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
"Happy Days are Here Again" Shot Glass
Shot glass featuring a silhouette image of a donkey and the words "Happy Days Are Here."
"The New Deal" Franklin D. Roosevelt Mug
Ochre-colored barrel mug featuring a profile picture of Franklin D. Roosevelt in a shield. The text reads “The New Deal."
"To Men and Women Who Have Served" Leaflet
9 5/16 inches by 3 13/16 inches white leaflet with black writing. At the top of the front page there are black letters spelling “TO MEN and WOMEN WHO HAVE SERVED". In the middle of the front page there is a photo of Alf Landon. Alongside the right hand side of both the front and back there are black stars. Beginning on the front and continuing onto the back, Alf Landon discusses the character of soldiers in times of war representing the best of America but also the need to carry that into times of peace as well. At the bottom of the back page there are black letters spelling "REPUBLICAN SERVICE LEAGUE 920 McCormick Bldg., Chicago". Union imprint on the bottom left of the back page.
Carry on With Roosevelt Button
1/2-inch pin back button with monochromatic blue portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Along the outer top edge is a red stripe with white text reading "CARRY ON WITH". Along the bottom edge is a blue stripe with white text reading "ROOSEVELT". Label for Bastian Brothers (Rochester, N.Y.) is written on the outer rim of the button.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Cigar Box
Rectangular box (2.5"x9.25"x5.75")with a hinged top featues a portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt on the side and the interior of the top of the box. The box advertises Corona size 100% filter cigars.
Hold to Hoover Handbill
White handbill with brown ink proclaiming "HOLD TO HOOVER!" at the top and bottom. In between is information on how his policies will combat the Depression.
HooverTab
Blue tab with gold border and gold text that reads "Hoover."
Keep U.S. Out of War Button
White button with red and blue lettering reading "Keep U.S. Out of War" with a sketch of the contiguous United States in the center.
Letter to Alexander W. Warner from Under Secretary of State Sumner Welles
9 inches by 7 inches letter from Sumner Welles in response to a letter from Alexander W. Warner. The top left has the seal of the United States Department of State stamped. The top middle has black letters spelling "THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON December 5, 1939". Welles signature followed the end of the body of the letter. The bottom of the letter has black letters spelling "Alexander W. Warner, Esq., 1408 Milam Building, San Antonio, Texas".
Protect the Future of America Card
White card with brown print. At the top "Protect the Future of America" is printed. Below are instructions to "Place an x opposite each name" and the header "Republican Ticket". Below is a list of Republican Party candidates and their respective offices. At the bottom is text reading "This is Your guide to good government. Carry it until you vote."
Roosevelt Blue Button
1/2-inch, blue, pin back button with white text across the center reading "Roosevelt". Reverse has label for Geraghty & Company (Chicago, Il.)
Speed Recovery, Re-Elect Hoover Button
7/8-inch, pin back button with white text reading, "Speed Recovery, Re-Elect Hoover" with a red and blue background. Reverse has label for Greenduck Company (Chicago, Il.)
Voting Delegate, National Townsend Convention Ribbon
Dark blue ribbon with ribbon badge containing space to write a name. The ribbon reads "Voting Delegate" and the medal hanging from the ribbon reads "4th National Townsend Convention, Indianapolis, June 22-25, 1939." The medal has a depiction of Dr. Francis E. Townsend in a circular border, as well as a triangle with the words "Youth for work Ago for Leisure" in the center. The words "The Townsend Plan" encircle the triangle. The bottom of the medal depicts the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Indianapolis, Indiana, flanked by olive branches.

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