It’s Not Unusual … Oh Yes It Is!
The Coast Artillery Officer’s coat laid out for inspection at the Archives Room.
Sometimes the JCHS gets some unusual things! Recently a county resident brought in remnants from a military uniform that had been found buried in dirt along Lions Club Park Road. That then led our volunteers to research what type of uniform it was and if it was original.
The uniform’s insignia, buttons, and the braid were all used as clues. The material itself was faded and dirty, but it looked black versus dark blue. After lots of web searching about military insignia, checking with local Civil War buffs, and an email and photo exchange with the curator at the Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, here’s what we learned:
According to Brett Kelly, Curator of Collections at the Civil War Museum, it appears to be a M1902 Coast Artillery Officer’s Coat. The insignia was correct for that time period, and the button is a Brooks Brothers Great Seal button made from 1902 to 1910. Kelly doubts it is a reproduction.
As early as 1882 leaders realized that heavy fixed artillery and mobile field artillery units needed different types of training, so in 1901, the Artillery Corps was divided into 30 companies of light (field) artillery and 30 companies of heavy (coast) artillery. The U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps (CAC) was officially established in 1907 and was responsible for coastal and harbor defense. After World War II, in 1950, the two artillery branches merged back together.
The distinctive unit insignia of the U.S. Army Coast Artillery School was approved on October 16, 1929. The Great Seal buttons were made from 1902-1910 by Brooks Brothers.
Thanksgiving Holiday – Archives CLOSED
Just a quick reminder to let you know that the Juniata County Historical Society Archives will be closed the week of Thanksgiving (November 24th week). The Archives will re-open on December 2, 2014.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Artifacts at Academy Draw A Crowd
![DSCN5565-150x150[1]](https://juniatacountyhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSCN5565-150x1501.jpg)
Andy Paige American Indian Artifact Collector from Thompsontown
Steve Zeiders identifies an artifact brought to the event by a local. Zeiders is an avid hunter and collector, a hobby he’s been doing since a teenager.
![Dennis Zeiders [right] shows off some of his pottery and a plow to visitors at the Tuscarora Academy. He, his cousin Steve and Andy all have different items which makes a full-rounded display of items that describes how the American Indians lived and maintained their way of life.](https://juniatacountyhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSCN5570.jpg)
Dennis Zeiders [right] shows off some of his pottery and a plow to visitors at the Tuscarora Academy. He, his cousin Steve and Andy all have different items which makes a full-rounded display of items that describes how the American Indians lived and maintained their way of life.
Genealogy Workshop Set
Genealogy workshop sponsored by the
General Thomas Mifflin Chapter NSDAR &
Juniata County Historical Society
Featuring professional genealogist
Deborah White Hershey
Saturday, July 26, 2014, 10 AM
Juniata County Library Community Room
Introducing “Today’s DAR,” the application process, and working individually with those who wish to explore membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Reservations or questions call Nora Houser at 527-4296 or the Juniata County Historical Society office at 436- 5152 [open Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.]
Deborah White Hershey, current Pennsylvania State Chairman for Lineage Research, National Vice Chairman’s Association 2nd Vice President; Central Pennsylvania Regents’ Club Secretary Past National Vice Chairman, Eastern Division for Historic Preservation, South Central District Director of Pennsylvania State Society DAR and proud member of the centennial Harrisburg (PA) Chapter, NSDAR.
As a 34 year member of NSDAR, I have held numerous positions within my Chapter, State and National organization. The Harrisburg Chapter Historic Preservation Committee, of which I am a member, recently published a book entitled “Revolutionary War Patriot Historic Houses of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania” and I published a family history on the Shoemaker, Packard and Avery families.
I own my own genealogy company and work diligently on NSDAR, SAR, CAR, SR, First Families of Pennsylvania, Daughters of the American Colonist, and Sons of the American Colonist papers, as well as other lineage society applications.
Just Hanging Out At The Archives
The society recently added something new to their walls at the Archives — two clocks!
Those of you who haven’t visited the society’s Archives for some time should stop by and see what’s hanging out there. The clocks that were just placed on the walls last week are a rare Waterbury “Leipsic” model walnut parlor/regulator clock circa 1895-1915. This clock once hung in the 
Keystone Hotel in Mifflin, PA and actually survived the fire that took place in that Hotel in March, 1968.
The other clock once was in the Port Royal Times building that was located on Fourth Street, Port Royal and was a gift from a society member.
Both of these pieces make a nice addition to the Archives for visitors to see as they work on research projects.
Come visit and check the time on one of the clocks on the wall. You could also take a minute to do some research on local history or your own family members while you’re there. The Archives is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or call 717-436-5174 to make special arrangements, or for directions or more information.
