The collection consists of various reports, membership records, receipts, correspondence, books and miscellaneous of the two GAR organizations of Breckenridge, Michigan, 1892-1919, undated. The collection is divided by series into WRC No. 95 and GAR No. 347, then it is organized alphabetically and chronologically.
The WRC’s Membership Records folder contains transfer cards, two rosters and a copy of the organization’s bylaws. The WRC’s Ritual Items folder contains music, songs, programs and ritual leaflets.
Of note in GAR No. 347, Quartermaster Ledger, 1892-1917, there is a handwritten note on the inside back cover in pencil, “Pres shot Sept 14, 1901,” referring to the assassination of President William McKinley. Several pages in this volume are loose.
Henderson-Ames Company was a Michigan-based badge, uniform and patriotic paraphernalia manufacturer. Included are several letters of correspondence (Box 4) and one catalog of badge options (Box 5).
Processing Note: Approximately 1.25 cubic ft. of duplicate books, papers and miscellaneous items were withdrawn and returned to the donor, Breckenridge Public Library, as per the donor agreement. Less than .25 cubic ft. of materials were copied, due to folding damage, the originals were included in the withdrawn and returned items to Breckenridge Public Library. Additionally, four ritual books and two national encampment journals were separately cataloged. The WRC and GAR Applications for Membership were originally pamphlets and were repeatedly folded and unfolded. Particular care should be taken with these documents as they are prone to tearing.
