Mary's sample dressings were sent over from Washington D.C. to the Philadelphia division headquarters, but a recommendation from her instructor was compulsory. This letter is printed on American Red Cross Pennsylvania Division Headquarters and signed by Lydia Jane Clark. While the letter is typed, the words "new" and "once" are underlined in ink.

Mary Watts received this note, in which the writer asked about a surgical dressings examination class she took in June . They also queried whether she sent her sample dressings to Washington, D.C., so that she would receive her instructor's certificate.

A receipt sent from the American Red Cross Pittsburgh Chapter to Mary Watts that stated she made a payment of $3.00 to participate in a Special Surgical dressings course and was signed by Helen E. Hoffman.

A receipt from the National War Finance Committee of the American Red Cross that thanked Mary Watts for her contribution of $9.50 to the Second Red Cross War Fund. It bears the printed signature of R. B. Mellon, banker and member of the influential and wealthy Mellon family of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

A letter, printed on American Red Cross Pittsburgh Preparedness Branch stationery, that provided Mary Watts with instructions for her volunteer shift through the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Red Cross Preparedness Branch. The volunteer position related to overseeing a booth that promoted and sold war savings stamps. Watts was to retrieve the necessary stamps and literature from the War Savings Stamps Society headquarters and then return any leftover literature and money made back to the headquarters. The letter also noted a Miss Dilworth to be her "associate" for the shift. A postscript was included as well, noting that it would "advisable to continue the booth during the evening." The letter bears the signature of Margaret B. Brown, Chairman of the Preparedness Branch of the Pittsburgh Chapter. Included with the letter is a partially typed, and printed receipt, on bright pink paper, with the header reading "The American Red Cross Pittsburgh Chapter Member." The receipt was for $5.00 but it does not clearly denote or specify the nature of the contribution. The receipt is largely marked with the year "1917" spaced out between the emblem of the American Red Cross.

Certificate card from the American Red Cross Woman's Bureau, Pittsburgh Chapter issued to "Mrs. Harry Watts" certifying her appointment of "instructor in the preparation of Red Cross Surgical Dressings. The card bears the signature of Lydia Jane Clark, Division Superintendent of Surgical Dressings.