Amor Patriae Ducit ... (the motto of the Union League Club, which means love of country leads) 

{HISTORY}

If ever there was a serving dish that promoted peace, understanding and community, it would be this one  - a handsome green and white monogrammed platter made especially for the Union League Club. Like so many vintage restaurantware and hotelware serving pieces, this vintage platter tells three stories in one - the history of the maker (Lamberton Works), the history of the distributor (Albert Pick & Company) and the history of the esteemed establishment for which it was made (The Union League Club).

The oldest story of the three starts with the distributor, Albert Pick, an Austrian immigrant, who opened up a dish shop in Chicago in 1857. What started as a simple dream and a passionate love for dishes quickly involved into one of the largest and most comprehensive hospitality industry suppliers in the country. As it turned out Albert had a knack not only for selling high quality dishes but also for listening. Attentive, resourceful and deeply intuitive Albert understood the needs and stresses of his clients and set out to alleviate and problem solve all the worries that befell them. In addition to selling all types of dishware, Albert Pick &  Company became a go-to resource for all areas of the hospitality industry. Offering a diverse catalog of interior design collections ranging from curtains to tableware, dining furniture to kitchen stoves, the company even established a problem solving department for hospitality industry woes, provided funding opportunities for new ventures and investments and eventually got involved in buying and selling real estate to budding industry entrepreneurs.

Like Albert Pick, Lamberton Works based in Trenton, New Jersey was also focused on providing the best level of service they could.  Founded in 1869, they created high quality dishes that boasted beautiful designs and expert craftsmanship. Heavy, durable and well constructed, Lamberton serving pieces were made for both domestic and commercial use but quickly became a brand favorite particularly in the hospitality industry. Lauded for both their form and function, Lamberton dishes could withstand constant use in the hustle bustle environments of busy hotels and restaurants while still retaining a fresh, elegant appearance. That was just the sort of combination that would attract the discerning eye of Albert Pick and Company, especially when it came time to outfit their new client, The Union League Club. 

The Union League Club was first established in New York City in 1862 by a few prominent and successful Manhattan businessmen who were upset by the pro-slavery sentiments that were dividing the country during the Civil War.  Initially, they wanted to express support for the Union Army's fight to end slavery in the United States and to promote peace, prosperity and understanding for all citizens across the country. Using their own pool of financial resources, the Club focused on projects that would promote the betterment of the country for everyone not just certain classes or ethnicities. Projects included funding the first Union Army African American regiment during the Civil War,  offering a supportive role in the founding of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, raising funds for the erection and permanent display of the Statue of Liberty and establishing the U.S Sanitary Commission (the precursor to the American Red Cross). Such noble deeds orchestrated amongst the country's most philanthropic donors led the Union League to set up clubs in various cities around the United States - one being in Chicago, which opened in 1879.

This brings up back to the platter offered here in the shop. Information on the dishware offered at the Union League Club is scarce, but most likely this platter came from the Club's Chicago branch sometime around the 1920's or 1930's. Representing the finest quality in restaurant dishware for a club that was keen on bringing out the finest attributes in American citizens, this platter is a rare, hard to find piece that serves up the best intentions from American history. With its simple green leaf design and beautiful monogram, this is a lovely piece for use or display as well as a powerful symbol of our country's integrity and the people that stood behind it. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Hard to find pattern

- Union League Club monogram

- Marked on back with the following information... Lamberton China Made Expressly For Union League Club Furnished by Albert Pick & Company 

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. No cracks or chips. Some underglaze factory marks including a paint smudge near rim on left side.

{SIZE}

Measures 13.75" inches (length) x 9.5" inches (width) and weighs 3.2lbs

{FOR COLLECTORS}

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