Union Knitting Army.

I'm finding some interesting stories about knitting socks for the army/soldiers.

Cleveland mourning leader (Cleveland OH) October 19, 1861 - Chronicling Historic American Newspapers LOC

Union Knitting Army.

                The ladies of the O.S. Presbyterian Church, at Pleasant Ridge, Hamilton Co., have formed themselves into what we hope may be the advance guard of a grand Knitting Army. They have pledged themselves, each and every one, to knit four pairs of woolen yarn socks, or stockings, by the first of January, 1862—two pairs by the first of November, and the remaining two by the first of January, 1862.

                Appealing to their sisters elsewhere, they say: “Let each lady pledge herself to knit four pairs by the time specified, and thereby manifest the interest and sympathy we feel for the gallant defenders of our homes and firesides, by enlisting for the war in the Union Knitting Army.”

Ornamented with a star

Lowell Daily Citizen and News [Massachusetts] Thursday, January 2, 1862

City and Vicinity

Soldiers’ Aid. We have just had handed to us, for the Soldier’s Aid Association, a very well-made pair of stocking, knit by Mrs. Mary V. Coburn of Dracut, the mother of George W. Coburn, Esq., and last surviving daughter of the late Gen. Joseph B. Varnum, formerly speaker of the federal house of representatives. Mrs. Coburn is now 87 years of age. Each of the stockings is ornamented with a star, tastefully wrought into the fabric. 

Oh....to see an original pair with stars and or flags knit into them!