For Lee

For Lee
For Lee, Strawberry pillow, applique cotton

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

"Political and Election Collectibles"


Political and Election Collectibles

Well another election is over. No matter what candidate or party I support, I'm reminded, every election, of the freedom we have in this country to campaign. The signs come out, the phone rings, and discussions start. I have been lucky to be in a family with members that have held office, and where differences of opinion are encouraged and respected.

Election eve we went to the courthouse plaza, to hear McClain speak. I thought that we might see some history. It was a nice Arizona night. There were about 10,000 enthusiastic supporters of all ages there, two country western bands. Groups of McCain and Obama signs held mock battles, the square was lined with press vans and trucks, many fancy buses and SUV's arrived, everyone wondering who the dignitaries were. Everyone had fun.

People have been collecting political items forever. This is an original New Hampshire 1882 ballot for the Republican Ticket. Hale was from Keene, NH and was Governor from 1883 - 1885. A voter simple marked their candidate with an X, a lot less complicated that the way we vote today. Election day was, another, “old home day”, when I lived in a small town in New Hampshire. After voting, everyone hung around to talk and a supper was served to the election workers. It was celebration and a reminder of the importance of our community.