The Service Star Legion was organized in Baltimore, Maryland on 10 October 1919, and was incorporated under Maryland law in 1930. At first it was an amalgamation of eleven patriotic societies which had grown up during WWI. In Utah the original group, the Salt Lake County Chapter, became known as the War Mothers. The War Mothers was organized in July 1918 and became affiliated with the SSL in January 1920. The purpose of the group was to bring comfort and aid to service men and their families, and to support the country's government. Throughout the years, the national and Utah groups carried on civic projects, such as assisting veterans' hospitals. Since 1926, the Salt Lake County Chapter has improved and supported Memory Grove Park and Memorial House, by planting trees and dedicating Memorial House to the memory of Utah's war dead.

The Service Star Legion records (1905-1985) contain materials concerning the Salt Lake County Chapter, the Utah Division, and the National group of the SSL. The collection contains SSL annual rosters, bylaws, civic service records, constitutions, convention materials, correspondence, essays, financial records, handbooks, histories, invitations, meeting minute records, newsletters, newspaper clippings, programs, publication copies, several scrapbooks, and similar materials concerning Memory Grove Park and Memorial House in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Salt Lake County Chapter annual rosters span the years 1930-1975, but the run is incomplete. There is a 1951 handbook which describes the organization and its purpose, as well as convention programs. There are papers concerning Memory Grove Park and Memorial House histories, projects, and programs. Utah Division papers include their Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, constitution, minutes, and other materials relating to the Utah-Wyoming Division of the early 1930s. The National portions of the SSL papers contain their constitution, convention programs and minutes, copies of The Service Star magazine, histories, and magazine and newspaper articles and clippings. There is also an autobiography of Cora Baker, a national character member, titled "Granny's Story," and the national president endorsements of Clara Miller, a member of the Salt Lake County Chapter.

Restrictions on Access:

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Restrictions on Use:

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Service Star Legion records must be obtained from the Special Collections Manuscript Curator.

Preferred Citation:

Initial Citation: Service Star Legion records, Ms 222, Box [ ]. Special Collections and Archives. University of Utah, J. Willard Marriott. Salt Lake City, Utah.

Following Citations:Ms 222.

Acquisition Information:

Boxes 1-2 (1.5 linear feet) were donated by Clara Miller in April 1978.

Boxes 3-33 (15 linear feet) were donated by Isabelle Shaw in May 1987.

Processing Note:

Processed by Marlene Lewis, and unknown in 1980 and 1987.

Creator:

Service Star Legion.Salt Lake County Chapter

Language:

Collection materials are in English.

Quantity:

16.5 linear feet

Language of the Finding Aid:

Finding aid encoded in English in Latin script.

Author of the Finding Aid:

Finding aid prepared by Marlene Lewis

EAD Creation Date:

2007

Subarea: