[RICHMOND] [MONUMENT AVE.] RED CROSS SHIP OF MERCY PARADE

Richmond, VA, 1933. In 1933 the Red Cross launched the annual membership drive known as the Roll Call, with the help of a parade float known as the Ship of Mercy. This design was created by the Miller & Rhoads display department and anchored in various places around Richmond. Staff on board collected membership dues and contributions to aid relief, especially needed during the Great Depression. First Lady Mrs. John Garland Pollard christened the “boat” with rose petals.~~This 5”x7” black and white photograph shows the ship parked in front of the Jefferson Davis memorial on Monument Avenue. Just visible behind the ship is the figure of Davis, now owned by the Valentine Museum after it was torn down and vandalized in 2020. Very good.