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
"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.
AL Button
Button in the shape of a derby (bowler) hat reading "AL." The hat references presidential candidate Alfred E. Smith's iconic derby hat that he wore during his time as the Governor of New York State.
Coolidge Elephant Button
Stud back, dark metal button in the shape of an elephant with "Coolidge" written along the side of the elephant's body in promotion of President Calvin Coolidge's 1924 presidential campaign.
Coolidge and Dawes - Red White and Blue Button
7/8-inch pin back, red, white and blue button featuring the words, "Coolidge and Dawes" promoting their campaign for the 1924 presidential election.
Coolidge-Dawes Club Button
7/8-inch, pin back button with red white and blue sections divided equally like a pie with the words "Coolidge Dawes Club" written on it in promotion of President Calvin Coolidge's 1924 presidential campaign. Reverse has label for Geraghty & Company (Chicago, Il.)
Democratic National Convention 1924 - Active Press Ticket
Green admission ticket reading "Democratic National Convention New York, June 24th Active Press." There is an oval portrait of former President Thomas Jefferson flanked by branches on the left side of the ticket and the United States Capitol in the center. The back of the ticket has the seal of New York State.
For President Alfred E. Smith Button
White button with black text read "For President Alfred E. Smith" surrounding a black and white, photographic portrait of presidential candidate Alfred E. Smith.
For President/Vice President, Coolidge and Dawes Button
7/8-inch pin back, white button with black and white portraits of President Calvin Coolidge and running mate, Charles G. Dawes encased in ovals for their 1924 campaign. Reverse has paperback label for The Whitehead and Hoag Company (Newark, N.J.)
Harding and Coolidge Button
Blue button with white text reading "Harding and Coolidge." Bordering the text are both a thin white stripe and a thicker red stripe on the top and bottom.
Harding/Coolidge Watch Fob
Watch fob with black leather strap and golden fob. The fob depicts an American eagle sitting atop a dome, flanked by arrows and an olive branch. Below the eagle are the oval portraits of presidential candidate Warren G. Harding and vice presidential candidate Calvin Coolidge. Above these portraits are the words "E Pluribus Unum" and below the portraits are their names, "Harding" and "Coolidge." At the bottom of the fob it reads "Our Choice."
Herbert Hoover Gold Pin
7/8-inch, gold pin featuring profile portrait of President Herbert Hoover in promotion of Hoover's 1928 presidential campaign. Reverse of pin has inscription for Metallic Art Company (New York, N.Y.)
Herbert Hoover/Charles Curtis Button
Button with oval portraits of Herbert Hoover and Charles Curtis. Hoover's portrait has the words "For President Herbert Hoover" while Charles' portrait has "For Vice President Charles Curtis." An American flag hangs behind each portrait.
Hoover For President Button
7/8-inch, white, pin back button featuring blue monochromatic portrait of President Herbert Hoover with the words "Hoover for President" written in blue, used in promotion of Hoover's 1928 presidential campaign. Reverse has paperback label for Saint Louis Button Company (Saint Louis, Mo.)
Hoover/Curtis Button
Rectangular button reading "Hoover Curtis," framed by black and white images of both presidential candidate Herbert Hoover and vice presidential candidate Charles Curtis.
Jackson Centennial Celebration Token
1 and 1/2-inch bronze token with low relief portrait of Andrew Jackson and featuring Captain Alex Laverty, Horace Blackman and Indian guide Pe-wy-tum shown standing in front of a landscape featuring the Grand River. Token commemorates the 100th anniversary of Jackson, Michigan and the birthplace of the Republican party. The reverse of the token has a profile portrait of Abraham Lincoln flanked by the American flag and the Michigan flag. Underneath the small portrait are the words "Jackson, Michigan. Here under the oaks July 6th 1854 was born the Republican Party destined in the throes of civil strife to abolish slavery, vindicate democracy and perpetuate the union" in low relief.
Keep Coolidge Button
7/8-inch, pin back button featuring black and white portrait of President Calvin Coolidge with the words "Keep Coolidge" written along the bottom in promotion of President Calvin Coolidge's 1924 presidential campaign.
Republican Rally! Flyer
7 1/2 inches by 11 inches flyer with text printed in black and separated into sections by black lines. From top to bottom, the sections read "REPUBLICAN RALLY!", "AT BETHALTO, ILL., ON Tuesday Evening October 19, 1920."; "Gilson Brown and Harry Halton of Alton, will discuss public issues. Come and hear them.” and "A Special Invitation Extended to the Ladies.” The bottom of the flyer features a union marker with the words, "Edwardsville" and "Republican" on either side in black lettering.
The Sidewalks of New York, Al Smith Poster
Framed poster featuring a black and white portrait of Al Smith. The poster, titled "The Sidewalks of New York" supports Al Smith's campaign.

Mercantile Library Collections Directory

Mercantile Special Collections Directory

Barriger Library Collections Directory

Barriger Special Collections Directory

Pott Library Collections Directory

Pott Special Collections Directory