A FLASH FROM THE PAST

During the Covid-19 attack on our way of life I spent a ton of time in the house with nothing but time on my hands. One day I got a little steam in my legs, and motivated myself  to clean out and organize some old pictures stored in a box from the 1930's.

One of the old pictures that I hadn't seen in probably 60 years, or maybe never, is this one of my father: Herman William Beyer. It was taken around 1930. It's amazing how He looks like me.

If you know Newark Police Collectibles, you can easily tell, that the Badges on the uniform are the real deal. Just zero in on the "Hat Badge," and You will see the symbolic "Hammer," held by "an Arm and Hand."  It is high on the top of this Hat Badge in the center. It sends a clear message, that this is the City Seal of Newark, NJ. If you can see close enough there are "Tell Tale" signs on the Breast Badge too.

First you will see,  flying over the "number box," an Eagle. He is just about dead center. This is where other municipalities placed either, a State Seal or their own, but not Newark. They were known for an Eagle. Also on the sides of the "number box" are Pillars. They give the "number box" a nice frame. 

The Eagle and the Pillars make the Newark Badge unique. I'd like to say, of the 500+ municipalities in New Jersey, I have never seen an officer's badge with this design. I just can't say never, as I am aware of two instances where there are "Pillars," and one of those has both Pillars and an Eagle. The City of Elizabeth has an Officer's Badge with Pillars (if still in use); and the Town of Springfield had (now obsolete) an Officer's Badge that had both the Eagle and Pillars.

Concerning the Eagle and Pillars, The Town of Springfield has a weird story. I posted an article in April of 2020 regarding it. For this article. I'll just say Springfield got this design, because they purchased some used Badges from their neighboring City. 

Back to perusing the breast badge in the picture of my Dad. Look inside the number box, and three ones (111) make themselves known. That was my Father's first badge number. For some reason he had two Officer Badges during his career.. The second was number 30. I have never learned why he was issued a second number. I assumed He asked for it, and his request was honored.

Of course both "111" and "30" made their way to my collection. They are not the original badges, but are from a more recent issue. My Father would be very happy to see his Badges on my wall, as well as the Badge from Springfield, and yet another Newark Badge all the way from the UK. I have them all, on my wall with my "Collection of  Memories".
 

 

This is a Hat Badge from Newark, and as the picture reveals, it has a distinctive "Hammer" held high at the Top Center. It is a "screw back" design for the hat. In the number box are the first numbers assigned to my Father - Herman Beyer.

 

To the Right is a standard Newark Badge. It is a shape that was quite common in New Jersey and New York. Inside the basic shape the badge becomes quite distinctive. Almost at dead center is the Newark Eagle. Flanking the number box are the Pillars, and inside the box, are a matching "111"

 

 

 

 

 

This Badge, showing "30" in the number box was the badge my Father had for most of his career. I remember in the 1950's He purchased "Vanity MV Plates" (HWB-30) so both Car and Badge had same number. The Car is long gone, but the Badge has made its way to my collection.

 

This is the matching Hat Badge on a different background. The hand holding the hammer is a little easier to detect. The number "30" matct Breast Badge perfectly.

Te Badge to the left is from "Springfield". It was originally made for "Newark" prior to being sold to "Springfield." The top pal is new and made for the new owner. The Pillars and Eagle remain in original form.

 

This Badge has nothing to do with my Father, but I am sure He would have enjoyed seeing it. It might very well have been placed on his N.P.D. Horse when He rode on the Mounted Squad in 1927. This was actually part of a Horse attire, but in "Newark" England. It goes well with my Memories.

SPACE COAST "BADGE AND PATCH SHOW" - TITUSVILLE FL - JAN 30 2021

 ALL STATIONS: TAKE NOTE AS FOLLOWS:

 

DATE: Saturday January 30, 2021

LOCATION: North Brevard Senior Center, 909 Lane Ave., Titusville, FL

TIME: 9:00 AM Doors Open

HOSTED BY:  Hartfield Volunteer Fire Department

SETUP TIME: 8AM

TABLE COST: Collectors & Traders: $25, 

ADMISSION COST: Free (donations appreciated)

INFORMATION: This is your opportunity to buy-sell or trade law enforcement patches and badges, as well as other Police or Fire memorabilia. Seventy (70) tables are available for $25 each before December 31. After that tables will be $30. Early reservations are recommended because tables are offered on a “first come” basis. Each year the show is a sellout. Please send payment with your reservation. Set-up begins at 8am and the show will run from 9am until 3pm. There is a spirited display contest and awards are presented for the best displays. Reproductions must be marked.  The Senior Center will offer lunch, and there are numerous fast food restaurants. The hotel for the show is the Holiday Inn Titusville/Kennedy Space Center 4715 Helen Hauser Blvd. the rate is $115.00 (plus tax), this rate will be valid January 24-26, 2020 and the cutoff date is January 3, 2020. The phone number is (321) 383-0200 and ask for the Space Coast Patch Show. The hotel includes a hot/cold breakfast. Early reservations are recommended as there is another event in Titusville at the same time.  Titusville is close to Kennedy Space Center and other central Florida attractions. The Police Hall of Fame, which moved from Miami to Titusville, is now open and is a well-done attraction promoting Law Enforcement and has some fabulous patches and other memorabilia on display.  Make table reservations by calling: 321-302-1983 (cell) or e-mail @ csteveb170@gmail.com.Confirm your reservations by mailing table fee to Steve Bridges, 1535 Justin Court, Titusville, FL 32796.

 

CITY IN DISTRESS - POLICE RADIO LOG FROM ANOTHER TIME

During 2020, while locked in my home on the lookout for Civid-19 germs, I saw that there was a Riot, with looting and arson. It was in some place here in the USA. I thought at first,  I  time travelled  back to Newark in 1967. But I found out I was wrong. 

The Story was from Minneapolis. This time the spark was a man named George Floyd. He was under arrest, and died on the ground with a police officer kneeling on his neck for 8-9 minutes. The video of this tragic death caused rioting in the streets. Strange but some of the rioters seemed very well prepared, and a number were from out of State.

In the days that followed there were multiple arsons,  looting and destruction. Posts, Signs and the Media cried out to essentially hang the officers involved. No thorough investigation, indictment, or trial - just hang the officers immediately. After all the Mob knows what is right or wrong.

In Newark, fifty-three years earlier, "a rumor" that police killed a Taxi Driver, John Smith, following his arrest,  caused a crowd to gather at the West District Station expressing their outage over a false report of a police killing. 

The Newark riot also lasted several days and involved killings, robberies, and arsons. A little boy, age 12, was reported by LIFE MAGAZINE, with a cover photo, showing him also as a victim of the police. That too, was grossly misleading and wrong. Yet it made national news at the time.

The aftermath of the riots back in 67 and 68, as well as last summer, are giving me whiplash from shaking my head. I thought back in 67 that the politicians were out of their minds by saying they would eliminate "riots" by just changing the name to "civil disturbance." Absolutely Brilliant !  

In Minneapolis, Seattle, Portland and God Knows Where, the abdication of politicians to just do their job, and allow the police to do their job is mind boggling. They are immune to the day to day problems that an officer faces on a regular basis. Today current politicians are using the "words "Defund The Police. This is insane.

Fortunately there is a remedy. Check your calendar and you will see tomorrow is Election Day. Get out and VOTE.

In case you are looking for some insight of what an officer communicates with his base during a Riot, you can read the description of actual police calls from the Newark Riot in 1967. Try to see yourself in the role of the person making these radio calls. Not much has changed over the last 53 years.  

 A SAMPLE OF COMMUNICATION NOTES

COPIED FROM LOG IN CHIEF OLIVER KELLY’S OFFICE

JULY 13, 1967  

 

9:34 p Store being looted at West Kinney and Livingston. This information received via radio transmission

9:42p Radio transmission advises store at 180 Spruce (liquor store) being looted

9:46p Radio transmission windows being broken at Thomas and Broad.

9:52p Radio transmission looting at Morris and 15^th Ave (Tavern)

9:55p Radio transmission Molotov cocktail being used at Springfield and Bergen

10:00p Radio transmission store being looted at Springfield and Hunterdon

10:02p Radio transmission furniture store going up at Springfield and Morris

11:50p Radio transmission Officer injured

11:51p Radio transmission Hold up and robbery at J & B Avon

11:55 Mayor appraised

July 14, 1967

12:16a Radio transmission Chief …to protect men in field..that is to use firearms if necessary

12:31a Radio transmission request help at Springfield and 6^th

12:48a Radio transmission women shot at Springfield and Plum

3:45a Radio transmission car 45A has man shot and four prisoners. Man was shot by police officer

FOR SALE: THESE ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE

I have had these badges etc. for too many years and my wife insists I "Get Rid Of Them !"  OK, she said it nicer, pointing out that they don't really fit with my primary focus. So take a look at these badges and asking price. If you are interested drop me a line at:   jerseychief.gmail.com



1.     HISTORIC N.M. BADGE:

 Sterling Silver, Presentation Badge. From New Mexico Territory given to Chief U.S. Marshal Horace W Loomis. This Marshal worked in the Albuquerque area, and thwarted, according to Wells Fargo Chronicles, a Train Robbery at the Water Station in Rio Puerco, N.M. .............................$4499.   Note Item Sold

                                                                           

  

Below, the rear of this badge is shown magnified, to reveal makers letters, Silver Marking, and Loomis' Name in lower panel.

          

2. NEWARK  Police Shoulder Patch. Good condition...          ..........................................................................             $4.25

3. HISTORIC ENVELOPE FRONT:  Addressed to Charles A LINDBERGH. Mail was processed shortly after the famed aviator's son was kidnapped by Bruno Hauptmann. Envelope had been kept as a souvenir by a Newark Detective, who assisted on the case. It possibly carried one of over a dozen different Ransom demands, and was in the mail received by the family right after the event.          .........................$175.00   note Item Sold

4. Pewter FIRE FIGHTER limited edition Belt Buckle.  .............................................................................   $10.00

5.  Gag Badge "Brothel Inspector."  ..............  $7.50               

6. ANTIQUE BADGE SET FROM WEST NEW YORK,       N.J.  No longer the shield in use and out of service over  50  years. In very good condition.                            ....................................................................  Matched Set (2 pieces) ........ $89.00

8. NEWARK  RECRUIT Police Shoulder Patch. Good condition...          ..........................................................................             $4.25

9. ORANGE NJ PATCH  Item is in good condition, and priced to go !

                                                                                                                  ........................ $4.25 

 

 

NEWARK BADGE IS NUMBERED "911" - A TIME TO REMEMBER -

What better way to "Remember" that horrible date in 2001 then to carry the number on your badge.

Newark is one of many N.J. departments that responded to the terror attack in New York City. This item probably was not ordered to be associated with the September 11 Terror Attack, but just looking at the number causes memories to boil up.

I recall exactly where I was when the First Plane hit, and watched shocked as the Second Plane hit its' target. Minutes later I watched and listened to the reports of a Third Plane striking the Pentagon, and later the report of a Fourth Plane going into the ground in Pennsylvania.

It was difficult to connect with my kids in Jersey, and it took until late evening to get a call from the last one saying, "I am alright."  That call came from a daughter who rode the last train from Hoboken to Wall St. She was turned back thankfully to N.J. where she observed the smoke from where the Twin Towers once stood. 

At her Hoboken Apartment she asked me, "What did you do?"  She was questioning the large number of Officer Business Cards stuck in her door with the message to "Call your Dad !"  

Damn Right I Remember !

POLICEWOMAN - NEWARK, NJ - THE OFFICER USED LIPSTICK

To start the "pinkish" background was not intended, but maybe the Lady who wore "lipstick," along with this Badge, had a similar match.

This item in Excellent Condition was recently obtained. It is a rare Newark Policewoman Badge. It is numbered 17 within the noticeable Newark Number Box, with pillars on each side.

Looking at it head on, it looks like the present day N.P.D  badge. Note the "Newark Eagle" at the center of the badge,  just over the Number Box.  That tells you 99% of the time, that this is a badge from Newark NJ. Most other Jersey badges, with similar shape, have a State Seal at center point.

At the bottom of  this shield is a panel that spells out the word "POLICEWOMAN." This is a unique tittle and no longer in use. Today Woman get the same badge as the Men.

The rear of this beautiful item yields more information, and a question. First there is no hallmark. That is not unusual. There is a pin and clasp which was in use in 50-60's and on to present day.

With all this said a final look at the Lower Rear Panel you will see the word, in reverse, N E W A R K.  That, and a closer look on the front, mean that "POLICEWOMAN" is an added/over panel.

I believe the City of Newark purchased, as a cost saving measure, the add on panel. This could have been done by someone other the N.P.D. 

In my years of collecting I have seen another original Newark Badge with an added panel.

My understanding is the Town of Springfield purchased a few badges from Newark and had their name placed on the top panel.  If you are curious, below is a front and rear view of that badge. 

I am very happy to have this badge, and have placed it with other "rare" badges from Newark that are in my Collection. They make for great  memories and I can see them every day in what has become "my museum". Thanks to the wife for letting me have this room all to myself. Of course I paid the mortgage off first.

Should you have any information, on either of these badges, feel free to let me know at: 

 jerseychief@gmail.com 

OLD NEWARK PUBLIC WORKS BADGE

OLD NEWARK PUBLIC WORKS BADGE

                                                                By  Dennis Beyer

Take a look at this impressive old badge!  Maybe it isn't that impressive, but it is old. And it is from Newark, NJ.

I got it a few months ago, even though it wasn't a "Police Badge." I do have a few City Badges that are from other departments, so when I saw it for sale I purchased it.

This beauty simply reads DEPT OF PUBLIC WORKS,  No "246," NEWARK, N.J. I am not sure what the employees did that carried these badges, but I must conclude they were pleased to have this as part of there ID packet.

 
I already had two similar (similar - that's a bad word) badges that I frequently take to Florida Badge Shows. One is for the tittle "STABLE SUPERVISOR,"  and the other is for "ASST. ENGINEER."  They are pictured below, and are much nicer to look at. Both are "Gold Tone" plating, with crisp clear letters, and a  Newark City Seal at the center point.

Now back to my latest PW purchase. I believe it is older then my other two items due to its' primitive finish. It has an  almost a gray tone finish, and lacks the same crisp detail of the other two. It appears to be a shield that would be carried by a "rank and file" worker, while the others had "Rank."

In large letters it reads across the top: "DEPT PUBLIC WORKS." At the bottom it reads: "NEWARK, NJ."  At center there is not a "City Seal," just the number "242." 

As noted these badges are not Police, but they are from my home town, so I have to include them in my collection. They all meant something to someone back in the day. I have that feeling with them now as part of my hobby.