Historic Hood River
Brothers In Arms
5-26-2023
Notes
The network of Civil War veterans continued to meet at annual GAR encampments well into the 20th century. To the right is Hood River’s very own Samuel Finley Blythe, of 22nd Ohio Company E. He is posing at a Long Beach California studio with fellow members of the 22nd Ohio “Harris” (left) and “Chapman” (center), both of Company D. You can read the battle unit details of the 22nd Ohio here. There are records of a Reese Harris with the 22nd Ohio. I can’t find records of a Chapman with the 22nd Ohio, but I could be misreading Blythe’s handwriting.
Alan Winston
My dad used to say that when he was a boy in 1920s Seattle, the Civil War veterans would lead in parades, followed by a large group of Spanish-American war veterans, followed by a small group of WWI veterans – WWI was too recent, and most veterans would be busy with families and other responsibilities. And maybe the memories were still too raw.
As the years went by, the Civil War contingent got ever smaller, and the WWI contingent got bigger.
L. E.
My Washington State History newsletter says. "The Grand Army of the Republic first observed "Decoration Day" on May 30, 1868, to honor those who fell on the Union side (later extended to Confederates) during the Civil War. The GAR chose a date in the late spring so flowers in bloom could decorate the graves of the heroes. During World War I, the holiday evolved into a day to commemorate American military members who died in all wars. In 1971 Congress set the last Monday in May as Memorial Day to ensure a three-day weekend for workers."
Jeffrey W Bryant
A biography for Samuel Finley Blythe can be found on Find a grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/24171525/samuel-finley-blythe
He was Commander of the Oregon Department of the G.A.R.
David Evans
My comment was supposed to be here, but zipped to another page. Oh Well.
I do enjoy Arthur’s work here and have for quite a few years.
Thanks!