M-322: Dr. Allen B. and Helen S. Shopmaker American Political Collection

The Shopmaker Collection contains over three thousand items ranging from a George Washington token dated 1789 to buttons and textiles endorsing candidates in the 2008 election. The variety of objects reflects the changing tastes of the American public and the available production technologies, ranging from 19th century brass jewelry and clothing buttons embossed with candidate's names and party symbols to today's modern, mass-produced buttons, and from porcelain plates embellished with a portrait of First Lady Helen Taft to Nancy Reagan paper dolls. With artifacts representing nearly every American election, the Shopmaker Collection provides the viewer with a broad look at how candidates have used images, slogans and symbols to woo the public, and how the public has expressed its own, often outspoken, opinions on both individuals and issues.
St. Louis Mercantile Library Art Museum
First President U.S.A., George Washington Token
1-inch copper token with profile portrait of George Washington and "1789 1st President U.S.A., George Washington 1797" in low relief surrounding the portrait. Reverse of token is identical to the front.
The Father of His Country Decanter
Clear transparent decanter with profile picture of George Washington with the title "The Father of his Country" on one side. The other side features a profile picture of General Taylor and reads " General Taylor Never Surrenders." Produced by Dyottville Glass works (Philadelphia, PA)

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