In December 1917, members of the isolated hamlet Agness, Ore., gathered for a potluck lunch and social time at their community hall.
The principal feature of the get-together was to pack Christmas boxes for seven enlisted soldiers who were overseas and notably missed by their hometown. Everyone wanted to encourage and show their appreciation to the young men who had gone to war on their behalf.
The preparations took weeks. Socks were knitted, and wildflowers pressed. While doing their usual festive cooking, women prepared extra portions of cookies, jams, and fruitcake. Men collected rations of sweet chocolate, candy, gum, tobacco, and cigars. Children provided handmade greeting cards.
The idea was not to send a quantity of items, but rather small remembrances from everyone, so that each member of the community would be represented. Each article had the sender’s name attached and would be familiar to the intended recipient.
Packing the boxes afforded as much pleasure to the senders as to the receivers, with the added hope that the bolstering-up effect brought more strength and courage than could be conveyed in any other way.
Source: "Xmas Packages for Boys in Service." Gold Beach Reporter, 13 Dec. 1917.
