American Red Cross
Arcadia Chapter
376 West Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 91007-3402
(626) 447-2193
(626) 445-4147 Fax
| Beginnings | Early Activity | A New Name | World War | First Arcadia Disaster | |
| Chapter Charter Granted | Chapter Facilities | Rechartering | Today's Services | Salute to Volunteers | |
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Beginnings What we know today as the Arcadia Chapter of the American Red Cross had its beginning as the "Arcadia Committee" of the Los Angeles Chapter in 1917. Community leaders supported the affiliation, and were early Red Cross leaders in providing services to the military as well as to their own community. Back to Top |
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| Early Activity The group met in various places about town, and was primarily occupied with the making of garments. In 1929, the term "Committee" was changed to "Branch" and in the same year, the group was allocated quantities of Army surplus food, clothing, and other supplies for local distribution to families in need. Back to Top |
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| A New Name The Arcadia Branch was transferred from Los Angles to the Pasadena Chapter in 1936; then in 1939 its annual fund campaigns were divided from the Community Chest and conducted independently. Back to Top |
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| World War World War Two caused dramatic expansion of the services of the Arcadia Branch, until hundreds of volunteers were engaged in its various activities which included sewing and knitting, first aid classes, as well as classes for home nursing, nutrition and canteen instruction. There was training for "Gray Ladies" and nurses aides, with service being rendered at McCormack General Hospital formerly Pasadena Area Station Hospital and Santa Anita Race Track. One of the marvels of the Arcadia Branch was its output of surgical dressings. Sixteen supervisors for this department were specially trained and in taking their posts worked steadily through the long months until the war's end. With hundreds of workers, a production of over a million dressings was turned out, a splendid contribution to the needs of war. Disaster emergency stations were set up, fully stocked with provisions and first aid supplies. Cots, blankets and dressings were stored nearby. Motor services was inaugurated with members using their own cars. Back to Top |
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| First Arcadia Disaster The Arcadia Branch served superbly in its first disaster experience at the scene of the Santa Fe Train wreck in 1944, and were warmly commended by Santa Fe officials. After 1943 soldiers occupied the back track. There were several ordnance companies and a replacement depot. Back to Top |
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| Chapter Charter Granted Also, in 1944, Mr. Leo Meeker began his term as a director of Arcadia Red Cross, a period in which he and many other prominent citizens and board members began efforts to attain full Chapter status. These efforts were successful, and a happy and thankful community saw the Arcadia Red Cross receive its Charter as of January 10, 1948. Back to Top |
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| Chapter Facilities Throughout the history of Arcadia Red Cross, it has been housed in numerous locations. The most significant of these were the small converted house on Bonita Street which was headquarters from the late 60's until 1984, and its present home on Huntington Drive, at the west end of the Methodist Hospital property. The land was sublet to the Chapter by the Hospital , and the building was constructed with the proceeds of a capital drive headed by the late Mr. Robert Strube, in honor of his father, Dr. Charles Strube . Throughout the planning and realization of the present Chapter house, the cooperation of City leaders and Hospital management was outstanding, and is well remembered. Back to Top |
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| Rechartering During 2000, Arcadia engaged in very through review of all its activities, procedures and standards and performance. this was done in conjunction with a rechartering program formulated and managed by the National offices of American Red Cross. the Chapter successfully met all standards and was accordingly rechartered effective March 3, 2001. Back to Top |
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| Today's Services Today's menu of Chapter services represents an evolution over the decades since World War II. It reflects a broadening of emergency and disaster services under peace-time conditions, addressing responses to local disasters such as fires, flooding, ect., as well as participating in response to large disasters with nearby Chapters. Other services relevant to today's need have been developed or expanded. These include services to the military and their families, CPR training, baby sitting classes, Meals-on -Wheels, disaster supplies and others. Back to Top |
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| Salute to Volunteers It is estimated that 97% of the work of the American Red Cross is done by volunteers. This is true today in the Arcadia Chapter. Red Cross exists here and throughout our country and the world solely due to the gifts of time, talent and financial support of volunteers. Enclosed is a current list of services. Back to Top |
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