Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Air Raid Warden Sign, n.d. |
Object Name |
Sign, Identification |
Description |
Air Raid Warden Sign, n.d. This sign is rectangular in shape with a orange painted background containing two black and orange circles. Within these two black and orange circles, they include a black/orange triangle, which symbolizes the insignia for the Air Raid Wardens under the United States Citizen Defense Corps. In the middle of the sign, painted in black, and written in bold, the text reads "DAYTIME / AIR RAID WARDEN". At the lower right hand bottom of the sign, the text reads "WILMES". The word "WILMES" is smaller than the rest of the text above and is also is black. Next to the word "WILMES" is an insignia shaped with like an oval, and is also painted in black. At the back of the sign, the wood is painted in a black background with some text in it. The text reads"...FO... / MEMBER... / ...ALTY... / ...SSOC... / ...GEARY... / ...BAYVIEW... " The text appears to be engraved into the black painted background and is uppercased. |
Date |
n.d. |
Creator |
Unknown |
Role |
Artist |
Catalog Number |
1975.053 |
Dimensions |
H-6.875 W-19 D-0.125 inches |
Collection |
3D - Visual Communication Tools & Equipment |
Inscription Text |
"DAYTIME / AIR RAID WARDEN" (painted in black, and in bold lettering) "WILMES" (painted in black with small lettering) "...FO... / MEMBER... / ...ALTY... / ...SSOC... / ...GEARY... / ...BAYVIEW... " (engraved in black background on the back of the sign) "MRS. EMERSON NORTH AND MRS. WILLIAM PALMER / FULLER JR. WERE BOTH AIR RAID WARDENS DURING W.W.II. / THEY TOOK A COURSE IN POISON GAS FROM STANFORD UNIVERSITY TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION". (typed on an index card taped to the lower left at the back of the sign) |
Notes |
An air raid warden is "a civilian having special duties during an air-raid alert, as directing people to air-raid shelters." [http://www.dictionary.com/browse/air-raid-warden-10/13/2016] "Air Raid Wardens had several main duties that they were trained to perform, which were all very difficult and time consuming tasks. They had to supervise the blackout, and report people to the police who continually ignored it. They had to sound the air raid sirens so that everybody knew that they had to get to the shelter, as well as supervising people getting in and out of the air raid shelters. They also had to check that everybody had their gas masks, and that they were all fitting properly, as well as sounding alerts if there was a gas attack. In addition to this, they also had to evacuate people away from unexploded bombs, and report the bombs and other damage to the warden control center." [http://blitzschool.co.uk/air-raid-warden/4578806750-10/13/2016] "The Air Raid Warden is chosen carefully. The position of Air Raid Warden may be filled by either a man or woman, provided the person chosen is capable of performing the duties. One of the most important duties is to set an example of controlled activity and cool efficiency under all conditions. Training is given all Air Raid Wardens in gas and fire-bomb defense, first aid, and general organization of air-raid services. The stripes in the insigne of Air Raid Wardens signify "many duties"." [Smith, Cleveland H. and Taylor, Gertrude R. United States Service Symbols. p.97. http://www.printmag.com/j-j-sedelmaier/charles-t-coiner/-10/13/2016] |
Search Terms |
Air Raid Warden Military Veterans War Signs |
Subjects |
Signs (Notices) Veterans War |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Betty Horn |