The World War Reconstruction Aides Association (WWRAA) was an organization of nurses who pioneered in the physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) fields in World War 1. In June 1920, a group of PT and OT aides began by forming the Organization of Fort Sheridan Military Reconstruction Aides, in order âto augment friendships and interests developed during the period of serviceâ and âto effect as soon as possible a national organization.â By December 1920, the organization had been officially renamed the National Association of Military Reconstruction Aides and posted 323 members, all women who served in army hospitals during WWI. The association updated members on the activities of units nationwide through the quarterly publication, The Re-Aides Post, which also acted as an organ for aides to lobby for issues like the compensation of disabled aides and the professional development of PTs and OTs more broadly. In 1929, at the first national convention of reconstruction aides, members voted to rename the association the World War Reconstruction Aides Association. At the eighth national reunion, and 30th anniversary of the WWRAA in 1949, an aging membership voted, despite reservations, to disband the group as âno one felt equal to taking over the responsibility of the National organization.â At a luncheon meeting on July 23, Colonel Emma E. Vogel, a pioneer among physical therapists, thanked the members of the WWRAA for helping to put PTs and OTs âon the mapâ during WWI. Series 001 includes a wide range of materials including a newspaper circulated at the USN training station in Great Lakes, IL in 1919, treasurer's reports from the WWRAA, a dues logbook, biographical information for Reconstruction Aides, photographs, a scrapbook documenting WWRAA activities from 1918 to 1938, and material from the final WWRAA reunion in 1949. Series 002 ncludes copies of The Re-Aides Post, in newspaper form from 1920-1926, and as a bound journal from 1926-1950. SEE ALSO the Montgomery Collection and Angier and Hitchcock Collection for WWRAA material.

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews