NLC-2003-99

1890 · Airdrie First of August Friendly Society · Connor, James · Airdrie · The Brotherly Society of Weavers was formed as a trade society in Airdrie in 1789 or 1790. (There is some dispute about this date.) It reconstituted itself in 1809 as a friendly society open to all (with conditions) called the Airdrie First of August Friendly Society. (For further details of the society see U20 collection listing at NLC Archives.) This medal was presented on the occasion of the society's centenary to James Connor, the Presses of that year. It is likely that it was subsequently worn as a chain of office by all the following Presses of the society. James Connor had a painting business in Airdrie. He was noted as a member of the Airdrie Rob Roy Club [a middle class social club which enjoyed its drink] in the 1860s. He appears to have been involved in several of the clubs and societies of Airdrie. Elected a Town Councillor in 1885, he progressed through the office of Bailie to be Provost of Airdrie from 1896 to 1898. He was also a Magistrate and was sometimes referred to Judge Connor in the newspapers of the day. See portraits NLC-1999-0903 and NLC-1999-0931.

height: 680 mm (incl. cain extended)
width: 77 mm
depth: 6 mm

silver

obverse, Presented along with a chain to the Airdrie First of August Friendly Society on the occasion of their centenary by a number of the members. January 18th, 1890