TRIPLETS: THREE NEWARK DIRECTOR BADGES

A few weeks ago I displayed my newest Newark Badge. It was a Directors Shield with five "Blue Stars." I was thrilled to have this Badge and related how it was 50 years of age plus or minus. I let everyone know that this Badge was created by H. Buchlien & Son in Newark. They were artists' with their work.

What I did not mention in the earlier Post was that this Badge was my "third" Director's shield. Getting one only took 45 years. Now with 60 years collecting I have "three." 

The newest badge does not have the "Blue Stars." It was made by Blackington Co. Other then the Stars, these badges are triplets by rank. 

I took the above picture thinking that this would make a great display, but I am still thinking about what I want to do. I'll post another story about these badges down the road. For now I hope you enjoy the picture.

OBSOLETE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENTS: ATLANTIC COUNTY

 

As reported in an earlier Post, I have been collecting Badges from the Old County Probation Departments (in N.J). A substantial majority of these items came into my possession during this millennium. While I have had good luck finding them, I still do not have all 21 County Departments.

When the State assumed the financial cost of the State Judiciary in 1994,  County Judges became NJ Superior Court Judges. All their "County" functions also became State functions. So as of that date there were no more "County" Probation Officers, and their badges became obsolete. That has been their status for the last 30 years.

I started this Collection a little ahead of the State Takeover, and have obtained a nice group; but there is always a couple that are needed to make the set complete. If anyone has one of these old badges contact me for sale or trade. I have a few doubles.

That nice silver tone Badge above is from ATLANTIC COUNTY. It is Number 1 alphabetically in my display. For its age it is in great condition. 

Based on the State Seal at the center of this badge I make the judgement that it was made mid to late 1950's if not earlier. Pin and clasp are in working order. Letters are black enamel fill.

This Badge is a reminder of the great years under county rule. Each department had its own identity, and unique ways of doing their job. But the bill to county tax payers drove the movement for consolidation. The power base moved to Trenton (State Capital), with the local Chiefs now reporting to Court Administrators, who in turn got their marching orders from the "Administrative Office of the Courts" at the State Capital.

The Badges in the display case are my full collection, and the Atlantic Badge is first. I have had it well over 30 years. It was a gift from a friend who, sadly is no longer with us. 

I keep this Collection in a nice Oak and Glass display case. It catches my eye every day, and flashes me a fine memory or two.  I'll post another Badge in a month or so.

WALKING STICK - NEWARK P.D.

 

 

Remember the movie "Walking Tall?" The Sheriff was a guy named Buford H. Pusser. He was best known for carrying a "big stick." The man served as a Police Officer and Sheriff. He became a one man crusade against crime. 

During his tour of duty Pusser became a folk hero. He was definitely a macho guy, who knew how to use his legendary wooden club. Armed with his Walking Stick Buford became a legendary salesman for Law and Order. 

 In 1964 Pusser (at 26) became the youngest person elected Sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee. He got a fine looking badge with his name on the top panel. With this title he relentlessly attacked the mob in West Tennessee. 

The Sheriff's stick was more like a small tree. In the movie he carried it to encourage the wayward to walk a lawful path. For his efforts he was shot eight times. If that wasn't enough to seek early retirement he was also stabbed seven times. Guess some people didn't like him.

Bullets and Knives could not kill this guy. Like a man on a mission Bufford Pusser just kept coming at the bad guys. Unfortunately he saw his wife (1967) become the victim of an assassin's bullet that was intended for him. Seven years later a car "accident" finally claimed his life.  

The "walking stick" pictured above is nothing like the one used by Sheriff Pusser in the 1960's. It is smaller. It is older. It is a work of art. This "Walking Stick" was finely crafted from Irish Bog Wood well over a hundred years ago. 

Once cut it was shaped and sized to be part of the policeman's accessories. These Irish Sticks were routinely made for relatives who traveled across the"pond" to find work in the U.S. Many became police officers.  

Wherever there were a large number Irish on a police force one would always find pieces of "equipment" that was made in Ireland. The above pictured walking stick is believed to have made its' way to the Newark Police Department in N.J. There it was used by officers' with rank. 

The original owner of this beautiful stick could easily have been a Brennan, a Donaghy, a Lynch, or an O'Neill. They were all part of the old N.P.D. 

At first glance one may not think too much of this black piece of wood. Careful examination shows it to be a wonderful antique, and a fine piece of police memorabilia. 

The engravings, I am told, have unique meaning. There is a "Shamrock" seems to  offers luck, and well being. There is also a "Harp" that is finely carved near the handle. One can only sense the message it is sending. 

Regardless of the messages, I am sure this "Walking Stick" holds many fine memories, and I am glad to have them in my collection.