There are so many fascinating mysteries in the museum. Donated artifacts with incredible histories that are sometimes a bit difficult to figure out.

While accessioning military clothing in the War Room several weeks ago, we stumbled upon what has come to be known as “the chaplain’s hat.” Reverend B. W. Pullinger was a Canadian chaplain in the “Saskatoon Fusiliers,” redesignated as the 105th Regiment in World War I. Pullinger began writing letters to his hometown newspaper during the war, always entitled “Life in the Trenches” and “Letters from the Bloody Trenches from the Great War.” Other newspapers picked up his letters and they became popular articles during the war, making Pullinger quite well-known.

The hat, one of Pullinger’s, is in remarkable condition, dark blue with red trim, or “piping.” The Saskatoon Fusiliers badge is located on the front of the hat. Looking at it, we have determined that Pullinger likely didn’t wear this hat in “the bloody trenches.” This is more of a dress hat used for formal functions.

Two articles from Reverend Pullinger after World War I have been recovered. One of them states that he was in favor of prohibition, while the other claims the opposite. The one which had him in opposition of the prohibition of alcohol seems to be more in line with his quotes, including his claim that “Christianity aims to make men moral. Pullinger continued, “to make men sober without morality is the aim of prohibition. Morality without freedom? Impossible.”

Bill Sell of the Mercer County Historical Society will continue searching for Pullinger’s obituary. We ask the public for more information on the life of Reverend B. W. Pullinger. We would love to know more about this interesting man and his possible connections to Mercer County.

The Riley House museum is located at 130 E. Market St. in Celina, Ohio. We are open Monday and Friday 9-5 and admission is free.