1960 Presidential Election Gadget Sample
Artifact IDMO 2006.13.21
Date
ca. 1960
Medium
paper
DimensionsOverall H 4 3/8 in x W 2 11/16 in (11.1 cm x 6.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionAdvertisement sample, "Who Will Be Our Next President" with sliding image of John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon that changes when tab is pushed or pulled.
Historical NoteThe idea of political candidates using objects to convey their messages to potential supporters dates back at least to the second U.S. president John Adams. Glass bottles, water pitchers, sewing boxes, handkerchiefs, ashtrays and umbrellas began to be embellished with the names, images and slogans of presidential candidates in the 19th century. Twentieth century campaign kits commonly included economical paper ephemera like match books, trading cards, cigarette packages and bumper stickers, along with the ubiquitous pin-back campaign button. During the 1960 presidential campaign the Kennedy camp distributed memorabilia ranging from plastic hats with JFK's name and face to metal pins in the shape of a WWII patrol torpedo boat--a reference to Kennedy's stature as a decorated World War II hero that would have been familiar to post-war Americans.
One of the earliest uses of pull card novelties for political purposes was during the 1840 presidential race, when William Henry Harrison's Whig party produced a humorous pull card used against incumbent Martin Van Buren. This Kennedy/Nixon die cut pull card was made by a commercial manufacturer looking to maximize advertising revenue by appealing to both candidates' camps.
Additional DetailsOne of the earliest uses of pull card novelties for political purposes was during the 1840 presidential race, when William Henry Harrison's Whig party produced a humorous pull card used against incumbent Martin Van Buren. This Kennedy/Nixon die cut pull card was made by a commercial manufacturer looking to maximize advertising revenue by appealing to both candidates' camps.
Custodial History NoteItem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by a private citizen in 2006.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of Russell D. Sibert
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPolitical Memorabilia (National Archives Identifier 1677287)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view