Loyal Legion of Loggers and Lumbermen (LLLL) Lapel Pin (Pinback Button)

This lapel pin would have been purchased by a civilian logger or lumbermill worker in the Pacific Northwest, during the First World War. The Loyal Legion of Loggers and Lumbermen was a quasi-union formed to keep down labor unrest in this part of the United States, as the Army took over the handling of spruce lumber for airplane manufacture. This resource was so critical to wartime needs, that Army men were brought in to work in the forests and mills, alongside the civilians. The LLLL was formed to give the civilians a chance to be patriotic, prevent labor unrest, including sabotage, and to prevent strikes during the War period.

These pins have been seen in various forms, with this one being more like a political pinback button, than the more typical bronze items I've seen. They are often available for sale on eBay.

To see more LLLL items, try:

Cloisonne LLLL Pin

Log-Design LLLL Pin

Typical Bronze LLLL Pin

Probable Logging Camp Scrip with LLLL Logo

LLLL Magazine Cover

LLLL Membership Card

For more information on the Spruce operations of the World War, see: Bob Swanson's webpage on the Spruce Soldiers of the First World War, as well as Rod Crossley's excellent book Soldiers in the Woods.

Copyright © 2015 Robert Swanson

Based on Code by Louis Lazaris. See article and original inspiration.