The Order of the Iron Cross

U.S. Stamp Notes by John M. Hotchner

I love a good puzzle, and the 1904 cover pictured nearby provides one. The corner return address says, “THE ORDER OF THE IRON CROSS, BUFFALO.” Given that the cancellation reads Buffalo, N.Y., I think it justified that the Buffalo in the return address is the city in western New York state.

Google searches did not uncover anything about the organization but did contain information saying there were many Germans who emigrated to the United States and settled in western New York.

A German connection suggests that this might have something to do with the German military medal of the same name. But the medal design is based on a Teutonic cross and not the cross more often associated with religious iconography.

Add to this that the recipient, Franklin Cowan of 84 Williams St., in Waterloo, N.Y., does not have a Germanic-sounding name.

So, a German connection is tenuous at best. Are there Linn’s readers in or around Buffalo, N.Y., who might be able to access local records to give us information on what looks to be a fraternal group of some sort?

If so, please get in touch with me at jmhstamp@verizon.net, or at Box 1125, Falls Church, VA 22041-0125.

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