Washington Benevolent Societies

The Washington Benevolent Societies (the "WBS") were grass-roots political clubs set up from 1808 to 1816 by the Federalist Party in the U.S. to electioneer for votes.

The first branch of the organization was set up in New York City, in opposition to the older Tammany Society.

[1] An early membership certificate of group indicates that this branch was "instituted in the City of New York, on the 12th day of July, 1808.

"[10] Ribbon badges with George Washington's portrait and the words "Pro Patria" ("For Country") printed on silk or vellum were issued to members of the Societies.

"Silk ribbons bearing Washington's portrait issued by the society are among the earliest mass-produced partisan objects in American political history.