On August 5, 1929 "Robert Wiley" a member of the Philadelphia Police /
Fire Dept. was awarded a "The Public Ledger Medal of Merit". What are
the details of this incident (who, what, when, where, why).

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Request for Question Clarification by justaskscott-ga on 23 Oct 2002 14:46 PDT

Have you tried searching through issues of the Public Ledger from that
time?  It is much more likely that the information you seek -- which
is over 70 years old -- will be available there than on the Internet.

If you would like, I could post an answer with ideas on how to locate
and search through the Public Ledger from 1929.

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Clarification of Question by rbee-ga on 23 Oct 2002 15:44 PDT

Scott:
Your observations make sense - however access to The Public Ledger is
my problem; ie which "Public Ledger" and how do I get access to it up
in Edmonton Canada. I further understand that the newpaper of that
locale and year is no longer available - so given those restraints any
suggestions as to an answer would be appreciated.

Rudy

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Request for Question Clarification by justaskscott-ga on 23 Oct 2002 17:54 PDT

Do you know anyone in Philadelphia (or elsewhere in the United States)
who could assist you with this research?

Hi Rudy-

I found the story.

Robert Wiley was one of three firemen awarded the Public Ledger's
Medal of Merit and a $50 check  on August 5, 1929.  Robert Wiley,
Edmund Heyne and Alexander Walker, hosemen of Engine Company No. 6
saved the lives of five women trapped on the roof of a burning
building on April 11, 1929.

"Engine Company No. 6 answered an alarm on April 11 to fine fire "in
complete control"  of a laundry  at 613-615 617 East Flora Street. On
the roof of 615, cut off by flames, were six women employees. They
were rescued, the rescuers suffering burns."


"Director Schofield will today present to three city firemen the
Public Ledger Medal of Merit, rewarding them for a brave and thrilling
rescue of workers in a burning building several months ago."

"The medal, of attractive design, shows a nounted knight in arms and
bears the name of the recipient and date of presentation unde the
words 'For Merit.'"

"Two other firemen and nine policemen have recieved the award since it
was first given to a policeman during the police and fire parade in
June, 1928.

Since Google Answer rules prohibit my sending materials to you, I
suggest you write to:
Free Library of Philadelphia,
Newspaper Department
1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 
Telephone: 215 686-5322

Request copies of article headlined "5 Firemen Lauded for Risking
Lives to Rescue Others" on page A-1 of the Public Ledger, Tuesday,
August 6, 1929 and the continuation on page 3, col 3.
Also, on August 5 on page 2, article headlined "Heroism Award Is Set
for Today,
Public Ledger Medal of Merit Coming to Three Firemen"

Include 50 cents US for each copy...  You will need $2.50 US
plus a postage paid, self-addressed envelope (to hold 11x9 if you
don't want the pages folded)


So, it seems Robert Wiley was a true hero.

Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Nellie Bly

Great reply - just what I needed!

Hi rbee-

I'm near Philadelphia.  I'm assuming that the "Public Ledger" Medal
refers to the old Philadelphia newspaper of that name.  Microfilm
files for the paper are available at The University of Pennsylvania
Van Pelt Library and at the Free Library of Philadelphia.

If you can wait a few days, or maybe a week, I'll check the pertinent
issue the next time I'm in Philly.

Nellie Bly

Hello Nellie Bly;

Great information!  I would be most appreciative if you would
undertake to have a look at the pertinet issue. Yes, I can certainly
wait the few days you mention. Also, in the event you are able to find
some data, I would love to get a copy of it. Perhaps if your search is
successfull I could ask you to Fax it to me (at my costs) at your
pleasure. I will of course give you the Fax # as needed.

Thanks a bunch for you anticipated efforts.

Cheers Rudy B

Hi, rbee!

Great work, nellie_bly! As an aside, my inquiry into the Philadelphia
Police Department archives revealed that Robert Wiley was appointed to
the Fire
Department on April 24, 1918 and resigned on April 1, 1940.

aceresearcher