Description: 1920s Wahl-Eversharp Commemorative Fountain Pen with 14k Nib and engraved for the Shriners Convention in 1926 in Philiadelphia. “IMPERIAL COUNCIL SESSION, AAONMS, PHILIDELPHIA JUNE 1926” The Imperial Council Session, 1926, Philadelphia commemorative fountain pen is a rare and historically significant writing instrument produced by Wahl-Eversharp. This pen was created to commemorate the 52nd Annual Session of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (commonly known as Shriners), held in Philadelphia in 1926. Design and Materials The commemorative fountain pen is notable for its gold-filled overlay design without engravings making it relatively unique. The pen’s barrel is engraved “IMPERIAL COUNCIL SESSION, AAONMS, PHILIDELPHIA JUNE 1926” The Shriners or Masonic symbol is rendered in the cap crown in colored enamel. Collectors of vintage pens or Masonic memorabilia would find this piece particularly appealing. However, due to its age (nearly 100 years old), many examples may require professional restoration to be fully functional. Significance of the Imperial Council Session, 1926, Philadelphia The Imperial Council Session held in 1926 in Philadelphia was a pivotal moment in the history of Shriners International. This session marked a significant expansion and formalization of the philanthropic mission of the organization, particularly focusing on its commitment to children’s healthcare. The decisions made during this session had long-lasting impacts on both the fraternity and its charitable endeavors. 1. Establishment of Shriners Hospitals for Children One of the most critical outcomes of the 1926 Imperial Council Session was the continued emphasis on expanding Shriners Hospitals for Children. By this time, the fraternity had already begun building hospitals dedicated to providing free medical care to children with orthopedic conditions, regardless of their families’ ability to pay. The session reinforced this mission and laid out plans for further growth and development of these hospitals across North America. The decision to prioritize children’s healthcare stemmed from earlier resolutions passed in 1920 at an Imperial Session in Portland, Oregon, where it was decided that Shriners would establish a network of hospitals as their primary philanthropic focus. By 1926, several hospitals were already operational, and discussions during the Philadelphia session centered around sustaining this effort through increased fundraising and organizational support. 2. Strengthening Organizational Structure The 1926 session also focused on strengthening the administrative framework needed to support such an ambitious philanthropic initiative. This included refining governance structures within Shriners International to ensure that resources were efficiently allocated toward hospital operations and patient care. The establishment of clear guidelines for financial contributions by local temples (Shrine chapters) played a crucial role in ensuring sustainable funding for these hospitals. 3. Public Awareness and Recruitment Another significant aspect of the 1926 session was its role in increasing public awareness about Shriners’ charitable work. By holding such a high-profile event in Philadelphia—a major city with historical significance—the organization sought to attract attention not only from existing members but also from potential recruits who might be inspired by their mission. This helped bolster membership numbers, which were essential for funding and supporting their growing network of hospitals. 4. Legacy The decisions made at the 1926 Imperial Council Session solidified Shriners International’s identity as more than just a social fraternity; it became widely recognized as a leading philanthropic organization dedicated to improving children’s lives through specialized medical care. Today, Shriners Hospitals for Children remains one of the most prominent legacies of these early efforts, providing world-class care in areas such as orthopedics, burns treatment, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip/palate surgeries. In summary, the Imperial Council Session held in Philadelphia in 1926 was significant because it reinforced Shriners International’s commitment to children’s healthcare through its hospital network while strengthening organizational structures and increasing public awareness about its mission. These efforts ensured that Shriners could continue expanding their charitable impact well into the future.
Price: 795 USD
Location: Temple, Texas
End Time: 2024-12-28T19:11:19.000Z
Shipping Cost: 7.95 USD
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Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Brand: WAHL-EVERSHARP
Type: Fountain Pen
Nib Size: Fine (F)
Ink Color: Black
Nib Material: Gold, 14K
Personalized: Yes
Material: Gold
Features: Gold Trim
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Vintage: Yes