JOHNS STORY OF THE MEDALLIONS

Original Membership Medallion Located!

The Procurement Committee has located and presented to the Pioneers, one of its’ original Membership Medallions!

The vignette on the front portrays a pioneer, axe in hand, making camp in the wilderness along side of his covered wagon with mountains in the background. Surrounding this scene is the legend “Santa Clara Co. Pioneers.” Comprised of a nickel silver alloy, these cast items are currently thought to have been produced in the 1880’s to signify membership in the California Pioneers of Santa Clara County organization. The backs are individually numbered (two other copies are known to exist, and have been referenced in the research) and hopefully additional searching will uncover a membership list to correlate to the original owners. Further investigation is underway to verify this hypothesis. Since its’ acquisition, the medallion has been cleaned and a new mold has been created so that faithful reproductions can be made. The new medallions are to be cast in sterling silver and worn with a military style drop ribbon; the color of which will indicate the era in which your pioneer ancestor (or yourself) first arrived in California. The charge will be $25 and they can be ordered at the December meeting.

John E. Stolp November 14, 2009