1920 U. S. Army School Contest Brochure WWI Era Recruiting Ephemera, Rare
Folded and toned with small edge tears and light paper losses at the folds. All text remains clearly legible, and both panels are intact – no modern reproduction or copy. See photos for exact condition. Rare Original 1920 U. Army “School Contest” Circular Issued February 20, 1920 – U. Offered here is an authentic U. Army pamphlet/broadside titled: United States Army School Contest – February 20, 1920. This rare piece of early post-World War I military recruiting ephemera promoted a nationwide essay competition for American school students – open to boys or girls of any color, any age, American born or foreign born. It represents one of the first inclusive public Army campaigns after World War I, blending education, patriotism, and civic duty. In the wake of World War I, the U. Army faced the task of reshaping its image to the American public. By 1920, Secretary of War Newton D. Baker, General John J. Pershing, and General Peyton C. March organized this nationwide “School Contest” to promote understanding of the Army’s values and to encourage enlistment through positive youth engagement. Students were invited to write essays on. What are the benefits of an enlistment in the U. The plan, printed on the second page, details the prizes. Gold Medal (1st place) – Presented personally by Secretary Baker. Silver & Bronze Medals for runners-up. All-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D. For finalists and their guardians. The contest also involved 50 Army district recruiting stations across the country, each listed in detail on the interior panel (including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, and others). Judges were instructed to assess entries based on originality, expression, and sincerity. This pamphlet is not only a military relic – it’s a snapshot of America’s social and racial attitudes in 1920, with the text stating. The winners may be male or female, black or white or brown or red, American born or foreign born. That inclusive statement, remarkable for its time, reflects early steps toward equality within national institutions, decades before civil rights reforms. Why It’s Significant. Issued just after WWI (1920) – bridging wartime propaganda and early 20th-century civic outreach. Mentions major historical figures : Secretary of War Newton Baker & General John J. Inclusion of all races and genders – rare and historically progressive language for the era. Recruiting offices – useful for researchers tracing early Army organization. Scarce surviving example – ephemeral item, rarely saved, especially complete. Pieces like this were meant for school bulletin boards and classrooms – very few survived over a century later. Dated: February 20, 1920. 8.5″ x 11″ (folded). Printed in black on cream/tan stock. Contains complete list of U. Army Recruiting Stations nationwide. Reverse text: Here’s The Plan! With details of prizes and judging. Tags: WWI Recruiting Ephemera, 1920 Army Brochure, U. Army School Contest, Military History Paper, Vintage Army Document, Rare Military Ephemera, U. Army Recruiting 1920, WWI Era Memorabilia, Antique Government Pamphlet, Early 20th Century Ephemera, American Military Collectible, Historical Paper Document, U. War Department, Vintage Army Advertising, Pre-WWII Military History, Military Collectibles, U. Army History, Antique Military Brochure, 1920 U.
