Remembering Our Veterans
Since 1954, Veteran’s Day (formerly Armistice Day) has been a legal holiday where we honor American veterans of all wars. Millinocket has had many men and women serve in all branches of the military since the town’s incorporation in 1901.
The first local organization honoring veterans was the Millinocket Camp #91, Sons of Veterans. The national organization was established after the Civil War and was for sons and grandsons of those men. The Millinocket Camp #91 was organized in 1912 with 28 charter members and was active at least through 1918. This camp was named Horatio Stearns Camp in honor of the father of George W. Stearns and GW Stearns became the first commander. Fred M. Gates, Sr. was First Senior Vice-Commander, William P. Marden was Secretary, Frank H. Speed was treasurer and Harry E. Reed was Chaplain. Others held such offices as Guide, Inside Guard, Outside Guard, Principal Musician and Color Bearer.
In addition to the names listed above charter members included: William L. Hobbs, Horace B. Clark, George Powers, Fred M. Gates, Jr., Roland H. Hathorne, Dennis H. Buckley, B. A. Thorpe, F. A. Williams, C. E. Daggett, J. Blaine Crocker, Roy Pratt, George B. Clark, Walter Pratt, Frank W. Wheeler, Fred Clifford, Isaac E. McGoff, Harry Clark, Frank P. Banks, Harold Gates, George F. Burton, B. B. Burton, Leon F. Kent, Charles B. Fuller, Edward Roberts and Samuel Downing, Jr.
The Millinocket Historical Society has the original charter for the local camp. It came to the museum (with many other items) after the closure of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars building. It had been folded in half at some time and finally ended up among other miscellaneous papers tucked in the back of an old records book. It is about 20” x 16”. One edge has tears and portions are missing. There are several large and small stains of unknown origin. Even so, the most important information is readable!
Other Sons of Veterans materials were donated to MHS when the museum was located on the top floor of the Municipal Bldg. The donor/donors are unknown as no record exists. The items include a list of charter members, secretary’s and treasurer’s books, a cash book (local expenditures) and more. A “Descriptive Book” lists member names, ages, places of residence, birthplace, and occupation. Another section gives data on the Civil War veteran. His name, date of enrollment, rank, company, and regiment are listed. His date of discharge, cause of discharge, rank, and length of service are given. Dates in these books indicate the camp was established in 1912 and was active at least through 1918.
These items are a great genealogy resource as there are sections giving information on the camp member and the Civil War father/grandfather that qualified the member to join.
Along with the “Descriptive Book,” there is a book of the secretary’s minutes, a book listing dues paid and a cash book. Of interest in the cash book are a collection of receipts from various local businesses for supplies purchased for the camp. Several are for funds sent to the Maine organization for various supplies and fees. Each year flags for Memorial Day were purchased locally. One indicates 10 flags at a total cost 0f $4.00 were purchased at Fuller Furniture.
M. D. Smart, Retail Dealers in Fine Groceries, supplied the following on October 21, 1913: ½ bu. potatoes, $.35; 3# butter, $1.20; 6 cakes, $.50; 6 quarts of milk, $.48; 6 pkgs. saltines, $.60; 1 peck turnips, $.20; and 4 doz. donuts, $.40. More items are listed for a total of $6.65. The receipt was signed by Fred M. Gates, Commander, and marked paid by M. D. Smart.
This collection of Sons of Veterans materials was found at the museum when it was located on the 3rd floor of the Millinocket Municipal Bldg. MHS does not know who donated it or when. If you have any information regarding these items, please contact the curator.
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