William Travers Jerome memento, 1909

Made of pewter, this small rectangular box with a hinge top was likely meant to hold calling cards. On one side is a profile portrait of William Travers Jerome with the date "MAY-7-MCMIX" engraved towards the bottom. On the reverse side is text at the top that reads "COMMITTEE" and below are a list of names engraved into the metal. Names include S. L. Clemens, Austen G. Fox, and Elbridge Gerry. This calling card case was a party favor from a special dinner honoring William Travers Jerome, held on May 7, 1909 in New York. A story about the event in the New York Times detailed the dinner and Jerome's accomplishments. Robert Bridges was likely in attendance at that dinner.