Award
Object number2019.65.1
Manufacturer
Whitehead & Hoag Company
Date1911
OriginNewark, NJ
MediumMetal; Bronze(?)
Credit LineGift of Gwen Auel
DescriptionFlat, circular bronze-colored metal medallion with integral loop at top with gray metal ring through it. Front of medallion has profile bust portrait of George Washington surrounded by his name and linear border. Reverse has raised award text on bottom half with decorative element above comprised of central torch flanked by blank banners surmounting branches; below text are additional branches. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 1.5 x 1.25 x 0.125 in. (3.8 x 3.2 x 0.3 cm)InscriptionsFront has raised text flanking the portrait "GEORGE / WASHINGTON".
Reverse has raised text on the bottom half "AWARDED BY / PITTSBURG PRESS / WASHINGTON / ESSAY CONTEST / FEB. 22, 1911".
MarksReverse has raised text along bottom edge "THE WHITEHEAD & HOAG CO. NEWARK, N. J."
Historical NotesPittsburgh Press Washington Essay Contest award, 1911. 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
On View
Not on view
