National League for Woman's Service Records

The National League for Woman's Service was established in January of 1917, derived from a speech given at the Congress of Constructive Patriotism by Grace Parker. In the speech, she suggested creating an organization that would register the women of the United States and lead them in a standardized program for carrying out patriotic activities. A national headquarters was established at 105 West 40th Street in New York City, and the organization quickly spread its message across New York State and then the entire nation, with a national network in place even before war was declared. The League was divided into thirteen national divisions: Social and Welfare, Home Economics, Agricultural, Industrial, Medical and Nursing, Motor Driving, General Service, Health, Civics, Signalling, Map-reading, Wireless and Telegraphy, and Camping. Women were trained in all of these areas, with particular emphasis on disaster relief and coordination with the Red Cross and on wireless telegraphy. The League also promoted home vegetable gardening and supported local canteens for military personnel. It provided substantial support for overseas relief efforts, especially in Belgium, along with providing food during the 1918 influeza pandemic. After the war, the organization provided support for returning soldiers, along with engaging in civic charity and "Americanization" efforts for immigrants until it disbanded in late 1919.

In Rochester and Monroe County, it was Mrs. Porter Farley who led the creation of a local branch of the National League for Woman's Service. The organization was taken up by the local Women's Educational and Industrial Union, who assisted with Rochester-area organizing. It worked with the Federation of Women's Clubs, the Y.W.C.A, and other local organizations to promote food preservation, create bandages and other medica materiel for the Red Cross, and generally promoted the war effort across the local population.