Anna Case's Garden Party, 1919

Anna Case spent much of 1917 and 1918 singing for the troops at army camps in New Jersey and New York, pitching war bonds, and appearing in patriotic concerts. She wrapped up her war efforts on June 14, 1919, by hosting a lawn party for hundreds of convalescent soldiers at her Mamaroneck, NY summer home.

29 June 1919 St. Louis Post Dispatch

The Metropolitan Opera soprano and South Branch, New Jersey native had just completed one of her most ambitious and successful national tours the previous month, including concerts up and down the west coast from Yakima to Los Angeles, and was looking for a way to give back to veterans of the Great War recuperating in military hospitals. When she hit upon the idea of hosting a day out at her country retreat, she asked that the most severely wounded, especially those not ambulatory, be given top priority on the guest list.

1 July 1919 Buffalo Enquirer

The piano was moved out onto the porch which was, according to newspaper reports, "decorated with masses of flowers and the flags of the allies and the Stars and Stripes." Miss Case's frequent tour companion, pianist, and composer Charles Gilbert Spross was enlisted to provide accompaniment.

1 July 1919 Buffalo Enquirer

Ambulances transported the wounded from Base Hospital 1 on Gun Hill Rd, in the Bronx to the prima donna's bungalow at Brevoort Farm. Cake and ice cream were served, and Miss Case provided the entertainment herself, singing for the assembled. Including nurses and army staff, there were about 250 total. The veterans serving then, as they do today, as a reminder of those who didn't come back.

6 July 1919 New York Herald

Telegrams from the governors of New York and New Jersey, stage favorite Frances Starr, and Thomas Edison were read. After supper, prizes were awarded in the categories of Longest Service in France, Most Prisoners Captured, and Most Wounds!

Photos are from newspaper accounts of the fete.