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Political Handkerchief for Alfred E. Smith (1873-1944)
1928
Maker not marked
USA
Silk
overall: 18 1/2 in x 14 in
Gift of Robert A. Frank
2006.013.26

White political handkerchief for Alfred E. Smtih (1873-1944); all edges have been turned under and hemmed. The outer border consists of red, white and blue stripes with an eagle and shield in each corner. In the center is a rectangular sepia-toned photographic portrait of a cleanshaven man. He wears a dark coat, vest and bowtie with a white handkerchief visible in his coat pocket. He has a white shirt. At bottom center, below the photograph is a facsimile signature reading, "Alfred Smith."


In 1928, the Republican ticket of Herbert Hoover (1874-1964) and Charles Curtis (1860-1936) won over Democrats Alfred E, Smith (1873-1944) and Joseph T. Robinson (1872-1937). Smith, who was governor of New York, was the first Catholic to be nominated for president by a major party. Smith did well in cities but faced vicious attacks for his Catholic faith. Hoover, who was known as a "great humanitarian" won the election with more than 58% of the popular vote.