Lady Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lady Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton
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Lady Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton, from a 1966 publication of the US State Department
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| Born |
Natalie Scarritt Wales
August 6, 1909 Cohasset, Massachusetts
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| Died | January 14, 2013 (age 103) Andover, New Jersey
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| Education | Spence School |
| Alma mater | Columbia University |
| Occupation | Socialite, philanthropist |
| Spouse(s) |
Kenelm Winslow
(m. 1929; div. 1937)Edward Latham
(m. 1937; div. 1940)Edward Bragg Paine
(m. 1947; died 1951) |
| Children | Two daughters |
| Parent(s) | Nathaniel B. Wales |
Lady Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton was an American woman known for her charity work and social activities. Born Natalie Scarritt Wales in Cohasset, Massachusetts, in 1909, she lived a long life, passing away in 2013 at 103 years old. She is most famous for starting the "Bundles for Britain" campaign during World War II, which helped people in the United Kingdom.
Early Life and Family
Natalie Scarritt Wales grew up in Cohasset, Massachusetts. Her father, Nathaniel B. Wales, was an inventor and businessman. He invented the Kelvinator refrigerator. Natalie went to the Spence School, a special school in New York City. She was very popular and enjoyed organizing things, even as a teenager.
When she was 17, she traveled in Europe. Her parents brought her home and she went to Columbia University. The next year, she had her formal society debut. This is a special event where young women are introduced to society.
Natalie married Kenelm Winslow in 1929. They had two daughters, Natalie and Mary-Chilton. Later, she married Edward Latham in 1937.
Bundles for Britain Campaign
In May 1940, Winston Churchill became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Natalie Latham, as she was known then, wanted to help the British fight in World War II. She sent a message to Churchill's wife, Clementine, asking what was needed. Clementine replied that British sailors needed warm socks.
Natalie quickly started working. She gathered her friends from high society to help. She was very good at organizing. Many Americans wanted to help the war effort. Soon, "Bundles for Britain" became a huge project.
The campaign raised a lot of money. It sent millions of dollars worth of supplies to Britain. These supplies included:
- Clothing and blankets
- Ambulances and X-ray machines
- Hospital beds and oxygen tents
- Surgical tools and blood transfusion kits
- Canned food and children’s beds
Many famous people helped. The Queen Mother donated items for an auction. Andrew Carnegie's wife gave a large donation. Actress Joan Crawford asked her fans to send money to "Bundles" instead of buying her gifts. Even Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady, spoke at a fundraiser. The 1943 movie Mr. Lucky even showed a fictional character based on Natalie Latham.
Another effort was the "Barkers for Britain" campaign in 1941. This raised money by selling special tags for dogs. Franklin Roosevelt's dog, Fala, got tag #1 and was made the honorary president! Over 30,000 dog tags were sold. Natalie also started "Bundles for America" to help Americans in need during the war.
After the war, Natalie Latham was honored for her work. She was made an honorary Commander of the British Empire (CBE).
Later Life and Activities
In 1947, Natalie married Edward Bragg "Ned" Paine. They started an organization called "Common Cause." After Ned passed away in 1951, Natalie continued his work.
In 1953, Natalie married Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton. He was a Scottish politician. After his time in Parliament ended, they moved to America. Natalie became known as Lady Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton. She continued to be involved in various organizations.
In 1956, Lady Malcolm and her husband created the American-Scottish Foundation. This group works to improve cultural ties between the United States and Scotland. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton sadly died in an airplane accident in 1964.
In the early 1970s, Lady Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton organized "Scotland Week" in New York City. Stores on Fifth Avenue had Scottish-themed displays. In 1971, she started an annual American-Scottish Ball at the Plaza Hotel, which featured traditional Highland dancing.
Lady Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton also led the American Institute of Approval. This group aimed to promote good taste among women. They sponsored the House of Good Taste exhibit at the 1964 World's Fair in New York City.
She lived for many years in New York City. Later, she moved to Stillwater, New Jersey. Lady Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton passed away on January 14, 2013, at the age of 103. She left behind one daughter, six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.
