Contributed by Scarborough Historical Society & Museum
Description
Hiram Gustin owned this Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) pin. Gustin served in the 9th Maine Infantry, Company K during the Civil War.
The GAR was an organization honorably discharged Union Civil War veterans. This group was founded in 1866 to support veterans and their families as well as a means to keep in touch with their comrades after the war. In 1890 the group's membership was approximately 500,000.
The GAR worked to secure federal pensions for the veterans and their families. Another activity they were known for was participating in parades and wreath laying ceremonies to honor fallen veterans. The GAR's national Commander-in-Chief, General John Logan, established the first Memorial Day.
GAR members formed posts, and these posts were named after a local Civil War veteran killed in battle. Local posts belonged to their state department, and the states were a part of the national organization. The national and state departments held annual conventions, or encampments, lasting several days which included business meetings, memorial services, dinners, and fellowship while camping out.
The last GAR member passed away in 1956 and the GAR then no longer existed.
About This Item
- Title: GAR pin, Scarborough, ca. 1866
- Creation Date: circa 1866
- Subject Date: circa 1866
- Location: Scarborough, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Metal
- Dimensions: 4.45 cm x 6.35 cm
- Local Code: 76.8.4
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Gustin, Hiram--Associated objects
- Scarborough (Me.)--History
- Military service--1860-1870
- Grand Army of the Republic. Department of Maine
- United States. Army. Maine Infantry Regiment, 9th (1862-1865)
- Maine--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- Soldiers--Maine
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Scarborough Historical Society & MuseumPO Box 156, Scarborough, ME 04070-0156
(207) 885-9997
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