American Relief Agency

Mention the name Herbert Hoover and Americans conjure up images of Depression Era breadlines.  But a decade before, Hoover was the champion who saved Europe from starvation.  As the head of the American Relief Agency, he oversaw the distribution of American provisions to millions starving from the result of war, revolution and famine. Among them may have been my family.

President Herbert Hoover

Hoover's workers, known as Hoover's Boys, were idealistic young men who fought hunger with the same zeal they had shown the Great War. My research into Russia during the period of the 1921 famine, turned up an excellent book on the subject by Bertrand M. Patenaude, The Big Show in Bololand.

A definitive account of American aid to Russia's during the 1921 famine

While Patenaude's sweeping account of American aid is inspiring, his vivid accounts of the famine and the accompanying photographs of its victims are not for the faint of heart.  It is difficult to imagine the suffering people must endure.  I choose to incorporate the exploits of the ARA in my novel, Slogans: Our Children, Our Future on both sides of the Atlantic.  In the United States, Massey reads a newspaper article describing the amount of food that can be sent to their families in Russia, and recuits his friends for the cause.

Ten dollars worth of relief

* * *

“It doesn't matter who gets our food,” Massey said and jabbed his finger at the words.  “What matters is, we contribute.  Have you seen the newspapers?  Every week they publish a list of those giving to the ARA.  Schools, churches, unions.  All kinds of groups are raising funds.  Last week the Rockdale school children raised over twelve dollars.  The only ones not listed are Russians.  How can we expect Americans to help feed our families if we don't give something?”

* * *

While some of compatriots suspect the ARA of not really helping Russia, Massey witnessed an incident showing  he was correct.

* * *

Three weeks later, Massey took his break on the mill's loading platform and watched a seemingly endless line of Santa Fe grain hoppers rumble east toward Chicago.  It wasn't until the caboose disappeared into the gathering darkness did he understand what he had witnessed.  There spread across the caboose's railing was a tattered and soot stained banner declaring, “Nebraska Corn for Russia.” 

* * *

On the other side of the Atlantic, American aid reached Akulina and her children.  Thanks to the ARA, the villagers were provided with a glimmer of hope.

Children fed by ARA

* * *

Less than three weeks earlier Stepha was sure he had been saved.  The lady doctor and the strange speaking people gave him milk from a tin cow and dusted him with white powder so he stopped itching.  The watery kasha they ladled out did not taste like that Mati made, but it eased the cramp in his stomach.  The following day they brought white bread and potatoes and allowed him several bites.  After he finished his meager feast Mati said they soon would have soup with noodles and real black bread.  But the soup never came.  Instead, Stepha learned he was going to be dead.

* * *

The ARA may be only a footnote in history, but the organization's drama  is what brings historical fiction to life.