Photograph reproduced for an article dated: January 6, 1956. GAR was a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army who had served in the Civil War. In 1868, General Order #11 of the GAR called for May 30 to be designated as a memorial day for Union veterans; originally called "Decoration Day," this later became the U.S. national Memorial Day holiday after WWI. Founded in 1866 by Benjamin F. Stephenson of Illinois, GAR was based partly on the traditions of Freemasonry, and partly on military tradition. It was divided into "Departments" at the state level and "Posts" at the community level, and military-style uniforms were worn by its members. There were posts in every state in the U.S., and several posts overseas. GAR was among the first organized interest groups in American politics, so much so that between 1868 and 1908, no Republican was nominated to the presidency without a GAR endorsement. The organization was succeeded by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW). Members of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) march down Main Street in Santa Paula.
Grand Army of the Republic Associations, institutions, etc.--United States Parades--California--Santa Paula Veterans--United States Streets--California--Santa Paula Commercial buildings--California--Santa Paula Santa Paula (Calif.) Herald-Examiner Collection photographs
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