By July 1918, the work had increased to such an extent that the Chapter took over an unoccupied school building. This building was renovated and made the center of all war work activity in Phoenix. Accommodating over a half dozen other organizations, the building was given the name “War Work Building.”

A history compiled in June 1919, stated that, “The area covered by the Chapter is as large as many states. The western outpost is the Branch at Parker, approximately 165 miles from Phoenix. The territory covered extends to Winkelman on the east 140 miles from Phoenix. The southern point covered by the Chapter is at Gila Bend, 75 miles from Phoenix, while the northern point is at Wickenburg, 50 miles from Phoenix. In all about 20,000 square miles are included in the Chapter’s Territory.

In addition to the Central Arizona Chapter, Arizona had chapters in both northern and southern Arizona. Arizona’s population was nearing 335,000.

Red Cross Peace Time Activities

In August of 1919, a bulletin was received from the Pacific Division Headquarters in San Francisco, setting forth Red Cross activities to be carried out during peace time, in which the Home Service Section was particularly stressed. First Aid classes increased and Life Saving was also taught.

Post war years saw the establishment of programs such as Home service work for ex-soldiers, a Transient service program with volunteer case workers, and a local Junior Red Cross. The Chapter office was located at the Social Service Center in Phoenix. In November 1925, the Pacific Division recommended the chapter have trained leadership who would also be the paid executive secretary to handle routine and other affairs.

Records indicate that the first paid executive secretary, Miss Ethel Donn, was hired in April 1927.

In June 1928, a Disaster Relief Committee was appointed with Earl Drake as its Chairman.

However, the chapter was not immune to the Great Depression that began in late 1929. No meetings were held between January 30, 1930 and October 9, 1930. Then another year lapsed until a meeting was held on October 19, 1931.

Miss Luna Bowdin became executive secretary in August 1932 and that fall case work was begun again, focusing on clothing and flour distribution to destitute families affected by the Depression. The first clothing distribution center was opened at 402 North Central Avenue in Phoenix. The work continued the winter of 1933.

The chapter office and production room was re-located to the ground floor of a building at 134 South Central Avenue in Phoenix.

On April 15, 1933, the By-laws of the Central Arizona Chapter of the American Red Cross were adopted. Activities were listed as: Home Service work for ex-service men; distribution of Red Cross flour and clothing; First Aid and Life Saving; and Junior Red Cross.   Although mentioned in meeting minutes as early as December 1933, the Central Arizona Chapter was re-named the Maricopa County Chapter in December 1936.   In 1935, the chapter secured rooms in the then Chamber of Commerce Building on East Van Buren in Phoenix. Many new branches were established and other reorganized.

The chapter’s first water safety campaign was held in the summer of 1936 for a ten-day period under the leadership of Dr. Jess Hamer.

In December of 1937 Dr. Hamer reported that blood transfusion services would be started the first of February 1938. The chapter was second of 3,700 chapters at the time to give this service to its community.

In February 1938, the executive secretary was authorized to select and employ office personnel. April 1938, the chapter office was moved to 613 North Central Avenue, but moved again in September of the same year to 1029 North Central Avenue.

War Relief for Europe – A Home for the Red Cross in Phoenix

Truck drivers’ First Aid Courses and Visiting Nurses service were established in October 1939. Although the United States had not yet entered World War II, War Relief sewing had begun again. By 1940, local companies began enrolling their employees in First Aid classes. A report of activities and services in 1940 included: Blood Transfusion service; Disaster Preparedness is in readiness; Finance Committee headed by a budget system; 1053 persons trained in First Aid; 9 Highway First Aid Stations; 259 women taught home hygiene; 18,364 enrolled in Junior Red Cross; 2100 certificates issued in Life Saving; Volunteer Service shipped 11,489 garments and 34,370 surgical dressings; Braille work begun; and a Motor Corps organized.

On March 4, 1941, the Board of Directors signed Articles of Incorporation and adopted a resolution to purchase a building for the chapter. The property located at 1408 North Third Street was purchased for $4,000, with 10% down, through a loan from the Home Owners Loan Corporation.

On April 16, 1941, a gala Open House was held for the public and a formal dedication made for the “new” chapter house. Mr. A. L. Schafter, manager of the San Francisco Headquarters gave the main address and praised the chapter for taking such a step to own its own building.

Into the 21^st Century

In 1999, the chapter was re-charted as the Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross.

On July 1, 2001, the Central Arizona and Northern Arizona Chapters, and the Yavapai County Service Center were merged together to become the Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross, by approval of the National Board of Governors. At the May 30, 2003 National Board of Governors meeting approval was given for The Grand Canyon Chapter, AZ to annex Yuma, La Paz and Mohave Counties, AZ and all portions of Apache and Navajo Counties, AZ excluding the boundaries of the Navajo Nation therein, effective July 1, 2003. Also approved at the May 30, 2003 BOG meeting the Southern Arizona Chapter, AZ (03060) transferred from its jurisdiction that portion therein of Gila and Pinal Counties AZ to the jurisdiction of The Grand Canyon Chapter, AZ, effective July 1, 2003. Also at the May 30, 2003 BOG meeting approval was given for the Pinal, AZ chapter to merge with the Grand Canyon, AZ chapter effective July 1, 2003.

Today the Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross continues its legacy of providing services to those in need, serving a culturally diverse population of nearly five million people residing in rural communities and metropolitan areas throughout its 91,000 square-mile territory, with offices in Lake Havasu City, Flagstaff, Phoenix, Pinetop and Prescott.

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