Table Of ContentKFALL 200E6 YNVOolume 20T06 • NumEber 3 •R$5.00
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN POLITICAL ITEMS CONSERVATORS
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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
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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" auto-
graphed 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 sub-
sequent 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 propa-
ganda 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.
