Rockland County Records
A mere nine miles northwest of New York City is Rockland County, the smallest county in New York State consisting of 176 square miles. The history of Rockland County goes back as far as the Native Americans who once owned the land. Despite its small size, the county did its part for our country during World War I. Several American Red Cross sectors formed in the county as well as other organizations, such as the “Four Minute Men” who helped raise awareness and spread propaganda of America during the war.
The Germonds-Bardonia Auxiliary of the Red Cross in Clarkstown was one such group. Meeting once a week at the Parsonage of the Germonds Church, the Auxiliary consisted of thirty active workers, at least twenty of whom were women, who besides serving and knitting for the Red Cross and doing their housework, were obliged to look after the farm lands, stock, and more, helping to do the work of the boys “over there”. These women worked to make slings, socks, refugee garments, boy’s under-drawers, women’s house gowns, bed shirts, comfort pillows, pajamas and bed shirts. With supplies of linen, the A.R.C. supplied bath towels, hand towels, sheets, and handkerchiefs. During the winter of 1918-1919 the Germonds-Bardonia Auxiliary also supplied the needs of several families in the neighborhood who suffered from the Flu epidemic.
Pauline DeNoyelles, Local Historian, 1921. New York State Education Dept. Division of Archives and History World War I Veterans' Service Data and Photographs, 1917-1939. NYSA_A0412-78.