Government, Politics, and Reform

March on Washington Handbill

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln are all represented in the Museum's collections—by a surveying compass, a lap desk, and a top hat, among other artifacts. But the roughly 100,000 objects in this collection reach beyond the possessions of statesmen to touch the broader political life of the nation—in election campaigns, the women's suffrage movement, labor activity, civil rights, and many other areas. Campaign objects make up much of the collection, including posters, novelties, ballots, voting machines, and many others. A second group includes general political history artifacts, such as first ladies' clothing and accessories, diplomatic materials, ceremonial objects, national symbols, and paintings and sculptures of political figures. The third main area focuses on artifacts related to political reform movements, from labor unions to antiwar groups.

Date: 1910s

Everything in Knowing What to Feed 'Em

This object is an original pen and ink political cartoon hand drawn on heavy white paper by Clifford Berryman circa 1912 in Washington, D.C.
Description
This object is an original pen and ink political cartoon hand drawn on heavy white paper by Clifford Berryman circa 1912 in Washington, D.C. It depicts Woodrow Wilson in a barnyard with farm animals being fed "Wilson's Progressive Mixture." Each animal is labeled as a Wilson Rooster, Supporter, Promoter, Shouter, Promoter, Advocate, Follower, or Cackler. Inscribed in ink near his face as if he is speaking are the words "Everything in Knowing What to Feed 'Em." The drawing is stamped in the lower left corner with Berryman's number 14063 in blue ink. It is signed "Berryman" in the lower right area of the illustration.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
circa 1912
depicted
Wilson, Woodrow
maker
Berryman, Clifford
ID Number
PL.322733.006
catalog number
322733.006
accession number
322733

French Rooster Motif

This example of Mechlin bobbin lace depicts a whimsical variant of the Gallic rooster, symbol of France. The motif was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I and was likely intended to be inserted into a larger item.Currently not on view
Description
This example of Mechlin bobbin lace depicts a whimsical variant of the Gallic rooster, symbol of France. The motif was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I and was likely intended to be inserted into a larger item.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T16115F
catalog number
T16115F
accession number
297965

Valenciennes Border

Floral motifs in the Valenciennes square mesh bobbin lace technique were used for this cotton lace border. The repeated pattern is four and three-eight inches long, and the ends are unfinished. The pattern is the same as in TE*T14225B, except for the scalloped edge.
Description
Floral motifs in the Valenciennes square mesh bobbin lace technique were used for this cotton lace border. The repeated pattern is four and three-eight inches long, and the ends are unfinished. The pattern is the same as in TE*T14225B, except for the scalloped edge. It was identified by the donor as lace made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T14225A
catalog number
T14225A
accession number
273245

Border with Motifs and Inscription

This border has motifs of women, men, windmills, and trees. Below the figures is the Flemish saying “MYN VADERLAND IS MYN DUURBAARSTE PAND” (My homeland is my most cherished possession) worked into the lace.
Description
This border has motifs of women, men, windmills, and trees. Below the figures is the Flemish saying “MYN VADERLAND IS MYN DUURBAARSTE PAND” (My homeland is my most cherished possession) worked into the lace. This Lille type bobbin lace features a nine-inch long pattern repeat and a picot edge. It was designed for the Dutch market for edging their bonnets. Both ends are finished with a narrow Mechlin bobbin lace border with floral motifs outlined with gimp. The lace was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T14227
catalog number
T14227
accession number
273245

Ruysselede Municipal Shield Motif

Part of a set of six, this Valenciennes bobbin lace medallion depicts the municipal shield of Ruysselede (Ruiselede) in the Belgian province of West Flanders.
Description
Part of a set of six, this Valenciennes bobbin lace medallion depicts the municipal shield of Ruysselede (Ruiselede) in the Belgian province of West Flanders. Other medallions, two with the American eagle, two with the Belgian lion coat-of-arms, and another with the municipal shield of Ruysselede complete the set. See a similar motif in TE*E383967. Belgian lace makers made these laces during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1916-1918
made during
1914-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T14222D
catalog number
T14222.00D
accession number
273245

Tribute from Ardoye Table Runner

This table runner has a central inscription of “VLAANDEREN IN DEN KRYG – HULDE VAN ARDOYE – 1915” (Flanders in War – Tribute from Ardoye). Nine embroidered Belgian province shields and the 1915 municipal shield for Ardoye decorate the border.
Description
This table runner has a central inscription of “VLAANDEREN IN DEN KRYG – HULDE VAN ARDOYE – 1915” (Flanders in War – Tribute from Ardoye). Nine embroidered Belgian province shields and the 1915 municipal shield for Ardoye decorate the border. The German Army used poisoned gas for the first time on the western front in 1915 by Ardoye near Ypres, West Flanders, Belgium.
The linen fabric of the table runner is embroidered in satin stitch and French knots with cotton. The floral border surrounding the shields is rendered in the Bruges flower lace technique and braided mesh. Lace and embroidery was made by Belgian women during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1915-1918
part of design
1915
facilitator
Hoover, Herbert
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E383961
catalog number
E383961
accession number
172208

The Open Season

This object is an original pen and ink political cartoon hand drawn on white paper by Clifford Berryman circa 1912 in Washington, D.C., during the 1912 Presidential Campaign. The title “The Open Season” is inscribed in pencil and is centered on the bottom.
Description
This object is an original pen and ink political cartoon hand drawn on white paper by Clifford Berryman circa 1912 in Washington, D.C., during the 1912 Presidential Campaign. The title “The Open Season” is inscribed in pencil and is centered on the bottom. The drawing depicts one unidentified individual and the following who are identified by their last names: Judson Harmon, William Howard Taft, Champ Clark, Joseph W. Folk, Robert M. La Follette Sr., and Woodrow Wilson. Each is holding a gun, and a sign in the background reads "Delegate Hunting Grounds." The drawing is stamped in blue ink in the lower right corner with Berryman's number 18651. It is signed "Berryman" in the lower right area of the illustration.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1912
Associated Date
circa 1912
associated person
Wilson, Woodrow
Clark, Champ
Taft, William H.
Harmon
La Follette, Robert M.
Folk
maker
Berryman, Clifford
ID Number
PL.322733.004
catalog number
322733.004
322733.004
accession number
322733

Fashion Note - High hats are coming into style again

This object is an original pen and ink political cartoon hand drawn on white paper by Clifford Berryman circa 1905-1915 in Washington, D.C.
Description
This object is an original pen and ink political cartoon hand drawn on white paper by Clifford Berryman circa 1905-1915 in Washington, D.C. The title is inscribed in pencil along the bottom: "Fashion note - High hats are coming into style again." This drawing depicts heads of different men, none identifiable but each wearing a different style of high hat, and labelled as follows: "The Magnate"; "The Sky Scraper"; "The Boss"; "The Alfalfa"; "The Imported"; "The Mollycoddle"; "It's The Real Come Back Shape [held by Uncle Sam]'; "The Del Sarte"; "The Low Bridge"; and "The Has Been." Berryman’s number “16427” is stamped in blue ink on the right corner. The drawing is signed "Berryman" in the lower right area of the illustration.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1905 - 1915
maker
Berryman, Clifford
ID Number
PL.322733.015
catalog number
322733.015
accession number
322733

Peacock Design Border Sample

A peacock motif is the focus of this border in Point de Paris bobbin lace. It was probably made in Courtrai (Kortrijk), Belgium by Belgian lace makers during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
A peacock motif is the focus of this border in Point de Paris bobbin lace. It was probably made in Courtrai (Kortrijk), Belgium by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T14569
catalog number
T14569
accession number
278083

Valenciennes Border

This cotton lace border with floral motifs was made using the Valenciennes square mesh bobbin lace technique. The repeated pattern is four and three-eight inches long, and the ends are unfinished. The pattern is the same as in TE*T14225A, but with a straight edge.
Description
This cotton lace border with floral motifs was made using the Valenciennes square mesh bobbin lace technique. The repeated pattern is four and three-eight inches long, and the ends are unfinished. The pattern is the same as in TE*T14225A, but with a straight edge. It was identified by the donor as lace made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T14225B
catalog number
T14225B
accession number
273245

Belgian Lion Motif

Part of a set of six, this Valenciennes bobbin lace medallion features the coat-of-arms of Belgium. Other medallions, two with the American eagle, another with the Belgian lion coat-of-arms, and two with the municipal shield of Ruysselede (Ruiselede) complete the set.
Description
Part of a set of six, this Valenciennes bobbin lace medallion features the coat-of-arms of Belgium. Other medallions, two with the American eagle, another with the Belgian lion coat-of-arms, and two with the municipal shield of Ruysselede (Ruiselede) complete the set. See a similar motif in TE*E383967. Belgian lace makers made these laces during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1916-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T14222E
catalog number
T14222E
accession number
273245

Allied Nations Tablecloth

This tablecloth is embellished with padded satin stitch embroidery and Point de Venise style needle lace. The center insets feature the coats-of-arms of the Allies: Romania, Belgium, Montenegro, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom, Serbia, Italy, France, and Portugal.
Description
This tablecloth is embellished with padded satin stitch embroidery and Point de Venise style needle lace. The center insets feature the coats-of-arms of the Allies: Romania, Belgium, Montenegro, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom, Serbia, Italy, France, and Portugal. The triangular insets with oak leaves and acorn motifs symbolize strength and endurance.
Embroidered around the border is “1914 A MRS BRAND WHITLOCK 1915 1916 HOMMAGE RECONNAISSANT DES DENTELLIERES BELGES 1917” (1914 to Mrs. Brand Whitlock 1915 1916 grateful tribute from the Belgian lace makers 1917). The lace and embroidery was made by Belgian women during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1917-1918
part of design
1915
1916
1917
made during
1918
part of design
1914
described
Whitlock, Ella Brainerd
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E383960
catalog number
E383960
accession number
172208

Belgian War Lace pillow top with American Eagle, 1915-16

This panel was specifically designed to express appreciation to the Americans for their help during World War I. The entire panel was executed in fine Valenciennes style bobbin lace by Belgian lace makers.
Description
This panel was specifically designed to express appreciation to the Americans for their help during World War I. The entire panel was executed in fine Valenciennes style bobbin lace by Belgian lace makers. The American Eagle in the center is flanked by the coats-of-arms of Belgium and the municipality of Ruysselede (Ruiselede) in West Flanders. The inscription “AAN DE VEREENIGDE STATEN” (to the United States) is worked into the lace in the top border. “1914 HULDE EN DANK 1915” (1914 honor and thank you 1915) enhances the bottom border. The side borders contain the words “BELGIE” and “RUYSSELEDE” surrounded by floral designs.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1915-1916
part of design
1915
1914
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E383967
catalog number
E383967
accession number
172208

political cartoon

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
circa 1925
circa 1928
circa 1931
circa 1912
circa 1923
associated institution
Republican Party
maker
Berryman, Clifford
ID Number
PL.322733.041
catalog number
322733.041

Belgian Provinces and Allied Nations Tablecloth

This square table cover has shields of the nine Belgian provinces in the center and a border of animals representing four of the initial Allied powers: Bear (Russia), Lion (Belgium), Rooster (France), and Unicorn (Great Britain).
Description
This square table cover has shields of the nine Belgian provinces in the center and a border of animals representing four of the initial Allied powers: Bear (Russia), Lion (Belgium), Rooster (France), and Unicorn (Great Britain). The motifs were executed in Point de Paris bobbin lace and pulled thread embroidery by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1919
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E383965
catalog number
E383965
accession number
172208

Mythical Motifs Bedcover

Twenty-five squares with mythical motifs were assembled to make this bedcover. Seven different fantastical needle lace motifs are repeated one to five times. The bedcover is assembled from different types of bobbin and needle lace.
Description
Twenty-five squares with mythical motifs were assembled to make this bedcover. Seven different fantastical needle lace motifs are repeated one to five times. The bedcover is assembled from different types of bobbin and needle lace. The geometric point de Venise style needle lace border is stitched together in the corners. Insertions of Brussels style bobbin lace connected with Alençon style needle lace mesh separate the various motifs. The donor identified this as lace made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1917
ID Number
TE.T14502
catalog number
T14502
accession number
273245

Province of Antwerp Motif

The coat-of-arms of the Belgian Province of Antwerp is the featured motif on this example of Mechlin bobbin lace. This piece was probably designed to be inserted into a larger item. It was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Description
The coat-of-arms of the Belgian Province of Antwerp is the featured motif on this example of Mechlin bobbin lace. This piece was probably designed to be inserted into a larger item. It was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I. See a similar motif in TE*E383965.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T16115A
catalog number
T16115A
accession number
297965

American Eagle Motif

Part of a set of six, this Valenciennes bobbin lace medallion focuses on the American eagle motif.
Description
Part of a set of six, this Valenciennes bobbin lace medallion focuses on the American eagle motif. Two other medallions with the Belgian lion coat-of-arms, two with the municipal shield of Ruysselede (Ruiselede) in the Belgian province of West Flanders; and another with the American eagle complete the set. See a similar motif in TE*E383967. Belgian lace makers made these laces during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1916-1918
made during
1914-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T14222A
catalog number
T14222A
accession number
273245

Montenegro Motif

The Montenegro coat-of-arms depicting a double-headed eagle with a lion in the center shield is the focus of this example of Mechlin bobbin lace.
Description
The Montenegro coat-of-arms depicting a double-headed eagle with a lion in the center shield is the focus of this example of Mechlin bobbin lace. This piece was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I and was probably designed to be inserted into a larger item.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T16115B
catalog number
T16115B
accession number
297965

Just My Blamed Luck!

Champ Clark was a prominent Democratic politician from Missouri from the 1890s till his death in 1921, and was the frontrunner candidate for the Democratic nomination during the 1912 Presidential campaign.
Description
Champ Clark was a prominent Democratic politician from Missouri from the 1890s till his death in 1921, and was the frontrunner candidate for the Democratic nomination during the 1912 Presidential campaign. His interests lay with agriculture in the Midwest and South, which could explain his depiction with a typical tool of farming. The presence of the African American male could represent racial conflict for Clark, perhaps in a wish that he could ignore the issue of race that was ever present in the context of agriculture at the time, especially in the South. Roosevelt was more aligned with concerns of the East such as regulation of big business, and was not known to be particiularly sympathetic toward the concerns of African Americans. This interpretation could also explain Clark's words "Just My Blamed Luck."
Despite Clark's anticipated victory at becoming the Democratic nominee, he lost to Woodrow Wilson.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1912
depicted person
Roosevelt, Theodore
depicted (sitter)
Clark, Champ
maker
Berryman, Clifford
ID Number
PL.322733.022
catalog number
322733.022
accession number
322733

Ruysselede Municipal Shield Motif

Part of a set of six, this Valenciennes bobbin lace medallion depicts the municipal shield of Ruysselede (Ruiselede) in the Belgian province of West Flanders.
Description
Part of a set of six, this Valenciennes bobbin lace medallion depicts the municipal shield of Ruysselede (Ruiselede) in the Belgian province of West Flanders. Other medallions, two with the American eagle, two with the Belgian lion coat-of-arms, and another with the municipal shield of Ruysselede complete the set. See a similar motif in TE*E383967. Belgian lace makers made these laces during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1916-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T14222C
catalog number
T14222C
accession number
273245

Mechlin Border

Motifs of tipped-over flowerpots were used for the design of this Mechlin bobbin lace border. The pattern repeat is three and one-half inches long, and a heavier cordonnet or gimp thread outlines the motifs.
Description
Motifs of tipped-over flowerpots were used for the design of this Mechlin bobbin lace border. The pattern repeat is three and one-half inches long, and a heavier cordonnet or gimp thread outlines the motifs. The donor identified this border as lace made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T14507
catalog number
T14507
accession number
273245

Win the Next War Now

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1918
Associated Name
National War Garden Commission
ID Number
ZZ.RSN82662Y10

Augusta-Virginia Banner Panel

This square panel with a Point de Venise needle lace center depicts cherubs holding a banner with the inscription “AUGUSTA-VIRGINIA”. The donor’s mother Augusta Virginia Mitchell owned the lace.
Description
This square panel with a Point de Venise needle lace center depicts cherubs holding a banner with the inscription “AUGUSTA-VIRGINIA”. The donor’s mother Augusta Virginia Mitchell owned the lace. Her daughter, the Vicomtesse de Beughem, was one of four women in charge of the Lace Committee during World War I and possibly commissioned it for her mother.
Another possibility for the Augusta-Virginia inscription might be to honor the 116th Infantry Regiment from Augusta, Virginia, who fought in the battle of Meuse-Argonne, France in November 1918.
The center is designed by the Belgian painter Maria de Rudder and symbolizes the children of Holland sprinkling the Belgian children with flowers of abundance. For the matching pillow sham see TE*T14468B. Both were made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1915-1918
described
Mitchell, Augusta Virginia
designer of center motif
de Rudder, Maria
ID Number
TE.T14468A
catalog number
T14468A
accession number
276575

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