This year offers a special occasion for the enjoyment of history: the Centennial of U.S. entry into World War I, the “Great War.”
The Northumberland County Historical Society will present “Women in World War I” by Anita Harrower at 2:30 p.m. April 2 at Ball Memorial Library and Museum, 86 Back Street, Heathsville. Refreshments will also be served.
Although specifically related to the service and sacrifices of women in that war, the gallantry of the young men from this county will certainly be celebrated, reported Virginia Burgess.
Anita Harrower’s performances are a wonderful blend of her love of history, music and the lives of women from different periods, said Burgess. Her programs have been described as “a slice of life that ring with truth, wit and experience.” She will bring that talent and perspective to women of World War I.
Harrower previously has performed as a variety of women from history, including Martha Washington, a Civil War Woman and a World War II woman. She also has performed in musicals and productions with The Lancaster Players and The Westmoreland Players.
The book, Until the Guns Went Silent, by Susan and Dorian Tolbert will be offered for sale to benefit the society. The book showcases some never before published personal correspondence between a young county soldier and his family in Miskimon. It also includes other letters from soldiers and a young nurse to their loved ones here in the county.
Framed in local county events, in the “modern-more-deadly” weapons of the era, and the local draft, the book discusses the effects of the poisonous gases, the contributions of the Red Cross, the YMCA, the Salvation Army as well as a few surprising animal heroes.
