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Edna McCandless Thornton British War Relief Society scrapbook

 Collection
Collection number: ahc.MSS1141

Scope and Content

This collection contains a scrapbook about the Atlanta chapter of the British War Relief Society. The scrapbook contains Society correspondence; newspaper clippings that document and request aid for the Atlanta chapter’s efforts; materials from fundraising and educational events; and a certificate from the British War Relief Society, Inc. to the Atlanta chapter. Of special note are the materials associated with the mock bombing at Piedmont Park, the touring of the Iron Duke, and Lord and Lady Halifax's visit to Atlanta.

Dates

  • 1940-1945, undated

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. All requests to publish, quote, or reproduce must be submitted through the Kenan Research Center.

Administrative/Biographical History

Edna Mae Hill McCandless (1887-1977), usually referred to as Mrs. Albert E. Thornton, Jr., was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Edward Salmond McCandless (1852-1935) and Lina Amelia Hill (1864-1948). She studied in Paris from 1905 to 1908, and in 1912 married Albert Edward Thornton, Jr. (1885-1953). During World War I, Thornton became Vice Chairman of the Liberty Loan drive, as well as the secretary of the Atlanta Chapter of the Red Cross. In 1941, she formed the Atlanta Chapter of the British War Relief Society with Mrs. Daniel MacDougald. The British War Relief Society was incorporated in 1941 to provide non-military aid to Britain, often acting as a center for administration and donations for smaller charitable organizations throughout the United States. The Atlanta Chapter grew and its headquarters opened at 244 Peachtree Street in 1941 and later at 1096 Peachtree Street in 1943. Until its closing in 1945, the Atlanta chapter organized many donations, including clothing, canteens, and Christmas gifts, and hosted events, including a fundraising fashion show at Rich’s.

Extent

1.17 linear ft. (one oversize box)

Language

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift, 2014

Related Archival Materials

Visual materials have been separated from the collection. Please contact an archivist for access to these materials.

Description Control

This collection was processed in 2018.

Title
Edna McCandless Thornton British War Relief Society scrapbook
Author
Meredith Jones
Date
June 2018
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center Repository

Contact:
130 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta GA 30305
404-814-4040