Correspondence, reports, postcards, photographs, printed ephemera and memorabilia relating to the activities of the Fatherless Children of France relief society, during World War I. Includes some papers of Leland E. Cofer, health officer for the Port of New York and assistant surgeon general, United States Public Health Service.

Mrs. Leland E. Cofer (née Luisita Leland) was an active member of the American Red Cross, and upon the outbreak of World War I, through her philanthropic endeavors helped establish the Fatherless Children of France. The New York City based society provided relief to French children who had lost their fathers to war. The society would match French orphans with American benefactors through funds distributed by La Fraternité Franco-Américaine, which would continue operations after Fatherless Children of France discontinued in 1920. In 1919, she was awarded the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur from the French government and Gold Liberty Medal from the National Institute of Social Sciences for distinguished services to humanity. In the same year, she also married Leland E. Cofer, a health officer for the Port of New York and assistant surgeon general of the United States Public Health Service. Cofer continued her philanthropic work with many other relief organizations leading into World War II, most notably including her service as chairman of "Bundles for Britain," relief organization.

5 manuscript boxes, 1 oversized box, 5 envelopes, memorabilia (3.6 Linear Feet)

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