Whitehead and Hoag Newark, NJ medal pin without ribbon. The pin has a bar with an empty place to put a name tag-the tag is gone. The top bar has "Peoria" writtein in a corn cob (peoria being agricultural - and hte back has an old ribbon residue stuck to it.
The pin also has a dangle - a medal outline of the state of Illinois with a map of the state indicating Chicago, Joliet, Alton, and Cairo. In the center of this map is a red heart-with the city PEORIA inside the red heart.
It reads "The (red heard, like as in I heart NY) - of with nothing more--meaning The Heart of Illinois Peoria.
It is in excellent condition-has a circle stamp of the back of the state medal that reads "The Whitehead & Hoag Co. Newark NJ"
I cannot find a reference in my research for any other state medal of this kind-and in the 1800's and early 1900's, both the Democratic and Republican parties held conventions in Chicago. I do wonder of this is a state convetion medal of some sort--any information would be appreciated. (the medal was purchased in a lot of antique jewelry--and is in excellent condition.
Thank you - Debbie Ashcraft
