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Title: Mrs. Leland E. Cofer papers
Date (bulk): 1915-1928
Collection Number: 50013
Contributing Institution: Hoover Institution Library and Archives
Language of Material: In English and French
Physical Description:
5 manuscript boxes, 1 oversized box, 5 envelopes, memorabilia
(3.6 Linear Feet)
Abstract: 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.
Creator:
Cofer, Leland E., Mrs
Creator:
Cofer, Leland Eggleston
Creator:
Fatherless Children of France Society
Physical Location: Hoover Institution Library & Archives
The collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual
or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in 1950.
[Identification of item], Mrs. Leland E. Cofer papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Mrs. Leland E. Cofer papers provide insight into American civilian relief efforts in Europe during World War I, the interwar
period, and World War II. The collection focuses on the Fatherless Children of France; but as a prominent New York socialite,
Cofer's papers includes her participation with a wide array of other philanthropic organizations and events pertaining to
war relief. All of which are detailed in correspondence, reports, bulletins, programs, flyers, postcards, photographs, printed
ephemera, and news-clippings. Additionally, the papers contain separate materials pertaining to her husband, Dr. Leland E.
Cofer's professional activities and public health initiatives in the interwar period.
The collection is arranged into six groups: Correspondence, Fatherless Children of France, Dr. Leland E. Cofer papers, Printed
Matter, Postcards and photographs, and Memorabilia.
Correspondence is comprised of personal correspondence, telegrams, and related material received by Mrs. Cofer, which detail her personal
achievements, wedding, and philanthropic activities beyond her work with Fatherless Children. There is also a draft of her
biography for the
Cyclopædia of American Biography. The
Fatherless Children of France files are comprised of correspondence, annual reports, bulletins, promotional ephemera, and newspapers describing the society's
relief operations and Mrs. Cofer's involvement, as well as extensive correspondence from
La Fraternité Franco-Américaine. The
Dr. Leland E. Cofer file contains reports, writings, and printed matter related to public health, hygiene, workers' health, immigration, and
eugenics during the interwar period.
As a patron of the arts and many charities in New York City, the bulk of the collection is comprised of
Printed matter and ephemera which is consists of magazines, pamphlets, programs, news-clippings and ephemera.The most predominant file is French-American
alliance associations, reflecting her enduring personal bond as well as United State's cultural ties to France.
Postcards and Photographs comprises of personal photographs and postcards, some of which were from beneficiary families of the society in France. Lastly,
the
Memorabilia contains medals, pins, and badges that Cofer acculmulated as a patron and particpant of many charitable organizations.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
World War, 1914-1918 -- Civilian relief
International relief
World War, 1914-1918 -- France
World War, 1939-1945 -- Civilian relief
United States. Public Health Service