The seal and the badge are much older than either the flags or mounted beaver as symbols of the Society. They were among the first matters of concern after the founding back in April of 1885, and the earliest records indicate the design of the seal had been determined by the group of organizers even prior to the initial meeting.
The seal has appeared on all stationery, notices, and publications from the very start of the Society. At their first meeting, the Trustees approved a motion for Tiffanys, the New York jewelers, to cast it in 14-karat gold as a medallion to be worn by the president of the Society on all official occasions.
At the 71st annual banquet last November in the Hotel Biltmore, President P. Raymond Haulenbeek referred to it as one of the Society’s most cherished possessions. When the seal is not in use on such occasions, it is kept safely under lock and key.
The first minutes of the Society give the following description:
“In chief, the arms of the Netherlands, a lion rampant, holding in dexter paw a curved sword partly unsheathed and encircled with a wreath of laurel of seven leaves, showing seven states; in sinister paw, a bunch of seven arrows tied, also symbolical of the unity of seven states and supporting the liberty hat.”
“In fess sinister, the arms of the city of Amsterdam granted by Count William to the city in the year 1242.”
“Gules a pale sable, thereon three Latin crosses in saltire argent. In fess point, a warship of the period of 1609, sailing west.”
“In dexter, the arms of the State of New York.”
“In base, a tree (the device of the princes of Nassau signifies that this vigorous sapling derived its glory from the parent branches), and underneath, the motto, ‘Eindelijk wordt ecn Spruit een Boom’.”
“Around the upper half of the seal, the title of the Society.”
“The shape of the seal is similar to that of coins used in Holland about 1574 and later, and the other emblems are copied from coins and seals used there subject to the Confederation of the seven United Provinces of the Netherlands.”
The matter of a suitable badge for the Society was under consideration for some time before definite action was taken at a meeting of the Trustees on March 30, 1887. It was determined first to adopt what was known as the Beggars’ Badge. It was similar to the one adopted by the Dutch who rebelled against Philip of Spain in 1556 and was worn by William of Orange at the time of his assassination.
The matter of form, material, and other details had been referred to a committee consisting of the Rev. Dr. Henry J. van Dyke, William M. Hoes, and Henry S. van Duzer. Plaster casts of varieties of the ancient medal were made in Holland by the curator of the Museum of Antiquities and presented to the Society. At the March 1887 meeting, Dr. Van Dyke exhibited to the Trustees a box of twelve plaster casts and other designs, including two sketches submitted by Tiffany, showing the appearance of the proposed badge. It was voted to adopt the form of Beggars’ Badge as shown in the Tiffany designs, having upon its face the bust of Philip II of Spain, surrounded by the motto “Entout fidelles au roy.”
The reverse had two beggars’ sacks, with two hands clasped in the center, between them the date 1566, surrounded by the motto, “Jusques a porter la besage,” with projecting rings from each side and from the base, in which were hung, at the side, miniature par ringers, and from the base, a gourd in miniature.
It was decided to have the badge reproduced in silver and suspended by an orange ribbon from a horizontal crossed bar, to be attached to the coat of the wearer, and upon its face the words, “Holland Society.” Badges could be had in gold if desired by any member. It was reported in the last issue of de Halve Maen that new prices for the badge are $65.75 in 14k gold, $58.50 in 10k gold, and $40 in sterling silver gold plate plus taxes.
Many members of the Society have acquired the badge, and it has become a custom for the badge to be inherited from father to son. However, it is somewhat restricted in use to ceremonial occasions of the Society, and for general wear to indicate membership, the small gold emblem, in the shape of a shield bearing the red lion rampant, is much more common.