American Society in London
- Date:
- 1896-1900
- Reference:
- WA/HSW/OR/B
- Part of:
- Personal papers of Henry Solomon Wellcome (1853-1936)
- Archives and manuscripts
Collection contents
About this work
Description
On HSW's initiative, as Chairman of the American Society on London, the Society held a Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hotel Cecil to honour Thomas F Bayard on his retirement as the first United States Ambassador to Britain. Bayard was to be presented with a gold and silver cup designed by HSW, and each guest was presented with a commemorative bound album. Other, less lavishly produced commemorative albums were distributed widely.
The dinner was judged to be a great success, although Bayard was unable to be present at the dinner. Later, a dispute arose between HSW and other members of the Society over the funding of the presentation cup, which led to HSW's resignation as Chairman. As fellow Freemasons were involved in the dispute, HSW also resigned from office with Colombia Freemason Lodge.
Much other correspondence relating to HSW's membership, and specifically to the Bayard testimonial and dinner, may be found in HSW/CO/Gen series. WA/HSW/CO/Gen/F consists of letters of thanks for the presentation booklet from the Dinner, and list of guests.
Persons or organisations featured in this material include:
Bayard; Thomas Francis (1828-1898)