Person Record
Metadata
Name |
Penner, Mrs. |
Othernames |
nee _________ |
Places of residence |
Derby Township, Grey County |
Notes |
There is a handwritten minute book from 1915-1917, that includes the name of Mrs. W.? Penner. It is the minute book of The Springmount Red Cross Helpers, and it was written during the First World War. The group apparently began on November 14, 1914 (according to a note at the back of the book). "Met at the home of Mrs. Penner Sr. and Mrs. John Penner on Jany 25, 1917. Mrs. Alex Johnston 2nd Vice in chair opened by singing "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow." Minutes of last meeting read and signed. It was decided that we would make an autograph Quilt and every member was to be asked to take one or more patches, she being expected to get as many names as she can. Each name costing 5 cents. There were 19 names handed in at our Meeting. Mrs. W. Penner has it in charge and will provide the patch (sic) at our next meeting. The said quilt is to be sent to some hospital when finished. There were 22 woman (sic) present, a goodly number for the very stormy day." The February, 1917 entry has "we are to meet at Mrs. W. Penner's of (sic) March 8 to quilt the quilt." The quilt subscription project raised $175.15, and the number of names placed on it was 990. The expense for the material was $4.54. Mailing cost the group "50" (fifty cents?). On March 22, 1917: "A hearty vote of thanks was given to Mrs. W. Penner for all her work that she had [done] with the Quilt." There were 27 women in attendance at the meeting, usually the group had about 32 present. On May 30, 1917: "Mrs. R. Penner Jr. read [a] letter received from Mrs. McFarlane [McFarland], re, Autograph Quilt. It had been decided to have the Quilt left on exhibition at the Grey County Rooms in London. And that Mrs. Eaton had kindly promised to take charge of it, and sees that any of the Boys calling at the Rooms would have a chance to inspect it." This refers to the Grey Rooms at 20 Craven Street, in London, England, where Mrs. Annie Eaton and volunteers had a club for Grey County military personnel to visit when they were on leave. Two archival group images showing the members of the Springmount Red Cross Helpers / W. I. group posed outdoors around this time period are at the Grey County Archives. The Minute Book is W1F42.S3.F1.I2. Mrs. Leslie Penner was also a member of the Red Cross Helpers group, as was Mrs. John Penner, Mrs. Jean Penner and Mrs. R. Penner Jr.? The Springmount Red Cross Helpers circle made socks, Trench Caps, Pyjamas, Surgical Shirts, Comfort Shirts, Personal Property bags and Red Cross bags to send overseas to assist the Canadian soldiers who were serving. The 1917 quilt was brought back to Grey County after the war, and last belonged to Fred Pringle, before it joined the County of Grey-Owen Sound Museum collection in 1968. It is now in the Grey Roots Museum & Archives collection. |
Occupation |
Springmount Red Cross Helpers Springmount W.I. Organizer of the Springmount Red Cross Helpers 1917 Autograph Quilt Project |
Publications |
HISTORY OF DERBY TOWNSHIP, 197_, p. ___ |
Role |
Social Leader |
Spouse |
_____ Penner, m. ____ |
