Recent Acquisitions
The Museum wishes to thank each of its supporters who continue to donate and loan items. Your continued support is appreciated and valued. In the past year we have received many generious donations—a tapestry with a collection of WW II patches, WW II maps, a letter written to the Little Rock Garden Club, historic newspapers, US Navy Uniform belonging to Wassell Turner, Vietnam Era Photographs and war correspondant items, 89th Division Book, 1st Gulf War uniform belonging to Paul Arnold, Civil War Inspection Report, World War II Miltiary Hospital photograph, historic postcards, a framed letter from General Douglas MacArthur and photograph, "Liberty Magazine", several collections of military books, several collections of military DVDs and VHS tapes, a collection of Vietnam artifacts, several Vietnam Era uniforms, 2-field manuals from the Korean War era, a collection of WWII items relating to local physician Dr. Ellery Gay, several collections of World War I and II items, 1890s orginal U.S. Flag, and a collection of military helmets.
The Museum extends its deepest appreciation to our patrons, who have either loaned or donated an item to the collection:
Liz Adams
Dubb Allen
Paul Anderson
Bill Arnold
Bob Black
Joe Clements
Jim Conard
Pam Dahlen
Lynn Davis
Vida Day
Gayle Floyd
Ron Fuller
John Gann
Larry Garner
The Gay Family
David Goodson
Joa Stafford-Humphrey
Phillip Lewis
The Little Rock MacArthur Park Garden Club
Mary Sue Mistric
Dennis Nelson
Burt Parke
Jimmy Pritchett
Luke Rowlan
Cathy Slater
Sandy Smith
Mike Talbot
Jake Tidmore
Jim Guy Tucker
Diane Turner
Bruce Wesson
Paul West
Mary Worthen
Steven Wright
July/August/September
June/July/August
January/February
July/August/September
Artifact Title: Dog Tags, World War I, belonging to John P Lunn
Date: ca. 1917-1918
Donor: Vida Day
Donated: 2010
During the American Civil War many Union and Confederate soldiers feared
that their bodies would remain unidentified should they fall in battle.
Soldiers on both sides took steps to ensure identification by stenciling
their names on their equipment, writing their names on pieces of paper and
putting it into their pockets, or scratching their names onto the back of
their brass belt buckles. Sutlers, civilian merchants attached to military
units and authorized to sell goods, sold to soldiers small brass or lead
identification discs. The sutler would stamp the name of the soldier and
possibly other information including his rank, some of the battles he had
participated in, and what unit he served with on to the metal disc.
Wealthier soldiers would order ornate gold or silver pins from Tiffany’s.
It was necessary for soldier’s to purchase or create identification tags
because at this time the U.S. government or military did not issue
identification tags. Identification tags were standard issue for U.S.
personnel during World War I. “Dog Tags”, as they were affectionately
called, were stamped with the soldier’s name, branch of service, and
identification number. Military regulations required soldiers to wear the
“dog tags” around their necks. The tags were secured together by either a
cloth or leather string. These “dog tags” belonged to John P. Lunn who
wore them during his service in the U.S. Army during the First World War.
“Dog Tags have evolved are currently being worn by service men and as
fashion statements today.
(Written by Marc Gibson.)
June/July/August
Name: Oil Portrait: Lt. William Rector
Date: c 1860s
Type: Donation
Donor: Middleton Wooten
Dimensions: 45” X 38”
This large, framed oil portrait of Lt. William Rector, son of Governor
Henry Rector, will be displayed beginning July 3, 2008.
Lt. Rector was commissioned Lt. Adjutant on August 1, 1862. On September 28, he was assigned Command of Co. C, of the 30th Arkansas. In the months preceding Lt. Rector's appointment, the 30th Arkansas moved all over the state. In June, 1863, the unit was sent to Jacksonport . On June 18, they began the march to Helena. By July 3, the 30th Arkansas had arrived in Helena and were told to prepare for battle. Beginning at sunrise on July 4, they fought until 3pm that afternoon. Sadly, Lt. William Rector was mortally wounded and died as a result.
January/February
Name: Lt. Col. Leslie Baskin Collection
Date: c. 1920s to 1940s
Type: Donation
Donor: Dr. Leslie Monroe and Jerry Vaught
All of these items are currently on exhibit within the WWII gallery until March 1, 2008.
Lt. Col. Leslie D. Baskin served in the U.S. Army Dental Corps in both World War I and World War II. In World War I, Lt. Col. Baskin took part in the battles at St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne. Lt. Col Baskin served with the 3rd Army, Antilles Department during World War II. Lt. Col. Baskin wrote the book Dental Corps History of the Antilles Department in 1944 and retired from the military in 1948.
World War II Uniform Jacket
This is a typical uniform jacket worn by officers during World War II. On the uniform is the 3rd Army patch, with three gray rank and three yellow service stripes. On the left shoulder is the Antilles department patch. On the jacket are two rows of ribbons, they are- US Army Good Conduct Ribbon, World War I Victory Ribbon, American Defense Ribbon, American Campaign Ribbon and the WWII Victory Ribbon.
Riding Boots, C. 1917
These leather-riding boots are typical of those worn by soldiers in both World War I and World War II.
World War I Victory Medal with battle participation attachments, c 1917.
This medal was awarded to US Soldiers for their participation in World War I; on this particular medal are the bronze attachments of two campaigns that Lt. Col. Baskin participated in- St. Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
Photograph, Lt. Col. Leslie Baskin, c. 1940s.
Lt. Col. Baskin, Wood Cutout, c 1917.
A paper doll type wood cutout of Lt. Col. Baskin during World War I. The picture depicts Lt. Col. Baskin in a lower ranked uniform during his WW I service.
Dental Filling Restoration Kit with attachments, (Purple Case),
Hypodermic Syringe Field Kit, (Silver); Field Surgical Kit with Tools,
(Beige fabric case), C. 1920s-1940s.
The Army Medical Corps, as it is known today, began in 1862 with the development of a three tiered evacuation system that is still in use. The system includes field dressing (aid) stations, field hospitals, and large hospitals away from the battlefield. The instruments shown here were used in a field hospital located close to the battlefield. The field hospital is responsible for emergency treatment and surgery of wounded soldiers.
