![grand army of the republic medal grand army of the republic medal](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/RZ0AAOSw-rVfypaS/s-l1600.jpg)
hosted fairs, musicals, “literary entertainments,” and picnics at the hall at the Smith School and other nearby locations.
![grand army of the republic medal grand army of the republic medal](https://d3h6k4kfl8m9p0.cloudfront.net/stories/OuHeb.IJqxlhJqQy45TWTA.jpg)
To raise money for its charity fund, the Bell Post and the W.R.C.
#Grand army of the republic medal how to
And you are still at work thinking and planning how to assist us in raising money to entertain our comrades.” You have, during the past year, nobly assisted us in many ways. “We thank God that Post 134 has a Woman’s Relief corps. for playing this role at an event in 1890: Smith expressed his gratitude to the W.R.C. focused mostly on this pillar, especially African American groups who recognized the poverty and social needs of their communities. Northeast Museum Services Center, National Park Service CharityĪcross the G.A.R., Woman’s Relief Corps and Ladies of the G.A.R. Historian Barbara Gannon described how these events, “rarely held around campfires or even outdoors, involved storytelling, songs, speeches – both serious and humorous – and other reminiscences of the joys and anguish of military life.” Boston newspapers shared the activities of these campfires during which members gave speeches “amid the smoke of clay pipes.” These events generally lasted well into the evening as the veterans reminisced about their wartime experiences.Ī white clay pipe found during an archaeological excavation at the Abiel Smith School. posts across the country as well as for members of the Bell Post. The Bell Post also hosted gatherings known as "campfires," which proved popular among G.A.R. The strong sense of community within the Post led to the headquarters serving as the setting for major life events, such as weddings, anniversary celebrations, and funerals. At these events, Post members sang songs, gave speeches, played instruments, and read poems to commemorate their experiences in the war. Bell Post, 134 held meetings, anniversary celebrations, and entertainment activities to encourage community among their comrades.
![grand army of the republic medal grand army of the republic medal](https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/303155634921_/Bryant-Post-GRAND-ARMY-OF-THE-REPUBLIC-VETERENS.jpg)
These principles guided the Post as it sponsored events at its Smith School headquarters. Members of this post held true to the G.A.R.’s three principles: fraternity, charity, and loyalty. Bell Post, aided by its Woman’s Relief Corps, played a significant role in supporting African American Civil War veterans, their families, and the local Black community. But some of us did go to the front, and in the hospitals we gave encouragement to the wounded, sick and dying. When our country was in peril, although we could not shoulder the musket and march to the front to give our lives for the dear old flag, at home we plied our needs, thought and worked to cheer the boys in blue, who were fighting to preserve the Union. It is the woman’s duty to stand by the defenders of the country. We have always felt it our duty to aid Robert A. At an 1890 event, President of the Woman’s Relief Corps, 67, Mary L. Bell Post, 134, had a Woman’s Relief Corps (W.R.C.), whose members had to demonstrate their loyalty and devotion to the veterans and their cause. (L.G.A.R.) formed by women related or married to veterans. Some all-Black posts had Ladies of the G.A.R. Women frequently created auxiliary posts to support the veterans. Bell Post, headquartered on Smith Court, support her claim.
![grand army of the republic medal grand army of the republic medal](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/sKkAAOSw8RxfSDEe/s-l400.jpg)
She further argues that they formed out of a desire “to serve their local community and as part of a broader agenda: to challenge the notion of an all-white Civil War.” The history and work of the Robert A. While some historians suggest the distinction between all-White and all-Black posts demonstrated segregation in the G.A.R., historian Barbara Gannon contends that these posts served a similar role as Black churches, functioning as crucial centers of African American communities. Īfrican American veterans formed over 200 all-Black posts across 24 states many of the posts located in cities had over one hundred members. This post’s notable members included abolitionist Lewis Hayden, who recruited men for the 54 th, and Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant William Carney. Veterans of this post served with the Massachusetts 54 th Regiment, the 55 th Regiment, and the Massachusetts 5 th cavalry. Bell Post, 134, chartered June 29, 1870, as the first all-Black G.A.R. Newspapers from the time widely regarded the Robert A. Posts of the Grand Army of the Republic formed across the country to foster community among veterans of the Union Army. Print of the "Old Smith School, Now the Quarters of the Robert A.