of

               Armstrong County

On April 14, 1917, Mrs. George Titzel, President of the Red Cross Society of Kittanning, received a telegram from Albert W. Staub of the National Headquarters Red Cross, stating that "Authority for organizing Armstrong County Chapter of Kittanning is hereby granted." One must remember however, that the Red Cross Society had been actively serving the communities in Armstrong County since the time of the Spanish-American War in 1898.

On April 3, 1917, Sub Auxiliary No. 49 of the American Red Cross Society, met at City Hall in Kittanning and took steps to reorganize. Mrs. George Titzel was to write a letter to the National Headquarters of the American Red Cross asking for a charter, and it's next meeting was to be held on April 14th at the Grand Theatre in Kittanning. James Denny Daugherty, President of the Auxiliary, presided and announced at the outset that "an entire reorganization be affected and new officers chosen." Mrs. George Titzel was chosen President, Dr. Eleanor J. Lawson was named Secretary, George B. Fleming became Treasurer, and George J. Kline, Harry Golden, J. R. Einstein, Miss Lulu Fox, Mrs. Betty Joseph, Miss Mary Henry, Mrs. Charles Howard, Herbert G. Gates, Miss Kate McElheny and Mrs. John K. Kiser were elected Vice Presidents. Thirty-one men and women joined that evening. George Titzel, outgoing Treasurer, reported that "in 1898, a fund of $325 was put on interest by the society and that since that time $350 have been paid to various benevolences and that there is in the treasury at present a balance of $121.91."

The Kittanning Chapter of the American Red Cross began immediately to spread its message throughout Armstrong County. In the Leader Times of April 24, 1917, it was reported that "Considerable impetus was given the Red Cross movement in Armstrong County at the rousing patriotic rally held at Apollo last night. Representatives of the Chapter here in Kittanning were present and when an opportunity was given, about 25 persons enrolled as members of the great Red Cross Society. Steps were also taken to organize an auxiliary to the local Chapter.

"All Red Cross work in Armstrong County is under the supervision of the Kittanning Chapter. It is the very earnest desire of our Chapter officials that auxiliaries shall be organized in every section of the county. At present, the Chapter has an enrollment exceeding 400, but with the whole county to draw from - - approximately 70,000 people - - it is felt that there should be no trouble experienced in counting the membership in the thousands. The enrollment fee is one dollar. Enrollments can be made at the Grand Theatre any afternoon. The ladies meet daily at the theatre to sew and also at the Parish House of St. Paul's Episcopal Church every Thursday afternoon for the same purpose."

From it's inception to the present, it has relied mainly on volunteers in its work to help those in need during almost any kind of emergency. The American Red Cross began in 1881 by Clara Barton. The Red Cross has "made a difference" in this county for over 100 years.

Our Board Members
Herman Bertocchi, Chairman
Joseph Valasek, Vice-Chair
Mike Rizzo, Treasurer
Joseph Valasek, Secretary
Randy Brozenick
Jim Clawson
Rev. Richard Molgaard
Dr. Marjorie J. Montanari
Ron Patterson

 

American Red Cross Principles


Neutrality

In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.


Independence

The movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxillaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their anatomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.


Voluntary Services

It is voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.


Unity

There can only be one Red Cross or one Red Crescent in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.