WOMEN’S AUXILIARY History - HEYDE-PILLOW POST 1301 
A small group of ladies met on Sunday afternoon, May 20, 1934 to put into motion the formation of an auxiliary to complement the foreign service veterans who had just formed Heyde-Pillow Post #1301 in March, 1934.There were 19 original charter members.The Ladies Auxiliary was chartered on June 4, 1934.The first Auxiliary President was Ferne Moore serving 1934-35.
This was no small undertaking as the thirties experienced a great depression, causing much distress, panic, and frustration.Despite these hardships, the ladies met in a temporarily rented Moose Hall on VanBuren Street in Marion.They elected a full slate of officers to guide their destiny.
The growth of the Ladies Auxiliary continued through WWII and each succeeding decade through the Korean conflict of the fabulous 50’s, into the soaring 60’s and 70’s which were full of protest, a presidential assassination, and the Vietnam War (the longest war in history to date).The Auxiliary has continued their support of veterans and their families into Desert Storm and Iraq.
During the early years of existence, the Auxiliary’s emphasis was on service with programs of entertainment and assistance to veterans in the Anna State Hospital, needy families of comrades, victims of fire/flood, memorial services, parades, and patriotic instruction to the public.
The drive for funds to pay rent and to cover our many humanitarian projects took varied forms. Since money was scarce during this time, it is recorded that a motion was made and adopted that no personal checks would be accepted. Annual poppy sales were always held to obtain money for relief of veterans and families.Pie suppers, candy sales, hand made quilt and rug raffles were held, sponsorshipof rodeo’s and carnivals and operation ofthe annual food stand at the Williamson County Fair provided funds to carry on other programs.
One item of interest was noted in the reports of a food sale having been held one day bringing in a tidy sum of $6.34 and deposited in the Auxiliary bank account.Another notable effort on the part of the Auxiliary was the sponsorship of a “mock amateur” presentation at the Orpheum Theater (now where the Civic Center stands) of a popular radio show of the day called “Breakfast in Hollywood” which attracted much attention and local interest since it drew an estimated crowd of 500 people.
In 1941, with the acquisition of the Veterans Hospital, additional opportunities for both financial and volunteer efforts existed for the Women’s Auxiliary which continues today as they partner with the Post in numerous volunteer efforts, parties, entertainment and bingo.
WWII passed slowly in the midst of sorrow and sadness.Husbands, sons, fathers and brothers disappeared from our midst bound for service on some far away field of battle.The numbers of our Gold Star mothers increased and messages came telling of their loved ones being held prisoners of war.The membership increased as patriotism ran high.
Tremendous activity was directed toward the war effort and the purchase of War Bonds was a most important cause.97% of all families in Illinois signed War Bond pledges.There was a drive for books, for victory anda U.S.O. was established in the City of Marion requiring more long hours of volunteer service which was adequately filled by each and every member of the Auxiliary.
One of the notable efforts of the time was made at the request of the War Department.There was an urgent need for large amounts of silk and nylon hose to be used in the manufacture of powder bags into which charges of powder were placed.Collection posts were established at central points throughout the City of Marionby Auxiliary members who then collected and shipped hundreds of pounds of hose to the factory.An urgent sign was posted at each location stating to “please wash stockings before depositing”.It is also interesting to note that it took 25,000 pairs of hose to make 100 pounds.
Victory on the battlefield at the conclusion of WWII brought an influx of returned servicemen along with their wives and families.The Post served as the base from which training was conducted in preparation for the burial of dozens of bodies of returned veterans who had made the supreme sacrifice.The ladies of the Auxiliary gave aide and comfort as needed on all the occasions.
Our historian's records indicate that through the early years, meeting places had been recorded as the Moose, W.O.W. Halls, the Warder Building, the Scout Cabin, City Hall, schools and private homes. Anew post home on West Main Street in 1952 added emphasis towardfund raising to help pay for the building after the original payment of $1,000 by the Auxiliary was made to the Post.Full coarse meals were served to the public to raise needed funds.At the time the costs were:Turkey & Steak dinners $2.00, Chicken dinner $1.75 and all other plate dinners $1.75.
The Women’s Auxiliary has a number of active programs currently in place:Americanism, Buddy Poppy, Cancer Aid & Research, Community Service, Graves Registration, Historian, Hospital, Junior Girls Unit, Legislative, Membership, Veterans & Family Support, Voice of Democracy/Patriotic Art, VFW/PAC, Publicity,National Home for Children and Youth Activities.In addition, the Women’s Auxiliary participates in Memorial Day events, Vietnam Veterans’ Reunion, parades and other events when requested.
Dedication to only one of these causes would be sufficient reason for being, but the combined causes with the total service required proves an astounding achievement for the many, many persons who have been involved since 1934.This is proof indeed that what can be done well by one individual, definitely can be done better by an organization.
On March 25, 1978 the Women’s Auxiliary joined the Post in the dedication of the current facility at 201 Longstreet, Marion, IL.In 2007, the Women’s Auxiliary now has 334 members.For the first time some of our returning military are women.They have the option to join the Post and/or the Women’s Auxiliary.We are currently honored to have 2 members who have served in Iraqand are still active military.In addition, our Junior Girls have a membership of 11 and are equally involved in various programs that support the Post and Ladies Auxiliary.
In war times, as well as, in peace times, it is our mission to support the Post and the service personnel of our military both at home and abroad.If there is interest in becoming a member, please contact the VFW Post at 618-997-1188.
