American Theosophical Society

From 1895 until 1934, the legal name of the American Section of the Theosophical Society based in Adyar, India changed several times. The organization was incorporated as The American Section of the Theosophical Society on September 21, 1911 in the State of Illinois. The society was to be managed by a board of five directors, named as Weller Van Hook, F. J. Kunz [father of Fritz Kunz], Thomas H. Talbot, Elliot Holbrook, and R. W. Ensor. Weller Van Hook, D. S. M. Unger, and Elliot Holbrook signed the articles of incorporation.

On August 11, 1924, L. W. Rogers revised the name to American Theosophical Society, following a resolution at the annual meeting. One more change followed with the August 20, 1934 resolution changing the name to The Theosophical Society in America. That name was filed with the state on September 1, 1934 by President Sidney A. Cook.

Video

A film was made of the Highlights of the 40th Annual Convention of the American Theosophical Society. International President Annie Besant presided over meetings in Chicago, August 28 to September 1, 1926. This silent 35-mm film was made during the 40th Annual Convention of the American Theosophical Society in Chicago and Wheaton, Illinois on August 28 to September 1926. The filmmaker is unknown. Sequences include the arrival of members and the public at 1926 N. Main Street, Wheaton, for the laying of the cornerstone of the Society's new headquarters building; Co-Masonic procession, ceremony, and recession; president L. W. Rogers and his staff gathered at the old headquarters, 826 Oakdale Avenue, Chicago; and Annie Besant and Jiddu Krishnamurti at the Sherman Hotel. Other prominent people featured in the film include Irving Kane Pond (architect), Albert Schwartz (international Theosophical Society treasurer), A. P. Warrington (former ATS president), Maude Couch, Marie Poutz, Edith Armour, D. Rajagopal (Order of the Star in the East), and Max Wardall. Digitized in May, 2017 at Chicago Film Archives.