Record Group Number 35

Keene War Chest Association, 1918-1920

The Keene War Chest Association was founded in April, 1918 to consolidate fundraising for war charity appeals, such as the Red Cross, Y.M.C.A., and various relief agencies. It was thus a forerunner of today's United Way.

These records, hitherto stored in the City Clerk's office, were placed on permanent loan at the Society in 1984. They consist of the Association's minute book, correspondence, minutes, and accounts of the Association's disbursing committee. There is hardly any material showing how funds were raised, yet good documentation on how they were spent.

From a notation on the box in which they were received, it appears that these were the records kept by William H. Prentiss, then proprietor of the Keene Sentinel, and then City Clerk Frank H. Whitcomb. Mr. Prentiss was Secretary of the War Chest Association and Mr. Whitcomb was secretary to the disbursing committee.

Box No. 1, Folders 1-5
Correspondence, 1918
Correspondence, 1918-1940
Accounts, 1919-1940
Minutes, 1918-1920
Appeal Brochures