Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Object ID |
54014 |
Accession number |
54014 |
Object Name |
Photograph |
Description |
Black and white watercolor painting of Albert Wallis, member number 14 of local GAR (Grand Army of the Republic). The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army who had served in the American Civil War. The GAR was among the first organized interest groups in American politics. It was succeeded by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW). The organization wielded considerable political clout nationwide. Between 1868 and 1908, no Republican was nominated to the presidency without a GAR endorsement. In 1868, General Order #11 of the GAR called for May 30 to be designated as a day of memorial for Union veterans; originally called "Decoration Day," this later evolved into the U.S. national Memorial Day holiday. The GAR was also active in pension legislation, establishing retirement homes for soldiers, and many other areas which concerned Union veterans. The influence of the GAR led to the creation of the Old Soldiers' Homes of the late 19th century, which evolved into the current United States Department of Veterans Affairs. |
Collection |
GAR Collection |
Title |
Albert Wallis, member of GAR |
Search Terms |
Watercolor GAR Veteran Military Photograph Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Beverly Massachusetts |
Print size |
9.25" x 7.5" |
Place |
Beverly, Massachusetts |
People |
Wallis, Albert |