27. Nurse's Cap

This nurse’s-style American Red Cross cap dates to World War I. Made of dark blue cotton, with a white voile brim and a red cross patch, it may pre-date the 1919 Red Cross pin attached to one side. This cap was donated by Katherine Riggs Poole, and most likely belonged to her sister, Martha Sprigg Poole (1890-1972). They grew up and lived much of their lives in Washington, but, being descended from the Pooles of Poolesville, were active in Montgomery County’s social circles.

During the war, Martha Poole helped to found the Montgomery County Chapter of the American Red Cross in Rockville. In September 1917, she became chairperson of the “Civilian Relief Committee” (later named the “Home Service Committee”) responsible for identifying the needs of, and coordinating aid for, the families of servicemen. One major project was a door-to-door “census of men in military services,” probably taken in uniform to reassure the families of the census takers legitimate association with the Red Cross. She was also on the Montgomery County Committee of the Maryland War Records Commission, which in 1929 presented the “official roster” of county servicemen to the Montgomery County Commissioners. Both Martha and Kitty were active in the early days of the Montgomery County Historical Society: Martha served as the society’s editor in 1947. Martha’s records of her work with the Home Service Committee in the 1940s and 50s are preserved for posterity, as their author wished, at Montgomery History in the Jane C. Sween Library.

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