Original Hon. A.E. Stevenson Political Speech Broadside – Likely Vice President Adlai E. Stevenson – Shirley, Illinois – c.1899-1911

SKU
EP7974-S
In stock
$135.00

Original "Hon. A.E. Stevenson" Political Speech Broadside – Likely Vice President Adlai E. Stevenson – Shirley, Illinois – c.1899-1911. 

Original one-sided political broadside announcing a public speech by "Hon. A.E. Stevenson" to be held in Shirley on Saturday, October 7th at 7:00 P.M. Measuring 11.5" x 9", the broadside was printed by letterpress on thin paper and was intended for temporary public display in a storefront, meeting hall, or other gathering place.

Although the broadside does not identify the speaker by full name or list the state, we believe it most likely advertises an appearance by Adlai Ewing Stevenson I, Vice President of the United States under President Grover Cleveland from 1893-1897. Stevenson established his political career in McLean County, Illinois, where the village of Shirley is located, making this attribution particularly plausible. The typography, paper, and printing style are also consistent with the late nineteenth or very early twentieth century.

As with many surviving political broadsides of this period, no printer or date is given. Accordingly, we present the identification as our best-supported opinion rather than as an established fact.

A scarce survivor from the era when former national political leaders toured small-town America, speaking directly to local audiences in schoolhouses, opera houses, and community halls.

Historical Notes

After serving as Vice President under Grover Cleveland, Adlai E. Stevenson I remained one of the Democratic Party's most popular campaign speakers, traveling extensively throughout Illinois and the Midwest. Before radio and television, nationally known politicians often visited even the smallest communities, where temporary letterpress broadsides like this one were posted to announce their appearances. Because these notices were intended for only a few days' use, most were discarded after the event, making surviving examples surprisingly uncommon. This broadside appears to represent one of those local campaign announcements from the period when Stevenson remained an influential voice in Democratic politics.

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Price$135.00
Conditionused
Product ConditionVery good, small edge tear along the folds
Size11" x 9
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