Gettysburg 1938 reunion
yellowkid
Posts: 5,486 ✭
I was looking at a medal for the 1938 Gettysburg reunion, the "last great get together of the Blue and Grey." I wondered how many of the old Vets were still around 75 years after that epic struggle between Americans. I found a great site with lots of photos of the reunion. Post your Gettysburg piece and take a few minutes to enjoy the photos of these great Americans. PS I noticed that they are selling these photos, I have no connection to this site.
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- Marcus Tullius Cicero, 106-43 BC
<< <i>Thanks for the link!
[That is so cool, I love the tin as much as the medal!!!
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
There is an excellent video, "Echoes of the Blue and Grey". This features moving picture footage of civil war veterans through the years, until the last funeral in 1959.
http://estore.websitepros.com/1174910/Detail.bok?no=12
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
PCGS MS67, "The Hidden Liberty Collection", Not My Coin
The name Gettysburg is synonymous with the Civil War itself—no other campaign so captures the high drama and terrible tragedy of America’s darkest chapter. Fought over the course of three days—July 1, 2 & 3, 1863—it cost Union casualties of 17,684 killed or wounded, while the Confederates lost the even greater number of 22,638 killed or wounded. This epic battle represented the highwater mark of Southern advancement into Northern territory, and it marked the beginning of a long and painful Confederate withdrawal which led to the South’s ultimate defeat in 1865.
The commemorative half dollar which honors this battle and those who served in it shares with the Delaware-Swedish Tercentenary coin a distinctive history: Both were authorized and dated 1936, both were minted in 1937 and both commemorate celebrations which took place in 1938. Fittingly, they were likewise approved within weeks of one another at a time when commemorative coins were the hottest area of the coin collecting market.
Gettysburg Battlefield. Battle fought at Gettysburg, Pa. July 1st, 2d & 3d 1863 by the Federal and Confederate armies commanded respectively by Genl. G. G. Meade and Genl. Robert E. Lee. Jno. B. Bachelder, del.
Gettysburg, Pa. Breastworks on left wing of the Federal line. Photograph from the main eastern theater of the war, Gettysburg, June-July, 1863
The principal opponents whose armies met near the little town of Gettysburg in south-central Pennsylvania were General George G. Meade, commanding the United States Army of the Potomac, and General Robert E. Lee, leader of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. Sorely missed by Lee during the first two days of battle was the fabled cavalry unit commanded by General J. E.B. “Jeb” Stuart; off on a diversionary mission to harass the Union capital at Washington, D.C., Stuart arrived too late to turn the tide of battle. When it was all over, Lee and his troops withdrew to the safety of Virginia, while the exhausted Meade lost his opportunity to end the war once and for all when he failed to immediately give chase.
George G. Meade CREATED/PUBLISHED between 1860 and 1865
Pennsylvania. General Mead's headquarters at Gettysburg I
Robert E. Lee created in 1863
Gettysburg, Pa. Headquarters of Gen. Robert E. Lee on the Chambersburg Pike
General J. E.B. “Jeb” Stuart
Months later, on November 19, 1863, President of the United States Abraham Lincoln dedicated a national cemetery on the outskirts of the little town of Gettysburg. The featured speaker that day was famed orator Edward Everett, who gave a formal speech lasting some two hours. After he finished, Mr. Lincoln stepped up to read a few words which he had jotted down during the train ride to Pennsylvania. Today, it is his Gettysburg Address which is remembered as the great summation of war’s immeasurable sacrifice.
The only confirmed photo of Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg (seated), taken about noon, just after Lincoln arrived and some three hours before he spoke. To Lincoln's right is his bodyguard, Ward Hill Lamon.
Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation: conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war. . .testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated. . . can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war.
We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that this nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate. . .we cannot consecrate. . . we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.
It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us. . .that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion. . . that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain. . . that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom. . . and that government of the people. . .by the people. . .for the people. . . shall not perish from this earth.
Letter, Gen. James Longstreet to Col. Edward P. Alexander; and copies of Alexander's battlefield dispatches to Longstreet and Gen. George E. Pickett during the battle of Gettysburg, 3 July 1863.
The 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg took place July 1-3, 1938. To recognize this important date, the Blue and Gray Reunion was planned, honoring the few dozen surviving participants of that great engagement. Bringing together members of the Grand Army of the Republic and the United Confederate Veterans, this was a solemn yet congenial gathering of old men who would relive in words what was almost certainly the greatest single event of their lives. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Eternal Light Peace Memorial, which remains lit to the present day.
The Eternal Light Peace Memorial stands on the site of the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. President F.D. Roosevelt dedicated the memorial on the 75th anniversary of the battle. The monument is a perpetual flame with an inscription reading "Peace Eternal in a Nation United".
As a souvenir of the occasion, and perhaps to assist in the funding of this event, the Pennsylvania State Commission sought to have a commemorative coin issued. Legislation passed on June 16, 1936 called for the minting of not more than 50,000 half dollars to be coined at a single mint and of a single design. Paul L. Roy, executive secretary of the Commission, hoped that this law could eventually be amended to provide for a three-mint set, but this scheme was steadfastly rejected by Congress, which by then was growing weary of commemorative coins.
Many of the surviving Confederates reaching the top of Cemetery Ridge were killed or captured. These southern soldiers were taken prisoner by the Yankees, but at least they lived to one day tell their grandchildren the story of Pickett's Charge and the Battle of Gettysburg. Image courtesy of Library of Congress.
Hired to prepare the models for this coin was Philadelphia sculptor Frank Vittor. In a departure from most commemorative programs, Vittor’s models as submitted to the federal Commission of Fine Arts were favorably received from the outset, and only minor changes were requested by sculptor member Paul Manship. Among his observations was one which has been the source of amusement to collectors and numismatic writers ever since — the Union and Confederate veterans depicted on this half dollar are virtual twins! Giving Vittor the benefit of the doubt, some commentators have remarked that this may have been intentional, as it reinforces the Civil War theme of brother against brother.
Gen. U.S. Grant leans over church pew to study map held by Gen. George Meade, May 21, 1864 Massaponax Church, Va. In a rare moment of relaxation, Grant's men can be seen smoking pipes, reading, and engaging in humorous conversation. Image courtesy of Library of Congress
The Commission of Fine Arts gave its approval to the models on March 24, 1937, and production began at the Philadelphia Mint in June. A total of 50,028 pieces were coined, the odd 28 halves being reserved for the Assay Commission and later melted. Vittor’s obverse design portrays conjoined busts of Union and Confederate veterans in uniform facing right. Above are the mottoes LIBERTY and E•PLURIBUS•UNUM. Arranged in arcs around the periphery are the legends UNITED• STATES•OF•AMERICA and BLUE•AND• GRAY• REUNION, separated by stars. The reverse is dominated by Union and Confederate shields, separated from one another by a fasces. Wrapped around these elements are branches of oak and olive, perhaps symbolizing war and peace. The date 1936 appears below; this was specified in the enabling act, though it has no other relevance to this coin. Below the date is the value •HALF•DOLLAR•, while above the shields is the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, separated by the blades of the fasces. Around the periphery are the inscriptions 75TH•ANNIVERSARY and BATTLE•OF•GETTYSBURG and the dates 1863 and 1938, all separated by stars. The artist’s initials are not included.
Six officers of the 17th New York Battery, CREATED/PUBLISHED in 1863 June.
The Gettysburg half dollars were sold at $1.65 apiece by the Pennsylvania State Commission during the latter months of 1937 and continuing through the Blue and Gray Reunion of July, 1938. Shortly afterward, the unsold balance of the coins was turned over to the American Legion - Department of Pennsylvania to fulfill any subsequent orders. In an attempt to make the coins seem rare and more desirable, the price was raised to $2.65. By this time, however, the mania for commemoratives had long passed, and the coins proved difficult to sell. Within a few years, the unsold remainder of 23,100 pieces was returned to the Philadelphia Mint for melting, leaving a net mintage of 26,900 coins.
Louis Guillaume's 1867 painting portrays the surrender of Lee to Grant with mutual respect and kindness. Terms of the surrender were generous. Grant arranged food rations to be distributed to the hungry Confederates. Lee's troops were allowed to return to their homes and keep their horses. The high character of both men during the meeting has led historians to call it "The Gentlemen's Agreement". Image courtesy of Appomattox Court House National Historic Park.
The luster on Gettysburg half dollars ranges from a brilliant frostiness all the way down to an outright dullness. This design was quite susceptible to contact marks, particularly within the exposed faces of the shields. Most coins grade between MS-60 and MS-64, while a number will show signs of wear, harsh cleaning or some other mishandling. To spot wear, check the cheekbones of either veteran and the crisscrossing bands of the fasces.
Perhaps the most comprehensive treatment ever of the American Civil War is Shelby Foote’s The Civil War: A Narrative. A wonderfully written trilogy of books, fairly balanced, and historically accurate, Foote writes in a style resembling an easy reading novel. Measuring over 3000 pages, the author spent 20 years researching the material, and it shows.
No proofs are known of the Gettysburg type, but it’s possible that matte proofs may yet turn up; this style was favored by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, and it’s known that he had several commemorative coin types produced as matte proofs for his own collection.
Robert E. Lee Monument
Gettysburg halves were delivered by mail in unprinted, generic cardboard holders which provided holes for up to three coins. These, however, were shipped in attractively designed envelopes which are highly desired by collectors.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Diameter: 30.6 millimeters
Weight: 12.5 grams
Composition: .900 silver, .100 copper
Edge: Reeded
Net Weight: .36169 ounce pure silver
My family has had connections to an old confederate veteran's campground for more than a century. My great-grandfather used to be camp doctor. My mom can remember the old veterans from back when she was a kid.
What a life those people saw.
and I don't mean Robert E
U.S. Type Set
Last month I took the medal back to Gettysburg, back to the eternal flame where he wore the medal in his wheelchair 71 years ago to listen to FDR address the last of the blue and gray.
It is one of my most cherished family heirlooms and with it I have all the documents, photos, rail tickets, and invitations that concern this last reunion. I even have the original 1938 program for the event. In it, some of the veterans even signed their names and regimental affiliations.
People on the forums sometimes inquire what the last thing is in their collection that they would sell. I have no idea how much this is worth, but for it to hit the auction block all I can say is, "My kids would have to be starving."
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
<< <i>I posted this in an earlier tread. It is the medal that my great-great grandfather, a civil war veteran, received at the 1938 reunion. Ive only seen one other, and that was in the museum at Gettysburg.
Last month I took the medal back to Gettysburg, back to the eternal flame where he wore the medal in his wheelchair 71 years ago to listen to FDR address the last of the blue and gray.
It is one of my most cherished family heirlooms and with it I have all the documents, photos, rail tickets, and invitations that concern this last reunion. I even have the original 1938 program for the event. In it, some of the veterans even signed their names and regimental affiliations.
People on the forums sometimes inquire what the last thing is in their collection that they would sell. I have no idea how much this is worth, but for it to hit the auction block all I can say is, "My kids would have to be starving." >>
Excellent images and story, Thanks!!!
There is a National Geographic magazine fom the 1920's, maybe later, which I believe has coverage of a civil war reunion - color photogrophs of the old soldiers at the old battefields. I am sure many of you have seen the wonderful Lumiere Bros. Autochromes covering WW1 in such vivid true color. There have been color prints on paper since 1854 or so. BY 1907 the process was rather incredible with glass plates coated with starch and other materials creating even more accurate "truer" color. The French and some other Nothern Europeans also had the ability to produce color prints on paper and then glass since 1854 or so. Incredible stuff. The Russian glass plate color photographs from 1911-1917 look like digital photograpghy!
Best,
Eric
Lafayette Grading Set
<< <i>I posted this in an earlier tread. It is the medal that my great-great grandfather, a civil war veteran, received at the 1938 reunion. Ive only seen one other, and that was in the museum at Gettysburg.
Last month I took the medal back to Gettysburg, back to the eternal flame where he wore the medal in his wheelchair 71 years ago to listen to FDR address the last of the blue and gray.
It is one of my most cherished family heirlooms and with it I have all the documents, photos, rail tickets, and invitations that concern this last reunion. I even have the original 1938 program for the event. In it, some of the veterans even signed their names and regimental affiliations.
LITTLE ROUND TOP
People on the forums sometimes inquire what the last thing is in their collection that they would sell. I have no idea how much this is worth, but for it to hit the auction block all I can say is, "My kids would have to be starving." >>
A couple of the most important days in the history of our country. Thanks DCW, for sharing that with us!
<< <i>Yes, the biggest and most important battle on American soil. I spend as much time as I can on Little Round Top and it`s lower slope where the 20th Maine made their stand. >>
Joshua Chamberlain's stand does not garner enough attention in American History. It was truly heroic..............MJ
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
5 disc set of the Ken Burns Civil War opus, for $22!!!!
Commems and Early Type
We'll use our hands and hearts and if we must we'll use our heads.
A highlight of the event was a recreation of Picket's Charge. The former Confederates walked up to the Union line as fast as they manage and gave off the Rebel yell. When the Rebels reached the Union line, which was near the famed copse of trees, the former Union soldiers shook their hands, and they had heartfelt reunion.
I’m not sure if this footage is now on DVD, but I imagine that it is.
And here is my Gettysburg half dollar. It's not nearly as nice as some of the pieces you guys have posted here. It is an MS-64.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
<< <i>I posted this in an earlier tread. It is the medal that my great-great grandfather, a civil war veteran, received at the 1938 reunion. Ive only seen one other, and that was in the museum at Gettysburg.
Last month I took the medal back to Gettysburg, back to the eternal flame where he wore the medal in his wheelchair 71 years ago to listen to FDR address the last of the blue and gray.
It is one of my most cherished family heirlooms and with it I have all the documents, photos, rail tickets, and invitations that concern this last reunion. I even have the original 1938 program for the event. In it, some of the veterans even signed their names and regimental affiliations.
People on the forums sometimes inquire what the last thing is in their collection that they would sell. I have no idea how much this is worth, but for it to hit the auction block all I can say is, "My kids would have to be starving." >>
That Gettysburg reunion medal is really neat. I've been interested in finding one, but I've never seen one for sale.