"Stimulation of patriotism and good citizenship by teaching the English language and American ideals of government and conduct is the purpose of the America First societies recently organized in Colorado Fuel and Iron Company Camps. These societies, fostered by the committee on Americanization of the Colorado State Council for Defense, have been formed at Primero, Segundo, Frederick, Morley, Starkville, Sopris, Berwind-Tabasco, Walsen, Cameron, Rouse, and Lester.

            Americanization work in Las Animas and Huerfano Counties has been entrusted by the state committee to S.R. Parker, associate general secretary of the Y.M.C.A. in C.F.&I. camps. The work has been encouraged by the co-operation of the United States Bureau of Naturalization, the Company management, the Y.M.C.A. organization and the employees, both native and alien.

            The object of the American First Societies is to oppose to the enemies of Liberty and justice a solid front of one hundred million Americans, united in loyalty to one language, one country, and one flag.

            The membership of these societies is made up of men and women over eighteen years of age who have pledged themselves to be first of all Americans; to promote with all their power a knowledge of the language, the government and the ideals of this country; and to support her by their every word and act in her struggle for the freedom of mankind.

             The various chapters meet once a month and are presided over by the president or a member of the local executive committee. The program of the monthly meetings consists of patriotic music, generally furnished by the company bands or orchestras; patriotic songs, motion pictures with a patriotic appeal and stirring patriotic addresses.

            Berwind and Starkville chapters were favored at their September meetings with a  talk on fuel production by E.H. Weitzel, Manager of the Fuel Department.

            Classes in English, history, and Citizenship were organized during October for the benefit of the non-English speaking members.”

Industrial Bulletin Oct. 31, 1918 Vol. 4 No. 1 pp. 6