Page 15 - 2024_05 AASR Newsletter

Newsletter May 2024 Vol. 3 No. 5 Page 15

An enterprising Boston stationer advertised ribbons adorned
with Lafayette’s portrait in 1824. He described his stock as

“intended to be worn as a compliment to the General.” The
same year the New York City engraving firm of Durand &
Wright created “an elegant likeness of the General printed on
white satin ribbon, as a badge” that they retailed for 25 cents.
The New-York Gazette suggested citizens wear this ribbon “as a
token of respect and gratitude to the friend of Washington and

our country.”

Countless ribbons (similar to the one below) were printed and
worn. On September 1, 1824, Lafayette traveled to Salem,
where "two hundred sailors in a neat uniform with Lafayette
ribbons upon their hats, greeted the...illustrious benefactor of
our country with hearty cheers...." Soon after, in Brooklyn,
Lafayette witnessed a demonstration of firefighting at which
"Each fireman wore the likeness of Lafayette, with the figures
of an engine, on [a] satin ribbon, and the words "Welcome La

Fayette, the Nation's Guest." In Boston a group of 2,500 public
school students turned out to greet the hero, each with a
printed ribbon "bearing a Portrait of Fayette" pinned to their
dress or coat.

In addition to ribbons, consumers could purchase other festive
items bearing Lafayette's image. Merchants in New Orleans,
Nashville, Newport, and Raleigh advertised “Lafayette Gloves,”
long for women and short for men, that came from New York—

Commemorative Ribbon, ca. the epicenter of Lafayette-inspired souvenirs and fashions. Dry
1824. United States. Grand goods sellers offered sashes, handkerchiefs, cravats, and
Lodge of Masons in printed yard goods, all bearing Lafayette’s likeness, to the
Massachusetts, GL2004.1403.
public. This man's glove (above), an example of one of several
styles available to Lafayette fans, bears the legend “Lafayette
the Companion of Washington” and "Republican."

Lafayette’s journey through the United States prompted an outpouring of affection for

the hero and sparked patriotism throughout the nation. Come learn more about the
hero's tour and see these and other souvenirs at an exhibition in the reading room of
the Van Gorden-Williams Library & Archives at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum &

Library. "Lafayette: The Nation's Guest" is on view now through September 13, 2024.