A look into my grandmother's archives. By Lindsay Ballant
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1952: My grandfather’s 1952 honorary membership card to the New Jersey State Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, a labor union representing police officers.
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Photo of my grandfather (right) as a soldier with friend during World War II.
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1922: Pocket watch with initials “A.B.” (I think) and emblem for the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Illinois, based out of Westchester, IL. Part of the freemasons.
One side says:
2,000th Member Night
June 29th 1922Opposite side:
Pleiades Lodge 478
A.F. & A.M.Note: my grandfather’s family was originally from Chicago, this must have been from his side.
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1940: One of my grandfather’s union membership cards when he lived in Chicago (prior to meeting my grandmother). The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ Local 134 is still around and one of the largest labor unions in Chicago.
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Photo of my grandfather (left) and grandmother (center) with friend.
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Photo of my grandfather (far left) & friends, date unknown.
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1973: My grandfather’s membership cards to the Bergen County Public Works Administration, 1973-1984. He worked for the road department. Somewhere along the line he earned a shiny gold life membership card.
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April 22, 1945: A postcard from my grandfather to my grandmother while he was stationed overseas. Must’ve been before they were married—it’s addressed to Marie Balas, and he’s obviously still courting her with this one:
“Dearest Marie,
Just a card to let you know that I still love you very much. Having a nice time and being a good boy. Will write again soon.
Love, Artie” -
My grandfather’s dog tags. (date unknown)
