Chicago Provision, Grain & Stock Board Membership Certificate (1882) | Issued to Frank Harlow

Discover a distinctive piece of 19th-century finance: an 1882 Chicago Provision, Grain & Stock Board (Call Board) Membership Certificate issued to Frank Harlow. This exceptionally rare certificate reflects Harlow’s involvement with Chicago’s specialized call board trading network during the era.

This is an extremely rare membership certificate. The exchange existed for only a short period, and this is one of the very few examples to appear on the market.

In the 1880s, Frank Harlow served as a member of the Chicago Provision, Grain and Stock Board, an organization often referenced in historical records as the "Call Board." While the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) dominated agricultural trading, smaller boards and “open” boards operated concurrently to handle provisions (pork and lard), grain, and stocks.

Frank Harlow was also a Director of the Chicago Board of Trade in 1899, illustrating his prominent role in Chicago’s financial community. The Call Board Era formed a secondary marketplace that complemented the CBOT and helped shape brokerage practices and cross-market connections.

Context: The Call Board Era

The Chicago Provision, Grain & Stock Board, or Call Board, operated as a secondary marketplace for meat provisions, grain, and stocks in the late 19th century. It complemented the CBOT and contributed to Chicago’s dynamic trading culture and intermarket networks with New York.

Certificate Details

• Issuer / Context: Chicago Provision, Grain & Stock Board (Call Board)
• Recipient: Frank Harlow
• Date / Era: 1882
• Certificate Type: Membership certificate
• Certificate Number: #988
• Signatures: Frank Harlow (reverse), John R. Bensley (front, President)
• Subject: Provisions, Grain, and Stock trading
• Dimensions: Approximately 8 1/2" x 3 1/4"

Historical Significance & Collectibility

This certificate provides a tangible link to Chicago’s Call Board ecosystem and the broader cross-network with New York markets. The accompanying letter (if present) would add documentary depth, enhancing authenticity and scholarly value for collectors of brokerage history and exchange documentation. Its rarity and provenance make it a compelling centerpiece for displays in offices, libraries, or study rooms dedicated to 19th-century finance.

Display & Usage

Ideal for 19th-century finance historians, antique brokerage document collectors, and enthusiasts of mining memorabilia. Display this certificate as a standout piece showcasing a lesser-known facet of Chicago’s trading history.

Specifications