Medal
Object number2013.134.1
Date1911
MediumMetal
Credit LineGift of Charles Vogel
DescriptionGold, crossbar pin with circular medal below that is attached by two short chains. Filigree design at the top of the pin and also stamped around the medal. Across the top bar is recipient name. On the front of the medal is commemorative text.Dimensions2 x 1.375 x 0.25 x 1.25 in. (5.1 x 3.5 x 0.6 x 3.2 cm)InscriptionsAcross the top bar reads: "WALTER R. VOGEL".
On the front of the medal reads: "FROM / NORTHSIDE PRESS / NEWSBOYS / FOR HIS HEROISM AT / 2ND WARD SCHOOL FIRE / TUES. MAY.2.1911."
Historical NotesNorthside Press Newsboys heroism medal awarded to Walter R. Vogel for his act of heroism during a fire at the Sherman Avenue School in May of 1911. On Tuesday, May 2nd a fire broke out in the top floor of the school. The principal rang the fire gong and then asked student Walter Vogel to play a lively tune in order for the children to march out of the building. According to the contemporary articles at the time, he played "The Fire Drill" song and this was something the students had been drilled in before. In later articles, Vogel claimed he played no such thing nor had there ever been a fire drill prior to that day. He did stay at the piano until all of the students had left the building and then he to exited after closing the piano lid.
Previous owner
Walter R. Vogel
Related institution
Northside Press
Related institution
Northside Press Newsboys
Related institution
Second Ward School
Related institution
Sherman Avenue School
On View
Not on view
1945
c. 1945