‘“Mutual Aid Society of the Residents of Petrograd” in White Omsk in 1918–1919

Abstract

The article examines the activities of the “Petrograd Mutual Aid Society” (OVP) in Omsk during the Civil War. Using unique documents from collection R4673 of the State Archive of the Russian Federation (GARF), as well as the periodical press, this article provides the first rigorous investigation of the emergence of a society created by refugees, including its organizational structure, main activities, strategies for self-financing, and forms of assistance for refugees: information, legal, material, moral and psychological, and employment assistance. In the most difficult conditions, Petrograd refugees sought opportunities for self-organization and self-help. OVP, headed by S. V. Bugdanov, a former employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, used various mechanisms for self-financing, the most important of which were entertainment events. Additionally, Bufdanov practicedfundraising, which included the organization of subscription lists in favor of refugees in various organizations and agencies. Sending requests for hiring, conducted by the society, was of great importance for employment of former Petrograders. Granting of benefits and loans helped Petrograders in the most difficult situations. The society organized legal consultation that refugees could use on preferential terms. OVP opened a dining room, but it was forced to abandon the establishment of a hospital due to the large expenditures required. The organization’s plans included various commercial projects, including the delivery of goods by wagons from Harbin and their retail sale in Omsk.