Monroe County Defense Committee Records

The Monroe County Defense Committee was the local manifestation of the Council of National Defense. Established by the Army Appropriations Act of 1916, the Council of National Defense consisted of six Cabinet secretaries and a seven member Advisory Council, tasked with coordinating the nation's resources for national defense purposes. The Monroe County Defense Council had its origins in the Military Affairs Committee of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. The Governor of New York allowed this committee to transition into the role of the official County Council once a state law promulgating such committees was passed. As its origins suggest, the committee found its leadership in the business and education sectors, with Committee Chairman Elmer E. Fairchild and Committee Vice-Chairman George Eastman, alongside its board and standing committees. The Monroe County Defense Committee was responsible for recruiting Home Guard units, carrying out a military census, promoting war gardens and food conservation, carrying out Wr Bond campaigns, and recruiting labor for work both locally and in shipyards. It also coordinated assistance to the families of local soldiers and sailors. The Monroe County Defense Committee continued to assist with the post-war needs of disbanding military and war industries until it was dissolved by resolution of the board on February 21, 1921.