Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Plaque |
Collection |
Metro Parks Tacoma - Permanent Collection |
Date |
1928 |
Description |
Among the markers in Lincoln Park is a plaque under a Chestnut Oak tree, planted for Viola Kenyon. Married to a former Union officer, Viola Kenyon was a member of the National Woman's Relief Corps and the first president of the local branch, the Department of Washington and Alaska, 1886-1888. The plaque reads: "Memorial Tree planted in honor of Viola A Kenyon by the National Woman's Relief Corps Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic". The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army who had served in the Civil War. There were posts in every state and several overseas. The organization held a "National Encampment" every year from 1866 to 1949. In 1928, Tacoma hosted the local 'encampment' of GAR Conventions of Allied Orders. As part of this event, the Women's Relief Corps dedicated trees honoring Viola Kenyon and Clara Barton, the famous Civil War nurse and founder of the American branch of the Red Cross. The Women's Relief Corps sponsored activities such as paying tribute at gravesites, and campaigned alongside the GAR for the recognition of Memorial Day in May as a national holiday honoring the war dead. |
Location |
Lincoln Park |
Object Number |
LP - 003 |
Web link |
Metro Parks Tacoma, Lincoln Park |