Button from 1936 Fireman's Day. White button with black firetruck in center. Black lettering says "Lancaster County FIremans' Day." Below firetruck" June 6, 1936 Christiana, PA." One inch of 3/4 inch wide red ribbon holds a 1 3/8 long gold colored metal fireman's helmet. Maker's name, Erisman Lanc. Pa., in blue ink on paper insert on back of button.
According to donor's records all buttons were from Fireman's Conventions; Fireman's Day seems to be another name for these conventions.
One of two. Button from 1937 Lancaster County Fireman's Convention. Button with blue ribbon ( 1.5in w x 3.25in L) White background with red text "Hope Fire Engine and Hose Company 125th Anniversary" around a central picture of a fire truck with "1812-1937" beneath it. On dark blue ribbon in silver letters "17th Annual Convention Lancaster County FiIremen's Association Manheim, PA. June 5, 1937_" Stamped silver fringe border at bottom edge.
Two of two. Button from 1937 Lancaster County Fireman's Convention. Button with blue ribbon ( 1.5in w x 3.25in L) White background with red text "Hope Fire Engine and Hose Company 125th Anniversary" around a central picture of a fire truck with "1812-1937" beneath it. On dark blue ribbon in silver letters "17th Annual Convention Lancaster County FiIremen's Association Manheim, PA. June 5, 1937_" Stamped silver fringe border at bottom edge.
Button from 1938 Lancaster County Firemen's Convention. Front of button pictures a lime kiln with "Quarryville, PA" beneath. Around the circumference of the botton, in black letter: "Quarryville Fire Company No 1 Home of the Lime Quarries." On a red robbon (1.625in w x 3.5in L) in gold letters: "18th Annual Convention lanster County Firemen's Association Quarryville PA. June 4, 1938"
Delegate badge to the 1939 Lancaster County FIremen's Association Convention. Gold colored metal badge (1.875in x .75in) with white insert card, typed "Christ Koehler Delegate Lititz Fire Co" On 1.5in wide purple ribbon in gold letters: "19th Annual Convention Lancaster County Firemen's Association Delegate June 3, 1939 Lancaster, PA." Straight lower edge with stamped gold tassels.
Delegate badge of the Lancaster County Fireman's Association Convention.Gold colored metal badge (2.25in x .75in) with white typed insert card: "Christ Koehler Lititz Fire Co." On 1.625in wide ribbon in gold letters: "18th Annual Convention Lancaster County Firemen's Association Delegate June 4, 1938 Quarryville, PA."
Delegate badge for the Lancaster County Firemen's Association Convention. Gold colored metal badge, 2.25in x .75in. On purple ribbon in gold letters; "17th Annual Convention Lancaster County Firemen's Association Delegate June 5, 1937 Manheim, PA."
Delegate badge for the Lancaster County Friemen's Association Convention. Gold colored metal badge (2.25in x .75in) with white insert card, typed: "Christ B. Koehler Lititz Fire Co." On 1.625in wide ribbon in gold letters: "16th Annual Convention Lancaster County firemen's Association Delegate June 6, 1936 Christiana, PA."
Metal round disc with profile image of male, facing left. "THADDEUS STEVENS" in raised letters above profile; Laurel wreath under profile. Attached to ribbon 1930.025.001. Metal rectangular bar attached to top of ribbon; bar reads "LANCASTER, PA." Alice Malone, local artist, is credited with the design of the medal image.
Note: The ribbon and medal were given to LCHS by two different donors and then placed together. See 1930.025.001. The medal commemorates the Prince Hall Mason conclave held in Lancaster. Information on the Prince Hall Masons can be found in the notes section.
Despite Stevens’ opposition to Freemasonry, the Prince Hall Masons felt a special connection to Stevens. Prince Hall, founder of this branch of Freemasonry, was an abolitionist and leader in the free Black community of eighteenth century Boston. Those who assembled in Lancaster for this particular Grand Conclave assembled, in part, to honor Stevens’ contributions to combating racism and promoting social justice.
An article that appeared in the Intelligencer Journal on Saturday, August 30, 1930 provided an important clue as to why this Grand Conclave chose to honor Stevens. The article included the subheading “Installation of New Officials Marks End of Convention Here” and contained the following text:
John Washington, of Philadelphia, was elected right eminent grand commander of the grand commandery, Knights Templar of Pennsylvania, Prince Hall affiliation, at the annual election of officers that featured the closing of the 98th annual conclave in this city on Friday.
About 250 persons, including Sir Knights and members of the Ladies’ auxiliary, participated in the parade during the afternoon. Stopping at Shreiner’s cemetery, West Chestnut and Mulberry streets, the officers placed two floral wreaths on the grave of Thaddeus Stevens.
Today, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, consists of three subordinate lodges; an Eastern Region based in Philadelphia, a Central Region based in Harrisburg, and a Western Region based in Pittsburgh.