Medal from New York City "Safe and Sane" Independence Day Celebration

Object Number: 
2005.6.2
Date: 
1932
Medium: 
Metal
Dimensions: 
Overall: 1 1/2 x 1 in. ( 3.8 x 2.5 cm )
Marks: 
Mark: on reverse: "DIEGES & CLUST"
Description: 
Gold-colored octagonal medal with image of Statue of Liberty on obverse and "INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION / CITY OF NEW YORK"; reverse with image of Mercury and "SAFE & SANE FOURTH OF JULY ATHLETIC CARNIVAL 1932"; maker's mark on reverse.
Gallery Label: 
This medal was awarded to Jack Leonhardt (1914-1988) of W. 172nd Street in Manhattan for participation in the city's "safe and sane" July Fourth celebration in 1932. "Safe and sane" celebrations were initiated in cities throughout the country in the early 20th century in response to the high incidence of injury and death from fireworks. New York City's own "safe and sane" events began in 1910, and the tradition continued into the 1930s.
Credit Line: 
Gift of Richard Leonhardt
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
Creative: Tronvig Group