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

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"Bet on Bush" Bubble Gum Cigar Set
Set of bubble gum cigars in red, white, and blue designed box (6.25" x 5.25" x 1.5") that features a black and white portrait of George H. W. Bush to promote Bush's 1988 presidential campaign. Produced by Swell Philadelphia Chewing Gum Corporation.
"Campaign '88, Dukakis For President" Cigarette Pack
Pack of cigarettes (3.5"x2.25"x.75") featuring a blue profile portrait of Michael Dukakis to promote his 1988 presidential candidacy. A red, white and blue stripe flows behind Dukakis’s head.
"Carpenters and Hillary" T-shirt
Blue cotton t-shirt with "Carpenters & Hilary 2016" in red, white, and blue using Clinton's signature arrow design on the chest. The back of the t-shirt has the same symbol with the words "Building a Strong America" in white. Produced and distributed by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.
"Clinton for President" Bubble Gum Cigar
Bubble gum cigar with the words "Clinton For President" written on the wrapper in white. Produced by Swell Philadelphia Chewing Gum Corporation.
"Happy Days are Here Again" Shot Glass
Shot glass featuring a silhouette image of a donkey and the words "Happy Days Are Here."
"I Like Ike" Tie
Grey necktie with the words “I Like Ike” written in blue surrounded by a cluster of 5 stars. These motifs are repeated throughout the tie.
"I Like Kennedy" Cigar
Cigar with the words "I Like Kennedy" printed on the wrapper.
"Our Choice Cleve & Steve" Glass Bottle
Aqua glass, barrel-shaped bottle (5.5”x2.75”x1.5”) celebrating the election and inauguration of President Grover Cleveland and Vice President Adlai Stevenson in 1893. Text “Our Choice/Cleve & Steve/November 8th 92/March 4th 93” and jugate busts of Cleveland and Stevenson are on one side and a rooster – an early symbol of the Democratic party – on the other.
"Our Choice, Harding and Coolidge" Framed Decal
Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge Campaign window decal (10.5"x7") framed in ornate, oval, gold-tone wood frame.
"The Duke in '88" Bubble Gum Cigar
Bubble gum cigar with the words "The Duke in '88" written on the wrapper in white. Produced by Swell Philadelphia Chewing Gum Corporation.
"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."
"Vote Democratic" Bookmark
White bookmark reading "Vote" in blue text and "Democratic" in vertical red text. Along the right and left sides are red and blue stripes split by three red stars. A blue outlined star is at the bottom below the letter "C".
"Wallace" Straw Hat
Adult size boater, a traditional straw hat with a flat brim and ribbon band, with a red, white and blue striped band and a striped pin with the word “Wallace” at the front of the hat.
"Win With Bush" Bubble Gum Cigar
Bubble gum cigar with the words "Win With Bush" written on the wrapper in white. Produced by Swell Philadelphia Chewing Gum Corporation.
"democracy: some assembly required" Bumper Sticker
3 3/4 inches by 11 inches unused white vinyl bumper sticker with blue and red writing. There are blue and red letters spelling "democracy: some assembly required". The "democracy" part is the only blue and has white starts inside the letters. At the bottom there are blue letters spelling "www.DemocracyCaravan.org 1-866-GOT-VOTE?".
Bush Bottled Root Beer
Bottled root beer with Republican elephant logo and "Bush" in blue. Produced by Fitz’s Bottling Company
Campaign '88 Cigarettes, Bet on Bush
Pack of cigarettes (3.5"x2.25"x.75") featuring a blue profile portrait of President George W. H. Bush to promote his 1988 presidential candidacy. A red and blue stripe flows behind Bush’s head.
Carson Bottled Root Beer
Bottled root beer with Democrat donkey logo and "Carson" in blue. Produced by Fitz’s Bottling Company
Clinton Bottled Root Beer
Bottled root beer with Democrat donkey logo and "Clinton" in blue. Produced by Fitz’s Bottling Company
Conspectus of the History of Political Parties and the Federal Government
Dark green hardcover book titled "Conspectus of History of Political Parties and the Federal Government" in gold text surrounded by engraved floral flourishes.
Cruz Bottled Root Beer
Bottled root beer with Republican elephant logo and "Cruz" in blue. Produced by Fitz’s Bottling Company.
Democratic Donkey Mug
Salmon-colored mug in the shape of a donkey with the letters "DEM" embossed along the rim of the mug on one side and the words "Carter Mondale" is embossed on the other side. The interior of the mug is white. Embossed on the bottom is "Frankoma U.S. Pat. DG05739."
First Family Paper Dolls
Book of cut out paper dolls of the first family, the Reagans. The book includes 4 dolls, various outfits and accessories for each doll.
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.
Folk Art Elephant Collage
Collage Picture of an elephant (8.5"x11.5") made of white felt attached with blue stitching to a red textile background. On the body of the elephant are three pin back buttons that read, “Rotten Eggs with Roosevelt, Omelets with Willkie.”; “We Don’t Want Eleanor Either!”; and “No More Fireside Chats”.
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.
Hillary for America Sticker
Strip of two unused 2 1/2 inch round blue stickers, taken from a large roll. In the center is a capital letter "H" with a red arrow making up the crossbar. White text below reads "hillaryclinton.com".
I Didn't Vote for Reagan
2 1/8 inch diameter round, pin back button with background of a red stripe at the top, white stripe in the center, and blue strip at the bottom and the words "I'm glad I didn't vote for Reagan" in red, white, and blue letters. This is an anti-Ronald Reagan button, most likely from his second term.

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