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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Shirley Temple Police Force Badge
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Shirley Temple Police Force Badge

Artifact IDMO 1997.25a
Object Type Badge, Membership
Maker (American, closed 1964)
Dateca. 1937
Mediummetal (bronze)
Dimensionsoverall H 1 3/4 in x W 1 3/8 in x D 3/8 in (4.4 cm x 3.5 cm x 1 cm )
Physical DescriptionA gold-tone bronze badge in the shape of an eagle-topped shield within a v-shaped laurel leaf wreath. Black text on the badge reads: SHIRLEY / TEMPLE / POLICE. The manufacturer’s information is stamped into the pin device on the reverse side of the badge: L.A. STAMP & STY. CO.
Historical NoteMovie director Alan Dwan created the “Shirley Temple Police Force” while making Temple’s 1937 film "Heidi" after he observed the young actress’s ability to keep others in order. Shirley was “Chief” of the force, which included Dwan and others on the film’s set. Each member of the force was issued this bronze badge. In 1938, Temple sent this badge to Franklin D. Roosevelt along with a letter that read, "Dear Mr. President, Here is your badge to my Pllice [sp.] force. Love, Chief Shirley Temple."
Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
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