The Dunkirk Historical Society recently obtained a collection of artifacts related to a local chapter of a fraternal organization that provides death insurance to its families. The lot, containing items from the Dunkirk chapter of the Protected Home Circle (PHC), was purchased by Kevin and Sandy Budniewski of Laona at an estate sale at the Long Family home at the corner of Courtney Street and Franklin Avenue in Dunkirk. Gail Dash, Vice President of the Chautauqua County Genealogical Society, was given the collection to organize, research and document the items and donate them to the Dunkirk Historical Society on behalf of the Budniewski family.
Among the items in the collection is the membership charter of the Junior Protected Home Circle in Dunkirk, currently held by Dash. It was presented by the Supreme President, S.H. Hadley, at Sharon, Pennsylvania on August 15, 1935. Dunkirk Historical Society Museum Director Kristin White holds the pins designating the offices of the adult members of the PHC. The suitcase, original to the organization, contains a "game of flags of countries of the world," at that time. There are ritual books and song books also.
Anyone having further information on the Protected Home Circle can contact Kristin White at the Dunkirk Historical Society Museum.
Chautauqua County Genealogical Society Vice President Gail Dash (left) and Dunkirk Historical Museum Director Kristin White (right)
