Medallion Pin of the Third Congress
Newark, NJ: The Whitehead & Hoag Co., 1911. Ornate bronze medallion pin in two parts, measuring a total of approximately 7x4cm. Top and bottom connected via a small brass ring. Verso of upper portion features a heavy gauge pin clasp for affixing to a coat lapel and a tiny stamp of noted Newark, New Jersey button / pinback producer Whitehead & Hoag. Some patina with two small darkened areas. Better than Very Good.
The upper rectangular plate identifies the specific Congress where this medallion pin would have been worn. A large building dominates the center, labeled beneath as “Convention Hall.” Below that, in larger typeface, the location and year of the Congress, “KANSAS CITY MO. SEPT. 1911.” Set large within the central oval shape in the lower portion of the medallion pin is a mature tree with a lush canopy. The lower edge of the oval reads “NATIONAL CONSERVATION CONGRESS SEPT. 25 26 27.” At bottom center is a small shield shape with patriotic stars and stripes, and three-part scrollwork bearing the motto “Preserve,” “Develop,” and “Protect.”
The National Conservation Congress was the “logical outcome of the White House Conference of Governors which was held in Washington, D.C., May 13-15, 1908, on the invitation of Theodore Roosevelt, then President of the United States.” From this conference emerged President Roosevelt’s National Conservation Commission, followed by “a conservation congress of national scope.” The first National Conservation Congress took place in Seattle, Washington in 1909, the second in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1910, and the third in Kansas City, Missouri.
This medallion pin is an excellent example and scarce memento of one of the earliest national conservation congresses.
Price: $125.00
Item #10520