


I recently acquired this Belgian Relief Fund flour sack. From very preliminary research, during World War I, the Commission for Relief in Belgium (CRB), led by Herbert Hoover, coordinated the shipment of food supplies, including flour, to Belgium. The flour was packaged in cotton sacks like this one, which, after use, were often repurposed by Belgian women and girls. These individuals, trained in professional schools, sewing workrooms, and convents, embellished the sacks with embroidery, lace, and painted designs as expressions of gratitude. Many of these decorated sacks were sent back to the United States as tokens of appreciation.
This sack found its way back to Indiana, and was in storage for at least the previous 40 years, I know that it is a long shot, but I am trying to find school, workroom, or convent associated with this particular work along with the possibly identifying the specific woman who did the embroidery. The embroidered name on the front of the sack appears possibly be that of “Madelaine Claycomb”. There is also writing on the back that appears to include the date January 10, 1917 along with other text.
It would be amazing to be able to find the provenance of this historic item over 100 years later, connecting it to a location and a person in Belgium.
by 2nd20
3 comments
I think that’s Madeleine Claeysoone. Below excerpt from one of the many family tree sites.
Familienaam.be offers a geographic overview from people with this last name in Belgium. Data are a bit old but still useful. Just input a name and enter.
Edit: the plot thickens. If this actually is the same Madeleine there is an old photo of her here: [https://www.visitmol.be/postkaartwandeling-watermolen-madeleine](https://www.visitmol.be/postkaartwandeling-watermolen-madeleine)
She is NOT the girl in the photo on top, that’s just someone reenacting. Madeleine herself seems barely discernable on the photo.
https://preview.redd.it/kqccrnb1v62f1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=79213a13ccc9a165d58bad0999eb69f239d519b5
I believe the name reads Madeleine Claeysoone.
There seems to have been a Claeysoone family, including a Madeleine, in Mol at the time: [https://www.openarchieven.nl/abb:dffc1660-bc01-7887-c5dd-6a60c2efe301/en](https://www.openarchieven.nl/abb:dffc1660-bc01-7887-c5dd-6a60c2efe301/en)
The embroidery includes the coat of arms of Mol: [https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wapen_van_Mol](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wapen_van_Mol)
The date, 1-10-17, is probably Oct 1, 1917 instead of Jan 10, 1917.
It also says “remercie le peuple d’Indiana” which translates to “thank you to the people of Indiana”.
Awesome !
Comments are closed.