BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

248
offered differentiating the various categories of participation.37 in
imitation of the Jubilee honors awarded by the Queen on the fortieth
and fiftieth anniversaries of her ascension, the Primrose League
offered its own counterpart beginning in 1887: the Order of the Grand
Star, composed of five grades of distinguished service.
Thus, in an age gone "mad for honors," members could purchase
"titles" and badges at the minimal price of a few shillings.
If a
merchant could not qualify for royal Knighthood, he might,
nevertheless, achieve recognition as a Primrose Knight, conceivably
obtaining several badges of distinction over and above his
"Knighthood."
He might become a Knight Imperial or obtain any one or
all of the following: a special service, founder's, or delegate's bars.
A Knight seeking honors might also achieve the position of an
officer for any number of positions including Divisional
President,
Secretary, Ruling Councillor, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer,
and Executive Councillor, not to mention other, less rarefied, titles.
Years of devoted service might result in the most coveted award of all,
the Order of the Grand Star.
He would have the opportunity to display
all his medals at local annual meeetings or as a delegate attending the
Grand Habitation.
The Knight's distinguished position would be
instantaneously recognized by all participants, thereby granting him a
37 Among the medals designated were those allocated for the
various categories of membership: Knight Imperial, Knight Harbinger,
Dame, Knight Companion, Dame Order of Merit, and Associate. Badges
were also designated for officers including Divisional Presidents,
Ruling Councillors or Dame Presidents, Honorary Secretaries, Honorary
Treasurers, and Executive Council members. Wardens, Canvassers,
Cycling Corp Captains, Lieutenants, and club members, as well as,
Primrose Buds also qualified for decorations.