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KFALL 200E6 YNVOolume 20T06 • NumEber 3 •R$5.00 JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN POLITICAL ITEMS CONSERVATORS ^3;x Social Realism: The Graphic Art of Ben Shahn Non-Partisan Get Out the Vote Items New Favorite Jersey Locals The Great Whig Meeting in Boston: September 19, 1844 1 Consign Now to Heritage Auction Galleries Upcoming POLITICAL MEMORABILIA/AMERICANA GRAND FORMAT AUCTION Your material can realize prices like these! NOW: Ready to Sell? Here are three compelling reasons to consign t/ THE RIGHTAUDIENCE Worldwidebidderparticipationbyphone, fax,e-mail, simulcast,andinternet! — / THE RIGHT MARKET — llieincrediblepricesrealizedfromourpreviousauctionsspeakforthemselves! ^/ THE RIGHT TIMING Thereismorefreshmoneyinthecollectiblesmarketplacethaneverbefore! Heritage is nowacceptingconsignments for our Upcomingauction ofPresiciential & Political Memorabilia, Buttons, and Medals; Historical & Pop CultureAmericana; andVintageToys. CONSIGN NOW! HERITAGE HA.com/Join (freeandquick). Tom Slater.800-872-6467ext.44 EnterReferenceCodeM353for ([email protected]) cAudim Qalkrie& abonusauctioncatalogorbook ofyourcfioice. AruxctLKijcneenesres#0S0a0m13F7o4o0seTnTiXsaLuiccteinosnei#s0s0u0b1je1c7t27to.aJo1h9n5P%elty. TheWorld'sLargestCollectiblesAuctioneer•AnnualSalesExceedingS500Million J BuyetsPremium Over255,000OnlineRegisteredBidder-Members 3500 Maple Avenue, 17th Floor • Dallas, Texas 75219-3941 • 800-872-6467 • HA.com/Americana Picture This! °K]Dfl[imR]DTri7» 'i Thousands of Items in Every Auction Four Full Color Catalogs a Year More than 34 years in Business Friendly, Personal Service Anderson Auction PO Box 644 Troy, Ohio 45373 937-339-0850 www.anderson-auction.com [email protected] New Collectors: Request a free sample auction NONE KKIVAIt »IUNINU >tai:^IUN Thank you Mr. President for allowing us the opportunity to provide a lasting keepsake to distinguished collectors. Your trust and confidence in our exclusive private signing session on April 17, 2006 is greatly appreciated by supporters worldwide. lb receive an Information pacl<et listing all the "limited edition" autographed items available from our exclusive private signing session with President Bush (including prices & pictures) please email Patrick Van Tiem. [email protected] or cnW 1-248-767-4401 4 Available autographed items include: White House sculptures, Air Force One models, Framed Oath ofOffice, Framed Inaugural Address, White House Christmas cards, CAVU, Babe Ruth & President Bush photos, commemorative baseballs, commemorative bats. Seal of the Presidentgolfballs. Oath ofOffice photos, Oval Office photos, Americanaties. President & Mrs. Bush portraits (signed by both). President Bush & Dan Quayle photos (signed by both) and many other miscellaneous framed and unframed photos. All honorariums for President Bush have been donated to charity. o The Keynoter • Fall 2006 After hearing the rave reviews on our last Keynoter, the George Washington issue, was I concerned our editorial board would be faced with the intimidating task ofcreating a subsequent issue which would be as relevant, enjoyable and entertaining. likened this feeling I to emotions expressed by President Harry Truman, who remarked that he hoped he did not have to stand in the cold shadow of his great predecessor, Franklin D. Roosevelt. However, after reviewing the galley proofs ofthis current Keynoter, my concerns were quickly put to rest; this issue is spec- tacular and stands on its own merit. There are a variety ofarticles in this edition ofour quarterly journal which will surely appeal to the myriad of historical interests enjoyed by our membership. The greatAmerican artist, Ben Shahn, created some ofthe most graphic and signifi- cant social/political posters ofthe twentieth century, and his works are examined in this issue. We are also featuring an examination ofthe wide variety of materials which urge the vote, rather than promoting singular candidates. Yet another article chronicles the great Whig event of 844. 1 This Keynoter is also special in that it begins a series ofarticles which will explore local collectors' favorite items. Many of our locals collectors asked that we include a regular feature on their specialty, and we have delivered. Beginning with New Jersey in this issue, subsequent issues will continue to feature locals collectors showing their favorite non-presidential items. Yours in progress. - Vvejustbc Brian E. Krapf APIC President m REGISTER VOTE Ben Shahn 1946 CIO PAC poster. 1 WANTED QUALITY ITEMS buy entire collections or single items, especially graphic, displayable pieces. Contact I me if you have something wonderful to sell, or to see my current inventory. GARY COHEN AMERICANA L. 8 36 CHESTNUT HOLLOW AVE. • LAS VEGAS. NV 89 3 1 1 PHONE: 702-610-3539 or 702-656-0664 • FAX: 702-362-5397 • WEB: www.politicalbuttons.com APIC #2687 - Member Since 1972 KEYNOTER Volume 2006 • Number 3 Features EDITOR'S MESSAGE 8 Social Realism: The Graphic Art of Ben Shahn This issue has taken a 18 Non-Partisan Get-OutThe Vote Items new turn with the cover story on graphic artist 32 Collecting History: A Different Breed of Ben Shahn. His work is Collectors one ofthose rare exam- ples when political propaganda rose to the level of 36 Preserving History -- The Crisis in American genuine art. I first Education became aware ofShahn's work with his "dove of 37 Handheld Microscope Important Tool When peace" poster done to support Eugene Collecting Political Photographs McCarthy's antiwar challenge to President LyndonJohnson in 1968 but any study ofthe 38 The Great Whig Meeting in Boston: graphic art ofthe 940's and 950's quickly reveals work that S1hahn had d1one for decades September 19, 1844 before. 42 Profiles In Deed On avery different front, also want to note I the unheralded work done byJohn Olsen in preserving non-partisan Get Out the Vote THANK YOU~The editor wishes to thank Rex Stark for providing the items. This is an overlooked aspect of Political majority of the images for the George Washington issue Americana and Olsen may be the first recog- (Spring/Summer 2006), other than those specifically credited to David nized specialist in the field. and Janice Frent. This diverse collection of material is a national asset and the sharing with Keynoter readers is deeply appreciated. aInrcalroesipnogl,itIicwaalnftigeudret,oFrreacnokgnZiiezdeletrh,ewphasosidnigedof ILLUSTRATIONS-The editor wishes to thanks the following for providing illustrations for this issue: Germaine Broussard, Michael on July 7, 2006. Zielderwas a Socialist and was Dunham, Robert Fratkin, Kim Geike, Jon Olsen, Al Salter, Ronnie elected Mayor of Milwaukee, Wisconsin from Lapinsky Sax, Robert Saypol, and Glen Soden. 1948 to 1960 on the Socialist ticket. In 1976, he was the presidential candidate ofa revived FRONT COVER-An example of political propaganda rising to Socialist Party, winning 5,427 votes. Ziedler the level of art: a poster for President Franklin D. Roosevelt in was featured in Winter 1998 Keynoter and 1944 by Ben Shahn. spoke to the 1989 APIC National Convention in Milwaukee. Although it may seem odd for a SUBMISSI0NS-7"/i/s /5yourpublication. Please feel free to Republican like me to pay tribute to a Socialist, shareyourideas, suggestions, illustrations andstories. The Keynoter Ziedler was an example ofhonest public serv- is delighted to share pictures ofinterestingpoliticalAnnericana with ice, something becoming more uncommon in its readers. When submitting an illustration, senditasan .eps, .jpg this era ofattack ads and campaign consultants. or.pdffile to [email protected]. Illustrationsshouldbe in colorand submittedin digital formatwith atleast300 dpiresolution (prefer- ablyhigher). Files mustbe createdat 100% ofactualsize orlarger (smallerrisks loosing clarity). Digitalelectronicimagesshouldbe saved to a minimum of300 dpias TIF, GIG, JPEG or EPS files, prefer- ably in Adobe Photoshop. Ifyou don'thave access to a scanneror high-resolution digital Michael Kelly camera, you can takeyouritems to graphicservice bureaus, such as Editor Kinko's, andhave them scannedin thespecification mentioned above. You can then send the file bye-mail, on a CD oron a zip disk. Ifsending byzip disk, pleasesupplyreturn address. The Keynoter • Fall 2006 All correspondence about content LETTERS TO THE EDITOR should be addressed to: Editor The recent George Washingtor) issue was the best yet. Michael Kelly 1901 Montclair Avenue The editorial quality was at least comparable to the first color issue in Spring Flint, Ml 48503 [email protected] 2004 with the excellent Arthur Schlesinger essay on "Running for President". The pieces by four historians outside the hobbygive a true literary quality to Illustrations Editor The Keynoter Germaine Broussard [email protected] I enjoyedreading all ofthese articles. This literary quality was supplement- ed by extensive colorphotography oftwo ofthe best Washington collections Production/Art Director in the hobby Seeing so many ofRex Stark's ceramics is mind-boggling. Michael Tews What an extensive and varied collection. David andJanice Frent's [email protected] Washington clothing buttons and ceramics are extensive and marvelous as Executive Editor well. The qualityofall the photographic images is extremely high. These Robert Fratkin large collections will also provide valuable reference in the future. [email protected] Thanks for bringing us such superb quality. All correspondence about mailing and copies should be addressed to: Tom Berg (APIC #6814) Member Services Mark D. Evans PO. Box 55 Avon, New York 14414 APIC OFFICERS & BOARD [email protected] Editorial Board APIC OFFICERS - President: Brian Krapf, Vice President: Region #1 - Bruce Robert Fratkin DeMay, Region #2 - Frank Acker, Region #3 - Ronnie Lapinsky Sax, Region #4 Harvey Goldberg Michael McQuillen, Region #5 - Larry Brokofsky, Region #6 - Gary Jung; Michael Kelly Region #7 - Charlie Hertlein, Secretary: Harvey Goldberg, Treasurer; Ed Brian Krapf Edmund Sullivan Stahl; Board of Directors: Dennis Belt, Peter Maio, Robert McCarthy, Al John Gingerich Brindisi, Robert Saypol, Robert Westerman, Peter Economou, Greg Bannon, RogerVan Sickle, Jack Dixey, Wendell Peterson, Morry Greener, Bill Gnefkow, Contributing Editors PatLennington,TrentLeDoux, Robert Banwart, Adam Gottlieb, DavidWilson, Steve Baxley William D. Kirsner, Tom Peeling, David Quintin; National Chapter Stephen Cresswell Coordinator: Melyssa Fratkin, Historian: Al Salter; Editor, APIC Keynoter. David Frent Michael Kelly; Past Presidents: Chris hiearn, Neal Machander, Norman Loewenstern, Geary VIK, Robert Fratkin, Larry Krug, U.I. "Chick" Harris. Contributors Membership Information: applications may be obtained by writing to the Steve Baxley Director of Member Services at: APIC, Mark D. Evans PO BOX 55 Avon, NY Kim Geike Brian Krapf 14414 • Email: [email protected] • Phone 585-226-8620 Jon Olsen Al Salter APICNEWSLETTERANDCALENDAROF EVENTS: Harvey Goldberg, Editor, Robert Saypol PO Box 922, Clark NJ 07066. Glen Soden American Political Items Conservators is the educational division of the Advertising Director American Political Items Collectors Inc., a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Mark D. Evans APIC seeks to encourage and support the study and preservation of original [email protected] materials issuing from and relating to political campaigns of the United States of America and to bring its members fuller appreciation and deeper under- National Advertising Manager standing of the candidates and issuesthat form our political heritage. Michael Belefski 2006 APIC New Jersey 07066 • Pnnted in USA [email protected] Printed By Modern Litho-Print Co. MO Jefferson City, The Keynoter • Fall 2006 II Social Realism: The Graphic Art of Ben Shahn By Glen W. Soden My fascination with the work ofartist Ben Shahn began with an art appreciation course in college. Upon my first viewing of "Miner's Wives" by Shahn, an intriguing portrait ofthe wife ofa coal miner anxiously awaiting news ofher husband from approaching mine inspectors or undertakers, was captivated. The hands ofthe wife I conveyed emotion. Although was a political item collector at the I time, little did I realize the graphics connection between Ben Shahn and my interest in political science and collecting campaign items. Since that time the hands of Ben Shahn and his subjects have led me to an extensive collection ofShahn's social and political works. In Shahn's own quest as an artist and as the son ofa wood carver, he found the social events ofthe time compelling. Stories and people became the focus of his art. Beginning with portraits ofthe Dreyfus affair, a trial in France ofaJewish military officer charged with treason, found guilty and later acquitted following proofofcorruption and anti-Semitism by the prosecutors, Shahn later recorded "The Passion of Sacco-Vanzetti," a Massachusetts death by electrocution case following the robbery and murder ofa paymaster and guard and anti-anarchist and anti-Italian bias by the judge. Shahn followed with his artist's recording ofthe trial of California labor leader Tom Mooney. Cause buttons were issued for both the latter trials. The Lowell Committee at the coffins ofSacco and Vanzetti (l-r) Robert Grant; Harvard PresidentA. Lawrence Lowell; MITPresident Samuel W. Stratton. In the window in the background is trialjudge Webster Thayer. Two of23 works depicting the trial ofSacco and Vanzetti, the protest demonstrations, the officials involved, and their execution. 1931-1932 The Keynoter • Fall 2006 Defendant Tom Mooney Tom Mooney's mother. The trial ofTom Mooney in California in 1916. Three of 16 works on this The Trial ofTom Mooney topic. 1932-1933 Interestingly, despite his being an artist who in many of sonal connection to my interest in Ben Shahn, my daughters his works deplored the actions ofgovernment and its officials, attended the same Columbus school from which Bernarda Shahn found an outlet for his creativity through the support of had graduated.) 'government programs. The Federal Art Project ofthe Works DuringWorld War II Shahn worked in thegraphics division Progress Administration led Shahn to an appreciation for the ofthe Office ofWar Information and produced the posters actions of Franklin Roosevelt and his administration. It also "Nazi Brutality" and "We French workers warn you... defeat led to Shahn's relationship with Bernarda Bryson of means slavery, starvation, death," showing the "Official Vichy Columbus, who was to become his second wife. Together Decree. " The poster "This is Nazi brutality" was powerful, they photographed or drew the desperate economic condi- showingavictim to be executed by firing squad and a telegram tions ofthe Midwestern and Southern United States for the "RADIO BERLIN. - IT IS OFFICIALLYANNOUNCED: - ALL Farm SecurityAdministration. (In a coincidental further per- MEN OF UDICE - CZECHOSLOVAKIA - HAVING BEEN The Keynoter • Fall 2006 Above and Page 1 1: Three of8 works on Prohibition theme for the New York City Public Works ofArt project. The man in the white suit (above) depicts NYC MayorJimmy Walker. SHOT: THE WOMEN DEPORTED TO A CONCENTRATION CAMP: THE CHILDREN SENT TO APPROPRIATE CENTERS—THE NAME OF THE VILLAGE WAS IMMEDIATELY ABOLISHED. 6/1 1/42/1 I5R" Reaction at the time to this chilling poster story of inhumanity was that it was too vivid and violent. Other Shahn posters were also considered too vivid, and government bureaucrats cancelled work on many ofShahn's poster ideas. In 1944 Ben Shahn found work with the Political Action Committee ofthe Congress of Industrial Organizations (ClO-PAC) to design materials and posters for FDR's presidential campaign. The postcard pictured is of Republican presidential candidate Thomas Dewey as a ventriloquist's dummy on Herbert Hoover's knee. Shahn's satire of Dewey as merely a dummy with Hoover's voice is told in the simple illustration without wording. The poster "FDR - Our Friend" was also done during Shahn's ClO-PAC relationship. His depiction of Roosevelt as a larger than life father figure also promi- nently displays "CIO am your neighbor" buttons and cards for the I National Farmers Union and Farm Bureau. All stories told with mini- mal wording. Shahn lent his graphic efforts through the CIO to the Truman administration through his 1946 Vote posters for the 1946 congres- sional campaigns in a fight against the conservative right. The poster "We want Peace REGISTERVOTE" shows hunger in a child's eyes and outstretched hand. The hand was again a central focus.