Union League of Philadelphia and Abraham Lincoln
With the presidential election in the not-too-distant future, it behooves me to mention one of our greatest presidents—Abraham Lincoln. His leadership during the Civil War and issuing the Emancipation Proclamation giving enslaved people in the United States their freedom, as well as preserving the Union was monumental.
Decades ago, I was lucky to find a Union League of Philadelphia silver medal of honor in my travels as an antique dealer. The location escapes me.
In 1863, the Union League of Philadelphia created a Medal of Honor, “to be conferred on men who were regarded as deserving well of their country.” (Union League of Philadelphia motto) The medals were struck in gold and silver at the Philadelphia Mint with the first gold medal presented to Abraham Lincoln in 1863.
This Union League medal is left blank, to be inscribed later, requiring more research. Speaking of research, isn’t that really what antiquing is about, unveiling hidden treasures, taking a step back in time to when the object was made and speculating on its history?
Some silver medals had blank reverses as in this example—later, inscribed with the recipient’s name. This medal: the inscription is encircled with a row of stars surrounding the text, “UNION LEAGUE / JULY 4TH / 1776 / 1863 / PHILADELPHIA. In the center is a stars and stripes shield with a ribbon across inscribed, “E PURIBUS UNUM.” On the reverse side is a row of stars along the edge surrounding the text “ORGANIZED DECEMBER 27TH 1862.”
The medal is perforated at the top so it can be hung from a ribbon. I was fortunate to find it nearly intact and in the original silk and velvet box. The medal is attached to a grosgrain red, white, and blue striped ribbon with evidence that it had been pinned to the recipient. Although the age is over a century, the ribbon is in good shape. There aren’t any visible scratches on the medal, which could be attributed to its being kept in its original box. It has never been polished, which increases its value. The silk and velvet-lined box that originally accompanied the medal still has a working brass button clasp. Though the red velvet exterior shows dirt and wear, it’s still a fine example of an award over a hundred-plus years old.
This medal design in silver ended in 1966. An interim version was created, then in 1989 the Union League replaced that version with the Lincoln award, replicating the sculpture of Abraham Lincoln by Jakob Otto Schweizer, on display in the Lincoln Memorial room at the Union League.
About the League
The Union League of Philadelphia was founded in 1862 as a patriotic society to support the Union and President Lincoln’s policies. Today it’s the oldest standing loyalty league. Loyalty groups such as this helped to ensure that Southern Republicans supported newly enfranchised blacks.
During World War I the League supported the troops destined for overseas. They formed a soldiers and sailors annex of the Union League which was a precursor to the USO to provide comfort to and meet the needs of the soldiers. During the Great Depression of the 1930s they provided food and unemployment relief, often providing breakfast to needy schoolchildren. During World War II they found jobs for returning veterans. The Union League faithfully supported the Civil Rights Movement, desegregated trolley cars, and the 14th amendment, giving the right to vote for African Americans.
As in many “old school” clubs, the Union League was composed of white men since its inception and it wasn’t until 1972 that the club admitted their first black member, followed in 1986 by their first female member! In 2010, the first female president of the organization was elected.
Over the years the Union League of Philadelphia has acquired properties, including several golf courses and renamed them. This includes the Union League National Golf Club in Swainton, Cape May County, located 18 miles from Cape May.
Equally as old as the medal is a book for sale at the Cape May Antique Center, The Memorial Record of the Nation’s Tribute to Abraham Lincoln compiled by B.F. Morris. It was composed in 1866 and is part tribute and part historical record of Abraham Lincoln. In it, the Union League played a significant part in the memorial service.
The author, B.F. Morris, had worked at the capital for three years, witnessed public acts, and was behind the scenes in President Lincoln’s administration. This book provides insights of his participation and observations of President Lincoln’s funeral and pays tribute to Abraham Lincoln’s life beginning with his election and inaugural address, then visits and speeches to the Union army, and more. Also included are documented threats of assassination and a chilling note on the president’s last day on earth.
Remember: this was the only way that the public could be part of the memorial service. Also, books and firsthand accounts were the only news available to the public.
The book describes the funeral train leaving Washington DC and the stops along the way to Lincoln’s final resting place in Springfield, Illinois. Particularly noted is the stop at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Members of the League received the coffin dressed in black suits and white gloves and carried it into Independence Hall, where over 300,000 Philadelphians paid their respects.
Whether in the form of a book or a medal honoring President Abraham Lincoln, understand that you hold a piece of history of a very significant time in our nation.
