American National Red Cross: Wood County Chapter (Ohio) records

The Wood County Red Cross collection contains records from 1946 to 1986, with the bulk from the late 1940s through the mid 1960s. The meeting and board minutes (1955-1968; 1985-1986) contain the most complete information, noting the organization's activities, projects, and policies. This source is limited, however, by the fact that the earlier minutes are not available. There is also a noteworthy gap in the minutes from 1969-1984, which unfortunately includes the activities related to the Blizzard of 1978.

Newspaper clippings from the Bowling Green Sentinel-Tribune and the BG News reflect the organization's active role in community affairs, particularly highlighting Blood Drive programs. The scrapbooks document disasters in Wood County, particularly tornados in 1948 and 1953 and the aid which the Red Cross provided in each situation. As with the minutes, there is a gap in coverage for the period of the 1978 Blizzard.

The photographic portion of the collection provides visual documentation of the agency's service programs, and illustrates the importance of the disaster service which the agency provides. The correspondence and wills, financial records, and information concerning the building of the Gorrell office complete the historical picture of the Wood County Red Cross.