Medals Related to Chicago

References:   MACo 1972-103

The medal's obverse bears bust of Magnuson, facing. Around upper half, FOUNDER OF THE REHABILITATION INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO; in exergue, PAUL B. / MAGNUSON, M.D. / 1884 - 1968; signed at left, ERG / 1974

The reverse bears heavy lettering over silhouette of the Institute building. Across, PRESENTED / TO HIS FRIENDS / AND ASSOCIATES / BY HIS FAMILY, / COMMEMORATING THE / DEDICATION OF THE / NEW BUILDING OF THE / REHABILITATION INSTITUTE / OF CHICAGO / APRIL 26, 1974

Paul B Magnuson, M.D., was a bone and joint surgeon who continuously sought new treatments and devices for assisting his patients as they faced unique situations presented by their disability. As a physician, Dr. Magnuson saw his duty, not only as curing, but also as restoring a patient "to his family, his job, and his life." He was a champion of the underdog and as an advocate for veterans was the architect of the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System.

The circular medal measures 76mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company.  No mintage is reported.

References:   MACo 1973-203-001

The medal's obverse bears caucasian male facing away, head turned to his left; blockhouse in background. Around, AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION; on male figure's back, 120TH / ANNIVERSARY / CONVENTION / CHICAGO / AUGUST 16-20, 2011; signed at lower left, JNF

The reverse bears Native American warrior with tomahawk, facing right; flag with four stars in background.  Around, BATTLE OF FORT DEARBORN - MDCCCXII

The Battle of Fort Dearborn was an engagement between United States troops and Potawatomi Native Americans that occurred on August 15, 1812, near Fort Dearborn in what is now Chicago, Illinois, but was then part of the Illinois Territory.  The battle, which occurred during the War of 1812, immediately followed the evacuation of the fort as ordered by the commander of the United States Army of the Northwest, William Hull. The battle lasted about 15 minutes and resulted in a complete victory for the Native Americans. After the battle, Fort Dearborn was burned down. Some of the soldiers and settlers who had survived and were taken captive were later ransomed.

Following the battle, the federal government became convinced that all Indians had to be removed from the territory and the vicinity of any settlements, as settlers continued to migrate to the area. The fort was rebuilt in 1816.

The medal measures 69.6mm in diameter and was struck by the Medalcraft Mint of Green Bay, Wisconsin. The mintage was limited to 125 pieces.

The medal's obverse bears Phoenix behind Chicago city skyline. Legend reading, 122nd ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION (star) AUGUST 13-17 2013 / AMERICAN / NUMISMATIC / ASSOCIATION / CHICAGO; signed with artist's (JNF monogram) at upper left edge of exergue.

The reverse bears building and four stars, second star burning, rising above deeply recessed center field. Two banners across, THE GREAT / CHICAGO - FIRE; around lower left, MDCCCLXXI

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was a massive conflagration that burnt for three days, killed up to 300 people and left 100,000 residents homeless. The fire started at about 9:00 p.m. on October 8, in or around a small barn belonging to the O'Leary family that bordered the alley behind 137 DeKoven Street. The shed next to the barn was the first building to be consumed by the fire, but city officials never determined the exact cause of the blaze. There has, however, been much speculation over the years. The most popular tale blames Mrs. O'Leary's cow, who allegedly knocked over a lantern; others state that a group of men were gambling inside the barn and knocked over a lantern. Still other speculation suggests that the blaze was related to other fires in the Midwest that day.

The circular medal measures 69.9mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medalcraft Mint of Green Bay, Wisconsin. The mintage was limited to 100 pieces.