Permanent URL: http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/9w032301c
American Committee for Devastated France Records, 1919-1926: Finding Aid
MC026
The official insignia, taken from the gates of the Chateau at Blerancourt, where the American Committee began its work in France, in June, 1917
65 Olden Street
Princeton, New Jersey 08540 USA
Phone: 609-258-6345
Fax: 609-258-3385
mudd@princeton.edu
http://www.princeton.edu/~mudd
Published in 2001
©2006 Princeton University Library
Summary Information
- Creator:
- American Committee for Devastated France.
- Title and dates:
- American Committee for Devastated France Records, 1919-1926
- Abstract:
- The American Committee for Devastated France collection contains the annual reports, promotional pamphlets and minutes of this post-World War I relief organization. Newspaper clippings and routine correspondence between the group's treasurer and other staff members are also included in the collection.
- Size:
- 0.42 linear feet (1 archival box)
- Call number:
- MC026
- Location:
- Princeton University Library. Department of Rare Books and Special Collections.
Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library.
Public Policy Papers.
Princeton, New Jersey 08540 USA - Language(s) of material:
- English.
- Storage note:
- This collection is stored onsite at the Mudd Manuscript Library.
History of the American Committee for Devastated France (ACDF)
The American Committee for Devastated France (ACDF) had its origins in the Civilian Division of the American Fund for French Wounded (est. 1916) and was organized in 1918 to provide emergency relief and restoration aid to the citizens of post-World War I France. Its original stated purpose was to establish a community center which would determine the needs of French citizens, and act as a liaison between them and American relief workers. The group was also to “further understanding and friendship between France and the United States.”
The ACDF, staffed primarily by American women of a professional background, set out first to provide basic necessities: food, clothing, shelter and day care. Beginning in 1919, it concentrated on more constructive aid, such as vocational, educational, and physical training, providing farm equipment, housing and building restoration, public health facilities, libraries and scouting camps. The organization collected nearly five million dollars from over one million U.S. donors and members through canvassing and fund-raising benefits. ACDF received numerous awards, including the Gold Medal of French Reconnaissance (1920).
In March 1924, ACDF announced that it had completed its work and officially disbanded. All assets were liquidated and remitted to French organizations to carry on projects begun by ACDF, such as the Camp-École de Scoutisme and the Comité Francais de la Bibliothéque Moderne.
Description
The collection contains annual reports, minutes, records of account, promotional pamphlets and several news clippings praising the work of the ACDF. A report by an unknown author chronicles the establishment of École de Scoutisme, and recommends facilitating “the scout movement of France.” Approximately half of the collection consists of the correspondence (1920-1926) of ACDF treasurer Alexander C. Humphreys. The letters and telegrams document exchanges between Humphreys and several members of the Executive Committee (especially Chairman Anne Morgan) on funds allocation. The correspondence also includes donor acknowledgments and routine messages regarding meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. Several letters contain hand-written calculations.
Arrangement
The papers in this collection are arranged chronologically.
Access and Use
Access
Collection is open for research.
Restrictions on Use and Copyright Information
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Curator of the Public Policy Papers. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.
Processing and Other Information
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Laura E. Burt in 1994. Finding aid written by Laura E. Burt in 1994.
Descriptive Rules Used
Finding aid content adheres to that prescribed by Describing Archives: A Content Standard.
Encoding
Machine-readable finding aid encoded in EAD 2002 by Techbooks and Cristela García-Spitz on November 3, 2006.
Finding aid written in English.
Preferred Citation
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); American Committee for Devastated France, Box and Folder Number; Public Policy Papers, Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, Princeton University Library.
Subject Headings
These materials have been indexed in the Princeton University Library online catalog using the following terms. Those seeking related materials should search under these terms.
- Nonprofit organizations -- United States -- 20th century.
- War relief -- France -- 20th century.
- World War, 1914-1918 -- Civilian relief -- France.
- World war, 1914-1918 -- War work -- France.
- World war, 1914-1918 -- War work -- United States.
- France -- Relations -- United States -- 20th century.
- United States -- Relations -- France -- 20th century.
- Correspondence.
- Reports.
Browse other finding aids related to the following terms:
Contents List
PRINTED REPORTS/MINUTES, 1919
Annual Report
Box 1, Folder 1 Statement of Mrs. A. M. Dike
Box 1, Folder 1 PRINTED REPORTS/MINUTES, 1920
Annual Report
Box 1, Folder 2 Progress Reports
Box 1, Folder 2 Libraries Report
Box 1, Folder 2 Report on Canning Work
Box 1, Folder 2 System of Accounts
Box 1, Folder 2 Treasurer's Report
Box 1, Folder 2 PRINTED REPORTS/MINUTES, 1921
Annual Report
Box 1, Folder 3 Six Months Among the Ruins
Box 1, Folder 3 Special Six Months Report of the Work in France
Box 1, Folder 3 PRINTED REPORTS/MINUTES, 1922
Annual Report
Box 1, Folder 4 Six Months Report on Accomplishment in France and Program for Termination of the Work Synopsis of Present Activities by Mrs. Anne Dike, Commissioner in France
Box 1, Folder 4 PRINTED REPORTS/MINUTES, 1923
Proposals Regarding The Good Will Foundation
Box 1, Folder 5 PRINTED REPORTS/MINUTES, 1924
Constitution and By-laws of The American Good Will Association, The Franco-American Branch, Inc. from April 1, 1918 to March 31, 1924
Box 1, Folder 6 Summarized Statement of the Work of the American Committee for Devastated France, Inc. from April 1, 1918 to March 31, 1924
Box 1, Folder 7 Scouting in France (Camp École de Scoutisme)
Box 1, Folder 8 Correspondence of Alexander C. Humphreys, 1920-1926
Box 1, Folder 9-15 ML.2005.005 Travel Diary of Maud J. Conway during ACDF Good Will Tour, 1923
Box 1, Folder 16
Permanent URL: http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/9w032301c