Chicago Board of Trade Membership Transfer Form (1880s) | George F. Stone

Own a rare piece of Chicago’s financial history: an unissued 1880s Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) Membership Ticket Transfer Form. This form was used by CBOT members for the sale and transfer of their membership. It was directed to CBOT secretary George F. Stone.

History: George F. Stone, CBOT Secretary

George F. Stone served as CBOT secretary during a formative period for the exchange, helping manage governance, quotations, and member communications. George F. Stone served as the Secretary of the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) for 28 years, a tenure that began in 1884 and lasted until his death in 1912. Stone was one of the most influential figures in the board's history, overseeing its operations during the "Gilded Age" of massive expansion in the grain and commodities markets.

He was responsible for compiling the CBOT's highly detailed Annual Reports of the Trade and Commerce of Chicago. These volumes are still used by historians today as the primary source for 19th-century commercial and historical statistics regarding Chicago's role as a global trading hub.

As Secretary, he was the chief administrative officer during a period of intense volatility and innovation, including the opening of the landmark 1885 Board of Trade Building. He acted as the "voice" of the board, often representing it in legal and legislative matters to defend the legitimacy of futures trading against "bucket shops" and anti-speculation laws.

Item Overview: 1880s CBOT Membership Sale/Transfer Document

• Era / Date: 1880s
• Recipient: George F. Stone; Secretary of CBOT
• Dimensions: Ticket approximately 8.25" x 5.25"
• Condition: Excellent; as pictured; fold down the middle