1881 United Order of Pilgrim Fathers Silk Broadside Lawrence MA Supreme Colony For Sale

OverviewOriginal 1881 silk broadside/program for a reception to the Supreme Colony of the United Order of Pilgrim Fathers at City Hall in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on March 2, 1881.The United Order of Pilgrim Fathers was a late-19th-century fraternal benefit organization, combining lodge-style social fellowship with mutual aid and insurance benefits for its members and their families. The organization originated in Lawrence in 1879, making this program an unusually early piece from its founding city. The organization later grew to thousands of members throughout New England before entering receivership in 1917.Printed in dark ink on tan silk with an ornate decorative border, the program records an evening of music, addresses, readings, dancing, and supper presented by the four subordinate colonies of Lawrence.DetailsDated March 2, 1881.Approximately 5 1/2 × 9 inches.Printed on silk.Part I includes music by Griffin’s Orchestra, an address of welcome by Supreme Governor H. A. Wadsworth, vocal and literary performances, and addresses by Hon. H. P. Rolfe and Dr. N. R. Morse.Part II is headed “Repertoire of Dances” and begins with the “Pilgrims’ Grand March,” followed by quadrilles, contras, reels, polka, schottische, and waltz.Printed at bottom: “Lawrence Eagle Print.”Additional DetailsSeveral people named on the program were associated with the organization’s earliest leadership. H. A. Wadsworth, who delivers the address of welcome as Supreme Governor, was an original charter member and was also associated with the Lawrence Eagle, whose press printed the broadside.The combination of its 1881 date, Lawrence origin, Supreme Colony event, named early officers, and silk format places it firmly within both early American fraternal-history material and 19th-century printed textile ephemera.ConditionSilk remains intact overall with original fold creases, general wrinkling and handling creases, age toning and discoloration, scattered light spotting and soiling, and minor fraying and loose threads along portions of the edges. No major tears or losses. Printing remains strong and readily legible. Photographs form part of the description and should be reviewed for condition and details.