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Helen Bolling Potts Collection

Helen Bolling Potts (1919-2012) of High Point, North Carolina, served in the American Red Cross during World War II.

American Red Cross postcard
This American Red Cross postcard depicts soldiers standing outside a Red Cross Clubmobile, in Great Britain, circa 1945. All soldiers are in full combat uniform, with helmets and guns. The back of the postcard reads:"Red Cross Clubmobiles staffed by American Girls bring free hot coffee and doughnuts, cigarettes, gum, candy, etc., from the folks back home to the U.S. Forces at their camps in foreign lands.
American Red Cross postcard
This American Red Cross postcard depicts two Red Cross workers doing "voluntary K.P" in a Clubmobile, circa 1945. The back reads:"Red Cross Clubmobiles staffed by American Girls bring free hot coffee and doughnuts, cigarettes, gum, candy, etc., from the folks back home to U.S. Forces at their camps in foreign lands."
Letter from Helen Bolling Potts to Mary Channing Coleman
Letter written by recent graduate Helen Bolling (Potts) to her former professor Mary Channing Coleman on 18 September 1944. This letter discusses the difficulties that the Red Cross Clubmobile or "donut wagon" women faced while serving in France during WWII, such as living in tents and foxholes, and not being able to bathe for long stretches of time. Bolling also notes that the Parisians, who were still wearing "smart clothes" found the Americans rather fascinating, and describes her visit a school Hitler established to promote physical perfection in children. 2 pages, typed, on carbon paper.
Newspaper clipping about Helen Bolling Potts' overseas service
This newspaper clipping announces the overseas service of (left to right) Alice Johnston, Helen Bolling Potts, and Kitty Smoot, circa 1945. Included is a photo that shows the women in their American Red Cross uniforms.
Oral history interview with Helen Bolling Potts
Primarily documents Helen Bolling Potts' service in the American Red Cross during World War II. Topics from Potts time in the service include: her mother's reaction to her enlistment; reasons for joining the Red Cross; accompanying French sailors on tours of New York City; seeing plays on Broadway; the duties of a Red Cross clubmobile girl; treatment from servicemen; buzz bombs in London, England; entertaining troops; female pilots during WWII; Red Cross clubs; seeing Bob Hope perform; Marlene Dietrich staying with her unit in Germany; serving coffee and donuts to prisoners in a German work camp (possibly Bergen-Belsen) near Hanover, Germany; training at the riffle range at the Big Red I, US First Infantry Division, camp; being impressed by a German preschool; German nationalism; and maintaining contact with a Red Cross friend while stationed in Europe. " Personal Topics include: Potts' reasons for not making the Red Cross a career; adjustment back to civilian life; equal pay for women; what she has gained from her service; never experiencing rationing; barn dances; feelings on women in combat positions; opinions of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Mary Channing Coleman; Eleanor Roosevelt, and Robert E. Lee; and memories of teaching in Rocky Mountain, North Carolina.
Portrait of Helen Bolling Potts
Portrait of Helen Bolling Potts, circa 1943. Potts is pictured in her American Red Cross uniform.
Red Cross Clubmobile
An American Red Cross Clubmobile is parked near the coast in England, circa 1945. A Red Cross worker can be seen to the left.
Red Cross workers and a soldier
A soldier sits on a fence, with his arm wrapped around a Red Cross worker. Another Red Cross worker sits on the ground in front of them, circa 1945.

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