The Red Cross vacated the Old Barracks in the summer of 1919. After the extended hiatus of Association activities due to the America’s entrance into World War I, OBA members looked to quickly reestablish their familiar activities on the site. In fact, on the same day the Trenton Evening Times published Jennie S. Chambers’ defense of the Association, May 29, a notification of a music event hosted by the Old Barracks Association was also included.

Trenton Evening Times, May 29, 1919.

The women of the Old Barracks Association proudly and generously offered the Trenton Chapter of the American Red Cross the use of the Old Barracks during World War I. Understanding the requirement for larger accommodations and staff, the Association, as well as other patriotic societies, put their normal meetings and activities on hold to better serve the Red Cross’ needs. Volunteering with the Red Cross boosted public representation and social engagement for the women of Trenton, and they happily participated in the war effort. They couldn’t have known before the war, when the renovation of the Old Barracks was completed, that the building would eventually prove a perfect location to anchor the City of Trenton’s wartime ministrations.

SOURCES:

• Old Barracks Association Archives
• Trentoniana Collection, Trenton Public Library
• New Jersey State Archives
• Trenton Evening Times Archives, via Ancestry.com

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

• The United States World War I Centennial Commission
  • New Jersey and the Great War
  • New Jersey WWI Collections
• Email in**@ba******.org for more information!