973.7L63 FIJ67J? Illinois Watch Company Lincoln Essay Contest: To Increase Knowledge and Admiration for Lincoln Among School Children in the United States. LINCOLN ROOM UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY presented by PRATT COLLECTION F MIMMMB °f ^> «^ ""fel^ ^slventh St. LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST ABRAHAM LINCOLN FROM A PORTRAIT BY DOUGLAS VOLK ma. Lincoln Essay Contest To Increase Knowledge and Admiration of Lincoln Among School Children in the United States CONDUCTED BY ILLINOIS WATCH COMPANY SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://archive.org/details/lincolnessaycontOOilli FOREWORD 1 his pamphlet has been prepared to aid high school officials of the United States to prepare medal contest essays on Abraham Lin- coln. It contains complete infor- mation about the medal; the ma- terial from which it is made; who its painter and sculptor are; and answers to all questions that, so far, have been asked concerning the conditions on which it is to be awarded. We believe that this booklet will answer your every query, but, in case you do not find the information that you seek, write to us direct. The origin of the offer of this fine medallion of Lincoln to the twenty-three thousand recognized high schools of this nation and the spirit that animates this effort to increase the study of Lincoln, his life and character, are described briefly; we believe you will find all its pages keenly interesting. We commend to your careful consideration this little publica- tion in the hope that it may enlist your support and sympathy in the Lincoln medal essay contest, as an incentive to better government, and a greater personal responsibility for the infusion in our citizenship of the high ideals that Lincoln's life exemplified. LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST p6L» <_>tfS 1. Object: In view of this city, Springfield, Illinois, being the former home of our martyred president, Abraham Lincoln, and desiring to encourage the study of his life and character, this company decided to con- duct this competition annually. The body of Lincoln is interred in Springfield. A magnificent monument, erected largely by the pennies and small coins of the children of the nation, shelters his body. The Lincoln Centennial Association has been en- deavoring through a number of years, to encourage the study of Lincoln throughout the world, to mark those places in Springfield and nearby, which he made sacred by his presence, and otherwise to make it worthy of the world shrine it has come to be. [ 7 ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST From civic pride, and as a part of this Lincoln pro- gram, we have undertaken to create interest and to increase knowledge and admiration of Lincoln among school children in the United States, by offering, annu- ally, a beautiful bronze medal to the pupil in each high school in the United States who writes the best short essay on the life of Lincoln. What is the Lincoln Centennial Association? "To This Place and to the Kindness of These People I Owe Everything." With these words Lincoln, on the morning of Febru- ary 11, 1861, as he departed for Washington and the Presidency, bade farewell to his friends in Springfield. Thus, he bequeathed to Springfield, something more than a sentiment, something more than a motto to be carved on monuments and cornerstones — he bequeathed a trust, a very deep and lasting obligation to hold his memory sacred and keep it alive among all men. It was with this thought — the thought of Spring- field's singular duty to the memory of Abraham Lin- coln — that the Lincoln Centennial Association was formed and incorporated under the laws of Illinois in [ 8 ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST 1909. The object of the Association was, specifically, "to properly observe the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln; to preserve to pos- terity the memory of his words and works, and to stim- ulate the patriotism of the youth of the land by appro- priate annual exercises." Any additional information desired with reference to the Lincoln Centennial Association may be secured by writing the Secretary of the Lincoln Centennial As- sociation, Springfield, Illinois. 2. Eligibility: (a) All recognized high schools, junior high schools, academies and other schools giv- ing high school courses or their equivalent, which are located in the United States or in its possessions. (b) It was originally intended that only senior class- es would be allowed to participate but it has now been decided to leave this entirely to the discretion of the school officials. For example, in some of the smaller rural schools, senior classes are not conducted each year, in which case one or more classes would be eligible. The same would hold true where senior class- es are small. (c) In the event that a lower classman wins the [9] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST medal it is understood that he will not be permitted to participate in subsequent contests. 3. Length of Essays: This feature of the contest is also left entirely with the school authorities (it having been found that local conditions, time available, etc., make a difference in individual cases) . 4. How Written: To be decided in each case by the authorities of each school or official conducting the contest. 5. When Written: All essays should be in in suffi- cient time prior to Lincoln's Birthday, February twelve, to give the judges reasonable opportunity to reach a decision. 6. Who Judges the Essays? Judges should be chosen by the school authorities in such manner as seems to them most satisfactory. Our suggestion is that there be three judges, two teachers and one per- son, not connected with the schools or the contestants. 7. Should Essays Be Sent to Us? While it is not compulsory copies will be appreciated. 8. Must the Name of the Winner Be Forwarded? It is not required, we would be pleased to have it if the school or the winner cares to send it to us. (Proper [ ii ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST acknowledgment will always be made.) But the local jeweler who has displayed the medal must have the name, so that he may engrave it in the space left on the reverse side of the medal. 9. When Is Medal Presented? It is assumed that exercises are held on Lincoln's Birthday in the ma- jority of schools, this would be the most appropriate time to present the medal. However, in some schools combination exercises are held for Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays at which time the medal may be presented. It may be more desirable, in some cases, to present the medal at the annual commencement ex- ercises which is entirely satisfactory. 10. Who Presents the Medal? Left to the discre- tion of the school authorities. 11. What is the Size of the Medal? The medal is three (3) inches in diameter and three-eighths (%) inch in thickness. This size was decided upon after examining a large number of very fine medals made in various parts of the world. 12. What is the Medal Made of? The medal is made of the finest solid government bronze. [ 12 ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST 13. Is the Medal Simply a Casting? The medal is not a casting in any sense of the word. There are very few concerns in the United States that have the neces- sary machines and equipment to produce medals of this kind. These medals are struck on powerful presses under a pressure of several hundred tons to a square inch. Even then it is necessary to strike several blows to produce the desired relief. Only a single medal is struck at a time on one of these powerful presses. 14. What is the Sculptor's Part? The sculptor makes the model from which the dies are cut. With a picture before him, he first works in plastic ma- terial a model of the exact features of the portrait, collaborating with the Artist in securing a faithful re- producion of the portrait itself. This model is made several times the size of the medal. From this there is made a plaster cast, — then there is next made a bronze casting and then the latter is attached to a Janvier Die Cutting Machine. This machine was made in Paris and similar machines are used in the mints of every im- portant nation in the world for cutting dies from which the national coins are struck. This machine works with almost human intelligence, — its mechanism being I 13 ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST adapted to reproduce on a small scale every outline and feature of the large model that the sculptor has prepared, — thus securing an accuracy of reproduction impossible with hand cut dies. 15. The Head of Lincoln: The head of Lincoln on the medal is a reproduction of Mr. Douglas Volk's famous painting "Abraham Lincoln," as shown in this booklet, and is considered by many to be the finest likeness of our martyred president. 16. Who is Mr. Douglas Volk? Painter of figures and portraits. Born in Pittsfield, Mass. Son of Leonard W. and Emily C. (Barlow) Volk. Studied in Paris and Rome. Exhibited in Paris Salon. Awards: Medal World's Fair. Shaw Prize at Society of American Art- ists, 1899. (For best figure picture painted by an American Artist.) First Prize, Colonial Exposition, Boston, 1901. Carnegie Prize, 1903. Two Silver Med- als, St. Louis Exposition, 1904. Is represented in Car- negie Museum, Pittsfield, Mass., Corcoran Art Galler- ies, Washington, D. C, Metropolitan Museum, New York, and other collections. Created a full member of National Academy of Design (N. A.) 1899. Is now Recording Secretary of the Academy. Member of Cen- [ 15 ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST tury Club, President of Arts Club, Member of Architec- tural League, the Mural Painters, etc. Mr. Volk's portrait of Lincoln is considered by the critics as the finest portrait of Lincoln ever painted. Mr. Volk's in- timate knowledge, through the work of his celebrated father, Leonard W. Volk, who cast from life the hands and mask of Lincoln's head, also modelled from life the portrait bust of Lincoln, now at the Metropolitan Museum, N. Y. Mr. Volk was commissioned by the government to paint the portraits of King Albert of Belgium, Brand Whitlock, also Lloyd George and other celebrated men. He received special decoration from King Albert for his distinguished work. He ranks as one of the foremost Portrait Painters in this Country. 17. Who was the Sculptor? Charles Louis Hin- ton. Was born in Ithaca, N. Y. in 1869. He was a pupil of Will Low at the National Academy of Design and of Gerome and Bouguereau in Paris, and studied also at the Ecole des Beaux- Arts under Gumer. Honors: Traveling Scholarship, National Academy of Design, 1893; Prize for Garden Sculpture, Harts- dale, N. Y.; Prizes for Painting and Numerous Men- [ 16 ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST tions; Honorable Mention, Pan-American Exposition, Buffalo, 1901. Membership; Mural Painters; National Sculpture Society, Secretary; New York Architectural League; Artists Aid Society; National Academy of Design; Academician. Works: Mural Decorations, Orphans Court, Wilkes- Barre, Pa.; Illustrated Books for a Number of Years, "Emmy Lou", "Under the Trees", etc.; Painted Por- traits in Oil, and Pictures in Water Colors; Numerous Small Pieces of Sculpture and Some in Life-size; Henry Hudson, Heroic-size Statue; Diana with her Dogs, Small Bronze, Private Collection, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Atlanta, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio; Call to Arms, Smithsonian Institute, Washing- ton, D. C; Vanity, in a Private Collection, St. Louis, Mo. 18. May These Medals be Purchased? The sculp- turing on this medal was done exclusively for, and under our direction and is our property. The medal is copyrighted and is not for sale at any price. 19. How Are the Medals Packed? The medah are supplied in attractive, velvet-lined display boxes, [ 17 ] THE MEDALAS IT APPEARS IN ITS CASE LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST similar to those used for displaying fine watches and jewelry. These display boxes are packed in suitable shipping cartons as illustrated on page 18. 20. Who Pays for the Medals? The expense in- volved in producing and distributing these medals is borne entirely by us. This company also agrees, until further notice, to supply a medal, each year, to all schools that are eligible. (See "Eligibility" Page 9) 21. Is Any Obligation Incurred by Participating IN this Contest? The medals are furnished free of charge and are shipped charges paid. We are not conducting this contest to secure the names of school officials, teachers or students who, at some time, might be prospective customers. The product of this company is sold exclusively through long-established and well-known wholesale houses throughout the United States and No Sales Are Made Under Any Circumstances Direct to Retail Jew- elers or Individuals. 22. Why is it Necessary to have the Names of Jewelers? In order to create the greatest possible interest in the contest we desire that the medals be dis- [ W] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST played in a prominent place prior to presentation. With this in mind we request those in charge of the contest to submit the names of several prominent jewelers or reputable merchants so that we may enlist their coop- eration and support. In smaller places and in com- munities where there are no jewelers, it will be perfect- ly satisfactory to send in the names of merchants who you think are interested in the welfare of the school. While it is not necessary for the school authorities to take the matter up with the merchants, such coopera- tion will be very helpful to the school and will be ap- preciated. 23. Who Engraves the Name of the Winner on the Medal? It is obvious that it would be impossible for us even to attempt to engrave the thousands of medals awarded each year, therefore, it is necessary to secure the interest and cooperation of a local jeweler or merchant, preferably one capable of engraving. In cases where it is impossible to have such engrav- ing done, we will do it gladly if the medal is returned together with the name of the student winning it. 24. How is THE Medal Displayed? This is left en- tirely to the merchant who agrees to display it. [ 20 ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST 25. Is a Display Card Furnished to Indicate what the Medal is for? An attractive display sign of a convenient size is furnished with each medal, with- out charge. 26. What are the Duties of the Jeweler or Merchant in Connection with the Contest? Noth- ing is required of the jeweler or merchant except to display the medal prior to Lincoln's birthday and where possible to engrave the name of the winner. 27. What Advertising or Publicity is Required on the Part of the School or the Merchant? None. However, it is obvious that far more interest will be taken in the competition if local news items are run, from time to time, during the contest. Infor- mation and stories of the life of Lincoln will be fur- nished at intervals. 28. How Does a School Notify the Company that it Desires to Enter the Contest? Communi- cate direct with "The Lincoln Essay Bureau," Illinois Watch Company, Springfield, Illinois. 29. Who are the Donors? The Illinois Watch Co., Established in 1870, one of the largest watch man- [ 21 ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST ufacturers in the world. John T. Stuart, Lincoln's first law partner, was the first president of the company. Jacob Bunn, who was president of the company until his death in 1897, was a personal friend and confidant of Abraham Lincoln, and a pallbearer at his funeral. Jacob Bunn, his son, is now president of the company. ILLINOIS WATCH COMPANY SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS U. S. A. [ 22 ] State of Illinois OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION SPRINGFIELD March 4, 1924 To High School Principals: Interest in Abraham Lincoln grows with the years. Every incident in his life is sought out and lifted up. His life and character have become one of the greatest educational assets of the nation ; so simple in the main outlines that the children of the primary grades may understand and appreciate, and yet so deep and intri- cate as to hold and inform the minds of scholars. We should do everything we can to engage high school pupils in a study of his life and ideals. We should seize upon every device or incentive to arouse their in- terests, encourage their study, and develop their appre- ciation of this great American. The Illinois Watch Company is offering a medallion cast in government bronze, by Douglas Volk and Charles L. Hinton, to the high school pupil in every recognized or accredited high school who writes the best essay on Abraham Lincoln as judged by the Eng- lish Department of that high school, or by any commit- tee of local judges selected by the high school authori- ties. On one side of the medal is cast the bust of Abraham Lincoln, the years of his birth and death, and [ 23 ] the name "Lincoln." On the reverse side is a wreath with the legend, "Lincoln Essay Awarded to ." The original intention was to have the medallions awarded on the 12th day of February each year, but unavoidable delays make it necessary to continue the time of the contest so as to include commencement day for this year. As the plan is inspired solely by a desire to encourage high school pupils to gather information about Mr. Lincoln, and to express it in the form of an essay, I am recommending the plan to the high schools of Illinois. The offering is to be an annual affair and will include all the states of the Union. Illinois ought to make a good showing. Information respecting the details of the plan may be had from the Illinois Watch Factory, Springfield, Illinois, or from this office. Yours sincerely, F. G. Blair, Superintendent, Printed in the U. S. A. [24] & 1 W$& * i. mm LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST ABRAHAM LINCOLN FROM A PORTRAIT BY DOUGLAS VOLK ULblA Lincoln Essay Contest To Increase Knowledge and Admiration ofLincoln Among School Children in the United States CONDUCTED BY ILLINOIS WATCH COMPANY SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS FOREWORD J_ His pamphlet has been prepared to aid high school officials of the United States to prepare medal contest essays on Abraham Lin- coln. It contains complete infor- mation about the medal; the ma- terial from which it is made; who its painter and sculptor are; and answers to all questions that, so far, have been asked concerning the conditions on which it is to be awarded. We believe that this booklet will answer your every query, but, in case you do not find the information that you seek, write to us direct. The origin of the offer of this fine medallion of Lincoln to the twenty-three thousand recognized high schools of this nation and the spirit that animates this effort to increase the study of Lincoln, his life and character, are described briefly; we believe you will find all its pages keenly interesting. We commend to your careful consideration this little publica- tion in the hope that it may enlist your support and sympathy in the Lincoln medal essay contest, as an incentive to better government, and a greater personal responsibility for the infusion in our citizenship of the high ideals that Lincoln's life exemplified. era LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST §£L>- 1. Object: In view of this city, Springfield, Illinois, being the former home of our martyred president, Abraham Lincoln, and desiring to encourage the study of his life and character, this company decided to con- duct this competition annually. The body of Lincoln is interred in Springfield. A magnificent monument, erected largely by the pennies and small coins of the children of the nation, shelters his body. The Lincoln Centennial Association has been en- deavoring through a number of years, to encourage the study of Lincoln throughout the world, to mark those places in Springfield and nearby, which he made sacred by his presence, and otherwise to make it worthy of the world shrine it has come to be. [ 7 ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST From civic pride, and as a part of this Lincoln pro- gram, we have undertaken to create interest and to increase knowledge and admiration of Lincoln among school children in the United States, by offering, annu- ally, a beautiful bronze medal to the pupil in each high school in the United States who writes the best short essay on the life of Lincoln. What is the Lincoln Centennial Association? "To This Place and to the Kindness of These People I Owe Everything." With these words Lincoln, on the morning of Febru- ary 11, 1861, as he departed for Washington and the Presidency, bade farewell to his friends in Springfield. Thus, he bequeathed to Springfield, something more than a sentiment, something more than a motto to be carved on monuments and cornerstones — he bequeathed a trust, a very deep and lasting obligation to hold his memory sacred and keep it alive among all men. It was with this thought — the thought of Spring- field's singular duty to the memory of Abraham Lin- coln — that the Lincoln Centennial Association was formed and incorporated under the laws of Illinois in [ 8 ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST 1909. The object of the Association was, specifically, "to properly observe the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln; to preserve to pos- terity the memory of his words and works, and to stim- ulate the patriotism of the youth of the land by appro- priate annual exercises." Any additional information desired with reference to the Lincoln Centennial Association may be secured by writing the Secretary of the Lincoln Centennial As- sociation, Springfield, Illinois. 2. Eligibility: (a) All recognized high schools, junior high schools, academies and other schools giv- ing high school courses or their equivalent, which are located in the United States or in its possessions. (b) It was originally intended that only senior class- es would be allowed to participate but it has now been decided to leave this entirely to the discretion of the school officials. For example, in some of the smaller rural schools, senior classes are not conducted each year, in which case one or more classes would be eligible. The same would hold true where senior class- es are small. (c) In the event that a lower classman wins the [9] *li. LINCOLN'S TOMB SPRINGFIELD LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST medal it is understood that he will not be permitted to participate in subsequent contests. 3. Length of Essays: This feature of the contest is also left entirely with the school authorities (it having been found that local conditions, time available, etc., make a difference in individual cases). 4. How Written: To be decided in each case by the authorities of each school or official conducting the contest. 5. When Written: All essays should be in in suffi- cient time prior to Lincoln's Birthday, February twelve, to give the judges reasonable opportunity to reach a decision. 6. Who Judges the Essays? Judges should be chosen by the school authorities in such manner as seems to them most satisfactory. Our suggestion is that there be three judges, two teachers and one per- son, not connected with the schools or the contestants. 7. Should Essays Be Sent to Us? While it is not compulsory copies will be appreciated. 8. Must the Name of the Winner Be Forwarded? 1 1 is not required, we would be pleased to have it if the M-hool or the winner cares to send it to us. (Proper [ ii ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST acknowledgment will always be made.) But the local jeweler who has displayed the medal must have the name, so that he may engrave it in the space left on the reverse side of the medal. 9. When Is Medal Presented? It is assumed that exercises are held on Lincoln's Birthday in the ma- jority of schools, this would be the most appropriate time to present the medal. However, in some schools combination exercises are held for Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays at which time the medal may be presented. It may be more desirable, in some cases, to present the medal at the annual commencement ex- ercises which is entirely satisfactory. 10. Who Presents the Medal? Left to the discre- tion of the school authorities. 11. What is the Size of the Medal? The medal is three (3) inches in diameter and three-eighths (%) inch in thickness. This size was decided upon after examining a large number of very fine medals made in various parts of the world. 12. What is the Medal Made of? The medal is made of the finest solid government bronze. [ 12] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST 13. Is the Medal Simply a Casting? The medal is not a casting in any sense of the word. There are very few concerns in the United States that have the neces- sary machines and equipment to produce medals of this kind. These medals are struck on powerful presses under a pressure of several hundred tons to a square inch. Even then it is necessary to strike several blows to produce the desired relief. Only a single medal is struck at a time on one of these powerful presses. 14. What is the Sculptor's Part? The sculptor makes the model from which the dies are cut. With a picture before him, he first works in plastic ma- terial a model of the exact features of the portrait, collaborating with the Artist in securing a faithful re- producion of the portrait itself. This model is made several times the size of the medal. From this there is made a plaster cast, — then there is next made a bronze casting and then the latter is attached to a Janvier Die Cutting Machine. This machine was made in Paris and similar machines are used in the mints of every im- portant nation in the world for cutting dies from which the national coins are struck. This machine works with almost human intelligence, — its mechanism being [ 13 ] .,— „ ^W- - . ■ - „"* . % * ' - f __ - ^ % #\ 1 o 2 W s o 11 \ CO o 3 : ! SlT k: 4 , LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST adapted to reproduce on a small scale every outline and feature of the large model that the sculptor has prepared, — thus securing an accuracy of reproduction impossible with hand cut dies. 15. The Head of Lincoln: The head of Lincoln on the medal is a reproduction of Mr. Douglas Volk's famous painting "Abraham Lincoln," as shown in this booklet, and is considered by many to be the finest likeness of our martyred president. 16. Who is Mr. Douglas Volk? Painter of figures and portraits. Born in Pittsfield, Mass. Son of Leonard W. and Emily C. (Barlow) Volk. Studied in Paris and Rome. Exhibited in Paris Salon. Awards: Medal World's Fair. Shaw Prize at Society of American Art- ists, 1899. (For best figure picture painted by an American Artist.) First Prize, Colonial Exposition, Boston, 1901. Carnegie Prize, 1903. Two Silver Med- als, St. Louis Exposition, 1904. Is represented in Car- negie Museum, Pittsfield, Mass., Corcoran Art Galler- ies, Washington, D. C, Metropolitan Museum, New York, and other collections. Created a full member of National Academy of Design (N. A.) 1899. Is now Recording Secretary of the Academy. Member of Cen- [ 15 ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST tury Club, President of Arts Club, Member of Architec- tural League, the Mural Painters, etc. Mr. Volk's portrait of Lincoln is considered by the critics as the finest portrait of Lincoln ever painted. Mr. Volk's in- timate knowledge, through the work of his celebrated father, Leonard W. Volk, who cast from life the hands and mask of Lincoln's head, also modelled from life the portrait bust of Lincoln, now at the Metropolitan Museum, N. Y. Mr. Volk was commissioned by the government to paint the portraits of King Albert of Belgium, Brand Whitlock, also Lloyd George and other celebrated men. He received special decoration from King Albert for his distinguished work. He ranks as one of the foremost Portrait Painters in this Country. 17. Who was the Sculptor? Charles Louis Hin- ton. Was born in Ithaca, N. Y. in 1869. He was a pupil of Will Low at the National Academy of Design and of Gerome and Bouguereau in Paris, and studied also at the Ecole des Beaux- Arts under Gumer. Honors: Traveling Scholarship, National Academy of Design, 1893; Prize for Garden Sculpture, Harts- dale, N. Y.; Prizes for Painting and Numerous Men- [ 16] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST tions; Honorable Mention, Pan-American Exposition, Buffalo, 1901. Membership; Mural Painters; National Sculpture Society, Secretary; New York Architectural League; Artists Aid Society; National Academy of Design; Academician. Works: Mural Decorations, Orphans Court, Wilkes- Barre, Pa.; Illustrated Books for a Number of Years, "Emmy Lou", "Under the Trees", etc.; Painted Por- traits in Oil, and Pictures in Water Colors; Numerous Small Pieces of Sculpture and Some in Life-size; Henry Hudson, Heroic-size Statue; Diana with her Dogs, Small Bronze, Private Collection, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Atlanta, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio; Call to Arms, Smithsonian Institute, Washing- ton, D. C; Vanity, in a Private Collection, St. Louis, Mo. 18. May These Medals be Purchased? The sculp- turing on this medal was done exclusively for, and under our direction and is our property. The medal is copyrighted and is not for sale at any price. 19. How Are the Medals Packed? The medah are supplied in attractive, velvet-lined display boxes, [ 17 ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST similar to those used for displaying fine watches and jewelry. These display boxes are packed in suitable shipping cartons as illustrated on page 18. 20. Who Pays for the Medals? The expense in- volved in producing and distributing these medals is borne entirely by us. This company also agrees, until further notice, to supply a medal, each year, to all schools that are eligible. (See "Eligibility" Page 9) 21. Is Any Obligation Incurred by Participating IN this Contest? The medals are furnished free of charge and are shipped charges paid. We are not conducting this contest to secure the names of school officials, teachers or students who, at some time, might be prospective customers. The product of this company is sold exclusively through long-established and well-known wholesale houses throughout the United States and No Sales Are Made Under Any Circumstances Direct to Retail Jew- elers or Individuals. 22. Why is it Necessary to have the Names of Jewelers? In order to create the greatest possible interest in the contest we desire that the medals be dis- [ 19] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST played in a prominent place prior to presentation. With this in mind we request those in charge of the contest to submit the names of several prominent jewelers or reputable merchants so that we may enlist their coop- eration and support. In smaller places and in com- munities where there are no jewelers, it will be perfect- ly satisfactory to send in the names of merchants who you think are interested in the welfare of the school. While it is not necessary for the school authorities to take the matter up with the merchants, such coopera- tion will be very helpful to the school and will be ap- preciated. 23. Who Engraves the Name of the Winner on the Medal? It is obvious that it would be impossible for us even to attempt to engrave the thousands of medals awarded each year, therefore, it is necessary to secure the interest and cooperation of a local jeweler or merchant, preferably one capable of engraving. In cases where it is impossible to have such engrav- ing done, we will do it gladly if the medal is returned together with the name of the student winning it. 24. How is the Medal Displayed? This is left en- tirely to the merchant who agrees to display it. [ 20 ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST 25. Is a Display Card Furnished to Indicate what the Medal is for? An attractive display sign of a convenient size is furnished with each medal, with- out charge. 26. What are the Duties of the Jeweler or Merchant in Connection with the Contest? Noth- ing is required of the jeweler or merchant except to display the medal prior to Lincoln's birthday and where possible to engrave the name of the winner. 27. What Advertising or Publicity is Required on the Part of the School or the Merchant? None. However, it is obvious that far more interest will be taken in the competition if local news items are run, from time to time, during the contest. Infor- mation and stories of the life of Lincoln will be fur- nished at intervals. 28. How Does a School Notify the Company that it Desires to Enter the Contest? Communi- cate direct with "The Lincoln Essay Bureau," Illinois Watch Company, Springfield, Illinois. 29. Who are the Donors? The Illinois Watch Co., Established in 1870, one of the largest watch man- [ 21 ] LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST ufacturers in the world. John T. Stuart, Lincoln's first law partner, was the first president of the company. Jacob Bunn, who was president of the company until his death in 1897, was a personal friend and confidant of Abraham Lincoln, and a pallbearer at his funeral. Jacob Bunn, his son, is now president of the company. ILLINOIS WATCH COMPANY SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS U. S. A. 22 ] State of Illinois OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION SPRINGFIELD March 4, 1924 To High School Principals: Interest in Abraham Lincoln grows with the years. Every incident in his life is sought out and lifted up. His life and character have become one of the greatest educational assets of the nation; so simple in the main outlines that the children of the primary grades may understand and appreciate, and yet so deep and intri- cate as to hold and inform the minds of scholars. We should do everything we can to engage high school pupils in a study of his life and ideals. We should seize upon every device or incentive to arouse their in- terests, encourage their study, and develop their appre- ciation of this great American. The Illinois Watch Company is offering a medallion cast in government bronze, by Douglas Volk and Charles L. Hinton, to the high school pupil in every recognized or accredited high school who writes the best essay on Abraham Lincoln as judged by the Eng- lish Department of that high school, or by any commit- tee of local judges selected by the high school authori- ties. On one side of the medal is cast the bust of Abraham Lincoln, the years of his birth and death, and [ 23 ] the name "Lincoln." On the reverse side is a wreath with the legend, "Lincoln Essay Awarded to ." The original intention was to have the medallions awarded on the 12th day of February each year, but unavoidable delays make it necessary to continue the time of the contest so as to include commencement day for this year. As the plan is inspired solely by a desire to encourage high school pupils to gather information about Mr. Lincoln, and to express it in the form of an essay, I am recommending the plan to the high schools of Illinois. The offering is to be an annual affair and will include all the states of the Union. Illinois ought to make a good showing. Information respecting the details of the plan may be had from the Illinois Watch Factory, Springfield, Illinois, or from this office. Yours sincerely, F. G. Blair, Superintendent. Printed in the U. S. A. [24] r •*§ m .»".*;* c£&S UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 973.7L63FIL67L COM LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST SPRINGFIELD, ILL. 3 0112 031815506 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 973.7L63FIL67L C002 LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST SPRINGFIELD, ILL. 3 0112 03 815514