This hat is in excellent condition and is typical of those worn by Union veterans who were members of the Grand Army of the Republic, the largest of the U.S. Civil War veterans’ associations. Founded in 1866, the organization carried great social and political influence in the late 1800s, reaching a peak membership of more than 400,000 in 1890. They adopted a uniform evoking their wartime garb with both a kepi and a broad brim hat resembling their old slouch hats.

This one has the regulation metallic G.A.R. hat badge on the front and two false embroidered silver numerals, “97,” indicating the veteran’s post number within the state. The hat bears the maker’s name and logo, “Manhattan,” embossed on the underside of the crown in red and white, and a retailer in stamp in the sweatband: D.H. Martin of Elizabethown, PA. Given the Pennsylvania retailer, even though from Lancaster rather than Luzerne County, the hat is likely from PA GAR Post 97 in Wilkes Barre. The post had been established in 1868 with ten charter members and initially named in honor of Brigadier General John Ely. Membership dipped in the 1870s, but the post managed to retain its charter, reorganizing in 1872 and again in 1880, at which point it renamed itself after Col. JB Conyngham of the 52^nd PA, moved its meeting place to 146^th S. Ave, and incorporated in 1890. The post lasted until 1939 and reportedly had a total of 1,197 members during its existence. Three were left in 1937 and in 1939, just two, only one of whom still lived in the county, and both of whom died in the course of the year.  [sr] [ph:m]

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