GOHS to Spotlight Ethel Scatchard, Local WWI Red Cross Worker

On Saturday February 9 at 2 PM, the Greater Oneonta Historical Society will host a program by Robert Calandresa commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of local Red Cross worker Ethel Scatchard. During World War One, Miss Scatchard served as secretary of the Oneonta chapter of the Red Cross. She volunteered for overseas duty, sailing for France just after the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918. She died while serving in Paris on February 11, 1919.

Through photographs and narrative, this presentation will highlight her life, overseas travel, and last days. Letters from the time will provide a firsthand account of her experiences in war-ravaged Europe, as well as memories of those who knew her. The program will include the origins of the Neahwa Park monument dedicated to her memory in 1922. Calandresa will also speak about other area women and some of the local men who served during World War One.

At 1 PM there will be a showing of "Hallowed Ground", an American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) documentary. The hour-long film covers U.S.'s overseas cemeteries and memorials, beginning in WWI.

This event at the Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street, is free and open to the public. For more information, contact (607) 432-0960 or info@OneontaHistory.org.