The trenches of World War I were places of true suffering and horror. Disease ran rampant and there was virtually no shelter from the elements. For too many young men (some of them as young as 18-years-old), these trenches would become their final resting place.

Mercer County, Ohio, gave many brave young men during World War I. But these young men were not abandoned to the trenches by their families. Thousands of miles from the front line, families made and sent gifts to their loved ones who served overseas. The MCHS is honored to display one such artifact: a homemade balaclava.

The balaclava was a very common piece of clothing during World War 1. Fashioned similarly to a ski mask, the knitted hood was designed to allow only the face to be exposed, often covering even the chin. While balaclavas were considered part of the uniform, they were sometimes handmade by family members.

The balaclava at the Riley House has a scalloped bottom edge, indicating that this piece was not one of those issued by the military. It was likely made by a caring wife, mother, sister, or sweetheart of the soldier who wore it. For the maker, this was a way of providing their soldier not only with warmth, but with hope. For the soldier, this balaclava would have been a beloved piece of home

You can visit this balaclava in the War Room of the Riley House. The museum is located at 130 E. Market St. in Celina, Ohio. We are open Monday and Friday 9-5 and admission is free. However, please note that the museum will be closed during the month of January and will reopen to the public on February 3, 2025.