Vest

PeriodCirca 1956

Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.

MediumFelt, plastic buttons

Dimensions20.63 in. (52.4 cm)

ClassificationsPolitical Memorabilia

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Edmund B. Ross, 1995

Object number1995.5.1

DescriptionA man's sleeveless navy blue felt vest or waistcoat, with six dark blue plastic buttons at front. The vest includes a pair of adjustable rear waist buckles. Amusing political appliques in red, blue, white, and light gray felt are machine-sewn to the front of the vest, depicting the Republican elephant in three different poses, colorful balloons, streamers, and the slogans "I Like Ike" and "More Than Ever I Like Ike."
Curatorial RemarksThe 1956 Republican National Convention was held from August 20 to August 23 in San Francisco, where President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Vice Presidential running mate Richard M. Nixon were nominated to run for a second term in the 1956 presidential election. Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890 - 1969) got his nickname "Ike" while serving as a five-star general during World War II, when he was Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe. Eisenhower, a moderate conservative Republican, served two terms as President of the United States.NotesThis politically-decorated campaign vest belonged to Amory Lawrence Haskell (1893 - 1966), who was a member of the Republican Party and a Monmouth County Republican delegate for many years. The vest was specifically made for and worn by Haskell at the 1956 Republican National Convention.

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