​Looking Back: The Ladies Aid Society

The information on the back of this photograph reads “James A. Wood home, The Ladies Aid Society, January 12, 1921. If you look carefully, you might recognize the front steps of the stone house on the Northwest corner of Walnut and Capelle Street.

Growing up in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, most of us went to church and Sunday School each week. Some went on Sunday night and some went on Wednesday night. But it seems to me that the ladies of the community, at least in Grain Valley, were always “going to church.” Was that because they belonged to the Ladies Aid Society? I don’t recall the name of the group in other denominations, but we Methodist called it The Ladies Aid in the early years of the organization. It was later known as WSCS (Women’s Society of Christian Service), UMW (United Methodist Women) and currently UWF (United Women in Faith).

In the 1920 U. S. Census, James A. Wood was a real estate agent which probably accounts for the fact that he and his wife (Amy Hudson) had a different residence in 1900, 1910 and 1930! According to his obituary he was born in Eastern Jackson County where he lived his entire life. He died on May 13, 1933 and his funeral services were held at The Methodist Episcopal Church South. Since the Wood home was only a short block from the church, they regularly held their Ladies Aid meeting there.  In 1920 the church would have only been one room. As dressed up as the ladies are in the picture, I’m assuming that in addition to their mission work they might have had “tea and crumpets!”

As I recall, church ladies in Grain Valley, be they Methodist, Christian or Baptist, were always known for their good work. They helped the needy, took turns caring for the sick, provided care packages to our military men and women and numerous other missions.

Unfortunately, I cannot tell you the names of the ladies in the picture. Besides Mr. Wood, I can only name one. In fact, I look a bit like her. That’s my grandmother, Mittie (Sanders) Rumbo in the back row on the right.