Herbert J. Metcalf was appointed Director of the Iowa branch of the United States Public Service Reserve on Nov. 6, 1917. He coordinated recruitment of men to work in ship yards, railroads, and other war industries. He advertised for men with posters, newspapers, buttons, and speeches by "4-Minute Men". Metcalf was also Secretary of the Iowa State Council for National Defense, the federal government agency created to mobilize industry and eradicate pro-German sentiment in the U.S. Metcalf advised on how to spot and deal with pro-German activities such as foreign language church services and newspapers. His correspondence also includes reports from Iowa librarians on the treatment of German language materials in their libraries. Metcalf also became embroiled in a controversial program to build silos on rural farms to conserve food. Certain silo makers complained that the publicity materials for this effort promoted one company's silos above all others.
From the description of Metcalf, Herbert J. papers, 1910-1919. (Iowa Sate Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 50158929
