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

Valenciennes Border

The leaf pattern on this border is made in the Valenciennes square mesh bobbin lace technique in cotton thread. It has a two and one-half inch long pattern repeat. The edges are straight with picots on one side and unfinished ends.
Description
The leaf pattern on this border is made in the Valenciennes square mesh bobbin lace technique in cotton thread. It has a two and one-half inch long pattern repeat. The edges are straight with picots on one side and unfinished ends. 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.T14224
catalog number
T14224
accession number
273245

American, Belgian and Whitlock Family Symbols Tablecloth

This round tablecloth is decorated with the American and Belgian shields, and the Whitlock family crest. Mr. Brand Whitlock was the American envoy and later ambassador to Belgium from 1914 to 1921. Mrs.
Description
This round tablecloth is decorated with the American and Belgian shields, and the Whitlock family crest. Mr. Brand Whitlock was the American envoy and later ambassador to Belgium from 1914 to 1921. Mrs. Brand Whitlock worked tirelessly on behalf of the Belgian lace makers during World War I.
The center of the tablecloth is Old Flanders style bobbin lace with needle lace ground. The same lace pattern is used in TE*T14468A and TE*T14468B. A wide border of point de Venise style needle lace surrounds the four shields. Belgian lace makers made this tablecloth during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
described
Whitlock, Ella Brainerd
referenced
Whitlock, Brand
facilitator
Hoover, Herbert
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E383963
catalog number
E383963
accession number
172208

T. R. Boom

This object is an original pen and ink political cartoon hand drawn on white paper by Clifford Berryman circa 1912 in Washington, D.C. It depicts presidential candidate Robert M.
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. It depicts presidential candidate Robert M. LaFollette of Wisconsin carrying a sword in his right hand and a shield in his left hand, saying "Who's afraid?" in front of a scary ghost or tree resembling Theodore Roosevelt with the inscription "T.R. Boom." Berryman number “17613” and another number only partially visible (which could also be 17613) are stamped in blue ink in the lower right corner. The drawing is signed "Berryman" in the lower right area of the illustration.
The 1912 presidential campaign had three contenders for the nomination of the Republican Party: Robert M. LaFollette, Senator of Wisconsin; former President Theodore Roosevelt (President 1901-1909) ; and former President William Howard Taft (President 1909-1913). Taft and Roosevelt were the stronger candidates. LaFollette, who was a Progressive Republican in his values, entered the race with an understanding that Roosevelt was the potential candidate to beat. Ultimately, Taft became the nominee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1911-1912
associated person
Roosevelt, Theodore
La Follette, Robert M.
maker
Berryman, Clifford
ID Number
PL.322733.016
catalog number
322733.016
accession number
322733

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
made during
1916-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T14222B
catalog number
T14222B
accession number
273245

Pillow Sham

This pillow sham is part of a set that includes TE*T14468A, the Augusta Virginia Banner Panel. The top of the pillow sham has sprigs of flowers in Brussels Duchesse bobbin lace with Alençon style needle lace ground and a strip of Venetian style needle lace.
Description
This pillow sham is part of a set that includes TE*T14468A, the Augusta Virginia Banner Panel. The top of the pillow sham has sprigs of flowers in Brussels Duchesse bobbin lace with Alençon style needle lace ground and a strip of Venetian style needle lace. The center is backed with fine, plain weave linen fabric divided into two panels to allow for the insertion of a pillow. It is closed with five buttons and buttonholes and edged with an insertion of Point de Paris bobbin lace. All lace and sewing was done by hand by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1915-1919
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T14468B
catalog number
T14468B
accession number
276575

Getting in the Hay

This object is an original pen and ink political cartoon hand drawn on white paper by Clifford Berryman circa 1917 in Washington, D.C. The title "Getting in the Hay" is inscribed in pencil and centered on the bottom.
Description
This object is an original pen and ink political cartoon hand drawn on white paper by Clifford Berryman circa 1917 in Washington, D.C. The title "Getting in the Hay" is inscribed in pencil and centered on the bottom. The drawing depicts Woodrow Wilson in farmer dress wielding a large bunch of hay, saying "Better get it all in while we can" and, behind him, the words "Fall Elections." A man named Congress is hoisting the hay up into the barn and says "Gosh it's hot up here." The drawing is stamped on the back with Berryman's number 44376 and is signed "Berryman" in the lower right area of the illustration.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
circa 1917
ca 1917
depicted
Wilson, Woodrow
maker
Berryman, Clifford
ID Number
PL.322733.002
catalog number
322733.002
accession number
322733
catalog number
322733.002

Ardoye Orphanage Tablecover

This round linen table cover contains the inscription “1915 ARDOYE - KLOOSTER DER H. KINDERSHEID VAN JESUS – WEESKINDEREN” (1915 Ardoye - Convent of the Holy Childhood of Jesus - Orphans) in the center.
Description
This round linen table cover contains the inscription “1915 ARDOYE - KLOOSTER DER H. KINDERSHEID VAN JESUS – WEESKINDEREN” (1915 Ardoye - Convent of the Holy Childhood of Jesus - Orphans) in the center. Ardoye (Ardooie) is in West Flanders, Belgium, in the area where the German army used poison gas for the first time on the western front in the second battle of Ypres in 1915.
The table cover is centered with bobbin lace. Bruges flower lace as well as tape lace and braided mesh techniques were utilized by the Belgian lace makers, who made this 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.E383962
catalog number
E383962
accession number
172208

Binche Collar

This collar was made in the Binche point de Fée style bobbin lace. It has an abundance of square tallies and a snowflake ground. The curved outer edge has picots and the ends come to a point.
Description
This collar was made in the Binche point de Fée style bobbin lace. It has an abundance of square tallies and a snowflake ground. The curved outer edge has picots and the ends come to a point. The pattern, which features a three and one-half inch long repeated segment, was made for the collar shape and 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.T14226
catalog number
T14226
accession number
273245

Collar with Peace Doves

This collar has motifs of peace doves and floral vases executed in mixed Brussels bobbin and needle lace techniques with ground and fillings in point de Gaze style needle lace. The scalloped edge has picots.
Description
This collar has motifs of peace doves and floral vases executed in mixed Brussels bobbin and needle lace techniques with ground and fillings in point de Gaze style needle lace. The scalloped edge has picots. 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.T14223
catalog number
T14223
accession number
273245

American Eagle and Belgian Lion Table Scarf

Both ends of this table scarf are decorated with the seals of the United States and Belgium.
Description
Both ends of this table scarf are decorated with the seals of the United States and Belgium. A cornucopia spilling from the US shield to the Belgian shield symbolizes generosity from the American people toward the Belgian people.
The table scarf, with delicate handmade floral designs of Point de Gaze needle lace and mixed Brussels bobbin and needle lace, is appliquéd to machine made net. Belgian lace makers made this during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1919
facilitator
Hoover, Herbert
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E383968
catalog number
E383968
accession number
172208

1912

This object is an original pen and ink political cartoon hand drawn on 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 white paper by Clifford Berryman circa 1912 in Washington, D.C. It depicts a Christmas tree with a "1912" banner up top and Uncle Sam dressed as Santa Claus distributing presents from the tree to the politicians surrounding him. He holds William Howard Taft’s gift in his hand to give to Taft who is standing close by with outstretched hands to receive the gift. Each gift on the tree is labeled with the recipient's name in the familiar form, e.g. Willie (for Taft), Woody (for Woodrow Wilson), Bobby (for Robert LaFollette, seen from behind), Champy (for Champ Clark), Teddy (for Theodore Roosevelt, who appears with the “teddy bear”), Billy (for William Jennings Bryan, seen from behind), Juddy (for Judson Harmon), and Josie (for Joseph Folk). The drawing is signed "Berryman" in the lower right area of the illustration.
It is interesting to observe that Taft is shown closest to Santa Claus and is the only person depicted with outstretched hands. He and Roosevelt competed for the nomination of the Republican party in 1912. Taft was nominated but lost the presidential election to Democratic nominee Woodrow Wilson.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1912
depicted date
1912
associated person
Taft, William H.
Wilson, Woodrow
Clark, Champ
La Follette, Robert M.
Roosevelt, Theodore
maker
Berryman, Clifford
ID Number
PL.322733.007
catalog number
322733.007
accession number
322733

Monogrammed Tablecloth

The center of this fine linen tablecloth is decorated with three small monograms "EW" and scroll designs. EW most likely stands for Ella Whitlock, the wife of the American Envoy to Belgium. Mrs.
Description
The center of this fine linen tablecloth is decorated with three small monograms "EW" and scroll designs. EW most likely stands for Ella Whitlock, the wife of the American Envoy to Belgium. Mrs. Brand Whitlock worked tirelessly on behalf of the Belgian lace makers during World War I.
The eight and one-half inch wide border on the tablecloth is executed in Point de Paris bobbin lace with symmetrical floral designs of roses and edelweiss, the favorite flowers of Queen Elisabeth of Belgium. Belgian lace makers made this tablecloth during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1919
described
Whitlock, Ella Brainerd
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E383964
catalog number
E383964
accession number
172208

Frightful Figuring for "Old Figgers"

This object is an original pen and ink political cartoon hand drawn by Clifford Berryman on white paper circa 1912 in Washington, D.C. The title, possibly not finalized, reads "Frightful Figuring for Old Figgers" and is inscribed as well as crossed out in pencil.
Description
This object is an original pen and ink political cartoon hand drawn by Clifford Berryman on white paper circa 1912 in Washington, D.C. The title, possibly not finalized, reads "Frightful Figuring for Old Figgers" and is inscribed as well as crossed out in pencil. The drawing depicts Charles Henry Grosvenor (Republican Congressman from Ohio) busily tallying numeric scores for William Howard Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, Robert M. La Follette (Sr.) of Wisconsin, and Albert B. Cummins of Iowa. He says to himself: "Figgerin' isn't what it used to be!" Various numbers appear in the background. He is surrounded by books he may have authored (real or perhaps imaginary for the purpose of this illustration) with titles such as "Grosvenor on Election Statistics," Grosvenor's Political Mathematics," and "Old Figgers or How I Calculate." Berryman's number 2235[5?] is stamped twice in blue ink in the lower right corner. The drawing is signed "Berryman" in the lower right area of the illustration.
Grosvenor had a lengthy and varied career in American politics. He worked as the statistician for the Republican Party because of his interest in numeric political calculations and became nicknamed "Old Figgers." He supported Taft but his arithmetic showed Roosevelt was in the lead - hence, the title "Frightful Figuring for 'Old Figgers.'"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1912
referenced
Taft, William H.
La Follette, Robert M.
Roosevelt, Theodore
associated
Republican Party
maker
Berryman, Clifford
ID Number
PL.322733.010
catalog number
322733.010
accession number
322733

Chantilly Border

This border is Chantilly bobbin lace made in black silk. The design consists of floral motifs with four-inch long pattern repeats. The edge is slightly scalloped with picots.
Description
This border is Chantilly bobbin lace made in black silk. The design consists of floral motifs with four-inch long pattern repeats. The edge is slightly scalloped with picots. It was probably made in Grammont (Geraardsbergen), Belgium and was identified by the donor as lace made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1917-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T14503
catalog number
T14503
accession number
273245

Monogrammed Fan Leaf with Designer’s Name

This fan leaf is monogrammed A for Belgian King Albert I and E for Queen Elisabeth surmounted by the Belgian royal crowns and encircled by laurel as a symbol for victory.
Description
This fan leaf is monogrammed A for Belgian King Albert I and E for Queen Elisabeth surmounted by the Belgian royal crowns and encircled by laurel as a symbol for victory. The dates 1914-1915 are on a shield held by the Belgian Lion in the center of the fan leaf below the Belgian and American flags. The names of the designer Juliette Wytsman, and the manufacturer and dealer Maison Daimeries-Petitjean are worked into the design. The fan leaf is an example of fine quality Point de Gaze needle lace made by Belgian lace makers during World War I. The fan leaf has never been mounted to fan sticks.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1915-1916
inscribed in lace
1915
1914
facilitator
Hoover, Herbert
described
Albert I King of Belgium
Elisabeth Queen of Belgium
manufacturer
Maison Daimeries-Petitjean
designer
Wytsman, Juliette Trullemans
ID Number
TE.E383969
catalog number
E383969
accession number
172208

Renomination Surf

This object is an original pen and ink political cartoon hand drawn on white paper by Clifford Berryman circa 1912 in Washington, D.C. It depicts the face in the clouds of William Howard Taft smiling down upon Secretary of the Interior James R.
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. It depicts the face in the clouds of William Howard Taft smiling down upon Secretary of the Interior James R. Garfield and Chief Forester Gifford Pinchot, who are wading into waves labeled "Renomination Surf." Each is wearing a floatation pillow labelled "Taft 1912." There are two Berryman numbers, 12343 and 12344, stamped in blue ink in the lower right corner. The drawing is signed "Berryman" in the lower right area of the illustration.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1912
depicted date
1912
associated person
Taft, William H.
Garfield
maker
Berryman, Clifford
ID Number
PL.322733.008
catalog number
322733.008
accession number
322733

political cartoon

The object is a political cartoon hand-drawn in ink on white paper by Clifford Berryman in Washington, D.C.
Description
The object is a political cartoon hand-drawn in ink on white paper by Clifford Berryman in Washington, D.C. It depicts a seated and beleagured bear named "Russia" leaning against a leafless, bare tree with a sign "Posted- Lenin" signifying ownership of the surrounding land with other leafless, bare trees. A bone is on the ground near the bear, who appears too tired to reach the bone, and the bear is saying "Everyone warned me against this Soviet wilderness." Berryman signed the drawing in the lower right area of the illustration.
This work appears to be a commentary on the political transition from Russia to Soviet Russia which occurred in 1917 with Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin as the founding head.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
circa 1917
Associated Date
circa 1917
associated person
Lenin, Vladimir Ilyich
maker
Berryman, Clifford
ID Number
PL.322733.042
catalog number
322733.042
accession number
322733

Isidore de Rudder Designed Pillow Top

This pillow top was designed by the Belgian sculptor Isidore de Rudder (1855-1943).
Description
This pillow top was designed by the Belgian sculptor Isidore de Rudder (1855-1943). The design of starfish, crabs, and eels in seaweed with the central inscription “1914 Yzer 1915” commemorates a famous battle at the Yzer River, where Belgian engineers prevented the German troops from advancing by manipulating the locks on the Yzer River to flood the surrounding fields.
This pillow top in point de Venise style needle lace was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I. The pattern is preserved in the Royal Museum of Art and History in Brussels.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1915-1918
part of design
1915
1914
facilitator
Hoover, Herbert
designer
de Rudder, Isidore
ID Number
TE.E383966
catalog number
E383966
accession number
172208

Province of Hainaut Motif

The coat-of-arms of the Belgian Province of Hainaut was the design inspiration for this piece. The Mechlin bobbin lace motif depicting four lions and a crown was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I and was likely intended to be inserted into a larger item.
Description
The coat-of-arms of the Belgian Province of Hainaut was the design inspiration for this piece. The Mechlin bobbin lace motif depicting four lions and a crown was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I and was likely intended to be inserted into a larger item. See a similar motif in TE*E383965.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T16115D
accession number
297965
catalog number
T16115D

Great Seal of the United States Motif

The Great Seal of the United States, often used in American decorative arts, provided the design inspiration for this Mechlin bobbin lace. It 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
The Great Seal of the United States, often used in American decorative arts, provided the design inspiration for this Mechlin bobbin lace. It 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.T16115E
catalog number
T16115E
accession number
297965

Woman Suffrage Banner, 1914-1917

Suffragists from the National Woman’s Party made smaller versions of the banner used on the 1913 parade’s first float. These "Great Demand" banners were used in demonstrations and rallies and at suffrage headquarters. Marie Gilmer Louthan carried this one in suffrage parades
Description
Suffragists from the National Woman’s Party made smaller versions of the banner used on the 1913 parade’s first float. These "Great Demand" banners were used in demonstrations and rallies and at suffrage headquarters. Marie Gilmer Louthan carried this one in suffrage parades
date made
1914-1917
user
National Woman's Party
maker
National Woman's Party
ID Number
2009.0207.01
catalog number
2009.0207.01
accession number
2009.0207

Chantilly Bobbin Lace Motif

One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali".
Description
One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali". Each piece is labeled "10/55, $.45 each". Madame Kefer-Mali was one of four women on the Lace Committee working with the Commission for Relief in Belgium. The lace was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1914-1918
1914-1919
made during
1914-1918
Helped create Commission for Relief in Belgium
Hoover, Herbert
previous owner
Kefer-Mali, M.
maker
unknown
ID Number
2013.0121.39
accession number
2013.0121
catalog number
2013.0121.39

Button, William Howard Taft, 1912

The election of 1912 was a four-way contest between incumbent president William Howard Taft (Republican), New Jersey governor Woodrow Wilson (Democrat), former president Theodore Roosevelt (Progressive), and labor activist Eugene V. Debs (Socialist).
Description
The election of 1912 was a four-way contest between incumbent president William Howard Taft (Republican), New Jersey governor Woodrow Wilson (Democrat), former president Theodore Roosevelt (Progressive), and labor activist Eugene V. Debs (Socialist). Several Taft items from this campaign promoted his re-election as the safe choice. Voters apparently disagreed as he finished behind both Wilson and Roosevelt, the only sitting president seeking re-election to finish third. Debs was a distant fourth.
date made
1912
ID Number
2015.0200.170
accession number
2015.0200
catalog number
2015.0200.170

Chantilly Bobbin Lace Motif

One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali".
Description
One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali". Each piece is labeled "10/55, $.45 each". Madame Kefer-Mali was one of four women on the Lace Committee working with the Commission for Relief in Belgium. The lace was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1919
associated date
1914-1918
facilitator
Hoover, Herbert
previous owner
Kefer-Mali, M.
maker
unknown
ID Number
2013.0121.37
accession number
2013.0121
catalog number
2013.0121.37

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