Artifact spotlight from previous years
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artifact spotlight
March 2007
January 2007
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
March Spotlight
A collection of 549 models is the artifact spotlight for March. This
collection of plastic models contains tanks, planes, battle cruisers, and
Jeeps.
Artifact Title: Military Model Collection
Year: Various
Dimensions: Various
Donated By: Freddie C. Sligh
Donated: 2002
This collection of models is unique in that it contains over 500 pieces, which are mostly tanks, jets, planes, ships, and other military vehicles. The models are placed at various locations within the museum to enhance exhibits.
Scale model kits are mass-produced and give children from ages 0 to 99 countless hours of enjoyment. The word “scale” indicates the model is a miniaturized version of an actual object such as a tank, a battleship, or an airplane. A 1:24 scale model is 1/24th the size of the real object. Scales range from 1:24 to 1:100 but common scales are 1/24, 1/48, 1/72 and 1/100. Model manufacturers have produced five different skill levels for model kits. The easiest is the snap-together model kit. The next three levels are beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The final level is the customized kit. Model-making began as early as Egyptian civilization. Scale models of buildings, boats, and furniture were found in tombs to represent possessions of the deceased. During the Napoleonic Wars, French prisoners carved model warships from wood scraps and documented many ships that were lost at sea. During the early twentieth century balsa wood kits representing ships and airplanes were constructed. But it was during World War II when plastics moved the model business into a full-scale industry. The perfection of modern machining of plastics during the war made mass production of model kits possible. Models became more popular as instruments of warfare aroused the public’s interest. Many hobbyists who saw the aircraft flying overhead, young boys hearing about warships, and returning veterans wanting to recreate their exploits saw the models as a way to spend their extra time and money on recreational activities. Monogram Models introduced its first model kits of warships in 1945.
Veterans and many other hobbyists were also using their money to buy the latest model kits of automobiles they owned or ones they dreamed of for the future. In 1951, Revell introduced its first all-plastic model kit of a classic 1910 Maxwell. By the mid-1950s more detailed kits were marketed. In the '60s models expanded into ancient history and science fiction. Models of dinosaurs, monsters like Godzilla, and television heroes such as the Lone Ranger were mass produced. The space race also influenced model kits of the era. Today, anatomical models for science classrooms are an example of the newest model technology. Enthusiasm for models has not decreased; as of 2000, 10 million kits were produced by the joint companies of Revell and Monogram. There are many books available on the hobby of toy models. View the bibliography for more information.
January Spotlight
January’s artifact spotlight focuses on the David O. Dodd window, commemorating the boy martyr of the Confederacy. Each January near the anniversary of Dodd's death, the Sons of the Confederate veterans gather near his grave to honor him. The original stained glass window is on display in the Museum to help share Dodd's story.
The
original window was commissioned in 1911 by the Daughters of the
Confederacy to be hung in the Arkansas room of the old Confederate White
House Museum in Richmond, Virginia. There it remained until 1989 when it
returned for a brief visit to the Arkansas Museum of Science and History.
In 1989, it was once again sent back to Richmond where it was placed in
storage. In 2004, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History was
again loaned the window in commemoration of the 140th anniversary of
Dodd’s death. Today the window is in a wooden frame in the Civil War
Gallery of the Museum.
Dimensions: approx. 4ft x 6ft
Materials: Iron and stained-glass
On Loan from the Museum of the Confederacy, Richmond, VA.
To learn more, view information about the David O. Dodd exhibit.
View related recent acquisitions.
October Spotlight
This month’s artifact spotlight focuses on a collection related to four soldiers and their connection to Arkansas and its schools. These artifacts demonstrate a central theme—that all great soldiers must begin their education and career somewhere. Perhaps they began in a rural high school, at a local ROTC unit, or at a military college before going on to serve their country in the United States military forces.
Educating our nation’s soldiers
West
Point letterman’s jacket with a varsity letter in track
Date of Artifact: 1996
Donor: Mrs. Loretta Burns-Knighten
Donated: December 2005
No one is certain when the varsity letter, letterman jacket, or letter
sweater first came to high schools and colleges. The varsity letter was
first documented as being worn in 1865, by the Harvard baseball team. The
old English letter “H” was added to their gray flannel uniform shirt. The
Harvard football team began using the letter in 1875, and the captain
allowed certain players to keep the “H” jersey as an award for outstanding
play during important games. In 1891, the letterman sweater was regularly
used for the baseball team. Other universities began to follow suit. It is
not known when these items began to appear at the high school level.
Captain Tiffany Burns wore this jacket when she was a cadet at the
United States Military Academy at West Point. She was a graduate of Watson
Chapel High School in Pine Bluff and a part of the JROTC. Captain Burns
went on to graduate from West Point in 1997 as the 2nd African
American Woman from Arkansas to do so. Captain Burns led an exciting and
successful military career, accomplishing many difficult tasks. Captain
Burns finished paratrooper and military police school and ended her
military career as a mentor to women and minorities attending West Point.
For more information on women in the military or Captain Burns
see More Than a Label-The
Tiffany Burns Story.
1943
Razorback University of Arkansas yearbook dedicated to General Douglas
MacArthur.
Date of Artifact: 1943
Donor: Jim and Joe Coffield in honor of their father
Robert Edward Coffield who served from 1943 to 1945 as a Sergeant in the
US Army in China, Burma, and India.
Donated: 2005
The origin of the yearbook is a mystery. The first known published
yearbook in the United States was in 1806 at Yale University. Yearbooks
began with signatures, names of students, and autographs of fellow
students. The first high school yearbook was
published in Waterville, New
York, in 1845, titled The Evergreen. Yearbooks have changed over
time from a collection of signatures to a book that covers every aspect of
a student’s life. Photos of classmates, extracurricular activities, sports
teams, biographical information, and classes were added. Today’s yearbooks
often include popular culture and world events.
The University of Arkansas yearbook was first created under the administration of former Confederate officer Dr. John L. Buchanan, who was named president of the University in 1894. In 1897, the Board of Trustees appropriated $150 for the creation of the first yearbook, The Cardinal. In 1916, the name was changed to The Razorback; the yearbook staff is currently working on the 110th volume.
Photos
from the 1943 volume. This edition was
dedicated to the heroic deeds of General Douglas MacArthur during World
War II. Several sketches and short stories are included regarding the
General. At this time, the University has a large ROTC division.
Diploma, Little Rock High School, Given to Edwin Ross
Herron
Date of Artifact: June 03, 1938
Donor: Robert Townes
Date of Donation: May 1991
Diplomas
are awarded to mark when a student completes a particular
facet of their education. No one is certain when printing diplomas
began, but early diplomas were printed on sheepskin because of its
durability. Paper was rejected
because it was then difficult to make and not as durable. Diplomas were
rolled, bound with ribbon or leather and presented to recipients.
Beginning at the turn of the century, diplomas were printed on
parchment and bound in leather. More recently, many diplomas
are printed on 81/2” X 11” pieces of paper and placed in a
folding leather binder.
The diploma
donated by Francisco and Ralston was presented to Edwin Ross Herron, who graduated from
Little Rock High School on June 3, 1938. Herron later became a Captain
in the US Army Air Force flying B-17s during World War II. Captain Herron
was one of the “most famous war aces of World War II and accomplished
one of the most incredible one-man rescue missions in the 8th Army Air
Force.”
Born in Arkansas on November 13, 1919, Herron joined the 154th Observation Squadron of the Arkansas National Guard in 1938. Herron received his pilot’s license in 1940 and went on to command a squadron of 17 B-17s of the 385th Heavy Bombardment Squadron, 551st Heavy Bombardment Squadron, 8th Aviation Infantry, based out of Ispwich, England.
Herron was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart for his daring rescue mission on February 13, 1944, of the crew of the affectionately called “Dragon Lady” plane. The rescue was his fourth mission. Herron was later injured in a bombing raid but went on to fly several more missions.
It
was during October, 1944, on a
large-scale bombing mission of Berlin that Herron was placed in command of
the squadron of 17
B-17s. Met with resistance from German fighters and
anti-aircraft weapons, Herron’s plane sustained heavy damage and
crashed near Senzke, Germany. Captain Herron was reported missing on
October 6, 1944. In December, Herron's wife Vivian and mother Loree Banks Herron were informed that he
had been killed in action on October 6, during the crashing landing of his plane. Herron
received several medals for his heroic deeds in the US Army Air Force
including the Air Medal
with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation
Ribbon, and the Distinguished Flying Cross posthumously. Herron's
family chose to leave him buried in Belgium, were he was laid to rest.
View more information on Captain Herron.
1962 Warrior Yearbook from Hall High School, General
Wesley Clark pictured on page 38 and Varsity letter for swimming.
Date of Artifact: 1962
Loaned By: General Wesley Clark
Date of Loan: 2001
View more information about the history of yearbooks and varsity letters.
General Wesley Clark began his illustrious military career as a Little
Rock native. Clark was a 1962 graduate of Hall High School and was very active in a variety of
clubs and sports teams. General Clark was President of the National Honor
Society, Swim Team Captain, participated in Boys State, a member of
the Inkwell Staff, the Math Club, the Key Club, and the Science and
Engineers Club. In his senior year. Clark became a National Merit
Semi-finalist. After graduation from Hall High, Clark began pursuing a
career at West Point, the United States Military Academy.
Report Card and class ranking for General Wesley Clark as
a cadet at West Point.
Date of Artifact: June 1965
Loaned By: General Wesley Clark
Date of Loan: 2001
It is unclear when grades, report cards, and class rankings were first given
to students. This report card was sent
to West Point cadet Wesley Clark’s parents upon his graduation in June,
1965, and lists his
grades, courses
taken, and
class rank for the cumulative year. Cadet Clark was ranked first of
579 graduating cadets. Cadet Clark continued his promising military career, earning medals and ribbons and eventually rising to the
rank of General. General Clark recently accepted a fellow
position at the University of California, Los Angeles. He will be teaching
an occasional seminar on military policy, publishing policy papers, and
holding annual conferences on national security.
September Spotlight
Several donations have been made recently including a World War II scrapbook kept by a soldier’s mother, a collection of World War II photographs, several pieces of General Douglas MacArthur memorabilia, a David O. Dodd commemorative coin, a World War II victory song book, and several World War I items.
The Museum would like to extend our deepest appreciation to our donors
Mr. Ron Fuller
Dr. Johanna and Michael Lewis
The Goodwill Industries
Dr. Nolan Simmons
Mrs. Vernam Forbes
“Great Preparedness Parade that Demonstrated the Spirit of the
Metropolis” advertising poster printed in 1922
This poster, donated by Ron Fuller, was printed in 1922 just after the end of World War I. On
the front of the poster is picture of a patriotic parade in 1916. The
caption below the poster reads “ One of the greatest and most inspiring
parades of modern times was that which took place in New York in May 1916,
when a vast procession estimated to number 137,000 marched up Fifth
Avenue. Part of the Parade is here shown passing the Public Library at 5th
Avenue and 42nd Street.”
On the back of the poster there is a series of portrait cameos portraying the prominent officials and leaders of the American Expeditionary forces during World War I.
Those pictured are:
Lieut. General Hunter Liggett
Major General J.T. Dickman
Major General H.T. Allen
Newton D. Baker-Secretary of War
General John J. Pershing
Lieut. Gen. Robert. L. Bullard
Maj. Gen. John A. LeJeune
Maj. Gen. J. G. Harbard
Brig. Gen. Douglas MacArthur
Major General Peyton C. March
Major General C. P. Summerall
Major General Robert Alexander
August Spotlight
August featured three Medals of Honor donated or loaned to our collection for the upcoming exhibit By the President in the Name of Congress: Arkansas' Medal of Honor Recipients. View more information about the exhibit.
The Medal of Honor
Prior to the Civil War the United States Military had no standard medals to award soldiers for bravery during times of war or peace. General George Washington presented the first military award for bravery for “individual gallantry” during the Revolutionary War. The award was called the Purple Heart and was a simple piece of purple cloth pinned to the soldier’s uniform. Only three soldiers received the award during the war. The Purple Heart was not awarded again until 1932; the award was modified to its current design. The Purple Heart is now awarded to honor soldiers who are wounded or killed in battle.
In March 1847, another award for bravery was established during the Mexican-American War and was awarded to 539 soldiers who “distinguished themselves in action.” This medal, however, was not a uniform decoration; instead, soldiers received a pay increase and a certificate.
After the start of the Civil War, the Departments of the Navy and Army suggested the idea of creating a medal to strengthen the morale and determination of the Union soldiers. On December 21, 1861, and February 17, 1862, the Navy and Army Medals of Honor were created and awarded to men who displayed acts of bravery and courage during the war. These Medals still exist; in addition, the Air Force Medal of Honor was also created in 1956. To date, 3,456 men and one woman have received the Medal of Honor. 111 Medal of Honor recipients are alive today.
25 Arkansans received the Medal of Honor. The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is honored to have in our collection for temporary loan or permanent display two Army Medals of Honor and one Navy Medal of Honor. View the list of Arkansas Medal of Honor recipients.
Navy Medal of Honor
Donor and recipient: Nathan Gordon
Born: 4 September 1916, Morrilton, AR
Currently living in Morrilton, AR
Gordon received the Medal of Honor as a Lieutenant J.G. in the U.S. Navy
during World War II, as a commander of a PBY-4 (Catalina). The Citation
was awarded on 15 February 1944, for his heroic efforts in the Bismarck
Sea. View the citation.
For more information on
Nathan Gordon, See Black Cats over Kavieng.
Army Medal of Honor
Korean War
Donor/Lender: Collier Family, Arkansas Post Museum
Recipient: Gilbert G. Collier
Born: 30 December 1930, Hunter, AR
Medal of Honor was given posthumously on 12 January 1955. Sergeant Collier died 22 July 1953. The Medal was awarded for Sergeant Collier's heroic actions during an engagement near Tutayon, Korea. View the citation.
Vietnam War
Donor and Recipient: Nick Bacon
Born: November 25 1945, Caraway, AR
Currently living in Rosebud, AR
Bacon received the Medal of Honor as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army serving in the Republic of Vietnam. He was awarded the Medal for his heroic efforts during an engagement West of Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam on 26 August 1968. View the citation.
To learn more about the Medal of Honor, visit our upcoming exhibit, By the President in the Name of Congress: Arkansas Medal of Honor.
