Register of the Mrs. Leland E. Cofer papers
Finding aid prepared by Beaudry R. Allen
Hoover Institution Library and Archives
© 2008, 2015
434 Galvez Mall
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003
hoover-library-archives@stanford.edu
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
Access
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.
Use
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Acquisition Information
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in 1950.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Mrs. Leland E. Cofer papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Biographical Note
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
Correspondence
1904-1956
Scope and Contents note
Contains letters and telegrams received by Cofer from relief organizations, associates, and friends regarding Cofer's charitable
activities, achievements, and marriage. Arranged chronologically.
box 1, folder 1
Letters received
1904-1956
Fatherless Children of France File
1914-1930
Scope and Contents note
Includes correspondence, reports, bulletins, promotional ephemera, and a scrapbook relating to Fatherless Children of France's
relief operations, relationship with the auxilliary group
La Fraternité Franco-Américaine, and events. Arranged alphabetically by subject.
box 1, folder 4
Committee minutes
1918-1920
box 2, folder 3
Announcements, flyers, event pamphlets, postcards, and a calendar
1915-1920
Dr. Leland E. Cofer File
1918-1928
Scope and Contents note
Includes professional correspondence, public health announcements, booklets, and speech drafts surrounding public health initiatives
for workers and immigrants in New York City. Arranged alphabetically by subject.
box 2, folder 7
Industrial Hygiene Bulletins
1924-1928
box 2, folder 8
Industrial Hygiene Series
circa 1920s
box 3, folder 1
Speech drafts
1923 September 25
box 3, folder 2
Printed materials
1920-1924
Printed Matter and Ephemera
1900-1956
Scope and Contents note
Includes ceremonial programs, news-clippings, and ephemera relating to organizations and events Mrs. Leland E. Cofer attended.
Arranged by subject.
box 3, folder 3
French-American Alliance Associations-
Institut Français aux États-Unis and France-America Society
1917-1924
box 3, folder 4
Italian American Society
1918-1920
box 3, folder 6
Women's National Club
1923-1927
box 3, folder 8
Coronation of King George VI souvenirs and invitation
1937 May
box 3, folder 9
Bundles for Britain organization
1941
box 4
Programs, pamphlets, tickets, invitations, and miscellany of relief organizations and events
1900-1956
box 5
Programs, pamphlets, tickets, invitations, and miscellany of relief organizations and events (continued)
1900-1956
box 6
Press mentions of Mrs. Cofer and Fatherless Children of France and oversized programs
1918-1937
Photographs and Postcards
1917-1945
Scope and Contents note
Contains personal postcards and photographs pertaining to Cofer's family, Fatherless Children of France parade, and Young
Men's Christian Association (YMCA) relief efforts in World War II. Arranged by format.
envelope A
Postcards
circa 1916-1918
envelope B
Fatherless Children of France parade, fairs, and memorial services
1920-1934
envelope C
World War II YMCA donation of a tea car to British Forces and Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) Girls
circa 1935-1945
envelope D
Personal photographs of Mrs. Cofer, family, friends, and events
1917-1940s
envelope mE
Personal photographs of Mrs. Cofer, family, friends, and events
1917-1940s
memorabilia_cabinet
Memorabilia
1915-1924
Scope and Contents note
Contains medals, badges, pins, buttons, and ribbons awarded to Mrs. Cofer.