GAR Impression on the National Mall

[Pat.Lewis]

Folks,

A request for some living history support came to me via the NPS grapevine this weekend. The National Mall is rededicating the Lincoln Memorial on May 30th and since the President is expected to attend the ceremony, living historians portraying US soldiers (ya know...the fellows with guns) are being somewhat frowned upon by the Secret Service. So, the folks at the Mall are trying to be creative by representing some of the GAR fellows who attended the original dedication ceremony on May 30, 1922.

The Mall is looking for older volunteers to portray the GAR veterans. Impressions would involve a Union-ish, reunion-looking coat, some GAR medals, perhaps a hat with GAR insignia, and 1920s-ish dress pants underneath. If you're interested or know anyone who would be willing to help you can get in touch with me (PM) and I'll put you in touch with the folks at the Mall.

I really hope we can get a few folks to help out. I think it is a very creative use of living history and adds a new dimension to the war and the legacy of commemoration we continue.

[brown]

Re: GAR Impression on the National Mall

This could have some neat opportunities, but I think I'll have to bow out due to my weak impression. If I was a 15 year old in the defenses of Chattanooga (or anywhere else) in 1865, wouldn't I have been 71 or 72 at the dedication? While my students seem to think I am somewhere between 23 and 50, sadly (or maybe not so sadly on second thought) I don't think I can pull off 70-something...

[Auld Pelty]

Re: GAR Impression on the National Mall

Fortunately, there are still some GAR veterans who can attend the sacred ceremony.

[Dan]

Re: GAR Impression on the National Mall

A Sons of Union Veteran's set up, combined with the GAR route, might be pretty interesting as well. That could pull in younger guys, although then you'd have to find some 1920s clothing. Not all that hard though really.

Dan Schoeneberg

[FlatLandFed]

Re: GAR Impression on the National Mall

Hmmm, I've got access to 1920s era suits (even an original double-breasted G.A.R. coat and cap but for a lad much slimmer), my great grand-uncle's ceremonial sword and some original membership badges.

Not sure if I can get to D.C. in time, but it would be interesting and sounds like we would have an excellent view of the proceedings. I'll give the man a call.

Anyone from The Great American Desert up for a road trip East?

Paul Hadley, PDC, SUVCW
Lincoln, Neb.

Photos: a NY G.A.R. Post in 1922 and a photo of the actual dedication ceremony. Remember to bring your straw hat!

[PogueMahone]

Re: GAR Impression on the National Mall

Paul,

Looking at the second image, I would guess this event might have a Bully Buy on straw hats!

[NYCivilWar]

Re: GAR Impression on the National Mall

I once read in a small publication on the Grand Army of the Republic that it is illegal to portray a veteran (in this case a Civil War vet) if you are indeed not one. Any truth to this? I can't remember the the work, and unfortunately I do not have access to it right now. Thoughts?

[FlatLandFed]

Re: GAR Impression on the National Mall

You're right, Kyle, in that during 1880s and WW I economic times especially, any man with a bronze GAR member button on his lapel had a leg up on getting a job. There was a lot (rightfully so IMHO) of indignation from veterans if someone would pass himself off as a comrade who in reality was in their eyes a shirker. Pretending you were a veteran was grounds for fines and imprisonment -- I'll try to look up the penalty if you'd like -- should be on the suvcw.org web site archives.

Remember that for quite some time (like 1866-1897), if you said you were a "veteran," it almost certainly meant you were in the WBTS and maybe Mexican war. Those in the VFW may recall the roots of that organization lay in the fact that the GAR considered honorable service in the period 1861-1865 as the only/main qualifier for GAR membership, so the Span/Am vets started their own veterans organization (VFW).

Of course, some GAR Posts DID accept veterans of "other" wars as quasi-members -- and in the final years when the ranks of the Union vets were very thin, the VFW (and the Am Legion) extended a hand to allow Civil War vets (GAR and other Union vets' organizations) to join their Posts.

That said, it would be illegal for me to pretend I'm a veteran (I am not) and expect privileges due those brave men and women -- BUT the GAR is no longer a bona fide organization, having legally been absorbed by the Sons of Union Veterans.

You would not get into any more trouble by wearing a GAR badge and pretending to be a Civil War veterans than you would after growing chin whiskers and declaring that you're Honest Abe.

Gotta go to work now, but will try to find the statute. Good question.

Paul Hadley

[Becky Morgan]

Re: GAR Impression on the National Mall

I've put this up before, but it seems appropriate to this discussion. The three on the right were on their way to a Gettysburg reunion, but I'm not sure which (Moses, at least, did get to the 75th.) My great-great-grandpa Dan, on the left without a jacket, was a Quaker and didn't get into the fight, although he did some underground railroading.

I find it interesting that the Sears, Roebuck catalogs offer several styles of GAR suits--single and double breasted, varying qualities of fabric, sack or frock.. Did different posts wear different coat styles, or was it a matter of personal preference?

[FlatLandFed]

Re: GAR Impression on the National Mall

I've been in contact with the supervisory park ranger for the National Mall, but her email is haywire right now -- she wants me to telephone, so I'll try tomorrow after class.

I'll get the details on what is expected of us, what's in it for us, etc. and let everyone know.

Let's hope it works out. Might be a good footnote for later when guys want to recreate the Grand Review in 2015.

Cheers,
Paul Hadley

[mtodriscoll]

Re: GAR Impression on the National Mall

Let's start a pool...

If they do find some elderly men to portray GAR vets, how many people in the general public will look at them and think they actually are GAR vets. Given today's educational track record, I'd be willing to bet the would be pretty high...

[Bummer]

Re: GAR Impression on the National Mall

They'd probably think we are waiters or something--that's how much people know.
I have a couple really large sized GAR coats and caps with all the fixin's and even wore one this last G'burg R-day. Was time now that I'm that age. We've always talked about it so finally I had to do it. Ran into lots of folks who wished that had turned out too.
However, as interesting as this is, I don't think I feel like doing this one. Too many unappreciative folks would be present, if you know what I mean.

[FlatLandFed]

Re: GAR Impression on the National Mall

Sorry, lads -- I have to work on the days needed for me to travel to D.C.
NPS supervisor Rebecca says she will keep me/us posted on future events.

So, if anyone else wants to take on this project -- portraying G.A.R. vets in 1922 (four score and seven years ago) for a ceremony noting the anniversary of the original dedication of the Lincoln Memorial and one of the events related to Abe's 200th birthday -- please do go ahead with it.

You would meet with NPS at 9 a.m. for a briefing -- possibly a few questions from Secret Service as many plenty politicians and dignitaries will be in attendance, including Chief Justice Roberts and a high ranking elected official I'm not authorized to identify (although I could note his children just received a new puppy), who will address the crowd.

You would be doing a living history near the old "Kennedy Hockey Field" by the reflecting pool and then have a good view of all of the event at 2:30 p.m.

Other unarmed living historians will be doing a Civil War impression nearby (Patrick's group?).

Let me know if you'd like Rebecca's contact information (she used to be in Chick/Chatt area) and I'll be glad to share the numbers. Surely wish I could be there, too.

Paul Hadley

[mladair]

Re: GAR Impression on the National Mall

Brother Hadley,

Have you thought about forwarding this up the chain of command of the SUVCW? Perhaps the National Organization would be interested in taking a stab at getting something like this organized.

Regards,

Matt Adair
Gov. Crapo Camp #145
Dept. of MI, SUVCW

[FlatLandFed]

Re: GAR Impression on the National Mall

Well, duh! I will pass this on to the brass, as many of them live much closer to the site and may even be able to get Maryland brethren involved.

Good idea.
Paul Hadley, PDC, Nebraska