Name/Title
McKinley Monument Fob, K. of P., 1912Entry/Object ID
2010.1.2224Description
This is a silver round fob measuring 1 1/2 in. in diameter. You can see that the hanger used to attach the fob has been broken off at the top. The front of the fob has the McKinley Monument, located in Canton, Ohio, etched into the metal. Surrounding the Monument is a circular border. Within the border, on either side, is a small column, and arched above are the words reading "McKinley Monument." Below the left column is the letter "F" inside a shield. On the right side is the letter "C" within a shield. In an arch below the Monument are the words reading "Canton, Ohio" with the letter "B" in a shield, in between the words. The letters F, C, B represent the Pythian motto "Freindship, Charity, Benevolence."
On the reverse side of the fob, etched into the metal, below a knight's helmet with a falcon atop (the Pythian symbol of vigilance) are crossed axes over a shield with the letters reading "F, C, B." Surrounding this insignia, is a round border with words inside reading "43rd Annual Conv. Grand Lodge. K. of P. Canton, O. June 10-11-12-1912." K. of P. stands for Knights of Pythias.
More information:
The Pythian Story
The Order bases its lessons and builds it ritual largely on the familiar story of the friendship of Damon and Pythias, who were historical characters living about four hundred or more years before the beginning of the Christian era. They were members of a school, founded by Pythagoras, who was known as the father of Greek philosophy.*
*http://www.pythias.org/index.php/the-pythian-story
Sword
Early in the group's history, when a man was inducted into the Knights of Pythias, he received a ceremonial sword.[4] Such swords might be given to a Pythian by family members, business associates, or others as a token of esteem. In recent decades, rather than require each member to own a sword, the local chapter maintains a collection of swords for use by its members. Long, narrow swords are generally used in public during parades and drills, while short swords are used in displays.
Markings on swords varied widely. Most swords were inscribed with the acronym "FCB", which stands for the Pythian motto ("Friendship, Charity, Benevolence"). Images on swords were also somewhat common, and included: A man, woman and child (symbolic of Pythias saying good-bye to his family); a man looking out of a building, with a group of people below (symbolic of Damon's pending execution); a man between some pillars, pulling them down (similar to Samson destroying his enemy's temple); or various types of weapons (swords, axes, hammers, etc.). A full Knight of the Pythian order often inscribed his sword with the image of a knight's helmet with a lion on the crest. Many also carried the image of a sprig of myrtle (the Pythian symbol of love) or a falcon (the Pythian symbol of vigilance). *1
*1. Caption: "Friendship, Charity, Benevolence. Knights of Pythias. Founded February 19th, 1864. The Order is founded upon naught but the purest and sincerest motives. Its aim is to alleviate the suffering of a brother, succor the unfortunate, zealously watch at the bedside of the sick, soothe the pillow of the dying, perform the last sad rights [sic] at the grave of a brother; offering consolation to the afflicted, and caring, with all a brother's love, for the widow and orphan. Brotherly love and charity are the Pillars on which it rests; Friendship and Truth the bond and surety of its preservation. Peace on earth and goodwill toward men. K. of P. Record. Certificate of Membership. This is to Certify That — was initiated as Page in — Lodge N° — Located at — State of — on the — day of 18 — Charged as Esquire — day of 18 — and proved as Knight — day of 18 — . In memory of brother — born — died — aged — yrs. — ms. — dys. In memory of sister — born — died — aged — yrs. — ms. — dys. Entered according to Act of Congress in the y. 1889 by J. M. Vickeroy, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C. Published by J. M. Vick[e]roy & Co., Terre-Haute, Indiana."
*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_of_Pythias#cite_ref-1
See websites listed above for additional information about the Knights of Pythias.Collection
BechtelAcquisition
Accession
2010.1Source or Donor
Mr. BechtelAcquisition Method
Gift/PurchaseCredit Line
BECHTEL