From The Indianapolis Star, Wednesday, December 26: William Fortune, Indianapolis Red Cross Chapter president, censured recent reports of disloyalty among the local chapter’s directors. In his statement, Fortune said, “…The Red Cross is trying to help to win the war by doing everything within its power for those who are fighting on the side of the Allies… we welcome the assistance of all who are willing to help…The Red Cross is not a debating society…but is in a very practical way trying to help win the war, and there is no place in it for those who are engaged in trying to break down efforts to help win the war, for that kind of activity is in itself plainly disloyal…” Jacob Dorsey Forrest, Citizens Gas Company general manager, had alleged at least three of the chapter’s directors were disloyal.
From The Indianapolis News, Friday, January 4: All United States Army aeroplanes east of the Mississippi River and north of the Ohio River needing supplies or repair will be brought to the government aviation warehouse and repair station now under construction on a twenty-acre lot southwest of the Speedway. Repair of aeroplane bodies will be in the main building and a smaller building will be for repairing motors. Plans include four barracks to house enlisted men working at the facility along with bachelor quarters for officers and six houses for married officers. A dining hall, a commissary, and several warehouses are included. Twenty-five officers and six hundred enlisted men, along with one hundred civilian employees will be working at the plant. Indianapolis was selected for the aviation warehouse and repair station through the efforts of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.