Silk ribbon printed as a memorial to General Lafayette. Framed.
Ribbon is printed in black ink. There is a strong horizontal line about one inch from the top as well as one inch from the bottom. Centered between these lines are two images with text. At the top is "LAFAYETTE' over an image of Lafayette in profile within a laurel wreath. Underneath his image is the phrase "THE FRIEND AND COMPANION OF WASHINGTON." Below this is a mourning scene of a cloaked woman mourning at a tomb surmounted with an urn, all underneath a willow tree. The inscription reads, "Born 1757, Died at Paris, May, 1834." A final line of text states, "THE NATION MOURNS A HERO GONE."
Provenance
Was installed in the Slaymaker's home museum. The ribbon was likely acquired and descended through the family because of the fact that according to family tradition, Lafayette stopped at Amos Slaymaker's hostelry, "The Pennsylvania Arms."
A favorite of George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette fought in the American Revolution, commanding American troops in several battles. In 1824, he returned to the United States for a grand tour where he was greeted with cheers and received many honors. His death ten years later in Paris was marked by a sincere outpouring of grief in the United States as well as in France. This particular mourning scene includes a cloaked woman grieving at a tomb topped with an urn underneath a weeping willow tree.
The urn on top of the tombstone symbolizes death since urns were often used in Greece and Rome to store cremated remains. The weeping willow, so named because of the way raindrops run down its long leaves causing some to think it looks like the tree is crying, serves to reinforce the emotions of grief and mourning.
Overall deterioration, fragile and fraying. Top 1/2 inch of ribbon is nearly separated where hinge is still attached. Overall soiling with damp stains.
Object ID
G.98.30.2
Notes
See paper object file for:
-excerpt "Two Canes: On Family's Story" detailing Slaymaker family and history of this mourning ribbon
Two-color ribbon (black on left, white on right). Ribbon reads: "98TH / GRAND / CONCLAVE / STATE / OF / PENNA. / AUG. 28-29-30." Inside of ribbon reads: "Erisman Kostumer, Mason Costume and Theatrical Supply, Geo. K. Erisman. Attached to medal 1930.024.001. Metal rectangular bar attached to top of ribbon; bar reads "LANCASTER, PA."
Note: The ribbon and medal were given to LCHS by two different donors and then placed together. See 1930.024.001. 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.
Ribbon Commemorative, Civil War Commerative (Lancaster) White ribbon with black text "Oct. 8 1861 50th Anniversary 79th Regt. Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers October, 1911" Red acorn design on a gold colored bar/pin
Red, white and blue ribbon with a button in the center of the ribbon and an acorn pictured on the button, "Reunion / 79th Regiment / PVV / Lancaster / Penn / September 12, 1905" Attached to bar/pin.
Stamped onto top of folded over portion of ribbon: "Whitehead & Hoag Co./ Newark, New Jersey"
Paper label with addition details glued to ribbon back.
Red, white, and blue ribbons with silver text, "Re-Union 79th / Sept. 24th, 1903 / Regt. Pa Vet. Vols." Ribbons hang from a button with picture of a "U.S." canteen and text, "We drank from the same canteen"
