Soldiers Home Store

All proceeds support our work to advocate for the protection and stewardship of Milwaukee's built heritage.

Out at the Soldiers Home book
​by Elizabeth Corbett
$25 shipped

---

​






​Soldiers Home badge 
$12 shipped

---

Soldiers Home Stickers
$3 each

Soldiers Home Badge
Established by an act of Congress and signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on March 3, 1865, the creation of the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers expressed the nation’s desire to honor those who had served so nobly during the Civil War. The Board of Managers of the National Home (as it came to be known in 1873) created an institution that met the physical, emotional and social needs of the “old soldiers” while maintaining a military style of life. In addition to a modified uniform and a daily routine reminiscent of their days on those tented fields, the Home used the image of Columbia offering relief to a disabled soldier as its common seal.  Records reveal that Board President Benjamin Butler was “instructed to devise a suitable badge to be firmly attached to the uniform, and at all times worn, by each beneficiary of the Asylum” (1867).  Later instructions were issued to place the emblem on tableware, serving dishes, hospital equipment - almost everything connected with the Home.  Photographic records show the badge in use by some of the first Governors of the Home.

Now you can wear this emblem thanks to the generosity and craftsmanship of Ret. Major General Robert Erffmeyer.  Growing up in the vicinity of the Soldiers Home, Gen. Erffmeyer had many fond memories of childhood walks through the grounds and of encounters with the men who lived there.  A descendant of Pvt. Charles Erffmeyer, Company A, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry (one of the regiments of the Iron Brigade), Gen. Erffmeyer offered the services of his company - ESCO, Inc - to create a copy of the original badge at a very reasonable price.  Gen. Erffmeyer passed away on September 20, 2012 at the age of 86.

Badge is 1½” x  ⅞”
Order above now for only $12 (includes shipping)

This badge will also be available for $10 donation at all Soldiers Home tours offered by Milwaukee Preservation Alliance throughout weather-friendly months.  See here for tour dates and registration information.

---