The Emergency Aid Committee was organized in 1914 in the absence of the Red Cross in the Philadelphia region. The philanthropic organization worked in the City of Philadelphia and in 1917 began to support the war effort supplying clothing for the US military and our allies in Belgium and France. It was started by 8 affluent woman of prominent city and business leaders. The Rockledge/Fox Chase Branch of the EA worked in the Episcopal church just 500 feet from the location chosen for the WWI monuments. They were dedicated at the 1921 Veterans Day Parade held in center city Philadelphia, which has been started again. A time capsule was discovered and opened in 1994 when the Northeast Lions Club was repairing them. I was trusted with storing the capsule and trying to get them protected from being destroyed. Jennie my wife and I sent letters to city officials and filled out city and state grants without any good response. It was in 2007 that I was able to attain money from a commercial corridor enhancement project. We received $100,000. from the Mayor. I didn't have all my prices together so Jennie and I gave the balance of the cost for reconstruction in the amount of $3700. I continued to pursue protecting them and getting them recognized by the Philadelphia Historic Society. In June 2015 I received a letter from the Pennsylvania Historic Society accepting them into their collections. The rededication in 2008 was held in the Saint Timothy's Lutheran Church. They cooperated with me to allow the Fox Chase monument to be officially moved onto their property. A complete story goes along with these monuments and the EA organization.
Installation Date:
11 Nov 1921
Organization Responsible for Installation:
Emergency Aid Committee
Memorial War Era(s):
- WWI
Memorial Condition:
Good
Location:
Two 13' high monuments are located at the county line for Montgomery and Philadelphia County along Route #232 (Oxford Ave and Fillmore St). It is the 8100 block of Oxford Ave.