Very Scarce 1907 "Coming Men of America" C.M.A. Membership Certificate

Description: Welcome to my listing for:Very Scarce 1907 "Coming Men of America" C.M.A. Membership Certificate On security paper stock. Showing signs of handling, wear and use consistent with it's age - mostly top right corner loss. In good condition. It measures 2 3/4" x 5 1/2" The C.M.A was founded ahead of the Boy Scouts (1910) and the Order of DeMolay (1919) Despite its virtual disappearance, the C.M.A. did have one lasting effect: it was likely one of the inspirations for the Order of DeMolay. The Coming Men of America was a secret society for boys founded in 1894 by siblings, Brother William & Joseph Hunter of Oak Park Illinois, they were also members of the Scottish Rite, Odd Fellows, Shrine and various other organizations. "The Coming Men of America" or C.M.A was influenced by Freemasonry, had a secret handshake, password and sign language called Bestography. It emphasized patriotism and the golden rule and was open to boys of good moral character aged 12 years or older. Brother, Col. William Crosbie Hunter assisted Brother, Joseph R. Hunter with creating the ritual & the publication of the The Star Monthly. The Star Monthly, the official magazine of the Coming Men or America or CMA, started in 1894 had a circulation of 150,000. It appeared in small journal form, and bound, the cover design usually suggesting active boy life. It is published by the Hunter Publishing Co., at Oak Park, Il. It was filled with stories of adventure, short stories, biographies. Also published were pictures of members, lodges, and special messages and passwords written out in the group's secret cipher code called Bestography. The group's tenets were based on precepts of patriotism, co-operation, and brotherly love. Here's how they explained their name and motto: "The Letters C.M.A. and O.T.N. are not secret. C.M.A. stands for the name of our order, "Coming Men of America" and O.T.N. is our motto, "Our Turn Next." Think, brother what an honor it is to be a Coming Man of America; remember, also, the responsibilities connected with your privileges as a future American citizen. Remember that you have a sacred trust to take up when your turn does come, the duties of manhood and citizenship. See to it that you are prepared for that trust, so you will not fall below the high standard set by our forefathers. The remaining mystic symbols on the badge are secret, are known to members only and ever kept sacred and inviolate." (Source: Masonic Life)Click HERE to see postcards that I have available here on eBay.This will be shipped securely in a rigid mailer via USPS First Class mail service with a tracking number. The shipping cost for the first purchase is $4.00 and no extra cost for additional small flat items like tokens, casino chips, medals, post card purchases shipped in the same package. Please contact me if you are buying multiple items over more than one day.I have over 15,000 items here on eBay - Take a look & save with combined shipping for multiple buys:When possible, use the "add to cart" feature to select multiple items and before paying, use the "request an invoice" option before paying so I can combine and lower shipping costs.I have enjoyed buying and selling great looking vintage quality collectibles for over 40 years. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I have while owning them. Unless noted otherwise, all items I offer here on eBay are original and are not reproductions. Please have a look the provided photos for condition as they are part of the item description and contact me with any questions BEFORE bidding or making a purchase.All items are securely packed and are shipped mostly via USPS. Please rely on my 23+ yr. 3,600+ 99.9% feedback rating as a guide to your buying decision. I hope that all is well with you and your family and thanks for stopping by! - Jerry

Price: 34.99 USD

Location: Norwalk, Connecticut

End Time: 2025-01-22T14:08:05.000Z

Shipping Cost: 4 USD