1910s Amawalk Nurseries (Yorktown, New York) Worker Badge First Live National Tree Grower

This is a 1910s worker badge (numbered 45) for Amawalk Nurseries of Yorktown, New York. The first live National Christmas Tree planted in Washington, D.C. was provided by Amawalk in 192The first tree had had been presented to President Coolidge by Middlebury College the previous year, but it was a cut tree and the President decided to make the next one a live one. Shortly after the 1924 lighting ceremony, bulbs donated by the Electric Institute promptly exploded, entertaining the crowds with firecracker noises. Originally conceived by Civil War veteran Major Orlando Jay Smith, Amawalk would supply trees for many notable people and events, including the 1939 World's Fair, Captain Rene Fonck (WWI ace), the Queen of Belgium and the Unknown Soldier (for his tomb).

Circa 1910s.

Approximately 2-1/8" in height and 1-13/16" in width.

Nickel-plated brass with painted lettering.

Vertical kick pin, tongue-style C catch.

None.

This is from an agricultural collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. VAJX12 LABJX6/12 SHJX3/13

7 (Very Fine): The badge shows some small spots moderate of wear with bits of the painted lettering worn away.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.