Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Air Raid Warden Sign, n.d. |
Object Name |
Sign, Identification |
Description |
Air Raid Warden Sign, n.d. This wooden sign is rectangular in shape, with a beige background with blue and white circles on the left and right of the sign and some unfinished wood in the back. Within each of these blue and white circles is a white/red striped triangle, which represents the symbols for Air Raid Wardens under the United States Citizen Defense Corps. In the middle of these circles, there is a text painted in blue and bold, all in uppercase that reads "POST / AIR RAID WARDEN". At the far bottom right corner of the sign is an insignia that reads "WILMES", which is text painted smaller than the words "POST / AIR RAID WARDEN" above. |
Date |
n.d. |
Creator |
Unknown |
Role |
Artist |
Catalog Number |
0000.752.035B |
Dimensions |
H-6.875 W-18.875 D-0.125 inches |
Collection |
3D - Visual Communication Tools & Equipment |
Inscription Text |
"POST / AIR RAID WARDEN" & "WILMES" (painted in blue) |
Provenance |
War Materials |
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 Signs Veterans War War Finance Council |
Subjects |
Signs (Notices) Veterans War |
Credit line |
Courtesy of San Mateo War Council |