Hunting an 1880 schoolyard...

[vibes]

...and found this interesting medallion, or part of one. I can't read the small print on the back (even w/ a magnifying glass)

The bust is of Frank H. Hitchcock, Post Master General in the early 1900's. And that's all I know.


I's sure like to know the purpose of the medal/badge, or whatever it be.

thanks!

 

[taz42o]

I think it reads the whitehead & hoag Co. Newark NJ on the back.
Hitchcock was also chairman of the national republican committee so maybe a political badge.

 

[vibes]

Thanks! I did a quick search and it looks like , yep, you might be right...but still can't find my item.

All those states in each "star" corner, yet not one mention of Ind. And it was found in IN, close to what was supposedly the 'first' front door of the 5 room school house.

So, the beat goes on.

This is the kinda find that fuels me. love it!

 

[La Beep]

Maybe:

Frank H. Hitchcock (1909 - 1913): Postmaster General

Frank Harris Hitchcock was born on October 5, 1867, in Amherst, Ohio. A former chairman of the Republican National Committee (1908-1909), Hitchcock served as postmaster general for the entire of the Taft administration (1909-1913). Hitchcock sought to reform of the Post Office Department, hoping to recoup losses incurred in the delivery newspapers and magazines and in serving those who lived along free rural delivery routes. The Department had claimed it was performing a public good by educating the populace via the delivery of periodicals; President Taft retorted publicly that, "if we wish to contribute a subsidy of $50,000,000 to the education of the country, I can find a great deal better method of doing it than by the circulation of Collier's Weekly."

Hitchcock introduced a parcel post system to end the four large express companies monopolizing the field, inaugurating the service on January 1, 1913. He also authorized postmasters, along with local charities, to distribute letters to Santa Claus, implemented the controversial postal savings system, and, in 1911, introduced the transport of mail via airplane between Garden City and Mineola, New York. Hitchcock died on August 25, 1935.

 

[vibes]

yes, i did determine the embossed face on the "badge" to be the below mentioned person

Maybe:

Frank H. Hitchcock (1909 - 1913): Postmaster General

Frank Harris Hitchcock was born on October 5, 1867, in Amherst, Ohio. A former chairman of the Republican National Committee (1908-1909), Hitchcock served as postmaster general for the entire of the Taft administration (1909-1913). Hitchcock sought to reform of the Post Office Department, hoping to recoup losses incurred in the delivery newspapers and magazines and in serving those who lived along free rural delivery routes. The Department had claimed it was performing a public good by educating the populace via the delivery of periodicals; President Taft retorted publicly that, "if we wish to contribute a subsidy of $50,000,000 to the education of the country, I can find a great deal better method of doing it than by the circulation of Collier's Weekly."

Hitchcock introduced a parcel post system to end the four large express companies monopolizing the field, inaugurating the service on January 1, 1913. He also authorized postmasters, along with local charities, to distribute letters to Santa Claus, implemented the controversial postal savings system, and, in 1911, introduced the transport of mail via airplane between Garden City and Mineola, New York. Hitchcock died on August 25, 1935.

but, but, but... was it a merit badge of sorts?

What's it purpose?

 

[La Beep]

In early 1900's the Republican National Party was more like todays Democratic Party, All the state listed were big Republican states. So my guess (Wild as it may be is it a Convention Badge. Something hung from the hole. Maybe a ribbon.

 

[BuckleBoy]

In early 1900's the Republican National Party was more like todays Democratic Party, All the state listed were big Republican states. So my guess (Wild as it may be is it a Convention Badge. Something hung from the hole. Maybe a ribbon.

And you can still see the solder marks where the pin back was on the piece. Nice work, LaBeep.

 

[Monty]

It has to be after 1907 because Oklahoma was a territory until then. Monty

 

[vibes]

Thank you monty!

That helps narrow it down
your insight is much appreciated!

 

[Hill Billy]

interesting find there viiibbbbbss.
You still flouncing?

 

[BuckleBoy]

interesting find there viiibbbbbss.
You still flouncing?

Whirling Dervish-ing, it appears.

 

[vibes]

And I can't think of ONE whirling Dervish joke...I'm blank. Did a search on WD humor, and nuthin'

" ....so a whirling dervish walks into a bar..." and see, nothing.