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Junior Order of United American Mechanics Flag Album with Autographs and Related Correspondence
1915-1916
Joseph Wright Wootton (born 1870); Albert Heinmuller (born 1862)
USA
leather, parchment, paper, watercolor
overall: 10 1/4 x 12 1/4 in., plus 2 cubic ft.
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John F. Ladik, Mr. and Mrs. John D'Agostino, Alfred Thomson, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Thomson, Jr.
A2010/41

Album of autographs of the governor of each state in the union with watercolor painting of the state seal of each; includes President Woodrow Wilson's autograph, June 15, 1915, and Warren G. Harding's autograph, May 11, 1921; there is also related correspondence from each state that the flag album traveled to as well as records from Junior Order of United American Mechanics. For further information SEE FINDING AID IN LIBRARY READING ROOM.


The album circulated around the United States by the East End Council No.101, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, of Brooklyn, New York as an act of patriotism. It was accompanied by an American flag, with each First Lady of the state sewing a star on the empty blue square. The Junior Order of United American Mechanics is a fraternal organization, which was founded in 1853 in Philadelphia. The major objectives of the order are stated in their bylaws of 1959. These are: "To maintain and promote the interest of Americans and shield them from the depressing effects of unrestricted immigration, to assist them in obtaining employments, and to encourage them in business." "To provide for the creation of a fund or funds for the payment of donations incase of Sickness, Disability or Death of its members, to members, their legal dependents or representatives." "To uphold the American Public School System, prevent interference therewith, and to encourage the reading of the Holy Bible in the Schools thereof." "To promote and maintain a National Orphans Home." In 1900, there were over 200,000 members. However, by the 1960s and 1970s its popularity had declined to about 8,500 members. It still exists today with its national headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee.