Alpha Phi and World War I

Alpha Phi collegiate and alumnae members had engaged in philanthropic activities almost since the Fraternity’s beginning, but these efforts took on new meaning and new heights in time of war. During both World War I Alpha Phis took their altruistic responsibilities seriously, contributing to the war effort at both the individual and the group level.

When World War I was declared in 1914, Xi chapter (Toronto) members were the first affected. The women found themselves busily equipping the University’s base hospital, rolling bandages, making compresses, and packing surgical supplies. Many members worked for the Canadian Red Cross and in other war-related jobs such as in munitions factories.

As the question of whether the U.S. would enter the war became more pressing in 1916 and early 1917, American chapters began to take up “war work” as well. Epsilon chapter (Minnesota) took part in a campaign to benefit prisoners of war in Europe, and Zeta chapter (Goucher) members began taking “special courses in social service and Red Cross work, bookkeeping, wireless, foreign languages, and agriculture” in an effort towards preparedness. When the United States finally joined the war in April 1917, every chapter and alumnae association began to contribute to the war effort: working in hospitals and with the American Red Cross, rolling bandages, knitting, buying Liberty Bonds, economizing in their daily lives, and even traveling overseas to make a direct impact.

While philanthropic activity during WWI remained largely at the individual and local level, the international organization also got involved. Alpha Phi donated $2,000 to launch a YWCA foyer de alliées (a canteen for women war workers) in Roanne, France. The project was viewed by many members as a way for the women of Alpha Phi to help other women in the world, in recognition of the “price these French girls are paying for this war.”

The YWCA foyer in Roanne would become the largest in France. It was noted that “probably no effort of the YWCA has been appreciated more than the foyer at Roanne.” Lunch was served everyday to over 300 women munitions workers and the foyer also offered entertainment for the women such as dances, literary talks, and a dramatic club. Alpha Phi’s continued support eventually totaled $6,315.76 and helped the foyer continue to operate after the war’s end until 1919.