Inquiry on the Gold Fire Badges

Mrs. Edwin Raymond (Alice) Culver presented members of the Culver Fire Department with Gold badges - There is no badge company stamped into it and there is absolutely no other identifying markings found on it other than being inscribed: "Presented by Mrs. E. R. Culver on the back

An inquiry was sent out to the grandson of H. H. Culver a nephew of Mrs. E. R. CUlver. as to if any knowledge of the ocassion - his response was:

Mrs. Burns;

I thank you for your letter written to me just before Christmas - hence my delay in answering.

I remember Dave will and always enjoyed talking with him about "old times". He was a master craftsman and the Academy is indebted to him for the splendid workmanship he preformed on the CMA campus.

I wish I could help you more on the questions you asked about the Culver Fire Department:
• 1. I don't know why the badges were presented to members of the Department or when the occasion was!
• 2. Mrs. E. R. Culver was my aunt and lived at Culver many years first in what was later the superintendent's house 1912-1915 (just torn down) and later in the "Farm House" on the East side until 1930 when her husband E. R. Culver died.
• 3. I can't recall Mrs. E. R. Culver's maiden name but her first name was Alice.
• 4. E. R. stands for Edward Raymond.
  
  The above brings back many fond memories to me and I only wish I could be more helpful.
  
  Happy New Year.
  
  Sincerely,
  (hand signed - B. B. Culver Jr.)
  
  
  This was found much later -
  1930 - Dec 31 - Fire Boys Receive Gold Badges For Christmas
  The members of the Culver Fire Department were unusually well remembered by Santa Claus this year when he presented each with a beautiful gold fireman's badge.
  
  Mrs. E. R. Culver prompted Santa's action as her personal appreciaition of the fine work done by the local fire department.
  
  The badges were made from a special design, with the seal of the state of Indiana in the center of the badge where the fireman's emblem is usually placed. The spread eagle as used in the emblem of the Culver Military Academy tops the badge, making a very striking and appropriste medal.
  
  The firemen are very grateful to Mrs. Culver for her remembrance