Medal, Prize
Object number2012.7.96
Date1917
MediumBrass
Credit LineGift of Nancy Page
DescriptionRectangular prize medal. Loop on top. Obverse: embossed profile image of George Washington's head, facing proper left. Decorative lines on each side of face; on bottom edge is pictured person's name. Reverse has embossed award information.Dimensions1.5 x 1 in. (3.8 x 2.5 cm)InscriptionsObverse: "GEORGE WASHINGTON".
Reverse: embossed, "AWARDED BY / THE / PITTSBURG / PRESS / [three stars] / WASHINGTON / STORY CONTEST / 1917".
Historical NotesThis medal was given to donor Nancy Page's great-great-great grandfather for winning the Pittsburgh Press story contest in 1917. Every January and February, the Pittsburgh Press offered the George Washington Essay Contest. Anyone under the age of 16 who submitted an essay by February 21, could receive a prize. The prize could be a portrait of George Washington, a set of books, a study lamp, medallions, or even a free movie, as was the case in 1927. In 1911, they gave out 1,000 of these medallions. What prize the contestants received partially depended on their ages. The essays had to be either on George Washington’s life or a story involving him. Entering the contest was free. In addition to the George Washington Essay Contest, there was also an Abraham Lincoln Essay Contest. These contests seem to have run from around 1910 through the late 1920s.
Related person
George Washington
(American, 1732 - 1799)
Related institution
The Pittsburgh Press
Previous owner
Nancy Page
On View
Not on view
1920
1919
1966-1975
2011