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"CRADLE OF THE UNION" CELEBRATION
1954
ALBANY, NY
Purpose: To honor 200th anniversary of Albany
Congress of 1754, historically the First American Congress, at which
Benjamin Franklin presented first plan of Federal Union, authentic
forerunner of Articles of Confederation of 1776 and of U.S. Constitution of
1787.
Organization: Celebration first suggested 1951
by Dutch Settlers Society, which then pursued question of national
recognition. Resolution of 83rd Congress, August 1953, officially named
Albany as "Birthplace of American Union"; created participating Committee
of 7 Senators and 7 Representatives from states represented at this
Congress of 1754. Albany's Council and New York Legislature formally
concurred February and March 1954 respectively; authorized Mayor and
Governor to appoint Committees to directly stage celebration. Financed by
modest city and state grants, public contributions and sale of medals.
Site, Dates: Albany, NY--June 20 to 26, 1954.
Comment: Significantly, "Unity" was theme of
city-wide church services on opening Sunday. "Cradle of the Union"
pageant presented during week, depicting events leading up to this First
American Congress, its organization and adoption of Plan of Union June 24,
1754. Other highlights included State Dinner, Colonial Ball and
Commemorative Ceremony itself.
Medals: Official Medals authorized by 83rd
Congress; designed by Stanley LeNoir, struck at Philadelphia Mint. Issue
limited to 50 Gold (.900 fine), 1,250 Silver (.925 fine) and 4,000 Bronze;
sold from Celebration Headquarters, Albany for $68.75, $3.50 and $1.50,
respectively. Reverse design is based on Ben Franklin's famous cartoon first
published in Pennsylvania Gazette March, 1754, and reprinted
continually thereafter up and down the Colonies.
 
Photos courtesy of John Dean
Obv. Edifice, below Albany Stadt Huys--within
circle; outside, above around * 200th Anniversary * Albany
Congress of 1754 *; outside, below around 1754 Albany Cradle of the
Union 1954
Rev. Across center to r., serpent in segments,
each segment marked with initials of the 7 Colonies and New England, i.e.,
S.C., N.C., V., M., P., N.J., N.Y., and N.E.; above
Designed by Benjamin Franklin / 1754; below serpent, a line
across; below line Join, or Die--all within center circle; outside,
above around * Here Was Adopted Franklin's Plan of Union *;
outside, below around Forerunner of the U. S. Constitution.
HK-510 Silver. 38mm. Turner A1.
HK-511 Gold. Proof. Turner A1.
HK-512 Bronze. Turner A1.
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