These medals are all from the 29th Trienniel Conclave that took place in 1904 in San Francisco, California.
According to W. Bruce Pruitt, KGC, Right Eminent Past Grand Commander, California:
The most unforgettable event that took place in the city of San Francisco, California, in the year 1906 was the infamous earthquake and fire. However, two years earlier, in 1904, the most significant and memorable event was the very impressive assembly of Knights Templar of the Grand Encampment of the United States. San Francisco was literally "turned over" to host the twenty-ninth Triennial.
Only a few examples of the opulent treatment given by the city will demonstrate the importance attributed to the event. Market Street, the major street of San Francisco, was lined with columns capped by Templar crosses. The Ferry Building, at the foot of Market Street and perhaps the most dominant structure at that time, was outlined with lights and had a lighted Knights Templar cross on the side facing the city.
The Grand Lodge of California building was outlined at every corner with lighting including the square and compasses, Templar cross, cross and crown, etc. (This beautiful structure, on Market Street, was destroyed by the earthquake and fire two years later.) Golden Gate Park was profuse with floral arrangements forming Masonic symbols of all types. Business sessions were held in Golden Gate Hall, and the San Francisco Pavilion was greatly decorated for events. The festivities extended from August 31 to September 6 and culminated with an amazing parade through the length of Market St. to Van Ness Avenue.
Many, if not all, attending Commanderies produced souvenir medals to commemorate the experience. One personal enjoyment engaged in by the Knights was to exchange medals and accumulate a collection to take back home.
The presiding Most Eminent Grand Master was Sir Knight Henry Bates Stoddard of Texas. He was greeted in Oakland by the Grand Commander of California, Past Grand Master Reuben H. Lloyd, the Commanders of California Commandery No. 1 and Golden Gate Commandery No 16, and an escort of Sir Knights. He then proceeded across San Francisco Bay by ferry to the Ferry Building, where he was met by an even more elaborate escort. The record states: "At the Ferry Station, companies A, B, C, D, and E of California Commandery mounted on finely caparisoned black chargers and under the command of Sir Knight Rueben P. Hurlbut, Captain General (on a snow-white charger -- ed.) were drawn up in line for escort duty." The Grand Master, Past Grand Master, Grand Commander, and Commander of California Commandery proceeded in a carriage drawn by four white horses. Several other carriages followed.
The delegation from Great Britain was given special attention:
"Great deference was paid to the distinguished delegation from the Great Priory of England during the stay of the members in San Francisco. The visit itself was a distinction, representing the fraternal relations existing between the governing bodies of the greatest two Grand Jurisdictions of Templars in the world. In another sense it was highly representative in that in his official capacity the Earl of Euston was the personal representative of Edward VII, King of England, who for many years was the active head of Craft Masonry in England and who has ever been a patron of the Order in that jurisdiction."
The drill competition was held on the multi-acre Recreation Ground of Golden Gate Park. Awards were won by Ivanhoe Commandery No. 24 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Malta Commandery No, 20. of Binghamton, New York; and Louisville Commandery No. 2 of Louisville, Kentucky.
The launching of the armored cruiser Milwaukee was timed to occur during the time of the Conclave. It took place at the Union Iron Works along the shoreline of San Francisco Bay. Naturally it was of special interest to the delegation from the state of Wisconsin.
The number of mounted companies, the sizes of the delegations, and the number of spectators lining the streets make one really appreciate those "glory days" of Templary. Oakland Commandery No. 11 seemed to extend for over a block. San Jose Commandery No. 10 was almost two blocks long. California Commandery was resplendent in their unique uniform, and made up a fully-mounted troop. Even though there were, of course, larger groups from California, every Grand Commandery made an impressive appearance. The Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania, mounted on matching black steeds, did their part to impress the on-lookers.
The Medals We Have for Sale SOLD
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