Friars Club Salute Medallion

1947

14k gold

Overall (diameter): 1 1/2 in.

Gift of the Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation

2021.26.2

The Friars Club of Beverly Hills, opened in 1947 by Milton Berle who, alongside other fellow comedians, had moved from New York City. This medallion was presented to Bob Hope at the Friars Club Testimonial Dinner in Hollywood on November 2, 1947. The event was attended by some 1,400 guests honoring “the nation’s top ranking comedian and No.1 war entertainer” (San Bernardino Sun). The Salute dinner can be considered an early example of what would become the classic Friars Club roast. Such events became a yearly tradition starting in 1950 and were broadcast widely from Friar’s Club New York City home.

DescriptionThe medallion has the Friars Club logo on the front and is inscribed "Friars Club - Prae Omnia Fraternitas" The reverse of the medallion reads "Friars Club Salutes Bob Hope Testimonial Dinner - 11-2-1947 - Honoring His Service to Humanity"

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