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Badge, American Protective League
Identifier:
2011.40.1Description:
Brass badge from the American Protective League. It reads: American Secret Captain Service, Protective League, 684. It is decorated with an eagle and scroll pattern.;This American Protective League badge was found among the personal effects of Louis Alexis Cornelius. L. A. Cornelius was a prominent Grand Rapids businessman in the early twentieth century, and was the founder of Wolverine Brass Works. This badge would have been worn by a "Captain" in the quasi-official American Protective League during and immediately following World War I. This badge shows that the organization was likely active in Grand Rapids, as it was in many other cities across the country, seeking out German sympathizers, draft dodgers, and slackers, and reporting them to Federal authorities. It can be used to interpret evidence of world events like World War I and the rise of fascism on local history.;American Secret Captain Service/Protective League/684;The American Protective League was a citizens organization established during World War I, with the blessing of the U.S. Government, to seek out German sympathizers.Date:
circa 1918Materials:
Molded, BrassDimensions:
2.75" h 2" wCurrent Location Status:
In StorageSource:
Gift Of Irma CorneliusLinks:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Protective_LeagueExhibit/Program:
Be Curious (October 1 2013 – March 1 2015)Rotating display of recently accessioned artifacts.