Unique and uncommon Massachusetts USWV (United Spanish War Veterans) medal commemorating the 1936 Encampment in Springfield. This is a highly detailed medal with a highly detailed suspension device. Some discoloration is present and clearly depicted in photos. Original ribbon in great condition with vibrant colors. Maker marked on the reverse by Bates & Klinke, Attleboro MA.
 
Soon after the Spanish–American War ended, in early 1899, discharged veterans formed fraternal societies to keep in touch with their former comrades. These included the Spanish War Veterans, the Spanish–American War Veterans, the Servicemen of the Spanish War, American Veterans of Foreign Service, the Army of the Philippines, the Veteran Army of the Philippines, the Legion of Spanish War Veterans and other smaller organizations.
 
At the start of the 20th century, these groups began to merge. In 1904, the three largest groups, the Spanish War Veterans, the Spanish–American War Veterans and the Servicemen of the Spanish War joined to form the United Spanish War Veterans. They became the largest and most influential of the Spanish–American War societies. In 1906, the Legion of Spanish War Veterans would merge with the United Spanish War Veterans. The Legion existed in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The President of the Rhode Island chapter of the LSWV was Mrs Ellen V. Meehan during the 1930s, her husband was Cpl. James Arthur Meehan, who served in the Spanish war with the Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry.