Archives West Finding Aid

After the United States entered World War I in April 1917, base hospitals were mobilized at universities and civilian hospitals across the country. In October 1917, the American Red Cross authorized the University of Washington to organize an army hospital, with the provision that the local Seattle Chapter raise $50,000 to equip the unit.

The War Relief Bazaar was the brainchild of Frank Waterhouse, a Seattle shipping magnate. The Seattle Girls War Work Association, headed by Gladys Waterhouse and Katherine Kittinger, organized the event at the Seattle Arena and Hippodrome in December 1917. The elaborately decorated Christmas bazaar was designed and constructed by Seattle architect Carl F. Gould. More than 12,500 volunteers contributed their efforts, and the event attracted over 10,000 Seattleites a day. Donations of goods and services were solicited from Seattle businesses and leading citizens, and a jewelry drive was held for donations of gold and silver. The Moran Brothers, local shipbuilders, made a donation of $16,000, and Frank Waterhouse donated $10,000.

Over $100,000 was raised, and $50,000 was given to Red Cross Headquarters in Washington D.C. for the purpose of establishing Base Hospital No. 50. The University of Washington unit became the last base hospital authorized by the Red Cross and the War Department. The remainder of the funds was used to support military dependents in King and Kitsap counties.