Object Details
referenced
Stevenson II, Adlai E.
Description
At a campaign event on Labor Day 1952, Bill Gallagher, photographer for the Flint Journal¸ noticed a hole in the bottom of Adlai Stevenson’s shoe. He quickly took a photo which later won the 1953 Pulitzer Prize. The image generated many shoe-themed campaign items for and against the Democratic candidate. Stevenson’s supporters thought the worn shoe made him seem more approachable and partnered this pin with the slogan “Better a hole in the shoe than a hole in the head.” Stevenson lost twice to his Republican opponent Dwight Eisenhower, in 1952 and 1956.
date made
1952
ID Number
2006.0110.087
accession number
2006.0110
catalog number
2006.0110.087
Object Name
Pin
Physical Description
brass (overall material)
grey (overall color)
Measurements
overall: 1 in x 1/4 in x 1/2 in; 2.54 cm x .635 cm x 1.27 cm
See more items in
Political History: Political History, Campaign Collection
Government, Politics, and Reform
American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith
Exhibition
American Democracy
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
referenced
Political Campaigns
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1313484