William McKinley Campaign Soap Doll, 1896

THF164057 / William McKinley Campaign Soap Doll, 1896
01

Artifact Overview

William McKinley was elected president in 1896 and 1900. In each election, McKinley employed a "front porch campaign" -- a strategy where supporters visited the candidate's home to hear the nominee speak. It worked. Thousands came and then returned to their own homes to get out the vote. McKinley defeated Democratic Party candidate William Jennings Bryan both times.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Soap (Organic material)

Date Made

1896

Subject Date

1896

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

72.31.111

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cardboard
Paper (Fiber product)
Soap (Organic material)

Dimensions

Length: 4.75 in

Inscriptions

Top of box reads: MY PAPA WILL VOTE FOR / MCKINLEY. / GOLD STANDARD, PROTECTION, RECIPROCITY AND GOOD TIMES. Tag tied around doll's neck with string that reads: MY PAPA WILL VOTE FOR / MCKINLEY / GOLD STANDARD, / PROTECTION, RECIPROCITY, / AND GOOD TIMES. Stamped on back of doll: MONARCH / SOAP CO. / LANCASTER / PA.