The Old Guard of New York
The Old Guard of the City of New York is a veterans group that has existed since the early 1800s when cities saw the need for local militias. At the beginning, the Old Guard was composed of two rival groups, the New York Light Guard and the New York City Guard. In 1868, they joined forces under the name “the Old Guard.” Whereas the New York Light Guard and the New York City Guard had both fought during the Civil War, the Old Guard mainly existed to perform ceremonial duties, such as marching in parades.
Today, the landmark building that houses the Old Guard is in need of refurbishing. Many members of the group are hoping to install an elevator for its older members and do some floor repair and rewiring, but there is a contingency that would prefer to sell the house. As it stands, the townhouse remains in the Old Guard’s possession and is filled with memorabilia such as military medals, muskets, photos, and letters from Eleanor Roosevelt, whose uncle, President Theodore Roosevelt, was a member of the Old Guard.
