TOP COP COLLECTION: MAGNOLIA

This beautiful badge comes from the Borough of Magnolia, NJ. It is the Thirteenth (13) Badge, in alphabetical order, in what I have named, as my:  TOP COP COLLECTION.

To start with, like most of you, I never heard of this community. I had to look it up to learn some of the basics. It is in Camden County. It is less then one square mile. It has a population well under 5000. And yes, it was named for the "magnolia trees" that grow in this area.

Its' roots can be traced to 1685,  and 200+ years later it became incorporated as the Borough of Magnolia. 

My research reveals that there was/is a Police Dept. When I purchased this item the seller believed that the police agency was Defunct.

I thought, that as Camden County goes, being generally poor with budget cutbacks  eliminating some of their police agencies, that I better locate this Badges' Home. Well, as I thought, there was a MAGNOLIA POLICE DEPT.

The Badge pictured above belonged to a former CHIEF of the Department. Sadly, I was told, He passed away, and his Badge entered the Collectors World.

Lets take a look at this fine specimen. It is quite unique. I have never seen this shape, with its' cut outs, and fine engraving. Look at the panels. they are Black with Gold lettering. At center point is a modest N.J. State Seal.

Today I have it, with other "Chief Badges," in my Top Cop Collection. It is under glass, and in a nice oak case, with double locks that definitely work very well. I ALSO pay my Burglar Alarm  Bill, when it arrives, so I am sure this Beautiful Badge is very safe.

FORSYTH, GEORGIA: "2018 PUBLIC SAFETY COLLECTORS SHOW"

FORSYTH, GEORGIA:  "2018 SOUTHEAST PATCH AND BADGE COLLECTORS SHOW."


I took the wife along for a short ride to Georgia with a promise that on the way home we would stop and visit a major attraction in Florida. We left on Friday, Nov. 2nd, up I-75, for the Big Saturday Show in Forsyth.

I planned on pulling into the Holiday Inn after a 7.5 hour drive. I could do that, so I thought. I let the Wife drive after a couple of hours, so I could stay fresh, and complete this short drive on time.

Somewhere above Tampa a few drops of rain hit the windshield. I thought "Bad Omen." It only took a few minutes of heavy downpour for the wife to advise, that she could not see the road. I couldn't see it either. She pulled over, and we waited, and waited, and waited.

When the rain appeared to slow we made some moves, changing seats, inside the car that would make a teenager proud! We were set to finish our short ride into Forsyth. It only took Ten Hours.

The next Day, I was pleasantly surprised as to how easy it was to drop off and set up displays. We took two tables this year, and I decided to bring just Old Newark Items. I included quite a bit of what I like to call "Paper." For the most part, I did that because it lightened the load I had to carry both in and out of the Show.

There was another reason I brought a lot of "paper." One item had a Major Connection to my Genealogical Roots. The document was a "Year End Payroll Order" for the Newark Police Department. It was for the year 1872 which makes it real old.

This Order was signed by the Chief of Police - William B Glasby.
There were six total pages and each page contained some very important information. First was the Name of Each Police Officer receiving a pay check for the Month of December 1872. Second was a column that showed the Number of Days worked for this particular Month. The Third major column revealed the Officer's Salary per Day. The Fourth showed the Total Monthly Salary due each officer. Can you believe a monthly pay of: $85.25 The picture below shows how I placed this document, along with a biography of Chief Glasby.

The document itself, is in excellent condition. It is quite valuable in terms of the information it contains. You can determine exactly how large the police force was; who the officers specifically were; what the daily pay rate is; and how many Sergeants are in the Table of Organization. 

I was particularly impressed with the first Sergeant named - Herman W. Beyer. God that was my Fathers' name. This man was either my Great-Grand Father or Great Uncle. That information just warms my heart. It would be nice if we could have just a simple  conversation regarding the Streets of Newark.

Now I brought a number of Old Badges and other Documents to show off. The Two Badges, pictured below have some family ties too. They are almost identical shields. Both are from The Old Newark Police Marching Band. Membership included men from the Fire Department, as well as the Police Department.

Because there were Two Departments, there were Two Badges. Check them out - one reads "FIRE" and the other reads "POLICE."  I know these Facts, because My Father was the Last Commander of the Police Band, when it suffered budgetary elimination in 1954.

Just down the aisle from my display was John Mazzola, a real nice guy. He told me he was from Carrollton, Ga. He had a Big Smile. I thought to myself:  "He's a local and he didn't have, half the drive that I did. No wonder He is smiling !"  John sold me a Badge from  New Jersey, so I quickly forgot about that "local" thing. That's John below:

Across from my table was a Collector who liked badges from Nevada. That would be Dennis Daniels. He attends these shows on a regular basis. He traveled further then I did, and he had a Real Big Smile. 

I didn't get any Badges from him, but we swapped stories. Dennis told me about the extended trip he is currently doing, with his Family. Forsyth is just one stop on his itinerary. That's Dennis below.

When I attend these Shows, I like to walk the floor, and not only look for something to buy, but to see if I know anyone. I struck Gold. There were several Old Timers, and one real nice young Lady. I'll tell you about her later, but for now focus on The Man In Blue. That's  Gary Taragawa. He is actually examining an old lantern on "my" Display Table. You will note that Gary is also smiling. He had an even bigger smile when his name was called for The Best Badge Display. He stands with his plaque awarded to him by Elton Rosser and U.S. Marshal John Cary Bittick.

Now, The Young Lady that I talked about above, is Regina Fauro. I didn't know her, and never would have met her, had I not decided to do my stroll around the floor. You will note she had another nice nice smile.  She and her husband Joe had many law enforcement items for sale. The Lady even made me buy a couple of shirts and a hat. That's her below.

As I walked further I kept finding happy faces with good smiles. The men below are Sgt. Pete Reid (retired), and Marcel Jojola (retired multiple occasions). I usually see Pete at most of the Shows. He was originally from my old home State - New Jersey. Pete is picture below. The man in the Cowboy Hat has served five separate communities in California as Chief of Police. His business card identifies him as "Chief of Police Emeritus State of California." Hats off to you Marcel. What a career.

Well, as I huffed and puffed, I heard Elton announce that there was an Award to be Presented. I stopped and watched as Hal Daniel  shook hands with Elton and Marshal Bittick. You can tell He is quite Happy, standing with a Great Big Smile holding his Award for having The Best Patch Display.

The final award, for Best Overall Display, was presented to Dennis Beyer. He is the man in red, standing below, between Elton and Marshal Bittick. With this very Meaningful Award in hand your author was able to muster up The Biggest Smile in Forsyth. I didn't complain once on the short ride home, and I added many new friends and Memories to my Collections. I certainly appreciate the Award, and the conversations with Elton and Marshal Bittick.

Congratulations to all participants in this years Show, and special thanks to Elton Rosser for organizing it. Plans are underway for another Show in 2019 around November.

FAMILY HISTORY - 1872 - NEWARK POLICE PAYROLL

It's not always about "Badges." Sometimes you find something else that, is from a particular Police Dept, that you know belongs in your collection. To that end, I have obtained the above documents.

The documents are, in my Humble Opinion, in pristine condition. There are no tares, folds, or stains. The writing is clear and legible. It has five total pages. Together they form THE "Payroll Order" for the Newark Police Force in December of 1872.

On the fifth page is the signature of William B. Glasby, Chief of Police. That signature makes it official and is an order to pay 130 Officers their salary for the month. 

The order reveals the entire Police Department spent $130,000 for an entire year. Not Bad, but that was big money back then.

Of particular interest to me, and one that motivated me, to buy this document, was a name on page five. The name was Sgt Herman Beyer. 

He is probably my Fathers' Grandfather or possibly Great Uncle. The exact relationship is a mystery, but it has been established that several Beyer's were members of the Newark Police Dept.

Looking at the names of the Officers on the Document, I was impressed with the hand writing (looked like mine). Also Noting just the Last Names,  I thought I "knew" some from my days growing up in Newark.

My father,  Det. Herman Beyer, retired in 1969 and passed in 1974. I am sure he would loved to see this Order, and he just might know how Sgt. Beyer of 1872 fit on my Genealogical Chart.

To me this is a real good find as far as Law Enforcement Memorabilia goes. The "Payroll Order" sure fits with my Badge Collection, but the genealogical issue, adds to my level of interest in this document. I Certainly will be protecting this document as well as proudly displaying it.

RARE NEWARK BADGES OBTAINED BY THIS COLLECTOR

Take a look at these "Twins." Nice Curves. Starry Eyes. Golden Finish. These fine specimens are from the 1920's-30's and are not common in the Badge Collector's World.

Lets look at the badge on the left. It is a standard issue Newark Sergeant Badge of the 1920-30 time frame. She shows her age a little, but has no heavy duty scratches, or blemishes.

She is stamped "POLICE, NEWARK, NJ," from the rear, so the letters are raised on the front side. At the Center is a distinctive City of Newark Seal.

Looking closer at this badge you will see a panel that was affixed to the top of this badge. It is stamped so the word "SERGEANT" appears, with recessed black enamel filled letters. At the bottom is the number "106". I think the enamel has been re-touched; it was that way when I purchased it.

Now lets look at the Second Badge. Although it is on the same body as the Sergeant's Shield, the panels are quite different. The first panel reads "SERGEANT STENOGRAPHER." The lower panel carries the number 1. This Badge is unique; I have never seen another.

I have seen similar badges from Newark. Two that I own are for: "Telephone Operator," and "Asst. Chief, Identification Bureau." 

One Newark Stenographer found some fame for just doing his job. It was on October 23, 1935 that F. J. Lang, a Police Stenographer, was called to take down the last words of Arthur Flegenheimer, a.k.a. Dutch Schultz.

Given the History of Mr Lang and the infamous Dutch Schultz, I wonder if He could be the Stenographer that was issued the Badge I now own. The answer remains a mystery, but the badge has become an item I value quite a bit.

TOP COP COLLECTION: LEONIA CHIEF

TOP COP COLLECTION: LEONIA CHIEF

*****

Leonia is in Bergen County, N.J.  It is number Twelve in my TOP COP COLLECTION.

This Community is only a few minutes away, except during the morning rush hour, from New York City. Then it takes days to get over the George Washington Bridge.

When it is time to go to work the population of roughly 9000 sees itself drop to near ghost town numbers. There are only a few souls left in the community. The kids are present along with their teachers. Also present is the Leonia Police.  

The Cops do a good job, keeping this community safe. Even though this is a safe place to live, it also has a horror tale in its' history. An infamous Shoe Maker, and his thirteen year old son, put Leonia on the map almost fifty years ago. The exact date was Jan. 8, 1975.

"The Shoe Maker," was one Joseph Kallinger. He gained entrance into a home  by pretending to be an Insurance Salesman. Once in the house he subdued all occupants, and then waited for other family members to return home.

Maria Fasching , age 21, was the final person to come into the house that day. She was a Nurse, and stopped in to make a routine check on a neighbor. She found utter horror that day. The young woman didn't cave in to the threats of her captor. She held her ground. She boldly confronted Kallinger. She died for her efforts. 

A surviving witness stated that Miss Fasching, "admonished Kallinger for his aberrant behavior."  He admonished her by cutting her throat. 

Kallinger was eventually captured in Pennsylvania. He drew a 40 year sentence for his crimes in that State. While institutionalized the crazy-man repeatedly verbalized a desire to "kill every person on Earth."  As an inmate he somehow got lighter fluid and poured it over himself,  lighting it, and then tried to "fry an egg on his head."  I'll have mine well done !

I am glad this "Shoemaker Story" is not an every day event in Leonia.  I am also very glad to have this old shield from their good community. It is very simple, and traditional. It simply reads: Leonia  Police Department. The rank panel reads: CHIEF.

Like the others in this Collection I keep this Badge in a locked Display Case. I see it every day, and it triggers the memory of that horrible day fifty some years ago.

"FOR THEIR VALOR" - ORLANDO LUNCHEON FOR NY HEROES DEC 8 2018

TOP COP COLLECTION: LINDEN

Continuing with my "Top Cop Collection," this is the Eleventh badge that has reached its' way to my little museum down here in Sunny Florida. It is from Linden, somewhere in my Old Home State of  New Jersey.

I felt like an explorer looking for this dot on a map of Jersey. I always do that to see if it makes something "pop" in my memory files. Nothing happened !

As I was hunting around the internet, my wife came into my Den. I shot her a quick question, to derail whatever was on her mind saying: "Have you ever heard of Linden?" She replied, "Yeah, sure," and remained at my desk.

Seeing this beautiful badge she said, "Where did you get that one." I told her,  "I got it from another collector, at a show up in Orlando,  a few years ago."

She still wanted me to do something. I could just sense it. I continued to hold her off by saying: "Look at the silver toned eagle sitting on a standard Jersey shield finished with a gold tone."  Standard yes, but uniquely different at the same time.  I said, "Beautiful isn't it ?"

I moved my fingers to the N.J. State Seal. I pointed out the silver toned wreath under the Seal and remarked: "I have never seen anything like it." Along with bold blue lettering. this badge was impressive. I stared at it wondering, what great tales about Linden would I soon unearth. I also kept  wondering about what was on my wife's mind. My questions would soon be answered.

Sure enough, the wife allowed herself to get free from this badge, that somehow had captured her heart. (Yeah, I don't believe that either). She announced: "Don't forget tomorrow. You are taking my mother to the doctors!" 

Her Mother recently moved, to our little house, in the "Lightning Capital of the World" from, "Yup," Linden, N.J.  Maybe I was trying to forget that little dot on the 
map !

My mumble was quite clear, "Yeah, I know about your Mothers' Doctors appointment." I rubbed my eyes, and suddenly I got hit with "de ja vu" all over again. That means, I "Remembered Something Big" about Linden, N.J.  It was the "Big Explosion at the Oil Refinery." I put the badge down and started googling.

I read that this was a "Major Disaster." It took place in late 1970. The Blast woke every single person in Linden, Neighboring Communities, and 40 miles up the Hudson River. It was The Bayway Refinery, that around 11:00 PM, had exploded !  It caused  flames to soar 100' into the air. They were seen for miles in both New York and New Jersey.

Linden Police spearheaded a Response that included both Police and Fire contingents from all local Stations, Neighboring Communities, Staten Island, as well as Manhattan.  

The Police closed off all incoming traffic and helped move the injured to local hospitals. They patrolled the business area, looking for looters, as well as working the scene of this Disaster.

Reports indicated that there were numerous injuries, but apparently no fatalities. That was amazing. Somebody was watching over Linden, The Workers at the Bayway Plant, and the fine members of their Police Department that night. Thank God.

With that last thought I'll put this fine badge back, in its locked oak and glass display case, and find a quiet spot to put the rest of my day in serious thought.  I resurrected some memories, that will come to mind when I see this badge in my collection.

And yes, I remembered to take my mother-in-law to the doctors'. I can end this story knowing She remains in good health. 

I have a Beautiful Collectors Item with this Badge, and most important, I am not in any trouble with the wife, until I find another old badge.