The Intelligencer October 16, 1915 (page 2)
“The Rainbow Club Of the Patriotic and Red Cross Association. All the circles of the ‘Rainbow Club’ combined Thursday in holding a ‘shower’ for the purpose of collecting Christmas luxuries for our boys at the front.
The large lecture room and the officers’ quarters in the armouries were created into a veritable fairyland. The effect in the lecture room where the donations were received, was very unique, the scheme of the ‘Rainbow’ being carried out in the decorations. Twenty-seven tables were arranged in a large semi-circle around the room, while from a large circle hanging from the ceiling, cheesecloth in all the colors of the rainbow, radiated to the tables, each table being covered with a snowy-white cloth and having a bouquet of flowers, the color of the ray, in the centre. The convenors, appropriately gowned, presided, each at her own table, and received the gifts which were sent in by the friends of her circle.
Passing along the gallery you entered the officers’ quarters, which were beautifully decorated by the ladies in charge and used as reception and tea rooms. The tea and cake served in the latter room (from all accounts) fully repaid the ladies for the trouble taken in preparing them, and the bevy of pretty young girls who served them gave an added sweetness to their taste.
The President of the Patriotic Association, Mrs. S.S. Lazier, and Vice-President, Mrs. F.E. O’Flynn, did the honors in the reception room.
The donations far exceeded the expectations of the circles, as every table was loaded with good things for overseas; and it will not be the fault of the citizens of Belleville if our boys do not enjoy the Christmas cheer.
The members of the Rainbow Club wish to thank all who contributed to the ‘shower,’ from the youngest child who gave a package of gum or a bottle of ink, to those (of whom there were many) who gave so liberally. A few they would like to thank specially—the officers of the 15th Batt. for the use of their rooms; Tickell & Sons for the use of their tables; Robt. Orr for conveying them to their rooms and back; The Intelligencer and Ontario for the advertising; those who contributed toward the programme in the afternoon, and last, but by no means least, the 15th Regt. Band, for the beautiful music they gave during the evening.”
First World War Belleville 