Series III: Celebrations and Events, 1852-1955, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
This series contains certificates related to the planning, funding, and participation of a variety of expositions, fairs, events. Certificates include an invitation to the dedication ceremonies of the New York State Monument at Gettysburg in 1893, a blank certificate for the New England Sanitary Commission Fair in 1863, and a souvenir of the Civic & Industrial Parade, in New York City, 1889. Also included are certificates for the 1939 New York World's Fair and two certificates, designed and engraved by the Major & Knapp Co., for the United States Centennial Exhibition.
A beautifully detailed and hand-colored certificate created by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, thanking William Sulzer for his participation in their St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Albany, 1894. Two certificates from the 1877 Agricultural Society of New South Wales' Metropolitan Intercolonial Exhibition awarded John Rogers bronze medals for his statuary. Certificates given to J. Carroll Beckwith commemorate his participation in the Universal Exposition in St. Louis, the Exposition Universell of 1900, the First International Exposition of Modern Decorative Arts in Turin, and the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Asher B. Durand's certificate for engraving from the 1876 International Exhibition in Philadelphia is included as well. Certificates from the American Institute Fair are heavily illustrated and engraved by the American Bank Note Company.
Of special note is an 1852 certificate issued by the Common Council of the City of New York announcing a public reception for Irish patriot Thomas Francis Meagher "in appreciation of his services in the cause of Civil Liberty."