The Oshkosh chapter of the American Red Cross was established in 1916 with Mr. Elbert Weed as the first chairman. The jurisdiction of the chapter originally included all of Winnebago County except the cities Neenah and Menasha, which were served by their own chapter. Numerous branches of the Oshkosh chapter were soon formed in rural communities across the county. Later, northern towns of Winnebago County (Neenah, Menasha, Clayton, and parts of Vinland and Winchester) were conceded to the Neenah-Menasha Chapter. Over time, the jurisdiction grew to include Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara counties.
The International Red Cross was founded in Geneva in 1864. In 1881 the American National Association was incorporated with Clara Barton, a former Civil War nurse, as president. In 1900, the organization was reincorporated by act of Congress as the American Red Cross. Then in 1905 it was approved by President Theodore Roosevelt as the official national disaster agency.
Six months after the Oshkosh Chapter was organized, the United States entered World War I, requiring the group to help meet the needs of servicemen and victims of the war. Run almost exclusively by women, most officers were wives of prominent industrialists in the county including Mesdames Osborn, Hicks, Pierce, Radford and others. During the war, the chapter had numerous committees to coordinate its activities in providing clothing, bandages, and comfort to soldiers, their families, and war refugees. The organization also worked to provide support during the Spanish Influenza outbreak in the County.
After the war, the group reorganized as it transitioned to helping disabled soldiers and county nursing work as well as raising funds for disasters across the country. During the depression, the organization was in charge of relief distribution, delivering bedding and flour and making clothing for the poor. During World War II, the organization returned to making bandages, surgical dressings, and clothing for American soldiers and European war relief, as well as organizing blood drives and providing back-up service at area hospitals through its Grey Lady Corps and Nurses' Aid organization. After the War, the Red Cross again transitioned to peace time activities of supporting veterans, organizing blood drives and helping in disasters. The Oshkosh Chapter also provided courses in first aid, nurses' aid training and water safety. The bulk of these activities continue today, in addition to other programs, including winter heating assistance and elderly engagement. In 1998, the Oshkosh Chapter, in recognition of its broader jurisdiction changed its name to the East Central Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross.
