Honoring those of our parish who served in World War I, this “Roll of Honour” hangs on the west wall of the sanctuary. It was donated in 1919, and is exceptional in that it includes the name of a young woman, under the handwritten heading of “Nurse.” During the war, young Vera Howard served for 15 months in the U.S. Army at a base hospital in Vichy, France.

Vera Howard (1888-1979) was born at Baptist Corners, Owasco, and graduated from the Skaneateles Academy in 1909. She attended the Rochester Institute of Technology and Columbia University. After her war service, she served as chief dietician at Bellevue Hospital in New York City (where, when the staff asked her to buy more tender cuts of meat, she ordered sharper knives).

In 1943, Vera Howard retired to Skaneateles and lived with her sister, Ethel Smith, on Leitch Avenue. Her retirement was as active as her working life. Vera Howard was one of the founders of the St. James’ Thrift Shop, served as treasurer and as a vestry member. She celebrated her 90th birthday in 1978 at a St. James’ coffee hour, an indomitable woman of strength and spirit.