L. Col. A. A. Miller – Lapel Pin with year bar(1914)- Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire – WW1. The pin would have belonged to LCol Miller’s wife as a member of the 48th Highlanders Chapter IODE.

Pin is 1 inch diameter with Purple year bar above (1914). British Union jack flag centred on seven pointed white star.  small crown above.

On 3 May 1907, just seven years after the formation of the national organization, a group of members of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire received the consent of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel D.M. Robertson to form the 48th Highlanders Chapter. Colonel Robertson gave his consent on the understanding that the Chapter’s efforts be confined largely to the benefit and welfare of the men of the Regiment with membership restricted to the wives, mothers and sisters of Highlanders. Mrs. John I. Davidson, the wife of the first Commanding Officer, and at that time first vice-regent of the national chapter, became the first Regent.

In the early years, Captain John Slatter, Director of Music, and Pipe Major James Fraser conducted band concerts throughout Toronto to assist the Chapter to raise funds for their welfare work. The first concert in 1912 raised $500, which they donated to the Preventorium Endowment Fund. As war approached, they began a sewing room and in September 1914 assembled to work for the Hospital Supply Fund. Throughout the war, sewing and knitting were done with materials purchased by fund-raising events. Those in the overseas battalions looked forward to the parcels of clothing, food and cigarettes as the comforts and memories of home, and as Highlanders fought and died, the ladies helped families who had lost loved ones. Forming the Visiting and Relief Committee, they joined with the Women’s Auxiliaries of the 48th Battalions (15th, 92nd and 134th) to bring the strength of the Highlander family to all in need. Their monthly hospital visits were much anticipated by wounded or recuperating veterans. Through their efforts they raised nearly $10,000 that directly benefited Highlanders and their families, the Red Cross, Maple Leaf Tobacco Fund and the Patriotic Fund.