From The Indianapolis News, Tuesday, June 25: A platoon of thirty-two young single women began infantry drill Monday evening at the Statehouse. Captain Sumner Clancy, of the state militia, conducted this first drill of Indianapolis women and complimented those present “on the enthusiasm which they displayed and their ability at grasping readily the idea of military drill and tactics.” The subject of appropriate uniforms will be discussed soon and the handling of firearms and target practice is planned. Mrs. Angeline Cullity Cook, acting secretary of the woman’s section of the State Council of Defense, hopes the enthusiasm of these women will spread among women of Indianapolis and a much larger number will be present at next Monday’s drill. Mrs. Cook is organizing these military units so women may be trained to protect themselves and their homes in case of invasion.
From The Indianapolis Star, Friday, July 5: With the words, “I christen thee The Indianapolis,” Miss Irene Hart broke a bottle of champagne against the bow of the miniature battle ship, erected on Market St between the Circle and Pennsylvania St, amid a patriotic air played by the military band and cheers from 1,500 citizens assembled to witness the ceremony. Five bells were struck and a detail of sailors and marines manned the ship and guns providing a touch of reality to the event. The exercises concluded with the crowd singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The event celebrated Marion County attaining 100 per cent pledge to its War Savings Stamp quota of $6,243,000 (2017: $103,584,398) and coincided with the launching in a Pennsylvania shipyard of the Indianapolis, a 12,500-ton cargo steamer, attended by Mayor Jewett and his party representing the city.