a. Pres. Nixon commemorative medallion. Bronze-colored. On one side is Presidential seal with border: "37th President of the United States of America/Inaugurated January 20th 1969." Artist added "To RN-JN" beneath the seal.
On opposite side: Bust with "Richard Milhous Nixon'" around edge. Beneath is artist's name: "Ralph J. Menconi (copyright) 1969."
Medal consisting of three parts: At top is a pin of cast bronze with a spread eagle clutching a saber against two cannons & cannon balls; middle section is a suspended American flag silk ribbon which in turn suspends a cast bronze star replete with military symbols on front and back. On front side within a centered circlular band are the words: "GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC." and "1861 - VETERAN - 1866." Inside circle is a scene of a soldier's return from war. Reverse side has numerous symbols portrayed within a compartmented, scallop-edged circle.
Medal consisting of three parts: At top is a pin of cast bronze with a spread eagle clutching a saber against two cannons & cannon balls; middle section is a suspended American flag silk ribbon which in turn suspends a cast bronze star replete with military symbols on front and back. On front side within a centered circlular band are the words: "GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC." and "1861 - VETERAN - 1866." Inside circle is a scene of a soldier's return from war. Reverse side has numerous symbols portrayed within a compartmented, scallop-edged circle.
Eagle's proper right wing tip is broken off and bent back. Bronze is very dark with tarnish and soil. Ribbon is extremely faded on both sides with some soil on back.
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.
White metal medallion. Center of obverse features profile bust of George Washington surrounded by the words "United We Stand Divided We Fall / 1856" and "The Union Must & Shall Be Preserved / Jackson." The name "Key" appears under the profile bust of Washington. The reverse features a buck jumping over a canon (Buck-canon) and the year 1856. The words "and Breckinridge" are at the bottom. There are 32 stars in the upper field, representing the 31 states then in the Union and an extra star, presumably advocating for the admission of Kansas as a slave state.
Provenance
Purchased September 25, 2021. Auction held September 25-26 and included the Brook Mahoney Collection of George Washington Inaugural Buttons. Americana & Political Signature, Auction #6240.
A. Copper-colored medal with relief image of Thaddeus Stevens 1792-1868 on one side and "Champion of Free Schools Friend of the Poor and Down-Trodden" on the other.
B. Enclosed in a green velvet box with an American eagle in gold set into lower right hand corner.
C. Cardboard sleeve with gold ink circle on top stamped: "Treasury/ United States Mint."
