Call Number:

SC.192

Repository:

Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College

Extent:

.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (4 folders.))

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Cite as: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College, SC 192, Quaker Emergency Service records, ca. 1941-1948.

Date:

ca. 1941-1948 (inclusive)

Creator:

MacCormick, Austin Harbutt, 1893-, Gough, John S., Marvel, Josiah P. (Josiah Philip), 1896-1959, and Amoroso, Peter F.

Abstract:

The collection is organized into four folders: the group's general records, including the initial plan and charter; the records of the Civilian Readjustment Committee, the post-war arm of the group; information on a project in Brazil; and writings by people outside the group. Of interest are transcript talks given by Peter F. Amoroso of the New York Department of Correction, and Austin H. MacCormick of the Osborne Association. There is also a carbon copy, attributed to John S. Gough, of the Preamble and Constitution of the Spears Mobile Clinics, a medical service to the people of Syria and Lebanon.

The Quaker Emergency Service was founded in January, 1942, by members of the combined Peace and Service Committees of the two New York Monthly Meetings. Josiah P. Marvel was named Chairman. Quaker Emergency Service was originally an alternative for conscientious objectors, authorized by New York Office of Civilian Defense. The goal of the group was not to start new projects but to provide manpower and funding for already approved existing projects. Additionally, they provided training for people going into the Civilian Public Service Camps and they worked to organize neighborhoods to deal with the war. After the war, the group formed the Civilian Readjustment Committee and began to work with psychiatric institutions to rehabilitate those suffering after-effects of the war. They focused particularly on male homosexuals and criminals.