Spar Cradle Watch
By PHYLLIS WALKER
Specialist (W) 2/c, USCG (W)R
A unique project sponsored by the chaplain assigned to the Coast Guard in Washington, D. C., is here described by the chaplain's specialist. SPARs in their off duty hours rendered a real service to families of service personnel.
bers, while Mrs. Drew demonstrated briefly with saf pins and even-flow bottles. As Spars registered, they we questioned about their previous experience in caring f children and those who knew most about small babies we placed on a special list. Girls were attracted by the feeo fifty cents an hour which paid for many leaves and liberti as well as numerous Christmas presents. Many regard their baby-tending as an evening's recreation, for it a forded a quiet place to read or study away from the atmosphere of the barracks. Proud of their small char Spars brought in photographs and stories of cdte sayfi with all the zeal of fond relatives. Soon the orign sign-up of sixty Spars had increased to over 200.
As the service was available to all members of armed forces, girls became acquainted with British, Frenc and Canadian as well as American families. Spars we delighted with the hospitality extended to them by parent Favorite patrons were those who turned on the radio invited the sitter to raid the icebox. Small fry began beg for the return of a particular young lady in bluewh had taken the time for a romp or a story before bedtime
The hand that rocks the cradle-and brushes the baby's hair-rules the world. The attractive SPAR is Evelyn Sandstead, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Sandstead of Sterling, Ohio. The child is Marie Louise Drew, 13-monthold daughter of Chaplain and Mrs. Monroe Drew, Jr.
7OLUNTEERING to stand by as baby sitters, sixty
U. S. Coast Guard Spars mustered for duty May 1, 1945. Recreation Officer, Ensign Vera Meagher and Chaplain Monroe Drew, Jr., originated the plan and the Chaplains' Office at Coast Guard Headquarters was immediately chosen as the most practical location for the service. When May Day newspaper publicity awoke a staggering response from military families in Washington, it was obvious that a full-time yeoman with separate telephone would be needed to record and fill appointments. "Will the Spar be able to give my baby a bottle?" "Can she cook dinner for herself and two children?" "Can you send me someone every morning for ten days on a maternity case?" Clearly, Spars were needed on the domestic front to fillOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP"
Clerly S , o fll "NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP the most 'crying" need of the nation's capital. ,,,SEP" '
th most "crying" need of the nation's capital. Serving on "Cradle Watch" duty, SPAR Nora Larkin he At an evening meeting Chaplain Drew gave a short talk Cameron Drew, three-year-old son of Chaplain and about the workings at the Cradle Watch to charter mem- Monroe Drew, Jr., say his prayers before retiring. 14 The Army and Navy Chapid