World War I 100 Years Ago: July 15-21

From The Indianapolis Star, Friday, July 21, 1916: A carload of comfort for the Indiana soldiers on the Mexican border is the goal set by the Women’s Press Club of Indiana. Governor Ralston has designated the Women’s Press Club to take charge of the Soldiers’ Comfort Fund, and the club now appeals to the people of Indiana to help provide the little luxuries and comforts for the Indiana soldiers who are sweltering under a tropical sun. Some of the items needed are sun goggles to protect the soldiers’ eyes from sun glare and desert dust; cold cream and soothing lotions; tooth powder, shaving soap, toilet soaps, and talcum powder. Unless a soldier is sick, he gets none of these things from the government. Canned fruits, chocolates and sweets of all kinds, as well as tobacco is badly needed.