This needle book was owned by Bessie Campbell, a teacher from St. Cloud, Minnesota. Sewing was one way women, who weren't allowed to fight in the army, were able to show their patriotism. Soldiers needed supplies like uniforms and quilts, and Minnesota's women banded together in sewing circles to stitch them. More formal organizations, such as Ladies' Aid Societies, collected supplies, rolled bandages, and raised donations to help soldiers.