Medal of Honor for the City Garden Clubs of New York n.d.

This is Herbert Adams' "Medal of Honor for the City Garden Clubs of New York," made from bronze. This medal, with its classical style and allegorical imagery, speaks to the progressive era's fascination with civic improvement. City Garden Clubs emerged as influential forces, advocating for green spaces and beautification projects that would uplift urban life. The medal is replete with classical allusions, with the arched top reminiscent of ancient Roman monuments. A winged cherub sits atop a fountain, embodying the life-giving power of nature. The inscription at the bottom, "Medal of Honor City Gardens Club of New York," reinforces the medal's purpose as a symbol of civic virtue and achievement. To truly understand this medal, one might explore the archives of the City Garden Clubs, delving into their mission statements, activities, and the social composition of their membership. It is in the context of these institutions that the medal finds its fullest meaning.