The Navy Mothers’ Club of America was founded in 1930 by Mrs. Emma Jones of Texas in order to provide for the welfare of the men of the U.S. Navy and her son. Its purpose was to promote a program of education, welfare and social interest between parents of navy men and enlisted personnel and to encourage contentment, efficiency, patriotism and pride among those serving in the navy. The club was limited to natural or legal mothers of men in active service in the U.S. Navy.

Between 1930 and 1950, 724 charters were approved to organize clubs across the country. On November 11, 1937, the West Michigan branch of the Navy Mothers was formed. A majority of the NMCA’s volunteer work was done in Naval and Veteran’s Hospitals, providing comfort, companionship and entertainment to the sailors. The Navy Mothers were actively involved in fund raising to support their projects. In 1943, the NMCA was selected by President Franklin Roosevelt as one of twenty organizations on the President’s War Relief Control Board.

The NMCA’s activities peaked during wartime and slowed during times of peace. When the club officially disbanded is not evident in the collection but it was probably in the late 1960’s as the military assumed more responsibility for the welfare of its men.