Badge, Membership
Object number2018.8.6
Datec. 1937
MediumMetal; Paper; Ink; Fabric; Paint
Credit LineGift of Edward Feinstein
DescriptionMetal and fabric event badge. Top of badge has bronze-tone metal frame containing off-white paper insert with handwritten name in black ink; frame has pinback on reverse. Suspended from top frame is navy blue ribbon with inverted "V" bottom edge; front of ribbon has silver event text and silver decorative motif along bottom edge. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 4.75 x 1.938 x 0.5 in. (12.1 x 4.9 x 1.3 cm)InscriptionsPaper insert has handwritten text in black ink "I. Kalson".
Front of ribbon has silver text "THE / 20TH / ANNIVERSARY / 80TH / Blue-Ridge Division / JULY 29-30-31 / AUGUST 1 / PITTSBURGH, PA."
Historical Notes20th Anniversary of the 80th Division event badge. Part of a collection related to Isadore Kalson. Isadore Kalson (1896-1980) worked in his youth for Rauh Bros. & Co. He served in World War I with the 52nd Infantry, Sixth Division. He was a charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Corp. H. O. Diller Post No. 156, Mt. Washington and was elected VFW Allegheny County Commander in 1934, becoming the first Jewish person to hold the post. He later worked in city government and ran successfully in a close race against Richard Mellon Scaife for Republican Party Chair. He lived in Oakland and Squirrel Hill in his later years. Isadore's father, Harry Kalson, immigrated to Pittsburgh in 1891. He was later joined by brothers Nathan Kalson, David Kalson, Samuel Kalson, Mrs. L. Moll, Mrs. Ida Becker and Mrs. Anna Brinn. He worked as a plumbing and building contractor and later ran the Profit Sharing Laundry Co. with his sons. He was the proprietor of Kalson’s Natatorium, a popular bath house in the Hill District. Kalson was active in Republican politics and served a term on the Common Council in 1905. He was president of Tifrerth Israel Congregation for nine years under the tenure of Rabbi Eliyahu Kochin. He was a founder of the United Hebrew Orthodox Congregations of Western Pennsylvania and its president in 1923 and 1924. He was also a founder of the Hebrew Religious Academy at 81-83 Tannehill Street. He was active in many Jewish philanthropies, including the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, Keren Hayesod and Montefiore Hospital, as well as many fraternal lodges. Harry Kalson and his wife Hinda Libbe Horwitz Kalson had at least eight children: Dr. Abraham Maurice Kalson, Samuel H. Kalson, Isadore Kalson, Robert Kalson, Ralph Kalson, William Kalson, Jacob E. Kalson and Ruth Kalson. Jacob E. Kalson was the assistant district attorney
Previous owner
Isadore Kalson
(1896 - 1980)
Related institution
Rauh Brothers and Company
Related institution
52nd Infantry Regiment
Related institution
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Related institution
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 156
Related institution
80th Division
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