Franklin Delano Roosevelt 1932 Lucky Tillicum token

WillieBoyd2

Franklin Delano Roosevelt 1932 Lucky Tillicum token

I have had this token since the 1960's when I found it in a coin dealer's bin.



Obverse: LUCKY TILLICUM / REBUILD WITH ROOSEVELT
Reverse: PROSPERITY / 1933 / FOLLOW THE ROOSEVELT TRAIL

Appears to be silver-plated copper, is 27mm, and is somewhat worn.

Probably issued as a political token for the 1932 US presidential election.

Now the big question is:

What is a "Tillicum"?

DHeath

Tillicum is a historic indian village on Blake Island, and you can take a cruise to it from the Roosevelt hotel (built in 1929). My guess is that your token is related.

THE HISTORY OF THE ROOSEVELT HOTEL

The Roosevelt was named for America's 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt. President Roosevelt was a naturalist and dedicated much of his time to conservation. During his Presidency from 1901 to 1909, he designated 150 National Forests, 51 Federal Bird Santcuaries, five National Parks, 18 National Monuments, and 4 National Game Preserves, and 21 National Reclamation Projects. Roosevelt also provided federal protection for nearly 230 million acres of US land. There are five commissioned oil paintings throughout the Roosevelt Hotel commemorating the five National Parks.

Built in 1929 during the onslaught of the Great Depression, the Roosevelt Hotel provided first class high rise accommodations in the very new and burgeoning city of Seattle. Seattle was a stepping-off point for fortune seekers headed to Alaska, and a port of call for adventure seekers, world travelers, and a gateway to the Pacific Rim nations of Asia. The Roosevelt has undergone several renovations since first opening; closing for several years in the 80's, and reopening to the public again in 1989.

Happy hunting.

WillieBoyd2

I posted this item on a couple of coin-related boards.

I have received several answers mentioning places in Washington State.
However, Franklin Roosevelt had no connection with the US NorthWest,
he was from New York State.

It's possible that "Tillicum" was from a popular song at the time (1932),
or some kind of expression like "23 skiddo".

MadMarty

There is one from 1940 with the capital and a blimp also. When I get home I'll post a pic of it and the reverse die for the token I have.

edix2001

My search reveals a person being called a "lucky tillicum" back in 1918.

CaptHenway

<< <i>My search reveals a person being called a "lucky tillicum" back in 1918. >>



In what context?
Can you link the source please?
TD

edix2001

Google Books result

And then when sales records began to look up and the general expense began to slip satisfactorily downward, the owner, who was a good businessw man, began to realize that Bill Jones was a lucky tillicum to have around the place because there seemed to be a general smoothing out and speeding up.
-- Printer's Ink, 1918

Swampboy

Now I always thought that Tillicum was Chinook jargon for "Howdy", Tillicum Village notwithsanding.

DHeath

If you feel like paying $3.95 for the 1932 NYTimes Article about the token, here's the link.


Lucky Tillicum Pocket Pieces To Aid the Roosevelt Campaign

On one side is the candidate s face, the inscription "Lucky Tillicum," and on the other the word, "Prosperity," with "Rebuild with Roosevelt" underneath. ...October 7, 1932

NYTimes link to purchase article.

CaptHenway

<< <i>Google Books result

And then when sales records began to look up and the general expense began to slip satisfactorily downward, the owner, who was a good businessw man, began to realize that Bill Jones was a lucky tillicum to have around the place because there seemed to be a general smoothing out and speeding up.
-- Printer's Ink, 1918 >>



That is amazing. Thank you.
TD

WillieBoyd2

Thank you for your responses and information.

Thanks to edix2001 who confirms that "Lucky Tillicum" was a popular expression
at one time.

Thanks to DHeath for the New York Times article link.

I did purchase the New York Times October 7, 1932 article, it was very short.

Here are some excerpts from the article:

---

'Lucky Tillicum' Pocket Pieces To Aid the Roosevelt Campaign
Special to the New York Times:

The word is from the Indian, signifying good luck.

The slogan, it was said, was fashioned by Colonel Edward M. House.

---

By the way, Colonel House was President Wilson's number one assistant.

I plan to write up what I have found out about this interesting item
and post it on my website located in my signature line.

Swampboy

<< <i>Now I always thought that Tillicum was Chinook jargon for "Howdy", Tillicum Village notwithsanding. >>



I stand corrected if these definitions I picked up from random web postings are correct.

“Tillicum” is a word from the Chinook trading language meaning "friend", "family " or "tribe".

The word "Tillicum" comes from the Chinook jargon and means "friendly people."

In modern times, the word Tillicum means "friend," but it really means more than that.


OT I know.
About 25 years ago I was working on Vashon Island. Short ferry ride both ways.
One day I rode over on the ferry "Klahowya" and back on the ferry "Tillicum".

An old timer who was with me pointed out the two words together meant "howdy, friend."

I now return you to our regularly scheduled numismatic programming.

cladking

Interesting thread. I've long wondered about this interesting token.

CaptHenway

Every day I learn something new. Thank you all.
TD

Now, what is the Chinook word for "helicopter?"

cladking

<< <i>

Now, what is the Chinook word for "helicopter?"
>>




Is this a test and a clue? I'll guess "chopper".

WillieBoyd2

Another Lucky Tillicum!

I just received this token:



Obverse: LUCKY TILLICUM / REBUILD WITH ROOSEVELT
Reverse: A CENTURY OF PROGRESS / 1933 / CHICAGO / FOLLOW THE ROOSEVELT TRAIL

Issued for the 1933 Chicago Exposition or World's Fair which was named "A Century of Progress".

DorkGirl

TomB

I have one of these somewhere and it is actually quite handsome in-hand. Perhaps I will find it someday and take an image.

Mark

This chat board seems to have nothing but Lucky Tillicum token threads!

More seriously, those are two neat tokens. And the story is also really cool. It's fun to see how slang changes and learn some really old, really out-dated slang.

I hope TomB finds and posts his Lucky Tillicum token.