Worcester Soldiers' Relief Society.

The Worcester Soldiers' Relief Society was formed in October, 1861 to coordinate the benevolent efforts of the women of Worcester during the Civil War. The president of the Society was Mary Elizabeth Whiton Washburn (1836-1928). Other officers included Mary Bigelow (1821-1872) and Mary Dickinson (1828-1906). Some of the activities of the Society included staging theatricals and fairs to raise money for hospitals and the United States Sanitary Commission. The women sewed blankets and clothes, and also prepared packages of food and medical supplies which were sent to soldiers in hospitals and in the field.

One of the most important activities of the Society was the operation of a lodging house for soldiers known as the "Soldiers' Rest." Located on Foster Street in Worcester, the house provided free rooms and meals to soldiers passing through Worcester. The clerk was Thomas C. Bond ( - ), who was also active in sending supplies to Union soldiers in Southern prisons.