The Civil War Musket and Kadets of America Handbook
Kurt Schaffenberger Savannah, TN: Kadets of America, 1960. Presumed First Edition, First printing thus. Pamphlet. Format is 5 inches by 7 inches. 32 pages, plus covers. Wraps, Illustrations (some in color). Covers worn and soiled. As the handbooks says The Kadets of America is an Atomic Age program for boys and girls of grammar school age. Started in 1953 by C.L Parris in Savannah, TN this uniformed patriotic group focused on teaching young children the basics of gun safety, basic military drills and pride in America and her flag. C.L. Parris owned and operated the Parris Manufacturing Company, along with his two brothers. After being hired by the US Military to build "dummy" weapons for training purposes during World War II, the company branched out and began creating toy replica of Civil War and Frontier weapons as well. The company continues today. Mr. Parris saw the Kadets of America as a way to promote American pride. Working though sponsorships with local AMVETS, American Legions, VFW, Lions Clubs, etc. at first it was just for boys, but girls were quickly added. This is a rare bit of Americana, issued at the time of the Civil War Centennial. Few of these types of pamphlets typically survive. The Kadets of America handbook gave all the information needed to help youngsters find an adult to lead them and how to do the drills. Other programs were offered such as Kadet Bicycle Brigades, Kadet Drum and Bugle Corps, Kadet Roller Skating Units and the Kadet Kavalry (on ponies) - all meant to be practiced and then performed. The program faded from existence in local newspapers by the late 1960s - the last entry was 1967. Purchasers of Kadet toy weapons would receive a free comic book drawn by Kurt Schaffenberger for Customs Comics Inc. telling the story of an imaginary boy named Bob Duncan who became a Kadet and advanced to the rank of Captain. The comic book featured instructions how to do the American manual of arms and offered the full range of Kadet Trainer Rifles, cork firing weapons, rank insignia, and dress and fatigue uniforms for both girls and boys. Condition: fair.
Keywords: Civil War, Comics, Firearms, Handbooks, Kadets of America, Manual of Arms, Muskets, Youth Groups, C. L. Parris, Pistol, Cork-shooting, Trainerrifle, Patriot Organizations
[Book #36108]
Price: $125.00