Souvenir and Official Program, 30th National Encampment, Grand Army of the Republic, St. Paul.
Saint Paul, Minnesota: Pioneer Press Company, September 3, 1896. Wraps. Official program with printed photographic illustrations for the encampment held in St. Paul in wonderful color illustrated wraps, illustrated with a full length image of General Ivan Walker (24th Commander in Chief GAR) holding his sword and American flag, a color gilt embossed GAR badge, and gilt embossed lettering.
This encampment took place at the peak of the GAR's presence in Minnesota. St. Paul spent an estimated $50,000 to decorate, concluding with a grand parade of over 20,000 veterans. The Grand Army of the Republic was founded in 1866 by an Illinois doctor as an organization to support Civil War veterans; it held national encampments every year from 1866 to 1949.
The program describes the welcome in St. Paul, Minnesota's department of the GAR, Minnesota's War Governor, Minnesota in the War, the state's nine "Soldier Governors" and Soldiers' Home, and Ladies of the GAR. Period signature of Walter Philips of Seattle, Washington, with his address and motto "Excelsior [illegible]
Oblong 8vo, 79, [1], illustrations. Damp on foredge and bottom edge, causing some loss in the lower right margin, otherwise good + condition. OCLC: 7623995. Good + condition. Item #24333
Price: $100.00