Campaign Lanterns

PeriodCirca 1900

MediumTin, painted wood, paper

DimensionsEach: 9 × 6 in. (22.9 × 15.2 cm)

ClassificationsPolitical Memorabilia

Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1942

Object number1697

DescriptionA pair of political campaign lanterns of thin sheet tin, constructed to resemble contemporary workmen's dinner pails. Each lantern consists of a cylindrical body with the words "FOUR YEARS MORE / OF THE / FULL / DINNER / PAIL" punched on one side and "McKINLEY / AND / ROOSEVELT" on the other side. The body is topped by a lid with a narrow lip fitting over the lantern's top edge. A small cylindrical inverted cup-shaped vent, with pierced five-pointed star motifs and a narrow strip of tin soldered to the side to resemble a drinking cup's handle, is attached to the top of the lid. A curved wire bail handle with a black-painted turned wooden grip is attached to the sides of the lantern. The lid lifts off the lantern to reveal a simple pronged candle holder soldered to the bottom of the interior, and remnants of a coated red paper lining. Embossed on the base are the words "PAT APPD FOR."
Curatorial RemarksPolitical campaign items such as banners, posters, lanterns, and other props were never designed to be long-lasting. The survival of such items affords a fascinating glimpse into the politics of America's past. In William McKinley's 1896 bid for the presidency, campaign manager Mark Hanna publicized the term "The Full Dinner Pail," an appeal to working class voters in the midwestern and northeastern states. Lightweight tin lanterns, resembling a workingman's lunch pail, were produced in large numbers, lit with candles from the inside. The slogan was revived for McKinley's 1900 presidential campaign, this time featuring McKinley and his vice presidential running mate Theodore Roosevelt. The pails were originally lined with bright red transluscent paper, while four tin prongs soldered to the bottom of the lantern allowed the user to fasten a candle inside. NotesWilliam McKinley was born in 1843 in Niles, Ohio. He enlisted in the Civil War, fighting with the 23rd Ohio Infantry. He saw action at the Battle of South Mountain, Antietam, Cedar Creek, and in the Shenandoah Valley. After mustering out at the end of the war, McKinley studied law. He entered politics and was elected to Congress in 1877, and served as Governor of Ohio from 1892 to 1896. He ran on the Republican ticket for the 1896 presidential campaign, with Monmouth County resident Garrret Hobart as his vice presidential running mate. McKinley ran for a second term in the 1900 campaign. Advisors suggested an up and coming politician for his vice presidential nominee, and McKinley chose Theodore Roosevelt. McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz on 6 September 1901. The wound was not thought serious, but infection and gangrene rapidly set in. The president died on 14 September, 1901. Theodore Roosevelt became President, the youngest man to serve in that office.

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