A receipt issued to Mrs. Hannah Louisa Riegle of Specktown, Lykens Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, for her contribution of 50 cents on 13 November 1918. The solicitor/collector was Verna Evitts, a neighbor of Mrs. Riegle.
The United War Work Campaign was a national effort to collect money for the support of the American soldiers who were stationed abroad during World War I. According to the web site, United War Work Campaign, “For the Boys Over There,”
The United War Work Campaign of 11-18 November 1918, [was] an effort to raise $170,000,000 to provide entertainment for American troops abroad in World War I. Seven non-governmental organizations participated in this campaign: The American Library Association, Jewish Welfare Board, Knights of Columbus, the Salvation Army, War Camp Community Service, Young Men’s Christian Association and Young Women’s Christian Association. The campaign began 11 November 1918, on the day the war ended. However, fundraising continued, as troops would remain in France until well into 1919.
The “Seven Sisters” did not always get along well behind the scenes of the United War Work Campaign, but each had a personal stake in its success. Because of this, they were able to present a strong appeal to the people of the United States to donate to a cooperative coalition that wanted the best for all American servicemen.
The “District” in which this donation was collected is not clear from what was written on the receipt. It is rare though that this piece of paper survived because Mrs. Riegle died 11 July 1919 and shortly afterward the heirs sold the Specktown property. Apparently, Hannah’s daughter, Elizabeth Riegle felt it important enough to save the receipt along with family pictures. A small box containing these items was sent to the attic and the house was sold in 1920 to Helen [Hoffman] Dietrich, Hannah’s granddaughter, and her husband, William E. “Bill” Dietrich. Elizabeth Riegle (Helen’s mother) remained living in the house until she died in 1942. When Helen and Bill decided to move to a nursing home in 1977, family members cleaned out the attic and the box of photos and other memorabilia was discovered. It apparently had been untouched for nearly 60 years!
________________________________
Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.