The Philanthropic Order of True Ivorites in Wales and North America
The honorary Ivorite Award recognizes individuals and institutions whose activities bring honor to the overall Welsh tradition and heritage, especially activities exemplifying the motto of the first Ivorites: Friendship, Love, and Truth. Learn more...
Order of Ivorites recipients:
(incomplete list)
2025 Myfanwy Davies
2024 Evans Paschal
2022 Gerri Baker Parry
2022 Jon Roper
2021 The Saint David's Society of Utica NY
2020 Jonathan Morgan
2019 Bill Griffiths
2013 Tom Sandler
2013 Don Robinson
2013 Bill Van Buskirk
2012 Warren Watkins
2012 Sian Frick
2012 Cindy Roser
2012 Carole Ellis
2012 Bryan Jones
2010 Jeanne Jones Jindra
2010 Catrin Brace
2009 Rev. Richard Baskwill
2009 Lorena Bennett
2009 John Prytherch
2009 Jack Owen
2009 William Reese
2009 Dave Williams
2009 Dale Richards
2009 John Reinhart
2008 Alan Upshall
2007 Wilfred O. Greenway
2007 Douglas Bassett
2005 Olwen Joyce Anderson
2004 Nelson Llewelyn
2004 Alfred J. Reese
(incomplete list)
2025 Myfanwy Davies
2024 Evans Paschal
2022 Gerri Baker Parry
2022 Jon Roper
2021 The Saint David's Society of Utica NY
2020 Jonathan Morgan
2019 Bill Griffiths
2013 Tom Sandler
2013 Don Robinson
2013 Bill Van Buskirk
2012 Warren Watkins
2012 Sian Frick
2012 Cindy Roser
2012 Carole Ellis
2012 Bryan Jones
2010 Jeanne Jones Jindra
2010 Catrin Brace
2009 Rev. Richard Baskwill
2009 Lorena Bennett
2009 John Prytherch
2009 Jack Owen
2009 William Reese
2009 Dave Williams
2009 Dale Richards
2009 John Reinhart
2008 Alan Upshall
2007 Wilfred O. Greenway
2007 Douglas Bassett
2005 Olwen Joyce Anderson
2004 Nelson Llewelyn
2004 Alfred J. Reese
The order, known originally as “The Philanthropic Order of True Ivorites.” was established in Wrexham, Wales in 1836 by Thomas Robert Jones (“Gwerfulyn,” 1802-1856). The Ivorites were named after Ifor Hael (Ivor the Generous) who was the patron of Dafydd ap Gwilym, the fourteenth-century poet. They had firm rules for its members regarding morals and behavior and also nurtured the Welsh language. The Order of Ivorites did a great deal towards the fostering of Welsh literature by giving eisteddfod prizes and holding events to encourage and showcase native talent. The Ivorites’ interest centered on the development of Welsh intellectual and moral character, as well as social improvement.
In America, Benjamin Hughes (1824-1900) took such sentiments to heart. He became one of the most important figures in the history of Scranton, Pennsylvania’s Hyde Park section. Hughes was thought of as the father of the American Ivorites, credited with organizing their society in Scranton and was its first American grand president. To all who knew him, he was “more father than friend” admired for his exceptional executive ability and foresight. Thousands profited from his benevolence.
Although no active lodges exist today, local lodges of the Order of Ivorites were actively working throughout the United States into the late 1900s. With the establishment of this honorary Ivorite Award, the North America Wales Foundation commemorates and pays homage to the ideals of our Welsh forebears and seeks to foster that same spirit in our own time.
(Adapted from a 2006 report by William VanBuskirk, who with President-elect John Jones Reinhart, revived the Ivorite tradition.)
In America, Benjamin Hughes (1824-1900) took such sentiments to heart. He became one of the most important figures in the history of Scranton, Pennsylvania’s Hyde Park section. Hughes was thought of as the father of the American Ivorites, credited with organizing their society in Scranton and was its first American grand president. To all who knew him, he was “more father than friend” admired for his exceptional executive ability and foresight. Thousands profited from his benevolence.
Although no active lodges exist today, local lodges of the Order of Ivorites were actively working throughout the United States into the late 1900s. With the establishment of this honorary Ivorite Award, the North America Wales Foundation commemorates and pays homage to the ideals of our Welsh forebears and seeks to foster that same spirit in our own time.
(Adapted from a 2006 report by William VanBuskirk, who with President-elect John Jones Reinhart, revived the Ivorite tradition.)